Process for controlling the pressure in a simulated moving bed separation system

Abstract

Process for controlling the pressure in a separation system comprising a loop including several zones defined by fluid injection and fluid draw-off points is disclosed. A parameter such as the pressure is controlled at least at one point of the loop by acting on the global difference (.delta.) between the flow rates of fluids injected and the flow rates of fluids drawn off by means of well-determined variations (.delta..sub.X) applied to at least two injected and/or drawn off flows rates. This control is performed for example by imposing on each of these flow rates, variations (.delta..sub.X) depending on the respective values of these flow rates, and for example variations proportional to the respective values (X) of these flow rates. It is for example possible to maintain one or two of the flow rates of fluids injected and drawn off constant. The process can be applied for separating aromatic hydrocarbons or optical isomers for example.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.