Effect of separation material particle size on pressure drop and process efficiency in continuous chromatographic separation of glucose and fructose

Effect of the particle size (250-320 µm) of gel type strong cation exchange resins in Ca2+ form on the pressure drop across the resin bed and on the efficiency of chromatographic glucose-fructose separation was investigated experimentally. Pressure drop caused by the resin bed was found to depend strongly on the particle size. Strong dependency of the pressure drop on the solution viscosity was also observed. No elastic deformation of the resin particles was observed as in each case the dependence of the pressure drop on flow rate was linear. Both material (water consumption) and energy aspects were addressed in the investigation of the effect of particle size on the efficiency of continuous glucose-fructose separation. An eight-column four-zone simulated moving bed (SMB) process was used. The water consumption was found to decrease by 53% by change of particle size from 320 µm to 250 µm. This could be achieved without compromising specific productivities or product yields and purities by proper adjustment of the operating parameters. Lower water consumption results in more concentrated product fractions which decreases the energy consumption of the product concentration step (evaporation). Change in resin particle size from 320 µm to 250 µm decreased the energy consumption in evaporation by 18%, but resulted in 50% increase in the energy consumption of the pumps due to higher pressure drop. However, the total (pumps and evaporation) energy consumption decreased as the product concentration step is significantly more energy intensive unit operation.