Understanding and revamping of industrial scale SMB units for p-xylene separation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Mirjana Minceva (Author) FEUP; Alírio Rodrigues (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: AICHE Journal

Vol. 53 No. 1

Pages: 138-149

ISSN: 0001-1541

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Proceedings

ISI Web of Knowledge - 42 Citations

Scopus - 43 Citations

COMPENDEX

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Chemical engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-CCW

DOI: 10.1002/aic.11062

Abstract (EN): One of the first applications of Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) technology was in p-xylene recovery from mixed aylenes. The three main industrial processes for p-xylene separation from mired xylenes based on SMB technology are: UOP's Parex, IFP's Eluxyl, and Toray's Aromax. These units operate in liquid phase (T = 180 degrees C and P = 9 bar), achieving high recovery of almost pure p xylene with high on-stream efficiency and extended adsorbent life. In this work, the industrial scale SMB process is investigated from modeling, simulation, and optimization points of view, using experimentally measured xylene adsorption equilibrium and kinetics data on ion exchanged faujasite zeolite. The aim is to develop tools for training of SMB unit operators and choice of the best operating conditions. Useful studies for better understanding of the influence of the operating parameters, adsorbent packing, and separation requirements on unit productivity are presented. SMB unit revamping strategies and operative actions are proposed. The practical application of "separation volume" methodology in the selection of optimum operating conditions that lead to maximum p-xylene productivity with minimal desorbent consumption is described. (c) 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AlChE J, 53: 138-149, 2007.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific