Optimization of continuous binary separation of guaifenesin using simulated moving bed (SMB) process

• Main Author: Tian, Xue Yuan.
• Other Authors: Mohammad Aman Ullah
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Chemical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/39612
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this work, a separation of Guaifenesin via the use of a Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) process was modeled. An SMB process was designed, using the equilibrium theory to estimate the flow rates in the different sections of the SMB. Equilibrium theory is a simplified model of the SMB process, neglecting axial dispersion and mass transfer resistances. This idealization of the model resulted in some differences between the complete separation region of the simulation and that predicted using the equilibrium theory. This work uses a switch time of 90 seconds, columns of 1 cm internal diameter and 10 cm in length in a 1:1:1:1 configuration. Performance of the SMB was assessed based on four performance parameters, namely purity and recovery of outlet streams, solvent consumption and productivity of stationary phase. Based on the results, it was concluded that equilibrium theory is a good estimation for the SMB process, and can be used as a fairly accurate shortcut design method to design an SMB. Nonlinear operating conditions was also chosen over linear conditions for an industrial scale separation of Guaifenesin, due to the lower solvent consumption and higher productivity of operations at nonlinear conditions, while achieving at least 95% purity in both the extract and raffinate streams.