Improved performance of simulated moving bed process using column-modified feed

A "FeedCol" strategy was developed to improve separation performance in simulated moving bed (SMB) processes. In the FeedCol operation, a short chromatographic column was simply added to the SMB unit and feed was supplied by a pulse input through the column to the SMB process. Because the feed was made in the shape of partially separated chromatographic peaks through the column, the purities in the raffinate and extract products were improved efficiently in the SMB process. All the performance parameters for a binary mixture with low selectivity (α = 1.1) were better for the FeedCol operation than for the conventional SMB operation (2-2-2-2). Because the feed injection through the feed column was synchronized with the SMB process during the switching period, two new operating variables were introduced: injection length and injection time. Their effects on the suggested strategy were evaluated in terms of performance parameters through a detailed simulation study.