Separation processes optimization

Kumar, A., and Lucia, A., Separation process optimization calculations, IMACS J. Appl. Num. Math. 3, 409-425(1987). 

REACTION-SEPARATION PROCESSES OPTIMAL RECYCLE ALTERNATIVES AND MINIMUM REQUIRED SELECTIVITY 5.28... 

Designed separation process is optimal in expenditures. It is necessary to carry out a big volume of calculations to design the separation process optimal in expenditures. 

The effect of mechanical treatment on floe behavior is illustrated in Figure 5. In one work (40), identical slurries were treated with varying doses of the same polymer. At each dosage, it can be assumed that the same type of floe formed at the same rate. However, the dosage response was completely different depending on which parameter of the flocculated slurry was measured. Thus the term optimal flocculation caimot be appHed to any flocculant—substrate combination if the soHd—Hquid separation process or process parameter is not specified. 

The fiber extraction (milling) process must be chosen so as to optimize recovery of the fibers in the ore, while minimizing reduction of fiber length. Since the asbestos fibers have a chemical composition similar to that of the host rock, the separation processes must rely on differences in the physical properties between the fibers and the host rock rather than on differences in their chemical properties (33). 

The first modeling software which allowed for the optimization of nonlinear separations by SMB was presented in the early 1990s [46]. Today, numerous publications from academia allows one to have a better understanding of the SMB system [47-51]. Industry now has the practical tools for modeling SMB for quick and efficient process optimization [41, 52]. 

The elaboration of the most efficient chromatographic systems for the optimization of velocity and resolution of the chromatographic process is necessary for solving different analytical problems. The most important factor in the TLC optimization is the mobile phase composition. Taking into consideration the similarity in the retention mechanism between TLC and PLC, the optimized TLC mobile phase can be transferred to the preparative chromatographic system. There are different accepted models and theories for the separation and optimization of chromatographic systems [19,20,61]. 

Considerable attention should be paid to obtaining samples truly representative of the production process early in method development. Production processes generate mixtures that are far more complex and variable than may be generally realized therefore, a separation developed using an early production sample may prove to be inadequate for a later sample. Minor peaks observed in the chromatogram, whether known or unknown, serve as a record of the consistency of the process and can be used to monitor process changes. Sometimes a particular peak can be associated with a desirable or undesirable property of the product and used for controlled process optimization. 

Sample preparation, injection, calibration, and data collection, must be automated for process analysis. Methods used for flow injection analysis (FLA) are also useful for reliable sampling for process LC systems.1 Dynamic dilution is a technique that is used extensively in FIA.13 In this technique, sample from a loop or slot of a valve is diluted as it is transferred to a HPLC injection valve for analysis. As the diluted sample plug passes through the HPLC valve it is switched and the sample is injected onto the HPLC column for separation. The sample transfer time typically is determined with a refractive index detector and valve switching, which can be controlled by an integrator or computer. The transfer time is very reproducible. Calibration is typically done by external standardization using normalization by response factor. Internal standardization has also been used. To detect upsets or for process optimization, absolute numbers are not always needed. An alternative to... 

Wang J (2004) Synthesis and Optimization of Low Temperature Gas Separation Processes, PhD Thesis, UMIST, UK. 

There are also two notable research institutes offering information that may assist the engineer in making out the specification sheets. One of these is the Heat Transfer Research Institute (HTRI). Its staff performs tests to optimize the design of heat-transfer equipment. This information is then encoded in computer programs, which are distributed to the companies that support the research. This means that the engineer s company must purchase a membership to obtain these data. The Fractionation Research Institute (FRI) is a similar institution that deals with the separation processes. 

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