Models for the separation of glucose/fructose mixture using a simulated moving-bed adsorber.

Abstract

The continuous separation of a glucose/fructose mixture was experimentally performed using a simulated moving-bed adsorber packed with the Ca2+ ion form of Y zeolite. In the adsorber, the continuous and countercurrent contact of the liquid stream with the solid adsorbent is simulated by advancing adsorption columns against the fixed inlets and outlets of liquid streams, without actual movement of the solid adsorbent. Two mathematical models, i.e., an intermittent moving-bed and a continuous moving-bed type, are presented for calculating the concentration profiles of glucose and fructose in the simulated moving-bed adsorber. The validity of the models is experimentally confirmed, and a criterion for good separation in the simulated moving-bed adsorber is presented.