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Abstract:
A systematic study is performed of integrated processes combining chromatographic separation and isomerisation reactions like, for example, racemisation reactions. In the first part of the study, different true moving bed (TMB) processes with different degrees of integration are investigated and optimized. In particular, the concept of spatially distributing the “reaction functionality” within the unit is investigated. The influence on process performance of parameters such as the equilibrium constant or the separation coefficient is demonstrated. Furthermore, beneficial effects of the “distributed” schemes that were deduced from the optimization results will be discussed. Their origin will be analysed on the basis of equilibrium theory.
A second part of the study investigates the possibilities to transfer the results to the simulated moving bed (SMB) process. Further, conventional integrated schemes (like the Hashimoto process which uses side reactors) are compared to fully integrated SMB processes with distributed functionalities (i.e., process that employ chromatographic reactors). It is shown that -for a low number of columns- the latter can outperform the classical Hashimoto concept. This is a motivation for further investigations to develop and design improved integrated chromatographic processes.
