Process Design Based on Rigorous SMB Models

Due to the simplifying assumptions made for the TMB approaches, accurate design and optimization of SMB processes is not possible. Several approaches 

This section presents a systematic strategy for the optimization of operating parameters, based on the transport-dispersive SMB model (Sections 6.6.2 and 6.2.5). A first approximation is performed by applying the triangle theory described above. Notably, the basic strategy of this procedure is not limited to a model-based design but can also be applied for the experimental optimization of a running separation process. 

stands for the total number of columns in the SMB plant. This procedure leads to higher pressure drops than in the real plant, since section I is the part of the process where, in general, the highest flow rate occurs. As demonstrated later, it is not necessary to fix the fiow rate in section I to the maximum allowed pressure drop to achieve optimal process performance. However, for a given fiow rate in section I and all dimensionless flow rate ratios ntj, the switching 

The missing internal flow rates Vj are calculated by Equation 7.108 (1 fit) + fit] Vc 

The flow rates of all external streams such as desorbent, feed, extract, and raffinate are determined by the balances for the port nodes as given by Equations 6.200-6.203. 

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