Unit operations, liquid systems countercurrent operation

In the Molex process the Sorbex system is used for the separation of linear and branched hydrocarbons, using as adsorbent 5A molecular sieve. This is the same adsorbent as is used in the cyclic batch processes such as Ensorb and Isosiv. In contrast to the situation with the Cg aromatics, the separation factor is very large and it seems unlikely that for such an easy separation the increased cost of a Sorbex unit is justified by the reduction in adsorbent inventory and/or desorbent circulation rate. Detailed cost comparisons do not appear to have been published, but it seems likely that any economic advantage which the Molex process may have arises more from the energy savings associated with liquid phase operation than from the intrinsic advantages of a countercurrent adsorption system. 

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