Abstract: Processes for controlling at least one process condition of a chemical processing unit with a turbine. In the processes, a flow of a fluid is adjusted with a turbine in order to provide the fluid with a flow associated with at least one process condition of a chemical processing unit. The turbine wheel is rotated within the turbine, and the turbine wheel is configured to transmit rotational movement to an electrical generator. The resistance of the turbine is modulated and adjusts the flow of the fluid through the turbine. A response time of at least one steady state process condition to a new steady state process condition of at least 10% difference is at least one second to reach 50% of the difference between the at least one steady state process condition and the new steady state process condition after modulating the resistance of the turbine.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed separator and methods for isolating a desired component are provided. A method includes removing a raffinate from a raffinate bed of a simulated moving bed separator. The raffinate includes an undesired component, and the simulated moving bed separator includes a plurality of adsorbent beds circularly coupled together, a distributor, and a plurality of conduits coupling the distributor to the plurality of adsorbent beds. The adsorbent beds include the raffinate bed, a desorbent bed, and a zone 4 flush bed positioned between the raffinate bed and the desorbent bed. Desorbent is added to the desorbent bed through a desorbent conduit. The zone 4 flush conduit is flushed to the desorbent conduit, where the zone 4 flush conduit is coupled to the zone 4 flush bed.

Abstract: A process is described for separating paraxylene from a multicomponent fluid mixture of C8 aromatics, and more particularly to a process for separating paraxylene from such a fluid mixture by means of adsorption apparatus, such as moving-bed or simulated moving-bed adsorption apparatus. A process is also described for making paraxylene by making a mixture of C8 aromatics and separating paraxylene from the mixture by means of a simulated moving-bed adsorption apparatus.

Abstract: A process for component separation in a polymer production system comprising: (a) separating a polymerization product into a gas stream and a polymer stream; (b) processing the gas stream in distillation columns to yield a light hydrocarbon stream (LHS) comprising ethylene and ethane; (c) contacting LHS with a purged hydrocarbon adsorber to yield a loaded hydrocarbon adsorber and a non-adsorbed gas stream, wherein ethane is adsorbed by the purged hydrocarbon adsorber at a first pressure to yield adsorbed ethane, and wherein the non-adsorbed gas stream comprises recovered ethylene; (d) contacting the loaded hydrocarbon adsorber with a sweeping gas stream at a second pressure to yield an unloaded hydrocarbon adsorber and a recovered adsorbed gas stream comprising the sweeping gas stream and desorbed ethane; and (e) contacting the unloaded hydrocarbon adsorber with the sweeping gas stream at the first pressure to yield the purged hydrocarbon adsorber and a spent sweeping gas.

Abstract: An aromatics complex producing one or more xylene isomers offers a large number of opportunities to conserve energy by heat exchange within the complex. One previously unrecognized opportunity is through providing two parallel distillation columns operating at different pressures to separate C8 aromatics from C9+ aromatics. The parallel columns offer additional opportunities to conserve energy within the complex through heat exchange in associated xylene recovery facilities.

Abstract: A process according to various approach includes flushing an intermediate transfer line between the first intermediate transfer line and the extract stream transfer line away from the adsorptive separation chamber to remove residual fluid from intermediate transfer line. The process may include directing the residual fluid flushed from the intermediate transfer line to a recycle stream to introduce the residual fluid into the adsorptive separation chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a hydrocarbon are provided. The method can include separating a hydrocarbon comprising olefins and paraffins to produce an olefin-rich hydrocarbon comprising about 70 wt % or more olefins and a paraffin-rich hydrocarbon comprising about 70 wt % or more paraffins. The method can also include cracking at least a portion of the olefin-rich hydrocarbon in the presence of one or more catalysts at conditions sufficient to produce a cracked product comprising about 20 wt % or more C2-C3 olefins.

Abstract: Binderless BaKX zeolitic adsorbents, methods for their production, and processes for their use in a liquid phase adsorptive separation process are provided. An adsorbent includes a binder-converted zeolite portion formed from x wt % kaolin clay binder and (100?x) wt % unconverted Zeolite X with a silica:alumina molar ratio of about 2.5. The kaolin clay binder is in the range of about 10 to about 20 wt %. Ba and K occupy cationic exchangeable sites within the adsorbent. K is in the range of about 0.25 to about 0.9% by weight and Ba is greater than about 31.6% by weight of the binderless BaKX zeolitic adsorbent. Cornstarch may be added to the Zeolite X and kaolin clay binder to increase adsorbent macro-porosity and pore volume. Productivity of the adsorbent is improved decreasing process operating costs. The mechanical strength of the adsorbent is also improved.

Abstract: Purge fluid from a vessel head in an adsorption process is distributed to recovery processes according to the purity of product contained in the fluid. Extract-rich fluid thus is routed directly to recovery of the extract product. Distribution preferably is determined by internal positioning of feed, desorbent and product streams in the adsorption vessel.

Abstract: A system and process for removing hydrocarbons from a gas process feed stream is presented. The treatment process may be, but is not limited to, glycol dehydration, amine sweetening, and MEG reclamation. As an example, a hydrocarbon removal bed containing a solid adsorbent material adsorbs the hydrocarbons in a rich MEG feed stream as it passes through the hydrocarbon removal bed. After the hydrocarbons have been removed, the feed stream flows through a flash separator and a distillation column to reclaim MEG. Alternatively, the hydrocarbon removal bed may be used after the MEG reclamation process to remove hydrocarbons in the distilled water from the distillation column. Spent solid adsorbent material may be regenerated in place.

Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system is described. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. The improvement is a more efficient use of the desorbent. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.

Abstract: A process for separating para-xylene from a plurality of xylene isomers, wherein the process introduces at a first feed point a first mixed xylene stream comprising a plurality of xylene isomers into a first adsorptive separation unit to produce a first para-xylene enriched stream and a first raffinate stream, and introduces a second mixed xylene stream comprising a plurality of xylene isomers into a second adsorptive separation unit to produce a second raffinate stream. The process feeds both the first raffinate stream and the second raffinate stream into a raffinate column. The process further introduces an extract stream from the second adsorptive separation unit into a first input of a split extract column comprising an internal partition defining a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone.

Abstract: A split-shell column includes a raffinate column portion for separating a raffinate material from a desorbent material and a desorbent rerun column portion for separating heavy contaminants from the desorbent material. A feed to the desorbent rerun column portion is provided from the desorbent material in the raffinate column. The desorbent rerun column portion occupies a portion of a lower end of the split-shell column and is thermally separated from the raffinate column portion.

Abstract: An aromatics complex producing one or more xylene isomers offers a large number of opportunities to conserve energy by heat exchange within the complex. One previously unrecognized opportunity is through providing two parallel distillation columns operating at different pressures to separate C8 aromatics from C9+ aromatics. The parallel columns offer additional opportunities to conserve energy within the complex through heat exchange in associated xylene recovery facilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to aggregate zeolitic adsorbents based on faujasite X type zeolite powder having a low silica content and small crystals, exchanged with barium or based on faujasite X type zeolite having a low silica content and small crystals, exchanged with barium and potassium. The invention also relates to the method for preparing said aggregate zeolitic adsorbents, and also their uses for separating sugars, polyhydric alcohols, isomers of substituted toluene, cresols, or for recovering very high purity paraxylene.

Abstract: A process for the production of para-xylene by simulated counter-current adsorption with high flexibility with respect to a reference run (100%) uses 2 adsorbers each with 12 beds, said adsorbers being able to be connected in accordance with 3 different modes; the flexibility obtained is 50% to 150%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the activation of a copper, zinc and zirconium oxide-comprising adsorption composition for the adsorptive removal of carbon monoxide from substance streams comprising carbon monoxide and at least one olefin wherein (i) in a first activation step an activation gas mixture comprising the olefin and an inert gas is passed through the adsorption composition, and (ii) in a second activation step the adsorption composition is heated to a temperature in the range from 180 to 300° C. and an inert gas is passed through it, wherein the steps (i) and (ii) can each be performed several times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the regeneration of a copper-, zinc- and zirconium oxide-comprising adsorption composition after use thereof for the adsorptive removal of carbon monoxide from substance streams comprising carbon monoxide and at least one olefin, in which the adsorption composition is heated to a temperature in the range from 160 to 400° C. and a regeneration gas is passed through the adsorption composition, wherein the regeneration gas comprises 1000 to 3000 ppm of oxygen in an inert carrier gas.

Abstract: Adsorbents and methods for the adsorptive separation of para-xylene from a mixture containing at least one other C8 aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g., a mixture of ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, para-xylene, and ethylbenzene) are described. Suitable adsorbents comprise zeolite X having an average crystallite size of less than 1.8 microns. The adsorbents provide improved mass transfer, which is especially advantageous for improving productivity in low temperature, low cycle time adsorptive separation operations in a simulated moving bed mode.

Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system is described. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. The improvement is a more efficient use of the desorbent. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.

Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system is described. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. The improvement is more efficient use of the desorbent. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.

Abstract: A process for separating para-xylene from aromatic compounds is presented. The process introduces throughout a first step-time interval a first mixed xylene stream into a first feed input on a first adsorptive separation unit comprising multiple bed lines. The process further introduces throughout the first step-time interval a second mixed xylene stream into a second feed input on the first adsorptive separation unit. During a first portion of the first step-time interval, the process introduces material from a feed stream used during the first step-time interval into a bed line not used to deliver a stream into, or withdraw a stream from, the first adsorptive separation unit during the first step time interval. During a second portion of the first step-time interval, the process introduces material from a purification zone into the feed stream used during the first step-time interval.

Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agglomerated zeolitic adsorbents based on zeolite X with an Si/Al ratio such that 1.15<Si/AL<1.5, consisting of crystals with a mean diameter of 1.7 mm or less and of an inert binder, at least 90% of the exchangeable cationic sites of the zeolite X being occupied by barium ions. They may be obtained by agglomerating a zeolite X powder having a mean diameter of 1.7 mm or less with a binder, followed by zeolitization of the binder, exchange of the zeolite ions with barium (and potassium) ions and activation of the adsorbents thus exchanged.

Abstract: A process for separating methane from a natural gas mixture employs pressure swing adsorption in one or more vessels. Each vessel has an adsorbent material having a kinetic selectivity for contaminants over methane greater than 5. Contaminants within the natural gas mixture become gases kinetically adsorbed within the adsorbent material. The vessel is placed under pressure to cause contaminants to be adsorbed in the surfaces and micro-pores of the adsorbent material. The process includes releasing a product stream comprised at least 95% by volume methane from a first gas outlet in the vessel, and desorbing the contaminant gases from the adsorbent material by reducing the pressure within the vessel. The desorbing step is done without applying heat to the vessel, thereby delivering a waste gas stream comprised at least 95% by volume of the contaminant gases. An improved fractionation vessel having both major and minor flow channels is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a closed loop purity and recovery control system and process for operating a xylene purification system such as a Parex unit.

Abstract: A process for adsorption separation uses a solid IM-12 type adsorbent to separate a molecular species from any feed.

Abstract: A mixed matrix adsorbent is found for use in the removal of light alkanes from a gasoline stream. The mixed matrix comprises two adsorbents with one adsorbent having an LTA type structure and the other adsorbent having an MFI structure.

Abstract: The present process comprises a means for energy savings in a process pump by combining the pump with a power-recovery turbine. The invention is particularly useful in the separation of a desired product from a mixture of components using simulated-moving-bed adsorption associated with a large circulating stream with a power-recovery turbine feature for conservation of energy relative to the known art. The improvement is particularly applicable to a process for the separation of para-xylene from mixed C8 aromatics.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the application of an adsorbent material of microporous carbon (MCA), prepared from the direct pyrolysis of copolymers generically known as Saran, in adsorption processes to reduce the benzene content in naphtha boiling range hydrocarbon streams, between 27 and 191° C., in which is preferable to perform a first separation by distillation of the C6's fraction, and a further separation of Benzene by adsorption through an adsorbent material bed, obtaining the fraction of C6's free of Benzene and an adsorbent with Benzene, which is further regenerated by pressure or temperature swing desorption or by displacement using a desorbent such as an inert gas at high temperature or by passing a desorbent which after the process, the desorbent and Benzene are separated by distillation. The fraction of C6's free of Benzene is reintegrated to the hydrocarbon stream and providing a gasoline with a Benzene content less than 1 volume %.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least two adsorptive separation zones to separate para-xylene from a feed stream comprising C8 aromatic hydrocarbons and at least one C9 aromatic hydrocarbon component. The first adsorptive separation zone delivers a raffinate stream to a raffinate distillation zone and an extract stream to an extract distillation zone. The raffinate distillation zone delivers a stream to the second adsorptive separation zone and at least one of the extract distillation zone and raffinate distillation zone delivers a recycle stream to the first adsorptive separation zone.

Abstract: A simulated moving bed adsorptive separation process for preparing the separate feed streams charged to naphtha reforming unit and a steam cracking unit has been developed. The feed stream to the overall unit is passed into the adsorptive separation unit. The desorbent in the adsorptive separation is C12 hydrocarbons. The simulated moving bed adsorptive separation separates the components of the feed stream into a normal paraffin stream, which is charged to the steam cracking process, and non-normal hydrocarbons which are passed into a reforming zone. The desorbent is readily separated from the normal paraffin stream and from the non-normal paraffin stream and the simulated moving bed adsorption zone is operated at an A/Fn ratio of from about 0.90 to about 0.92.

Abstract: A process for removing a contaminant from a hydrocarbon containing a first quantity of the at least one contaminant, including contacting the hydrocarbon with a clay packed in a column, at least a portion of the contaminant bing sorbed by the clay and forming a clay-contaminant adduct; removing the hydrocarbon from the column, the removed hydrocarbon having a second, reduced quantity of the at least one contaminant; heating the clay and the clay-contaminant adduct in the column to regenerate the clay material, the heating being carried out without removing the clay from the column; and re-using the regenerated clay material in further iterations of the process.

Abstract: The invention is an adsorptive separation process for producing a para-xylene product from a feed stream comprising para-xylene, at least one other C8 aromatic, and a C9 aromatic. An adsorbent comprising X or Y zeolite and a desorbent comprising para-diethylbenzene (p-DEB) are used in an adsorptive separation zone to produce an extract stream comprising para-xylene, p-DEB, and the C9 aromatic and a raffinate stream comprising the at least one other C8 aromatic, the C9 aromatic, and p-DEB. The extract stream is separated in an extract distillation zone to produce a second desorbent stream comprising the C9 aromatic and p-DEB and the raffinate stream is separated in a raffinate distillation zone to produce a third desorbent stream comprising the C9 aromatic and p-DEB. At least a portion of at least one of the second desorbent stream and the third desorbent stream is further separated in a desorbent distillation zone to produce a stream comprising the C9 aromatic.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for reducing the sulfur content in hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel. The invention provides a method and materials for producing ultra low sulfur content transportation fuels for motor vehicles as well as for applications such as fuel cells. The materials and method of the invention may be used at ambient or elevated temperatures and at ambient or elevated pressures without the need for hydrogen.

Abstract: A process for producing an adsorbent where a metal oxide is reacted with an alkoxy silane to produce an epoxy-functionalized metal oxide. This product is reacted with an amino-substituted propionic acid and a nitro-substituted fluorenone, and this product is grafted to the epoxy-functionalized metal oxide. This grafted product is the adsorbent, which may be contacted with a hydrocarbon mixture having at least one sulfur containing compound in order to remove this sulfur containing compound. Also disclosed is a process for adding polymerization groups to an adsorbent.

Abstract: A process is described for the separation of a first chemical compound from a liquid feed stream comprising at least first and second chemical compounds by simulated countercurrent adsorptive separation. In the process, the feed stream and a liquid desorbent stream are passed into at least one multi-bed adsorbent chamber at two different points via different transfer lines and an extract stream rich in the first chemical compound and a raffinate stream depleted in the first chemical compound are removed from the adsorbent chamber at two different points by two additional transfer lines. In addition, the contents of the transfer line which has just been used to supply the desorbent stream are flushed into the adsorbent chamber at a point along the chamber between the transfer line just used to supply the desorbent stream and the transfer line just used to withdraw the raffinate.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least two adsorptive separation zones to separate para-xylene from a feed stream comprising C8 aromatic hydrocarbons and at least one C9 aromatic hydrocarbon component. The first adsorptive separation zone delivers a raffinate stream to a raffinate distillation zone and an extract stream to an extract distillation zone. The raffinate distillation zone delivers a stream to the second adsorptive separation zone and at least one of the extract distillation zone and raffinate distillation zone delivers a recycle stream to the first adsorptive separation zone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing high purity meta-xylene, comprising a step for separation by simulated moving bed adsorption starting from an aromatic C8 feed delivering a fraction which is rich in meta-xylene and a fraction which is depleted in meta-xylene, and a step for crystallization of the meta-xylene rich fraction. The purity of the meta-xylene produced is at least 99.5%.

Abstract: The present process comprises a means for energy savings in a process pump by combining the pump with a power-recovery turbine. The invention is particularly useful in the separation of a desired product from a mixture of components using simulated-moving-bed adsorption associated with a large circulating stream with a power-recovery turbine feature for conservation of energy relative to the known art. The improvement is particularly applicable to a process for the separation of para-xylene from mixed C8 aromatics.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter comprises adsorbing the VOCs onto palladium doped ZSM-5, optionally at ambient temperature. The organic matter can be perishable organic goods such as food, including fruit and/or vegetables, horticultural produce, including plants and/or cut flowers, or refuse. The palladium doped ZSM-5 has a Si:Al ratio of less than or equal to 100:1 and preferably has a palladium content of from 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % based on the total weight of the doped ZSM-5.

Abstract: Aromatic by-products are sorbed from mono-olefin-containing feedstocks of olefins having from about 6 to 22 carbon atoms per molecule that contain aromatic by-products having from 7 to 22 carbon atoms per molecule. A benzene-containing regenerant displaces and desorbs the aromatic by-products from the sorbent and a regeneration effluent is provided. The regeneration effluent is treated in a regeneration effluent distillation system to provide a benzene-rich stream and an aromatic by-products-containing stream. The latter is subjected to benzene-forming conditions and recycled to the regeneration effluent distillation system where benzene is recovered.

Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed that relate to the removal of impurities and separation the light olefins from an MTO product vapor stream. Specifically, the processes and systems relate to recovery of light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit. Processes and systems for recovering light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit can include recycling residual effluent stream to an upstream operation unit upstream of the oxygenate removal unit. Processes and systems for recovering light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit can also include recycling residual effluent gas produced by depressurizing residual effluent in the first adsorber, as well as preferably venting an effluent gas from the first adsorber to a compressor upstream of the oxygenate removal unit.

Abstract: A process for separating a product from a multicomponent feedstream to an adsorption apparatus or system. The apparatus or system may comprise a moving-bed or a simulated moving-bed adsorption means. The product comprises at least one organic compound, such as an aryl compound with alkyl substitutes. In embodiments the conduits used to supply the feedstream to the apparatus or system are flushed with media of multiple grades. In embodiments the process achieves improvements in one or more of efficiency of adsorption separation, capacity of adsorption apparatus systems, and purity of product attainable by adsorption process.

Abstract: Process for separation of metaxylene, with at least 99% by weight of purity of an aromatic feedstock F, in a single adsorption stage in a simulated moving bed in an SMB device that comprises 12, 13 or 15 adsorbent beds with different numbers of beds being employed in zone 1 between the supply of the desorbent D and the draw-off of the extract E; zone 2 between the draw-off of the extract E and the supply of the feedstock F; zone 3 between the supply of the feedstock and the draw-off of the raffinate R; and zone 4 between the draw-off of the raffinate R and the supply of the desorbent D whereby the process is carried out according to a configuration of zones (a, b, c, d), whereby a, b, c, and d represent the number of adsorbent beds that operate respectively in zones 1, 2, 3, 4 in which there is used: Either an SMB of 12 adsorbent beds operating according to the configuration (2, 5, 3, 2), Or an SMB of 13 adsorbent beds operating according to the configuration (2, 5, 4, 2), Or an SMB of 15 adsorbent beds op

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of (A) feeding the hydrocarbon feedstock to an adsorption unit; (B) adsorbing the hydrocarbon feedstock in the adsorption unit with a solid particulate adsorbent useful for adsorbing at least one component from the hydrocarbon feedstock under adsorption conditions; (C) withdrawing the adsorbed feedstock from the adsorption unit; (D) desorbing the component(s) from the solid particulate adsorbent; and (E) removing, under the adsorption conditions for a fractional time of step (B), at least a portion of said adsorbent while the feedstock is being fed to the adsorption unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing phenyl-alkanes by paraffin adsorptive separation followed by paraffin dehydrogenation and then by alkylation of a phenyl compound by a lightly branched olefin. The adsorptive separation step employs a silicalite adsorbent and, as the desorbent, a C5-C8 linear paraffin, a C5-C8 cycloparaffin, a branched paraffin such as isooctane, or mixtures thereof. The effluent of the alkylation zone comprises paraffins that are recycled to the adsorptive separation step or to the dehydrogenation step. This invention is also a process that that sulfonates phenyl-alkanes having lightly branched aliphatic alkyl groups that to produce modified alkylbenzene sulfonates. In addition, this invention is the compositions produced by these processes, which can be used as detergents having improved cleaning effectiveness in hard and/or cold water while also having biodegradability comparable to that of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, as lubricants, and as lubricant additives.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of (A) feeding the hydrocarbon feedstock to an adsorption unit; (B) adsorbing the hydrocarbon feedstock in the adsorption unit with a solid particulate adsorbent useful for adsorbing at least one component from the hydrocarbon feedstock under adsorption conditions; (C) withdrawing the adsorbed feedstock from the adsorption unit; (D) desorbing the component(s) from the solid particulate adsorbent; and (E) removing, under the adsorption conditions for a fractional time of step (B), at least a portion of said adsorbent while the feedstock is being fed to the adsorption unit.

Abstract: Process for separating paraxylene with a purity that is at least equal to 99.5% by weight from an aromatic feedstock F in a single adsorption stage in a simulated moving bed (SMB), comprising different numbers of beds, allocated to a zone 1 between the supply of the desorbent D and the draw-off of the extract E; a zone 2 between the draw-off of the extract E and the supply of the feedstock F; a zone 3 between the supply of the feedstock and the draw-off of the raffinate R; a zone 4 between the draw-off of the raffinate R and the supply of the desorbent D, wherein an SMB of 12 adsorbent beds has bed configuration (2, 5, 3, 2), an SMB of 15 adsorbent beds has bed configuration (3, 6, 4 , 2), or an SMB of 19 adsorbent beds has bed configuration (4, 7, 6, 2), wherein the desorbent in this latter case is paradiethylbenzene.

Abstract: A method for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter comprises adsorbing the VOCs onto palladium doped ZSM-5, optionally at ambient temperature. The organic matter can be perishable organic goods such as food, including fruit and/or vegetables, horticultural produce, including plants and/or cut flowers, or refuse. The palladium doped ZSM-5 has a Si:Al ratio of less than or equal to 100:1 and preferably has a palladium content of from 0.1 wt % to 10.0 wt % based on the total weight of the doped ZSM-5.