Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) systems are used for separations that are either impossible or difficult using traditional separation techniques. SMB has become one of the most popular techniques finding its application in petrochemical and sugar industries, and of late, there has been an increased interest in pharmaceutical industry for enantio-separations. SMB systems can also be integrated to include reactions, which can provide economic benefit for equilibrium limited reversible reactions, such as many hydrogenation, isomerization, and esterification reactions. These are continuous flow reactors in which chemical reactions are carried out in the presence of solid adsorbents so that both separation andchemical reaction are integrated into a single process unit. In-situ separation of the products facilitates the reversible reaction to completion beyond thermodynamic equilibriumand at the same time obtaining products of high purity. Furthermore, the integration of reactor and separator can lead to considerable savings in capital and operating costs. The unique aspect of our research is to apply the concept of multi-objective optimization in innovative design of SMB systems followed by experimental verification. This talk will introduce the concept of SMB operations and provide several modifications of traditional SMB as well as different applications.

Professor Ajay K. Ray, Chair of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department at Western University, has made seminal research contributions in industrial process modeling and optimization; development of solar photocatalysis; and advancement of simulated moving bed technology for reactive separation. Dr. Ray has contributed to enhance engineering knowledge by devising innovative approaches to enhance process performance for applications in energy, environment, food and health, the key challenges facing the world. Dr. Ray is a prolific author, having written a text book on Engineering Mathematics and over 150 research articles in archival journals. The impact of his work is evident from high h-index and citations received. He has mentored over 50 graduate students. He is member of the editorial board of journals, recipient of the Research, Teaching and Faculty Scholars award, CrayQuest award, Distinguished Speakers award, and Distinguished Alumni award from Calcutta University, India.

Research Expertise:

Modelling, Simulation and Multi-objective Optimization of Industrial Reactors and Processes, Simulated Moving Bed Systems for Impossible Separations, Integrated Reactor-Separator, Semiconductor Photocatalysis, Disinfection of Opaque (Low UVT) Fluids, Hybrid SMB-Crystallization, Oscillatory Reactor.