Title of Invention	A DEVICE AND A PROCESS FOR INJECTING A DIVERTED FLUID IN A SIMULATED MOVING BED SEPARATION PROCESS
Abstract	A device for injecting a diverted fluid in a simulated moving bed separation process, comprising: an enclosure comprising several adsorbent beds, two adsorbent beds being separated by a fluid distribution and extraction plate (Pi), the plate comprising one or more distribution, mixing and/or extraction panels, comprising a chamber (Ci), main fluid delivery (4) and extraction (2) lines, several secondary fluid extraction or injection lines (10, 11, 12, 13, Ti), a bypass circuit communicating a distribution plate with a bypass line, means (14, Voij, 20) communicating one chamber (Ci) with one bypass line (Li J), one of the ends of a bypass line communicates with a zone Ri, R'i of an adsorbent bed, said zone being distinct from a distribution chamber (Ci) and another end is connected to said chamber (Ci). Fig.l.

Title of Invention

A DEVICE AND A PROCESS FOR INJECTING A DIVERTED FLUID IN A SIMULATED MOVING BED SEPARATION PROCESS

Abstract

A device for injecting a diverted fluid in a simulated moving bed separation process, comprising: an enclosure comprising several adsorbent beds, two adsorbent beds being separated by a fluid distribution and extraction plate (Pi), the plate comprising one or more distribution, mixing and/or extraction panels, comprising a chamber (Ci), main fluid delivery (4) and extraction (2) lines, several secondary fluid extraction or injection lines (10, 11, 12, 13, Ti), a bypass circuit communicating a distribution plate with a bypass line, means (14, Voij, 20) communicating one chamber (Ci) with one bypass line (Li J), one of the ends of a bypass line communicates with a zone Ri, R'i of an adsorbent bed, said zone being distinct from a distribution chamber (Ci) and another end is connected to said chamber (Ci). Fig.l.

Full Text	The present invention relates to a device for injecting a fluid stream used as a diverted fluid in n separation process using several adsorbent beds, a main fluid stream and several secondary fluids, the beds being separated by at least one fluid distribution plate, the plate can comprise one or more distributor mixer extractor panels allowing to inject and/or to mix and/or to extract one or more secondary fluids by means of a single distribution chamber. The invention notably applies to the device and to the process described in the claimant's patent application FR-2,772,654 when injection and extraction of secondary fluids are performed by means of a single distribution network commonly referred to as distribution « spider ». The invention also relates to all the processes where it is desired to improve the purity of at least one constituent in a mixture circulating through a solid adsorbent or a solid catalyst. It can also apply to processes for separating at least one constituent in a mixture wherein any chromatographic adsorption or ion exchange separation is performed for example. In the description hereafter, the expression « main fluid » refers to a fluid stream circulating through the adsorbent beds and the expression « secondary fluid(s) » refers to fluids that are used in the separation process, for example the desortent, the feed, the extract or the raffinate, and which communicate with the outside. The invention is particularly suited for separation of paraxylene from aromatic hydrocarbon-containing feeds with eight carbon atoms. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The prior art describes various devices and processes allowing separation of feeds in a simulated moving bed. Patents US-2,985,589 ; US-3,214,247 ; lJS-3,268,605 ; US-3,592,612; US-4,614,204 ; US-4,378,292 ; US-530,075 ; US-5,316,821 and patent applications EP-0,769,316 ; FR-2,772,634 and WO-95/03,867 can be mentioned. In general, a simulated moving bed comprises at least three chromatographic zones, advantageously four or five, each zone consisting of at least one bed or column section. Between two zones, there is either an injection point for a teed to be fractionated or an injection point for an eluent or desorbent, or a point allowing to draw off an extract between the eluent injection point and the feed injection point situated downstream (in relation to the direction of circulation of the eluent), or a raffinate draw-off point between each mixture injection point and the eluent injection point situated downstream in relation to the direction of circulation of the eluent. All the beds or column sections form a closed loop comprising at least one Mow-controlled pump allowing to recycle the main fluid, for example between the first and the last section. During the separation process, the injection and draw-off points are generally offset in the same direction (downstream or upstream, still in relation to the direction of circulation of the main fluid) by at least one section or column. This is the basis of the principle of simulated moving bed operation. During this process, it is important that distribution of the fluid on each adsorbent bed is performed as uniformly and homogeneously as possible. Distribution on each bed requires collection of the stream coming from the previous bed (main fluid circulating in the direction of the principal axis of the column), the possibility of injecting an auxiliary fluid or secondary fluid therein while mixing these two fluids as thoroughly as possible, or the possibility of drawing off part of the fluid collected, of extracting it in order to send it out of the device and of redistributing a fluid onto the next bed. The whole of the main fluid or stream can therefore either transit through the adsorber according to the pattern described in patent US-2,985,589, or a great part or all of this stream can flow out to the outside according to a process described in patent US-5.200,075. Another solution consists, as described in patent application FR-2,772,634, in transiting the major part of the main fluid towards the inside and a minor part of this stream towards the outside, typically 2 to 20 % of this stream. An advantage of such a system is that the secondary fluid injection and extraction circuits permanently have substantially the same composition. Two distribution plates are connected by an external circuit commonly known as .synchronous bypass circuit. The function of this circuit is notably to circulate the minor part of the stream drawn off thus providing an identical composition. The secondary fluid extraction on-off valves and a nonreturn valve are connected to the bypass circuit. The circuit can optionally be equipped with an on-off valve or with a control valve allowing to perform injections and extractions on a single plate. Continuous flushing of the distribution spiders of the distribution plates of the simulated moving bed separation units can be performed in two ways : 1) when each plate is equipped with at least two independent distribution networks (D1 and Dz), network D1 of plate P is for example communicated with network D2 of plate P+I, and network D, of plate P-M is communicated with network D^ of plate P-t-2, so as to have a permanent fluid circulation in all the distribution networks on each distribution plate, and, for each plate, a diverted fluid stream flows from a distribution network to the main fluid and a second diverted fluid stream, substantially similar, flows from the main fluid to the second distribution network. The driving force of these flows is provided by the pressure drop caused by the main fluid flowing in the porous granular medium located between two successive distribution plates ; 2) when each distributiion plate is equipped with only one distribution network, the bypass circuits can be provided only every second bed, for example from plate P to plate P+1, then from plate P+2 to plate PH-3. In feet, if a bypass line connected plates P+1 and P+2, a circulation parallel to the adsorber from the top bed to the bottom bed would be obtained. The drawback of establishing a bypass circuit every second bed only is that the internal flow rates would vary from one bed to the other : the beds comprising a bypass circuit would have a flow rate D whereas the beds without a bypass circuit would have a flow rate D+b. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device and to a process that are particularly well-suited for separation devices where the plates are equipped with a single secondary fluid distribution network, the distributor-mixer-extractor panels comprising a single distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber. As users quality requirements have evolved, the purity standard to be reached has changed from values contained in the (99.5 ; 99,6 %) range to a value of 99,8 %, Operators must therefore make changes in existing separation units in order to reach these new objectives. The invention can thus apply to existing units and to new units. It is notably used in adsorption separation processes and devices using countercurrent simulated moving beds and possibly in plants comprising a rotary valve. It finds applications for example in a device comprising a central distribution as described tor example in patent US-4,378,292 where the distribution plates are equipped with only one distribution spider, during revamping of the unit or in case of a significant change in the composition of the feed leading to a change in the configuration of the unit. The invention also applies for debottlenecking of a unit. More generally, the change introduced according to the invention is particularly well-suited in the following cases : • in case of a change in the composition of the feed connected with the layout of the complex, it is for example possible to change the isomerization type so as to coproduce benzene or, on the contrary, to decide to stop coproduction of benzene in order to produce more paraxylene. The ethylbenzene content of the feed to be processed can thus change from 2 % to 15 % and its paraxylene content can change from 23 % to 17 %. • In case of debottlenecking operations in a unit in order lo replace the molecular sieve and/or to mechanically reinforce the distribution plates. When this type of modification is required, it involves changing the existing rotary valve, A configuration change requires replacement of the rotor of the valve, a capacity increase requires doubling of the rotary valve by installing a second valve in parallel These changes are very expensive and can be advantageously replaced by suppressing the rotary valve and by replacing it by 96 on-off valves whose total cost is only about half as expensive. The Invention relates to a device allowing to separate at least one compound from a mixture or from a body by adsorption, with a simulated moving bed, comprising at least: • an enclosure or column comprising one or more adsorbent beds (Ai), two adsorbent beds being separated by at least one fluid distribution and extraction plate (Pi) the plate comprising one or more panels allowing to distribute, mix and/or extract fluids, • at least one main fluid delivery line and one main fluid extraction line, • several secondary fluid extraction or injection lines, • a bypass circuit communicating a distribution plate with at least one bypass line • the panel comprises only one distribution, mixing and/or extraction chamber It is characterized in that; • the device comprises means for communicating at least one chamber (Ci) with at least one bypass line (I.ij), • at least one end of a bypass line communicates with a zone Ri. R'i of an adsorbent bed, said zone being distinct from a distribution chamber (Ci), and another end is connected to said chamber (Ci). The communication means comprise, for example, at least one valve Voij arranged on at least one bypass line (Li,j) and the end of the bypass line that is not connected to the zone of the adsorbent bed can be connected to a delivery and/or extraction line (Ti). The communication means comprise for example at least one rotary valve, said rotary valve being connected to at least one delivery and/or extraction line (Ti) and to at least one bypass line (Lij), said valve comprising means allowing at least to communicate a delivery and/or extraction line with at least one bypass line. The rotary valve allows for example to communicate several groups of lines, group G1, group G2 and group G3, said valve comprising : • a stator provided with several means (E, F, R. S) for circulating the fluid(s) of group Gt, means allowing passage of at least two fluids F,, F3 belonging to group G?3, • a rotor equipped with means allowing passage of tluids of group G3 and means allowing communication of either the fluids of group G1 with group G3 or of group G3 with group G;,, • the number of means allowing passage of fluid F1 is substantially the same as the number of means allowing passage of fluid F2, said valve comprises means tor i The means for communicating the fluids of group d can consist of slots arranged in a layer of material or liner deposited on the lower face of the rotor. A slot has for example a depth « pe » and the value of the depth is at least equal to the thickness « e » of the liner. Circulation means (E, R, s, F) arranged on the valve consist for example of several grooves arranged on the resthig face or upper lace of the htator and (lie slots are onanged in the liner. The number of these circulation means is for example 4. The column can comprise a non-perforated central tube over at least part of the length thereof, and the panels forming a plate can exhibit a tangential type cutout, the zone Rl R'i where the diverted fluid is reinjected comprises at least one means intended for distribution of the diverted fluid, the end of the bypass line opening into said means, and said means comprise an annular ring mounted on the central Tube. The fluid distribution circuit is for example arranged around said enclosure, and it can comprise a main line divided into several secondary lines so that the fluid(s) reach the panels forming a plate substantially at the same time. The plates can exhibit a parallel type cutout and the fluid distribution device can comprise a main line, the bypass line is for example connected to an adsorbent bed by means of a device comprising transfer ports, said device being mounted on the fluid distribution spider. A plate is tor example delimited by a lower grid and an upper grid, and the end of the bypass line connected to the adsorbent bed is connected to a distribution means arranged above said upper grid. A plate can consist of several panels exhibiting a radial type cutout, the enclosure comprises a central tube and a secondary fluid distribution ring associated with a distribution plate, diverted fluid distribution means, said means being arranged below the distribution ring and said means being connected to the end of the bypass line, itself connected to a zone of an adsorbent bed. The diverted fluid distribution means comprise for example at least one diverted fluid distribution ring, said ring being arranged within a perforated means (such as a grid), said means having a substantially conical shape. 1 he perforated menns cctnpri^i^s for example a wall forming an angle a with the central tube and said ring is placed at a distance a from said grid. According to an embodiment, the column comprises a substantially central mast comprising one or more mast elements, including at least: ♦ an upper part. • a distributor-collector part comprising one or more secondary ports and at least one main port, the sections of flow of the secondary pons and of the main port being diilcrcnt, • a lower part, • liie distrlbutor»collector part(s) arc arranged between the upper part and the lower part, • a sealing element arranged between the distributor-collector part and the lower part, • a separation element arranged on the distributor-collector part, thus delimiting two fluid circulation spaces. The invention also relates to a process for injecting a diverted fluid in a simulated moving bed separation process comprising at least the following stages : • circulating a main fluid through several adsorbent beds, • injecting and extracting secondary fluids (feed, desorbent, ...) according to a suitablesequence to achieve separation of the constituents to be separated from the feed, • injecting a diverted fluid. It is characterized in that at least part of the main fluid is circulated outside the enclosure allowing separation by means of a bypass line comprising at least two ends, one end being connected to a zone of an adsorbent bed distinct from a chamber (Ci) so as to inject and/or to draw oil part ot the mam fluid in the zone. A fraction of the main fluid is tor example drawn off from a chamber (Ci) corresponding to a plate Pi and this main fluid fraction is injected into a zone of adsorbent bed Ai+1. At least a fraction of the main fluid uun be drawn off from a zone of an adsorbent bed Ai and said traction is injected into chamber Ci. The device and the process are for example suited for separation of puruxylene from aromatic hydrocarbon-containing feeds with eight carbon atoms. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the invention will be clear from reading the description hereafter of several embodiments of the device and of the associated process, given by way of non limitative example, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: - Figure 1 shows two variants tor arranging bypass lines in relation to a separation column, - Figures 2A and 2B show two variants using « rotary » type valves, - Figure 3 gives an example of a diverted fluid injection device arranged above a distribution plate, - Figure 4 diagrammatically shows a specific application of the invention to a separation column comprising a central girder or tube. Figures 5 and 6 show a detail of the diverted fluid reinjection device and a bottom view of Figure 4, - Figure.7A, 7B, 7C show plates with panels exhibiting a tangential cutout. - Figures 8, 9 and 10 diagrammatically show various possibilities for the diverted fluid distribulion devices, - Figure II is a top view of a distribution system arranged around a separation column, - Figures 12A, 12B, 13 and 14 show an example of a central girder having a fluid distribution function, - Figure 15 to 17 describe other variants suited for panels exhibiting a tangential type cutout, the colunm comprising no central girder, and - Figures 18, 19 and 20 show a variant of a rotary valve used in the example illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a simulated moving bed chromatographic separation column equipped with several bypass lines Lij. For simplification reasons, this figure diagrammatically shows two procedures for connecting a bypass line to an adsorbent bed and to a distribution-mixing-extraction chamber. This connection is achieved according to the invention between a distributor plate Pi and a zone of an adsorbent bed arranged upstream or downstream from the plate. The plate and the zone of the adsorbent bed where the diverted fluid is injected can have the same suffix or different suffixes. The column comprises an enclosure 1, for example substantially cylindrical, which is tilled with an adsorbent distributed among several beds A1 to An, at least one tluid distribution plate Pi being arranged between two adsorbent beds. A plate Pi comprises one or more panels or distribution-mixing-extraction panels whose function is to distribute, to extract and/or to mix one or more tiuids, each panel comprising a distribution-extraction-mixing chamber Ci connected to the outside via a fluid distribution spider. A plate Pi notably comprises an upper grid 6 supporting the adsorbent bed, a distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber Ci, a lower grid 7, means such as a baffle 8 allowing to separate lower grid 7 from upper grid 6. Baffle 8 is provided with a central opening 9 allowing circulation of the tiuids. Chamber Ci comprises for example in its lower part one or more ports Oi. These ports Oi allow passage of the secondary fluid. The latter is either ted into the next bed after being mixed with the main fluid that has tlowed through the main bed, or drawn off through the corresponding transfer line. Various configurations can be considered for the distribution-mixing-extraction panels, notably the geometries described in patent US-5,792,346 filed by the applicant, where the panel comprises a single distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber for one or more fluids. The main fluid circulates in the direction of the longitudinal axis or principal axis of the column. It is extracted through a line 2, recycled by means of a pump 3 and a line 4 to the lop of the column. The column can be arranged with a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal axis. The main fluid flows inside the column with a piston type flow or a plug flow, the composition and the flow front being substantially uniform at any point of the column section. A fluid distribution device (not shown in the figure) connected to line 4 can possibly be provided at the top of the column. A distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber Ci is connected to the outside of the column by means of a circuit comprising a line Ti connected to several secondary fluid transfer lines. These lines comprise for example a feed injection line 10, a desorbent injection line 11, an extract draw-off line 12 and a raffinate draw-off line 13, Each transfer line is equipped with valves Vfi, Vei> Vsi and Vri where suftlx t corresponds to plate Pi and f designates the feed, e the extract, s the desorbent and r the raffinate. All these valves are connected to sequential permutation means suited to periodically move each secondary fluid injection point or secondary fluid draw-off point forward by one bed in the direction of circulation of the main fluid, i.e. downwards, so 05 to obtain simulated moving countercurrent operation. On the other hand, if simulated cocurrent operation is desired, opening of the valves will be permuted upwards in the opposite direction to the direction of circulation of the fluid. The column is provided in this example with a bypass line LiJ arranged for example between two plates Pi and Pj, and the two plates can be consecutive. The working principle of these lines is for example given in patent application FR-2 772,634 whose broad lines are reminded in the present application. A bypass line Li,j is provided with at leasrt one of the devices mentioned hereafter, alone or in combination, i.e, a nonreturn valve 14, a flowmeter 15, a control valve Voi,j, pilot-operated or not by the flowmeter. A pump possibly arranged on the bypass line can possibly compensate for a deficiency of pressure drop. The bypass circuit is equipped with a valve Voij, where suffix o corresponds to the diversion function and suffixes i,j to the plates between which the diverted fluid circulateSi The cycle described above can of course start with another stage than the feed injection stage without departing from the scope of the invention. Second embodiment variant In the variant shown in the lower part of Figure 1, a first end of bypass line Lij is connected to an adsorbent bed Ai, tor example in a zone RM, by suitable means, and the, second end of this line is connected by a point R' to secondary fluid delivery and extraction line Ti. This variant allows to draw off. from the adsorbent bed, part of the main fluid in order to reinject it into a distribution chamber of the plate situated downstream from the draw-off point. Figures 2A and 2B diagrammatically show another variant which differs from Figure 1 in the secondary fluid delivery and extraction circuit. For these two variants, the circuit comprises a rotary valve 20 whose function is to communicate the various distribution, extraction and draw-off chambers Ci with fluid sources or lines situated outside the column and also to fulfil the fluid diversion function. Four secondary fluid transfer lines (10, 11, 12, 13) similar to those shown in Figure 1 are connected to rotary valve 20. Valve 20 comprises several transfer lines Ti connected to a chamber Ci, and several bypass lines Li,j communicating with a zone of an adsorbent bed Ai. Rotary valve 20 is provided with inner means allowing to communicate : • either secondary fluid transfer lines 10, 11, 12, 13 with transfer lines Ti, or a zone Ri of an adsorbent bed A1 with an injection, extraction and mixing chamber Ci+1 to fulfil the fluid diversion function, ♦ or possibly transfer lines 10, 11, 12, 13 with bypass lines Lij and transfer lines Ti to fulfit the fluid deviation or diversion function, and simulaneously injection or extraction. For example, in Figure 2A, to obtain the fluid deviation or diversion function, the fluid drawn off from chamber Ci circulates in line Tt, then, via suitable means located in the valves and described hereafter, it is sent to bypass line L1,2 in zone R2 arranged in adsorbent bed A2. Figure 2B shows the case where a fluid traction drawn off from an adsorbent bed Am at a point Rm circulates through bypass line Lm,m, then through transfer line Tin,m via rotary valve 20 prior 10 being fed into chamber Cm. The working principle of the separation process is similar to the principle given in the example of Figure 1. if the end of bypass line Li,j intended for reinjection of a fraction of the main fluid into the bed is connected to an adsorbent bed zone according to a layout given in the upper part of Figure 1, the reinjection means can consist of a box 30 simply aranged above upper grid 6 of a plate Pi, thus allowing passage of the fraction of the main fluid drawn off (Figure 5). The dimensions of this box, its surface area tor example are no selected that the fluid stream per unit of surface area is met. Figure 4 shows an embodiment variant suited to the case where the separation column comprises an enclosure 40 including a non-perforated central lube 41 tor example lined up substantially along the principal axis of the enclosure. The fluid ditribution system consists of one ring 42 per bed mounted on non perforated tube 41. Several pipes 43 or fluid distribution lines extend between a distribution plate Pi and the associated fluid distribution ring so as to connect the various panels 44 of this plate Pi with the outside. In the case of Figure 4, each line 43 coming from distribution ring 42 is subdivided into two secondary lines 43a and 43b which each reach a panel 44 and the corresponding distribution, mixing, extraction chambers. A transfer line 45 extending between the distribution ring and the outside of the column allows communication with the outside and delivery or extraction of fluids. According to a variant, the number of lines 43 can be equal to the number of panels 44. In this embodiment, panels 44 exhibit a radial cutout, i.e. they are separated by radial walls. Plates Pi arc arranged in the enclosure and held up therein by suitable means known to the man skilled in the art. They can be set on girders provided on the centra! tube and possibly the inner walls of the column. Line 45 is connected to a line 46 on which the transfer lines and the valves respectively connected to desorbent 47, Vsi, extract 48, Vci, feed 49, Vfi and raffinate 50, Vri, are arranged according to a tee connection for example. If the column is equipped with one or more bypass lines LiJ, the latter communicating two plates Pi find Pi+1 for example, line Li j, with j==i+L is connected to line 46 at a point R and it is equipped for example with a non-return valve 51 and a valve 52. Valve 52 is open during all the periods of the cycle, except for 2 particular periods : • the period during which desorbem is injected onto plate P, situated downstream from bed A2, and • the period during which feed is injected onto bed A2, The feed and the desorbent are thus injected on only one bed at a time. Non-return valve 51 closes when extract or raffinate is drawn off at the outlet of bed A1,, assuming that the distribution pressure drop through a panel 44, a line 43 and line 45 is higher than the pressure drop through bed A2. Bypass line Lij, which runs through enclosure 40 and ends below distribution ring 42 tor distribution of the diverted stream is located downstream from nonreturn valve 51. The zone of the adsorbent bed located below annular distribution ring 42. for which ii may be difficuh to obtain proper loading of the molecular sieve, is advantageously used for reinjection of the divertf?d r1)nd. I'his Tone has a flow area that is greatly disturbed in the absence of diverted fluid during operation of the unit. The idea of the variant shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 thus consists in using this non-loaded or non-homogeneously loaded zone to connect the end of the bypass line used for reinjection of the main fluid fraction drawn off from a chamber Ci or the end of the line that will be used to draw off part of the main fluid in order to reinject it into a distribution chamber Ci situated downstream, according to layouts substantially similar 10 those described In Figure 1. Figures 5 and 6 respectively show a cross-sectional view and a top view of an embodiment of such a fluid reinjcction means and its layout in relation to the bulky elements arranged in the column such as the annular ring and the various lines. Figure 5 shows the specific layout of an annular chamber of substantially conical shape, arranged below the distribution ring and whose function is notably to distribute the diverted fluid in the adsorbent bed. This conical annular chamber is for example mounted on non-perforated central tube 41. The non-perforated central tube comprises for example holding means such as a collar on which the distribution panels rest. Bypass line Lij opens for example into a distribution ring 53 (Figure 5) made from a pertbrated tube. This ring 53 is tor example arranged within the annular distribution chamber delimited by a Johnson or Nagaoka type grid 54 allowing to protect the end of line Li,j and distribution ring 53 from the adsorbent particles. This grid 54 can be welded on the one hand to the lower periphery of the annular distribution ring and, on the other hand, to the non-pertbrated central tube. Grid 54 has a wall 55 of substantially conical shape that rests for example, at its lower end 56, on non-perforated central tube 41 and, at its upper end 57, below the annular fluid distribution ring. The geometry of the annular reinjcction chamber is for example defined by the following parameters : α = angle formed by wall 55 and the axis of the central tube. angle β complementary to angle a can also be considered, b = length of wall 55, a distance contained between lower end 56 and upper end 57, a = distance at which reinjection ring 53 is positioned in relation to conical wall 55. The value of angle corresponds for example to the angle of repose formed by the « badly loaded » sieve and the principal axis of the column. The values of parameters a, b and a are notably selected to obtain ; the easiest assembly possible, a velocity field as homogeneous as possible in the zone the bed located below the annular reinjection box, the most homogeneous distribution possible for the fluid flowing through the armular reinjection box. The distance c between a plate Pi and the lower connection point situated between the grid and the centra! tube is selected to allow easy assembly of the panels forming a plate on the support collar. When using this reinjection means, the fluid flow circulating in the bypass line allows on the one hand to continuously flush the whole of the distribution spider of the upper bed, the transfer line of the upper bed and the transfer and bypass lines, and on the other hand to provide permanent renewal of the fluid of the annular reinjection box. Furthermore, the diverted fluid passes into a zone of the bed where the flow would be disturbed in the absence of a reinjection device. The reinjection box thus contributes to improving the distribution homogeneity of the fluid stream. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the variants described in Figures 2A and 2B can be applied to the separation column described in Figure 4, for which the means intended for reinjection of the fluids in a « badly loaded » zone is detailed in Figure 5. The dimensions and geometry data given before remain valid. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to apply one of the emix)diments of the diverted tluid injection circuit detailed in Figures \ or 2A, 2B to a column used tor simulated moving bed separation comprising a central tube provided, on certain sections or parts, with several ports allowing passage of the secondary fluids and replacing the annular type distribution ring. Figures 7A, 7B, 7C diagrammatically show several variants where plate Pi consists of several panels having a tangential or parallel type cutout. In this case, the tluid distribution spider divides, tor the instances given by way of non limitative example in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, so as to supply 8, 12 or 16 plates according to variants illustrated lor example in patent US-5,792,346 or in patent applications FR-98/10,998 or FR-98/10,996, considermg the distribulion system connected to a single room. When the column comprises a non-perforated central tube, the latter serves for example as a support lor the diverted tluid reinjection device. The device can have different geometries, some of which are given by way of non limitative example in Figures 8, 9 and 10. separation column 60. The column comprises several plates Pi whose arrangement is substantially similar to that described in the previous tlgures. Each plate Pi consists of several panels comprising each a single distribution-extraction-mixing chamber Ci. A plate Pi can be divided into several areas, for example 4 areas in this example. Each chamber Ci is connected to the fluid distribution and extraction system by means of transfer lines 61 arranged for example as described hereafter. The distribution system comprises a transfer line 61 subdivided into two lines 62, 63. Lines 62 and 63 themselves are subdivided into two secondary lines 62a, 62b and 63a, 63b allowing distribution and or extraction of the fluids to or from the four areas of the plate. The end of a secondary line 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, distinct from junction point J. comprises, in a given area, one or more lines 64 whose number is equal to the number of panels forming an area. Bypass line Li J opens into a circular ring arranged around non-performed central tube 65 placed inside an annular rcinjcction chamber or annular box 66 whose geometric characteristics and dimensions are those given above in Figures 8, 9,10, Figures 12A and 12B diagrammatically show an element of a perforated central mast used in the separation column as described in Figures 1 and 2. This element comprises a tube 80 or a substantially cylindrical tube portion having a wall thickness e, a length 1 and an inside diameter D. The mast element consists for example of three parts, an upper part 81, an intermediate part 82 referred to as « fluid distributor-collector », comprising several means allowing passage of one or more fluids, and a lower part 83- Parts 81 and 82 are separated by an upper sealing element 84a and parts 82 and 83 by a lower sealing element 84b so that the fluids circulate in part 82 only. Tn some cases, a minor fluid fraction can possibly be present in pans 81 or 83 for pressurization of the mast element for example. The distributor-collector element is provided with various means allowitig passage or circulation of fluids in the cylindrical section towards the outside and vice versa. These means are tor example : a port 85 having a diameter Φ, several ports 86i having a diameter Φ6, distributed on the periphery of the mast element. A separation element 87 such as a plate, for example provided with a central port 88, thus delimits two annular spaces 82a and 82b inside the distributor-collector element. Upper space S2a communicates with port 85 and lower space 82b with ports 86i. If we consider a fluid distribution from the central element of the girder, the f1uid(s) to be distributed flow through port 85 towards the inside of the mast element, then through port 88 of perforated plate 87 prior to being distribured to the outside of the mast through ports 86i. Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also possible to reverse the functions of ports 85 and 86i, the fluid flowing first through ports 86i, then through port 85. Mast element 80 is provided, in its lower part and in its upper part, with flanges 89a and 89b respectively, or with any other means aliowuig notably connection between various elements so as to form a mast used as a central girder. The elements can also be connected together by welding. Separation element 87 can be a perforated plate or a grid. The diameter of central port 88 is selected so as to obtain sufficient turbulence of the fluid(s) in spaces 82a and 82 b to provide homogeneous distribution of the fluids through ports 861 and 85. Port 88 is preferably located at the centre of plate 87 so that the fluid delivered through port 85 reaches the majority of ports 86i at the same time. When separation element 87 consists of a perforated plate comprising several ports. The sum of the flow surface area of the ports is considered to provide the most homogeneous distribution possible. Flanges 89a and 89b and the thickness of the mast are designed to provide a sufficient stiffness in relation to the load undergone by the column. Mast element 80 and ports 85 and 86i can have various shapes or geometries. Figure 14 shows an example of a mast element comprising, distributed over its length, three zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 comprising each a structure similar to that given in Figure 12 A. The structure of each zone Z1,, Z2 and Z3 is comparable, as regards the elements that constitute it, to a mast element comprising sealing means 84a, 84b confming the fluid mainly in distribution-collection part 82. They also comprise one or more ports 85, openings 86i and a separation plate 87 as described above. The stages for manufacturing such an element are for example as follows : • a substantially cylindrical hollow central tube is used, • ports 85 and 86i are drilled according to previously determined distances and geometries, • the following various elements are associated outside (Figure 13): • a lower sealing clement 84b, then, just above, a separation plate 87, then another scaling element 840, spaced out so as to obtain a structure similar to the inside of the mast element described in Figure 12A. This operation is started again by arranging the same elements from a given distance d between the lower sealing element of zone Z: and the upper sealing element of zone Z3 for example. • the assembly thus obtained is fed into the hollow tube and held up by means known to the man skilled in the art. Sealing between the plates and the hollow tube can be provided by welding or by any other means. Other embodiment variants shown in Figures 15 to 17 are suited for cases where the separation column comprises no centrall tube. These cases are particularly well-suited for small-diameter separation columns. Plates Pi consist of tangentially cut out panels, typically 3 to 5. In the example illustrated by figure 15, the annular reinjection device or chamber is laid out as follows ; bypass line Lij is for example ended by a T-connected distribution ramp 80 arranged in a filtering perforated pipe 81 preferably on the principal axis of the column. Line Lij and/or the perforated pipe is for example secured to the central branch of the distribution spider if the connection lines are arranged in a vertical plane. Figures 16 and 17 diagrammatically show rwo other variants. Figures 18, 19 and 20 illustrate the valve according to the invention and an example of positioning of the communication means allowing to carry out a stage of the process. The fluids involved in the process circulate through lines that can be classified in three groups defined according to their function tor example. Connection between the various groups is for example achieved according to a predetermined sequence. In a separation process using four process fluids such as feed F, extract E, raffinate R and desorbent S, the various groups can be specified as follows : There are various possibilities for circulating the fluids in the grooves. In Figures 18 and 19, the example shows a fluid distribution performed from the most polluting to the least polluting, from centre 114 to the periphery of the valve stator. • Several ports : • porta 115, each one being connected to n transfer line Li and to a flow surface S1, are distributed for example on a circle Coxt (Figure 19) arranged on the periphery of the stator. The number of these ports 115 is equal to the number of transfer lines Li, • ports 116, each one being connected to a bypass line (Bi) and to a flow section S2, are arranged on a circle Ciat (Figure 19) situated between the circle which is the most exterior to the stator and the first groove of the group (in this example, groove F), A port 116 corresponds to a port 115. Flow sections S1 and S2 of ports 115 and 116 are determined according to the flow rate of the secondary fluids (or process fluids) and to the flow rate of the diverted fluid. The pressure drop being imposed by the granular medium for a given flow rate, the diameter of the bypass line is selected so as to have a synchronism of the flow rates of the main fluid and of the diverted fluid. Typically, the value of the S1/S2 ratio is of the order of 4, and it can range between 2 and 10. A rotor 117 comprising : • an element of thickness « er » delimited by a lower face 122 and an upper face 123. The element is mounted on a shaft comprising two parts 124 and 129 coupled together. Part 124 is secured to the stator by bearings. Part 129 runs through a bell 126, sealing being provided by systems known to the man skilled in the art. • several ports 119 running through the thickness of the rotor. These ports 119 arc arranged so as to allow communication of a groove (R, F, S, E) with a process fluid transger line(10, 11,12,13), • means 120 such as U-shaped lines allowing communication of a port 119 with a port 115 of the stator. In this application case, there are four lines 120, • a joint or liner 121 of thickness e, arranged on lower face 122 of the rotor, provides sealing between the four grooves, the various ports 115,116, 113, • means 125 for communicating a transfer line Li with a bypass line Bi, distributed on upper face 123. These means can consist of elliptical slots for example, whose major axes are for example oriented radially to the rotor. Slots 125 arranged for example in the liner have the following characteristics : • a depth « Pe », • a principal axis having a sufficient length to allow communication between two pons 115 and 116 situated on the same radius of the stator in order to achieve diversion of the fluid. The length of this axis Is at least equal to the distance « d » between the two circles Cent and ext The value of depth « Pc » is for example greater than the value of thickness « c » of liner 121, slot 125 being bored at least partly in the liner arranged on lower face 122 of the rotor. A bell 126 Bell 126 is fastened to the stator by means 127 known to the man skilled in the art, such as screws, bolts or any other means allowing a mechanical link. A line 128 allows to deliver a fluid under pressure. Before the rotor starts rotating, the pressure in the bell is lowered so as to decrease the force exerted between the rotor and the stator and to facilitate the relative displacement between these two pans. Figure 19 shows the upper face of the stator, notably the following elements : ports 115 and 116 arranged in two circles, Cext and Cent, respectively, grooves F, R, E, S and ports 113 opening into the grooves. Figure 20 illustrates an example of communication of the various elements of the valve during a stage of the process. The position of the slots and of means 120 on the lower tace of the rotor is shown when the four process fluids pass through four beds while the diverted fluid passes through the other twenty beds. Slots 125 allow passage of the diverted tluid between two consecutive beds for example The tour U-shaped lines 120 communicate a port of a groove with an external line allowing delivery' or extraction of a process fluid. Thus, in Figure 20 : • the raffinate is extracted from bed 4 by passing through a port 119 (R), a line 120 (R), a port 113 (R) and line 13, • the teed is injected into bed 10, ihrough line 10, a port 113 (F), a line 120 (F), a port • the extract is drawn off from bed 16 through a port 119 (E). a line 120 (E), a port 113(E) and line 12, • the solvent or desorbent is introduced into bed 20 through line 11, a port 113 (S), a line 120 (S), a port 119 (S). Suffixes R, F, S and E respectively designate the raffinate, the teed, the desorbent and the extract. The other beds receive the diverted fluid, which corresponds to communicating a port 115 with a port 116 by means of a slot 125, Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to also provide an elliptical slot in the liner at the points where the secondary tiuids are injected or drawn off. In this case, the fluids are partly injected and drawn off through the bypass line, but the four beds following injection or draw off do not undergo the internal flow rate disturbance due to the diverted fluid stream interruption. WE CLAIM 1) A device allowing to separate at least one compound from a mixture or a body by adsorption with a simulated moving bed, comprising at least: • an enclosure or column comprising one or more adsorbent beds (Ai), two adsorbent beds being separated by at least one fluid distribution and extraction plate (Pi)j the plate comprising one or more panels allowing distribution, mixing and/or extraction of the fluids, • at least one line (4) intended for delivery of a main fluid and a line (2) intended for extraction of the main fluid, • several lines (10, IK 12, 13, Ti) allowing extraction or injection of secondary fluids, • a bypass circuit communicating a distribution plate with at least one bypass line (Li,j), • the panel comprises a single distribution, mixing and/or extraction chamber (Ci), characterized in that: • the device comprises means (14, Voi,j, 20) for communicating at least one chamber (Ci) with at least one bypass line (Lij), • at least one end of a bypass line communicates with a zone (Ri, R'i) of an adsorbent bed, said zone being distinct from a distribution chamber (Ci), and another end is connected to said chamber (Ci), 2) A device as claimed m claim 1, characterized in that said communication means comprise at least one valve Voi,J arranged on at least one bypass line (Lij) and in that the end of the bypass line that is not connected to the zone of the adsorbent bed is connected to a delivery and/or extraction line (Ti). 3) A device as claimed in claim l, characterized in that said communication means comprise at least one rotary valve (20), said rotary valve being connected to at least one delivery and/or extraction line (Ti) and to at least one bypass line (LiJ), said valve comprising means allowing at least to communicate a delivery and/or extraction line with at least one bypass line. 4) A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said rotary valve (20) allows to communicate several groups of lines, group G\|, group Gj and group G,, said valve comprising : • a stator (110) provided with several means (E, F, R, S) intended for circulation of the fluid(s) of group G1, means (115, 116) allowing passage of at least two fluids F1, F2 belonging 10 group G3, • a rotor (117) equipped with means (119) allowing passage of the fluids of group Gj and means (120) allowing communication of either the fluids of group G, with group G1, or of group G2 with group G3, • the number of means (115) intended for passage of fluid F1 is substantially equal to the number of means (116) intended for passage of fluid F2, said valve comprises means (122) for communicating at least two fluids of group G3 and flow section S1 of the ports intended for fluid Fi is different from flow section S2 of the parts intended for fluid F2. 5) A device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the means provided on the valve for passage of fluid F, and of fluid F: have flow surface areas S1 and S2 respectively and in that the S1/S2 ratio is about 4 and preferably ranges between 2 and 10 6) A device as claimed in any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said means allowing communication of the fluids of group G3 consist of slots (122) provided in a layer of material or liner deposited on the lower face of the rotor, 7) A device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a slot (122) has a depth « Pe » and said depth is at least equal to the thickness « e » of the liner. 8) A device as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that said circulation means (E, R,. S, F) consist of several grooves arranged on the resting tace or upper face of the stator and in that slots (122) are provided in the liner. 9) A device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that circulation means (E, R, S, F) are 4 in number. 10) A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said enclosure comprises a non-perforated central tube over at least part of the length thereof, and in that the panels forming a plate exhibit a tangential type cutout, zone (Ri, R'i) comprises at least one diverted fluid distribution means (53, 54), the end of bypass line (Li,j) opens into said distribution means (53, 54). 11) A device as claimed m claim 10, characterized in that the fluid distribution circuit is arranged around said enclosure and in that it comprises a main line (61) 17) A device as claimed in any one of the previous claim, characterized in that said column comprises a substantially central mast comprising one or rnore mast elements (80), including at least: being connected to a zone of an adsorbent bed distinct from a chamber (Ci) so as to inject and/or to extract part of the main fluid in the zone. 19) A process as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that a fraction of the main fluid is drawn off from a chamber (Ci) corresponding to a plate Pi and the main fluid fraction drawn off is injected into a zone of adsorbent bed Ai-i-1, 20) A process as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that a fraction of the main fluid is drawn off from a zone of an adsorbent bed Ai and said fraction is injected into chamber Ci. 21) Application of the device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 and of the process as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 for separation of paraxylene from aromatic hydrocarbon-containing feeds with eight carbon atoms. 22. A device allowing to separate at least one compound from a mixture or a body by adsorption with a simulated moving bed, substantially as hereinabove

Full Text

The present invention relates to a device for injecting a fluid stream used as a diverted fluid in n separation process using several adsorbent beds, a main fluid stream and several secondary fluids, the beds being separated by at least one fluid distribution plate, the plate can comprise one or more distributor mixer extractor panels allowing to inject and/or to mix and/or to extract one or more secondary fluids by means of a single distribution chamber.
The invention notably applies to the device and to the process described in the claimant's patent application FR-2,772,654 when injection and extraction of secondary fluids are performed by means of a single distribution network commonly referred to as distribution « spider ».
The invention also relates to all the processes where it is desired to improve the purity of at least one constituent in a mixture circulating through a solid adsorbent or a solid catalyst.
It can also apply to processes for separating at least one constituent in a mixture wherein any chromatographic adsorption or ion exchange separation is performed for example.
In the description hereafter, the expression « main fluid » refers to a fluid stream circulating through the adsorbent beds and the expression « secondary fluid(s) » refers to fluids that are used in the separation process, for example the desortent, the feed, the extract or the raffinate, and which communicate with the outside.

The invention is particularly suited for separation of paraxylene from aromatic hydrocarbon-containing feeds with eight carbon atoms.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art describes various devices and processes allowing separation of feeds in a simulated moving bed. Patents US-2,985,589 ; US-3,214,247 ; lJS-3,268,605 ; US-3,592,612; US-4,614,204 ; US-4,378,292 ; US-530,075 ; US-5,316,821 and patent applications EP-0,769,316 ; FR-2,772,634 and WO-95/03,867 can be mentioned.
In general, a simulated moving bed comprises at least three chromatographic zones, advantageously four or five, each zone consisting of at least one bed or column section.
Between two zones, there is either an injection point for a teed to be fractionated or an injection point for an eluent or desorbent, or a point allowing to draw off an extract between the eluent injection point and the feed injection point situated downstream (in relation to the direction of circulation of the eluent), or a raffinate draw-off point between each mixture injection point and the eluent injection point situated downstream in relation to the direction of circulation of the eluent.
All the beds or column sections form a closed loop comprising at least one Mow-controlled pump allowing to recycle the main fluid, for example between the first and the last section.
During the separation process, the injection and draw-off points are generally offset in the same direction (downstream or upstream, still in relation to the direction of circulation of the main fluid) by at least one section or column. This is the basis of the principle of simulated moving bed operation.

During this process, it is important that distribution of the fluid on each adsorbent bed is performed as uniformly and homogeneously as possible.
Distribution on each bed requires collection of the stream coming from the previous bed (main fluid circulating in the direction of the principal axis of the column), the possibility of injecting an auxiliary fluid or secondary fluid therein while mixing these two fluids as thoroughly as possible, or the possibility of drawing off part of the fluid collected, of extracting it in order to send it out of the device and of redistributing a fluid onto the next bed.
The whole of the main fluid or stream can therefore either transit through the adsorber according to the pattern described in patent US-2,985,589, or a great part or all of this stream can flow out to the outside according to a process described in patent US-5.200,075.
Another solution consists, as described in patent application FR-2,772,634, in transiting the major part of the main fluid towards the inside and a minor part of this stream towards the outside, typically 2 to 20 % of this stream. An advantage of such a system is that the secondary fluid injection and extraction circuits permanently have substantially the same composition. Two distribution plates are connected by an external circuit commonly known as .synchronous bypass circuit. The function of this circuit is notably to circulate the minor part of the stream drawn off thus providing an identical composition. The secondary fluid extraction on-off valves and a nonreturn valve are connected to the bypass circuit. The circuit can optionally be equipped with an on-off valve or with a control valve allowing to perform injections and extractions on a single plate.

Continuous flushing of the distribution spiders of the distribution plates of the simulated moving bed separation units can be performed in two ways :
1) when each plate is equipped with at least two independent distribution networks (D1 and Dz), network D1 of plate P is for example communicated with network D2 of plate P+I, and network D, of plate P-M is communicated with network D^ of plate P-t-2, so as to have a permanent fluid circulation in all the distribution networks on each distribution plate, and, for each plate, a diverted fluid stream flows from a distribution network to the main fluid and a second diverted fluid stream, substantially similar, flows from the main fluid to the second distribution network. The driving force of these flows is provided by the pressure drop caused by the main fluid flowing in the porous granular medium located between two successive distribution plates ;
2) when each distributiion plate is equipped with only one distribution network, the bypass circuits can be provided only every second bed, for example from plate P to plate P+1, then from plate P+2 to plate PH-3. In feet, if a bypass line connected plates P+1 and P+2, a circulation parallel to the adsorber from the top bed to the bottom bed would be obtained. The drawback of establishing a bypass circuit every second bed only is that the internal flow rates would vary from one bed to the other : the beds comprising a bypass circuit would have a flow rate D whereas the beds without a bypass circuit would have a flow rate D+b.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device and to a process that are particularly well-suited for separation devices where the plates are equipped with a single secondary fluid

distribution network, the distributor-mixer-extractor panels comprising a single distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber.
As users quality requirements have evolved, the purity standard to be reached has changed from values contained in the (99.5 ; 99,6 %) range to a value of 99,8 %, Operators must therefore make changes in existing separation units in order to reach these new objectives.
The invention can thus apply to existing units and to new units. It is notably used in adsorption separation processes and devices using countercurrent simulated moving beds and possibly in plants comprising a rotary valve. It finds applications for example in a device comprising a central distribution as described tor example in patent US-4,378,292 where the distribution plates are equipped with only one distribution spider, during revamping of the unit or in case of a significant change in the composition of the feed leading to a change in the configuration of the unit. The invention also applies for debottlenecking of a unit.
More generally, the change introduced according to the invention is particularly well-suited in the following cases :
• in case of a change in the composition of the feed connected with the layout of the complex, it is for example possible to change the isomerization type so as to coproduce benzene or, on the contrary, to decide to stop coproduction of benzene in order to produce more paraxylene. The ethylbenzene content of the feed to be processed can thus change from 2 % to 15 % and its paraxylene content can change from 23 % to 17 %.

• In case of debottlenecking operations in a unit in order lo replace the molecular sieve and/or to mechanically reinforce the distribution plates. When this type of modification is required, it involves changing the existing rotary valve, A configuration change requires replacement of the rotor of the valve, a capacity increase requires doubling of the rotary valve by installing a second valve in parallel These changes are very expensive and can be advantageously replaced by suppressing the rotary valve and by replacing it by 96 on-off valves whose total cost is only about half as expensive.
The Invention relates to a device allowing to separate at least one compound from a mixture or from a body by adsorption, with a simulated moving bed, comprising at
least:
• an enclosure or column comprising one or more adsorbent beds (Ai), two adsorbent beds being separated by at least one fluid distribution and extraction plate (Pi) the plate comprising one or more panels allowing to distribute, mix and/or extract fluids,
• at least one main fluid delivery line and one main fluid extraction line,
• several secondary fluid extraction or injection lines,
• a bypass circuit communicating a distribution plate with at least one bypass line
• the panel comprises only one distribution, mixing and/or extraction chamber

It is characterized in that;
• the device comprises means for communicating at least one chamber (Ci) with at
least one bypass line (I.ij),
• at least one end of a bypass line communicates with a zone Ri. R'i of an
adsorbent bed, said zone being distinct from a distribution chamber (Ci), and another
end is connected to said chamber (Ci).
The communication means comprise, for example, at least one valve Voij arranged on at least one bypass line (Li,j) and the end of the bypass line that is not connected to the zone of the adsorbent bed can be connected to a delivery and/or extraction line (Ti).
The communication means comprise for example at least one rotary valve, said rotary valve being connected to at least one delivery and/or extraction line (Ti) and to at least one bypass line (Lij), said valve comprising means allowing at least to communicate a delivery and/or extraction line with at least one bypass line.
The rotary valve allows for example to communicate several groups of lines, group G1, group G2 and group G3, said valve comprising :
• a stator provided with several means (E, F, R. S) for circulating the fluid(s) of group Gt, means allowing passage of at least two fluids F,, F3 belonging to group G?3,
• a rotor equipped with means allowing passage of tluids of group G3 and means allowing communication of either the fluids of group G1 with group G3 or of group G3 with group G;,,
• the number of means allowing passage of fluid F1 is substantially the same as the number of means allowing passage of fluid F2, said valve comprises means tor

i
The means for communicating the fluids of group d can consist of slots arranged in a layer of material or liner deposited on the lower face of the rotor.
A slot has for example a depth « pe » and the value of the depth is at least equal to the thickness « e » of the liner.
Circulation means (E, R, s, F) arranged on the valve consist for example of several
grooves arranged on the resthig face or upper lace of the htator and (lie slots are onanged in the liner.
The number of these circulation means is for example 4.
The column can comprise a non-perforated central tube over at least part of the length thereof, and the panels forming a plate can exhibit a tangential type cutout, the zone Rl R'i where the diverted fluid is reinjected comprises at least one means intended for distribution of the diverted fluid, the end of the bypass line opening into said means, and said means comprise an annular ring mounted on the central Tube.
The fluid distribution circuit is for example arranged around said enclosure, and it can comprise a main line divided into several secondary lines so that the fluid(s) reach the panels forming a plate substantially at the same time.

The plates can exhibit a parallel type cutout and the fluid distribution device can comprise a main line, the bypass line is for example connected to an adsorbent bed by means of a device comprising transfer ports, said device being mounted on the fluid distribution spider.
A plate is tor example delimited by a lower grid and an upper grid, and the end of the bypass line connected to the adsorbent bed is connected to a distribution means arranged above said upper grid.
A plate can consist of several panels exhibiting a radial type cutout, the enclosure comprises a central tube and a secondary fluid distribution ring associated with a distribution plate, diverted fluid distribution means, said means being arranged below the distribution ring and said means being connected to the end of the bypass line, itself connected to a zone of an adsorbent bed.
The diverted fluid distribution means comprise for example at least one diverted fluid distribution ring, said ring being arranged within a perforated means (such as a grid), said means having a substantially conical shape.
1 he perforated menns cctnpri^i^s for example a wall forming an angle a with the central tube and said ring is placed at a distance a from said grid.
According to an embodiment, the column comprises a substantially central mast comprising one or more mast elements, including at least:
♦ an upper part.

• a distributor-collector part comprising one or more secondary ports and at least
one main port, the sections of flow of the secondary pons and of the main port being
diilcrcnt,
• a lower part,
• liie distrlbutor»collector part(s) arc arranged between the upper part and the lower part,
• a sealing element arranged between the distributor-collector part and the lower part,
• a separation element arranged on the distributor-collector part, thus delimiting two fluid circulation spaces.
The invention also relates to a process for injecting a diverted fluid in a simulated moving bed separation process comprising at least the following stages :
• circulating a main fluid through several adsorbent beds,
• injecting and extracting secondary fluids (feed, desorbent, ...) according to a suitablesequence to achieve separation of the constituents to be separated from the feed,
• injecting a diverted fluid.
It is characterized in that at least part of the main fluid is circulated outside the enclosure allowing separation by means of a bypass line comprising at least two ends, one end being connected to a zone of an adsorbent bed distinct from a chamber (Ci) so as to inject and/or to draw oil part ot the mam fluid in the zone.

A fraction of the main fluid is tor example drawn off from a chamber (Ci) corresponding to a plate Pi and this main fluid fraction is injected into a zone of adsorbent bed Ai+1.
At least a fraction of the main fluid uun be drawn off from a zone of an adsorbent bed Ai and said traction is injected into chamber Ci.
The device and the process are for example suited for separation of puruxylene from aromatic hydrocarbon-containing feeds with eight carbon atoms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and advantages of the invention will be clear from reading the description hereafter of several embodiments of the device and of the associated process, given by way of non limitative example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein:
- Figure 1 shows two variants tor arranging bypass lines in relation to a separation column,
- Figures 2A and 2B show two variants using « rotary » type valves,
- Figure 3 gives an example of a diverted fluid injection device arranged above a distribution plate,
- Figure 4 diagrammatically shows a specific application of the invention to a separation column comprising a central girder or tube.
Figures 5 and 6 show a detail of the diverted fluid reinjection device and a bottom view of Figure 4,
- Figure.7A, 7B, 7C show plates with panels exhibiting a tangential cutout.

- Figures 8, 9 and 10 diagrammatically show various possibilities for the diverted fluid distribulion devices,
- Figure II is a top view of a distribution system arranged around a separation column,
- Figures 12A, 12B, 13 and 14 show an example of a central girder having a fluid distribution function,
- Figure 15 to 17 describe other variants suited for panels exhibiting a tangential type cutout, the colunm comprising no central girder, and
- Figures 18, 19 and 20 show a variant of a rotary valve used in the example illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 shows a simulated moving bed chromatographic separation column equipped with several bypass lines Lij. For simplification reasons, this figure diagrammatically shows two procedures for connecting a bypass line to an adsorbent bed and to a distribution-mixing-extraction chamber. This connection is achieved according to the invention between a distributor plate Pi and a zone of an adsorbent bed arranged upstream or downstream from the plate. The plate and the zone of the adsorbent bed where the diverted fluid is injected can have the same suffix or different suffixes.
The column comprises an enclosure 1, for example substantially cylindrical, which is tilled with an adsorbent distributed among several beds A1 to An, at least one tluid distribution plate Pi being arranged between two adsorbent beds. A plate Pi comprises

one or more panels or distribution-mixing-extraction panels whose function is to distribute, to extract and/or to mix one or more tiuids, each panel comprising a distribution-extraction-mixing chamber Ci connected to the outside via a fluid distribution spider.
A plate Pi notably comprises an upper grid 6 supporting the adsorbent bed, a distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber Ci, a lower grid 7, means such as a baffle 8 allowing to separate lower grid 7 from upper grid 6. Baffle 8 is provided with a central opening 9 allowing circulation of the tiuids. Chamber Ci comprises for example in its lower part one or more ports Oi. These ports Oi allow passage of the secondary fluid. The latter is either ted into the next bed after being mixed with the main fluid that has tlowed through the main bed, or drawn off through the corresponding transfer line.
Various configurations can be considered for the distribution-mixing-extraction panels, notably the geometries described in patent US-5,792,346 filed by the applicant, where the panel comprises a single distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber for one or more fluids.
The main fluid circulates in the direction of the longitudinal axis or principal axis of the column. It is extracted through a line 2, recycled by means of a pump 3 and a line 4 to the lop of the column. The column can be arranged with a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal axis. The main fluid flows inside the column with a piston type flow or a plug flow, the composition and the flow front being substantially uniform at any point of the column section. A fluid distribution device (not shown in the figure) connected to line 4 can possibly be provided at the top of the column.

A distribution, extraction and/or mixing chamber Ci is connected to the outside of the column by means of a circuit comprising a line Ti connected to several secondary fluid transfer lines. These lines comprise for example a feed injection line 10, a desorbent injection line 11, an extract draw-off line 12 and a raffinate draw-off line 13, Each transfer line is equipped with valves Vfi, Vei> Vsi and Vri where suftlx t corresponds to plate Pi and f designates the feed, e the extract, s the desorbent and r the raffinate. All these valves are connected to sequential permutation means suited to periodically move each secondary fluid injection point or secondary fluid draw-off point forward by one bed in the direction of circulation of the main fluid, i.e. downwards, so 05 to obtain simulated moving countercurrent operation. On the other hand, if simulated cocurrent operation is desired, opening of the valves will be permuted upwards in the opposite direction to the direction of circulation of the fluid.
The column is provided in this example with a bypass line LiJ arranged for example between two plates Pi and Pj, and the two plates can be consecutive.
The working principle of these lines is for example given in patent application FR-2 772,634 whose broad lines are reminded in the present application. A bypass line Li,j
is provided with at leasrt one of the devices mentioned hereafter, alone or in combination, i.e, a nonreturn valve 14, a flowmeter 15, a control valve Voi,j, pilot-operated or not by the flowmeter. A pump possibly arranged on the bypass line can possibly compensate for a deficiency of pressure drop.
The bypass circuit is equipped with a valve Voij, where suffix o corresponds to the diversion function and suffixes i,j to the plates between which the diverted fluid circulateSi

The cycle described above can of course start with another stage than the feed injection stage without departing from the scope of the invention.
Second embodiment variant
In the variant shown in the lower part of Figure 1, a first end of bypass line Lij is connected to an adsorbent bed Ai, tor example in a zone RM, by suitable means, and the, second end of this line is connected by a point R' to secondary fluid delivery and extraction line Ti. This variant allows to draw off. from the adsorbent bed, part of the main fluid in order to reinject it into a distribution chamber of the plate situated downstream from the draw-off point.
Figures 2A and 2B diagrammatically show another variant which differs from Figure 1 in the secondary fluid delivery and extraction circuit.
For these two variants, the circuit comprises a rotary valve 20 whose function is to communicate the various distribution, extraction and draw-off chambers Ci with fluid sources or lines situated outside the column and also to fulfil the fluid diversion function.
Four secondary fluid transfer lines (10, 11, 12, 13) similar to those shown in Figure 1 are connected to rotary valve 20.
Valve 20 comprises several transfer lines Ti connected to a chamber Ci, and several bypass lines Li,j communicating with a zone of an adsorbent bed Ai.
Rotary valve 20 is provided with inner means allowing to communicate : • either secondary fluid transfer lines 10, 11, 12, 13 with transfer lines Ti,

or a zone Ri of an adsorbent bed A1 with an injection, extraction and mixing
chamber Ci+1 to fulfil the fluid diversion function,
♦ or possibly transfer lines 10, 11, 12, 13 with bypass lines Lij and transfer lines
Ti to fulfit the fluid deviation or diversion function, and simulaneously injection or
extraction.
For example, in Figure 2A, to obtain the fluid deviation or diversion function, the fluid drawn off from chamber Ci circulates in line Tt, then, via suitable means located in the valves and described hereafter, it is sent to bypass line L1,2 in zone R2 arranged in adsorbent bed A2.
Figure 2B shows the case where a fluid traction drawn off from an adsorbent bed Am at a point Rm circulates through bypass line Lm,m, then through transfer line Tin,m via rotary valve 20 prior 10 being fed into chamber Cm.
The working principle of the separation process is similar to the principle given in the example of Figure 1.
if the end of bypass line Li,j intended for reinjection of a fraction of the main fluid into the bed is connected to an adsorbent bed zone according to a layout given in the upper part of Figure 1, the reinjection means can consist of a box 30 simply aranged above upper grid 6 of a plate Pi, thus allowing passage of the fraction of the main fluid drawn off (Figure 5). The dimensions of this box, its surface area tor example are no selected that the fluid stream per unit of surface area is met.
Figure 4 shows an embodiment variant suited to the case where the separation column comprises an enclosure 40 including a non-perforated central lube 41 tor

example lined up substantially along the principal axis of the enclosure. The fluid ditribution system consists of one ring 42 per bed mounted on non perforated tube 41. Several pipes 43 or fluid distribution lines extend between a distribution plate Pi and the associated fluid distribution ring so as to connect the various panels 44 of this plate Pi with the outside. In the case of Figure 4, each line 43 coming from distribution ring 42 is subdivided into two secondary lines 43a and 43b which each reach a panel 44 and the corresponding distribution, mixing, extraction chambers. A transfer line 45 extending between the distribution ring and the outside of the column allows communication with the outside and delivery or extraction of fluids.
According to a variant, the number of lines 43 can be equal to the number of panels 44.
In this embodiment, panels 44 exhibit a radial cutout, i.e. they are separated by radial walls.
Plates Pi arc arranged in the enclosure and held up therein by suitable means known to the man skilled in the art. They can be set on girders provided on the centra! tube and possibly the inner walls of the column.
Line 45 is connected to a line 46 on which the transfer lines and the valves respectively connected to desorbent 47, Vsi, extract 48, Vci, feed 49, Vfi and raffinate 50, Vri, are arranged according to a tee connection for example.
If the column is equipped with one or more bypass lines LiJ, the latter communicating two plates Pi find Pi+1 for example, line Li j, with j==i+L is connected to

line 46 at a point R and it is equipped for example with a non-return valve 51 and a valve 52.
Valve 52 is open during all the periods of the cycle, except for 2 particular periods :
• the period during which desorbem is injected onto plate P, situated downstream from bed A2, and
• the period during which feed is injected onto bed A2,
The feed and the desorbent are thus injected on only one bed at a time. Non-return valve 51 closes when extract or raffinate is drawn off at the outlet of bed A1,, assuming that the distribution pressure drop through a panel 44, a line 43 and line 45 is higher than the pressure drop through bed A2. Bypass line Lij, which runs through enclosure 40 and ends below distribution ring 42 tor distribution of the diverted stream is located downstream from nonreturn valve 51.
The zone of the adsorbent bed located below annular distribution ring 42. for which ii may be difficuh to obtain proper loading of the molecular sieve, is advantageously used for reinjection of the divertf?d r1)nd. I'his Tone has a flow area that is greatly disturbed in the absence of diverted fluid during operation of the unit.
The idea of the variant shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 thus consists in using this non-loaded or non-homogeneously loaded zone to connect the end of the bypass line used for reinjection of the main fluid fraction drawn off from a chamber Ci or the end of the line that will be used to draw off part of the main fluid in order to reinject it into a distribution chamber Ci situated downstream, according to layouts substantially similar 10 those described In Figure 1.

Figures 5 and 6 respectively show a cross-sectional view and a top view of an embodiment of such a fluid reinjcction means and its layout in relation to the bulky elements arranged in the column such as the annular ring and the various lines.
Figure 5 shows the specific layout of an annular chamber of substantially conical shape, arranged below the distribution ring and whose function is notably to distribute the diverted fluid in the adsorbent bed.
This conical annular chamber is for example mounted on non-perforated central tube 41. The non-perforated central tube comprises for example holding means such as a collar on which the distribution panels rest.
Bypass line Lij opens for example into a distribution ring 53 (Figure 5) made from a pertbrated tube. This ring 53 is tor example arranged within the annular distribution chamber delimited by a Johnson or Nagaoka type grid 54 allowing to protect the end of line Li,j and distribution ring 53 from the adsorbent particles. This grid 54 can be welded on the one hand to the lower periphery of the annular distribution ring and, on the other hand, to the non-pertbrated central tube.
Grid 54 has a wall 55 of substantially conical shape that rests for example, at its lower end 56, on non-perforated central tube 41 and, at its upper end 57, below the annular fluid distribution ring.
The geometry of the annular reinjcction chamber is for example defined by the following parameters :

α = angle formed by wall 55 and the axis of the central tube.
angle β complementary to angle a can also be considered,
b = length of wall 55, a distance contained between lower end 56 and upper end 57,
a = distance at which reinjection ring 53 is positioned in relation to conical wall 55.
The value of angle corresponds for example to the angle of repose formed by the « badly loaded » sieve and the principal axis of the column.
The values of parameters a, b and a are notably selected to obtain ;
the easiest assembly possible,
a velocity field as homogeneous as possible in the zone the bed located below the annular reinjection box,
the most homogeneous distribution possible for the fluid flowing through the armular reinjection box.
The distance c between a plate Pi and the lower connection point situated between the grid and the centra! tube is selected to allow easy assembly of the panels forming a plate on the support collar.
When using this reinjection means, the fluid flow circulating in the bypass line
allows on the one hand to continuously flush the whole of the distribution spider of the upper bed, the transfer line of the upper bed and the transfer and bypass lines, and on the other hand to provide permanent renewal of the fluid of the annular reinjection box.

Furthermore, the diverted fluid passes into a zone of the bed where the flow would be disturbed in the absence of a reinjection device. The reinjection box thus contributes to improving the distribution homogeneity of the fluid stream.
Without departing from the scope of the invention, the variants described in Figures 2A and 2B can be applied to the separation column described in Figure 4, for which the means intended for reinjection of the fluids in a « badly loaded » zone is detailed in Figure 5. The dimensions and geometry data given before remain valid.
Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to apply one of the emix)diments of the diverted tluid injection circuit detailed in Figures \ or 2A, 2B to a column used tor simulated moving bed separation comprising a central tube provided, on certain sections or parts, with several ports allowing passage of the secondary fluids and replacing the annular type distribution ring.
Figures 7A, 7B, 7C diagrammatically show several variants where plate Pi consists of several panels having a tangential or parallel type cutout.
In this case, the tluid distribution spider divides, tor the instances given by way of non limitative example in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C, so as to supply 8, 12 or 16 plates according to variants illustrated lor example in patent US-5,792,346 or in patent applications FR-98/10,998 or FR-98/10,996, considermg the distribulion system connected to a single room.
When the column comprises a non-perforated central tube, the latter serves for example as a support lor the diverted tluid reinjection device. The device can have

different geometries, some of which are given by way of non limitative example in Figures 8, 9 and 10.

separation column 60. The column comprises several plates Pi whose arrangement is substantially similar to that described in the previous tlgures. Each plate Pi consists of several panels comprising each a single distribution-extraction-mixing chamber Ci. A plate Pi can be divided into several areas, for example 4 areas in this example. Each chamber Ci is connected to the fluid distribution and extraction system by means of transfer lines 61 arranged for example as described hereafter.
The distribution system comprises a transfer line 61 subdivided into two lines 62, 63. Lines 62 and 63 themselves are subdivided into two secondary lines 62a, 62b and 63a, 63b allowing distribution and or extraction of the fluids to or from the four areas of the plate.
The end of a secondary line 62a, 62b, 63a, 63b, distinct from junction point J. comprises, in a given area, one or more lines 64 whose number is equal to the number of panels forming an area.

Bypass line Li J opens into a circular ring arranged around non-performed central
tube 65 placed inside an annular rcinjcction chamber or annular box 66 whose geometric characteristics and dimensions are those given above in Figures 8, 9,10,
Figures 12A and 12B diagrammatically show an element of a perforated central mast used in the separation column as described in Figures 1 and 2. This element comprises a tube 80 or a substantially cylindrical tube portion having a wall thickness e, a length 1 and an inside diameter D.
The mast element consists for example of three parts, an upper part 81, an intermediate part 82 referred to as « fluid distributor-collector », comprising several means allowing passage of one or more fluids, and a lower part 83- Parts 81 and 82 are separated by an upper sealing element 84a and parts 82 and 83 by a lower sealing element 84b so that the fluids circulate in part 82 only. Tn some cases, a minor fluid fraction can possibly be present in pans 81 or 83 for pressurization of the mast element for example.
The distributor-collector element is provided with various means allowitig passage or circulation of fluids in the cylindrical section towards the outside and vice versa. These means are tor example : a port 85 having a diameter Φ, several ports 86i having a diameter Φ6, distributed on the periphery of the mast element. A separation element 87 such as a plate, for example provided with a central port 88, thus delimits two annular spaces 82a and 82b inside the distributor-collector element. Upper space S2a communicates with port 85 and lower space 82b with ports 86i.
If we consider a fluid distribution from the central element of the girder, the f1uid(s) to be distributed flow through port 85 towards the inside of the mast element, then

through port 88 of perforated plate 87 prior to being distribured to the outside of the mast through ports 86i.
Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is also possible to reverse the functions of ports 85 and 86i, the fluid flowing first through ports 86i, then through port 85.
Mast element 80 is provided, in its lower part and in its upper part, with flanges 89a and 89b respectively, or with any other means aliowuig notably connection between various elements so as to form a mast used as a central girder.
The elements can also be connected together by welding.
Separation element 87 can be a perforated plate or a grid.
The diameter of central port 88 is selected so as to obtain sufficient turbulence of the fluid(s) in spaces 82a and 82 b to provide homogeneous distribution of the fluids through ports 861 and 85.
Port 88 is preferably located at the centre of plate 87 so that the fluid delivered through port 85 reaches the majority of ports 86i at the same time.
When separation element 87 consists of a perforated plate comprising several ports. The sum of the flow surface area of the ports is considered to provide the most homogeneous distribution possible.

Flanges 89a and 89b and the thickness of the mast are designed to provide a sufficient stiffness in relation to the load undergone by the column.
Mast element 80 and ports 85 and 86i can have various shapes or geometries.
Figure 14 shows an example of a mast element comprising, distributed over its length, three zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 comprising each a structure similar to that given in Figure 12 A.
The structure of each zone Z1,, Z2 and Z3 is comparable, as regards the elements that constitute it, to a mast element comprising sealing means 84a, 84b confming the fluid mainly in distribution-collection part 82.
They also comprise one or more ports 85, openings 86i and a separation plate 87 as described above.
The stages for manufacturing such an element are for example as follows :
• a substantially cylindrical hollow central tube is used,
• ports 85 and 86i are drilled according to previously determined distances and geometries,
• the following various elements are associated outside (Figure 13):
• a lower sealing clement 84b, then, just above, a separation plate 87, then another scaling element 840, spaced out so as to obtain a structure similar to the inside of the mast element described in Figure 12A. This operation is started again by arranging the same elements from a given distance d between the lower sealing element of zone Z: and the upper sealing element of zone Z3 for example.

• the assembly thus obtained is fed into the hollow tube and held up by means known to the man skilled in the art. Sealing between the plates and the hollow tube can be provided by welding or by any other means.
Other embodiment variants shown in Figures 15 to 17 are suited for cases where the separation column comprises no centrall tube.
These cases are particularly well-suited for small-diameter separation columns. Plates Pi consist of tangentially cut out panels, typically 3 to 5.
In the example illustrated by figure 15, the annular reinjection device or chamber is laid out as follows ; bypass line Lij is for example ended by a T-connected distribution ramp 80 arranged in a filtering perforated pipe 81 preferably on the principal axis of the column. Line Lij and/or the perforated pipe is for example secured to the central branch of the distribution spider if the connection lines are arranged in a vertical plane.
Figures 16 and 17 diagrammatically show rwo other variants.
Figures 18, 19 and 20 illustrate the valve according to the invention and an example of positioning of the communication means allowing to carry out a stage of the process.
The fluids involved in the process circulate through lines that can be classified in three groups defined according to their function tor example. Connection between the various groups is for example achieved according to a predetermined sequence.
In a separation process using four process fluids such as feed F, extract E, raffinate R and desorbent S, the various groups can be specified as follows :

There are various possibilities for circulating the fluids in the grooves. In Figures 18 and 19, the example shows a fluid distribution performed from the most polluting to the least polluting, from centre 114 to the periphery of the valve stator.
• Several ports :
• porta 115, each one being connected to n transfer line Li and to a flow surface S1, are distributed for example on a circle Coxt (Figure 19) arranged on the periphery of the stator. The number of these ports 115 is equal to the number of transfer lines Li,
• ports 116, each one being connected to a bypass line (Bi) and to a flow section S2, are arranged on a circle Ciat (Figure 19) situated between the circle which is the most exterior to the stator and the first groove of the group (in this example, groove F), A port 116 corresponds to a port 115.
Flow sections S1 and S2 of ports 115 and 116 are determined according to the flow rate of the secondary fluids (or process fluids) and to the flow rate of the diverted fluid. The pressure drop being imposed by the granular medium for a given flow rate, the diameter of the bypass line is selected so as to have a synchronism of the flow rates of the main fluid and of the diverted fluid. Typically, the value of the S1/S2 ratio is of the order of 4, and it can range between 2 and 10.
A rotor 117 comprising :
• an element of thickness « er » delimited by a lower face 122 and an upper face 123. The element is mounted on a shaft comprising two parts 124 and 129 coupled together.
Part 124 is secured to the stator by bearings. Part 129 runs through a bell 126, sealing being provided by systems known to the man skilled in the art.

• several ports 119 running through the thickness of the rotor. These ports 119 arc
arranged so as to allow communication of a groove (R, F, S, E) with a process fluid
transger line(10, 11,12,13),
• means 120 such as U-shaped lines allowing communication of a port 119 with a port
115 of the stator. In this application case, there are four lines 120,
• a joint or liner 121 of thickness e, arranged on lower face 122 of the rotor, provides sealing between the four grooves, the various ports 115,116, 113,
• means 125 for communicating a transfer line Li with a bypass line Bi, distributed on upper face 123. These means can consist of elliptical slots for example, whose major axes are for example oriented radially to the rotor.
Slots 125 arranged for example in the liner have the following characteristics :
• a depth « Pe »,
• a principal axis having a sufficient length to allow communication between two pons 115 and 116 situated on the same radius of the stator in order to achieve diversion of the fluid. The length of this axis Is at least equal to the distance « d » between the two circles Cent and ext
The value of depth « Pc » is for example greater than the value of thickness « c » of liner 121, slot 125 being bored at least partly in the liner arranged on lower face 122 of the rotor.
A bell 126
Bell 126 is fastened to the stator by means 127 known to the man skilled in the art, such as screws, bolts or any other means allowing a mechanical link. A line 128 allows

to deliver a fluid under pressure. Before the rotor starts rotating, the pressure in the bell is lowered so as to decrease the force exerted between the rotor and the stator and to facilitate the relative displacement between these two pans.
Figure 19 shows the upper face of the stator, notably the following elements : ports 115 and 116 arranged in two circles, Cext and Cent, respectively, grooves F, R, E, S and
ports 113 opening into the grooves.
Figure 20 illustrates an example of communication of the various elements of the valve during a stage of the process. The position of the slots and of means 120 on the lower tace of the rotor is shown when the four process fluids pass through four beds while the diverted fluid passes through the other twenty beds.
Slots 125 allow passage of the diverted tluid between two consecutive beds for example
The tour U-shaped lines 120 communicate a port of a groove with an external line allowing delivery' or extraction of a process fluid.
Thus, in Figure 20 :
• the raffinate is extracted from bed 4 by passing through a port 119 (R), a line 120 (R), a port 113 (R) and line 13,
• the teed is injected into bed 10, ihrough line 10, a port 113 (F), a line 120 (F), a port
• the extract is drawn off from bed 16 through a port 119 (E). a line 120 (E), a port 113(E) and line 12,

• the solvent or desorbent is introduced into bed 20 through line 11, a port 113 (S), a line 120 (S), a port 119 (S).
Suffixes R, F, S and E respectively designate the raffinate, the teed, the desorbent and the extract.
The other beds receive the diverted fluid, which corresponds to communicating a port 115 with a port 116 by means of a slot 125,
Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible to also provide an elliptical slot in the liner at the points where the secondary tiuids are injected or drawn off. In this case, the fluids are partly injected and drawn off through the bypass line, but the four beds following injection or draw off do not undergo the internal flow rate disturbance due to the diverted fluid stream interruption.

WE CLAIM
1) A device allowing to separate at least one compound from a mixture or a body by adsorption with a simulated moving bed, comprising at least:
• an enclosure or column comprising one or more adsorbent beds (Ai), two adsorbent beds being separated by at least one fluid distribution and extraction plate (Pi)j the plate comprising one or more panels allowing distribution, mixing and/or extraction of the fluids,
• at least one line (4) intended for delivery of a main fluid and a line (2) intended for extraction of the main fluid,
• several lines (10, IK 12, 13, Ti) allowing extraction or injection of secondary fluids,
• a bypass circuit communicating a distribution plate with at least one bypass line (Li,j),
• the panel comprises a single distribution, mixing and/or extraction chamber (Ci),
characterized in that:
• the device comprises means (14, Voi,j, 20) for communicating at least one
chamber (Ci) with at least one bypass line (Lij),
• at least one end of a bypass line communicates with a zone (Ri, R'i) of an
adsorbent bed, said zone being distinct from a distribution chamber (Ci), and
another end is connected to said chamber (Ci),

2) A device as claimed m claim 1, characterized in that said communication means comprise at least one valve Voi,J arranged on at least one bypass line (Lij) and in that the end of the bypass line that is not connected to the zone of the adsorbent bed is connected to a delivery and/or extraction line (Ti).
3) A device as claimed in claim l, characterized in that said communication means comprise at least one rotary valve (20), said rotary valve being connected to at least one delivery and/or extraction line (Ti) and to at least one bypass line (LiJ), said valve comprising means allowing at least to communicate a delivery and/or extraction line with at least one bypass line.
4) A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said rotary valve (20) allows to communicate several groups of lines, group G|, group Gj and group G,, said valve comprising :

• a stator (110) provided with several means (E, F, R, S) intended for circulation of the fluid(s) of group G1, means (115, 116) allowing passage of at least two fluids F1, F2 belonging 10 group G3,
• a rotor (117) equipped with means (119) allowing passage of the fluids of group Gj and means (120) allowing communication of either the fluids of group G, with group G1, or of group G2 with group G3,
• the number of means (115) intended for passage of fluid F1 is substantially equal to the number of means (116) intended for passage of fluid F2, said valve comprises means (122) for communicating at least two fluids of group G3 and flow section S1 of the ports intended for fluid Fi is different from flow section S2 of the parts intended for fluid F2.

5) A device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the means provided on the valve for passage of fluid F, and of fluid F: have flow surface areas S1 and S2 respectively and in that the S1/S2 ratio is about 4 and preferably ranges between 2 and 10
6) A device as claimed in any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said means allowing communication of the fluids of group G3 consist of slots (122) provided in a layer of material or liner deposited on the lower face of the rotor,
7) A device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a slot (122) has a depth « Pe » and said depth is at least equal to the thickness « e » of the liner.
8) A device as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that said circulation means (E, R,. S, F) consist of several grooves arranged on the resting tace or upper face of the stator and in that slots (122) are provided in the liner.
9) A device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that circulation means (E, R, S, F) are 4 in number.

10) A device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said enclosure comprises a non-perforated central tube over at least part of the length thereof, and in that the panels forming a plate exhibit a tangential type cutout, zone (Ri, R'i) comprises at least one diverted fluid distribution means (53, 54), the end of bypass line (Li,j) opens into said distribution means (53, 54).
11) A device as claimed m claim 10, characterized in that the fluid distribution circuit is arranged around said enclosure and in that it comprises a main line (61)

17) A device as claimed in any one of the previous claim, characterized in that said column comprises a substantially central mast comprising one or rnore mast elements (80), including at least:

being connected to a zone of an adsorbent bed distinct from a chamber (Ci) so as to inject and/or to extract part of the main fluid in the zone.
19) A process as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that a fraction of the main fluid is drawn off from a chamber (Ci) corresponding to a plate Pi and the main fluid fraction drawn off is injected into a zone of adsorbent bed Ai-i-1,
20) A process as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that a fraction of the main fluid is drawn off from a zone of an adsorbent bed Ai and said fraction is injected into chamber Ci.
21) Application of the device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 and of the process as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 for separation of paraxylene from aromatic hydrocarbon-containing feeds with eight carbon atoms.

22. A device allowing to separate at least one compound from a mixture or a body by adsorption with a simulated moving bed, substantially as hereinabove

Documents:

abs-in-pct-2001-190-che.jpg

in-pct-2001-190-che-abstract.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-claims filed.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-claims granted.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-correspondnece-others.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-correspondnece-po.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-description(complete)filed.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-description(complete)granted.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-drawings.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-form 1.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-form 26.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-form 3.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-form 5.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-other documents.pdf

in-pct-2001-190-che-pct.pdf

« Previous Patent

Next Patent »

Patent Number

211985

Indian Patent Application Number

IN/PCT/2001/190/CHE

PG Journal Number

02/2008

Publication Date

11-Jan-2008

Grant Date

13-Nov-2007

Date of Filing

09-Feb-2001

Name of Patentee

M/S. INSTITUT FRANCAIS DU PETROLE

Applicant Address

1 & 4, avenue de Bois Préau, F-92852 Rueil-Malmaison,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HOTIER, GErard	17, rue du Docteur Zamenhof, F-92500 Rueil-Malmaison
2	FERSCHNEIDER, Gilles	13, Lotissement des Econarées, Chaponnay, F-69360 Saint Symphorien d'Ozon (FR).
3	VIGUIE, Jean-Christophe	Quai Hector Berlioz, F-69360 Saint Symphorien D'Ozon (FR).
4	DECOODT, Xavier	134, rue Saint Denis, F-93100 Montreuil (FR).

PCT International Classification Number

B01D 15/00

PCT International Application Number

PCT/FR2000/001455

PCT International Filing date

2000-05-26

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	99/07309	1999-06-09	France