Analyses of simulated moving bed with internal temperature gradients for binary separation of ketoprofen enantiomers using multi-objective optimization: Linear equilibria

Gradient operation of a simulated moving bed (SMB) can improve the separation and purification performance by adjusting adsorption strength in each individual zone according to its functional role. The feasibility of an internal temperature gradient (ITG) established by a difference between feed and desorbent temperatures for binary separation of ketoprofen enantiomers was investigated based on simultaneous optimization of purity and productivity of S-ketoprofen, the preferentially adsorbed species and desired product. ITG operation with a temperature difference of 20 K has a unit productivity higher than isothermal mode by about 20%. Due to the combined effects of temperature transition and downstream dilution, concentration profile may exhibit a remarkable peak and a pattern of two-step drop in the temperature descending and ascending areas, respectively. Both areas, if properly located under optimal conditions, are favorable for unit productivity, which cannot be predicted by the direct use of triangle theory and average Henry's constants. Modifications of the SMB operations to reduce solvent consumption were also discussed based on analyses of parametric sensitivity and internal concentration profiles.