Novel analytical solution for a simulated moving bed in the presence of mass-transfer resistance

A novel analytical solution for a simulated moving bed (SMB) with a linear adsorption equilibrium isotherm in the presence of mass transfer was derived. The proposed solution is based on the equivalent steady-state true moving bed (TMB) analogy. This analytical solution allows for the calculation of the liquid and solid concentration profiles in all sections of the SMB. The analytical solution was used in the prediction of the "separation volume" for glucose/fructose separation. Emphasis was placed on the effects of the liquid/solid velocity ratios in sections I and IV (γ_I and γ_IV, respectively) on the performance of the SMB. The value of γ_I more significantly affects the SMB performance than the value of γ_IV and should be tuned carefully in a narrow zone of values. The main advantage of the presented solution is the rapid determination of the separation volume in the presence of mass-transfer limitations, according to the required purity of the extract and raffinate.