Rotary valve apparatus for simulated moving bed separations

摘要

The apparatus of the present invention relates to rotary valves which provide simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of asymmetrically disposed stationary adsorption chambers in fluid communication with an upper stator of the rotary valve having a lower rotor which upon indexing in accordance with a predetermined periodic sequence provides a simulating bed moving process. Further, the apparatus relates to such combinations of adsorbent chambers and rotary valves in a manner which is useful for implementing a simulating moving bed process wherein the continuous contacting of fluids and solids occurs in order to affect a separation or a purification process in a substantially plot area than previous SMB systems using turntable arrangements of adsorbent chambers.