Development of novel flow distribution apparatus for simulated moving bed to improve degree of mixing

Mixing between fluids is an important factor affecting the performance of simulated moving bed (SMB). During the SMB process, fluids periodically flows in and out, imperfect mixing of the fluids decreases the adsorption efficiency. In this study, the mixing effect of a conventional flow distribution apparatus was analyzed. In the conventional design, a vortex is created that reduces the degree of mixing by disturbing the flow. A novel design that generates flows in various directions is proposed to prevent vortex formation. To compare the two designs, the degree of mixing was calculated using the feed concentration at the top of the adsorbent layer. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were conducted to obtain the concentration data and were supported by experiments using residence time distribution analysis. The degree of mixing was improved regardless of which criterion was applied.