Application Multi-objective Optimization in the Design of
Simulated Moving Beds for Difficult and Reactive Separations
Dr. Ajay K. Ray
Professor and Chair, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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 and chemical reaction are integrated into
a single process unit. In-situ separation of the products facilitates the reversible reaction to
completion beyond thermodynamic equilibrium and 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.
About the Speaker
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 SMBCrystallization, Oscillatory Reactor.