A mixer for refining rice bran oil caustic refining

Abstract

The application provides a refining rice bran oil alkali refining mixer, which comprises a mixer shell, an alkali liquor adding port arranged on the top of the mixer shell, a discharge port arranged on the bottom of the mixer shell, a stirring assembly rotatably arranged in the mixer shell, a power device arranged on the top of the stirring assembly and configured to drive the stirring assembly to rotate, a mounting plate fixedly arranged in the mixer shell and having a circular projection on a horizontal plane, a bearing ring arranged on the outer periphery of the mounting plate, a circular groove plate connected to the outer portion of the bearing ring, the stirring assembly comprising a stirring shaft, a sun gear fixedly arranged on the stirring shaft, an inner gear ring fixedly arranged on the bottom of the mounting plate, at least one set of planetary gears rotatably arranged on the bottom of the groove plate and respectively engaged with the sun gear and the inner gear ring, a stirring rod fixedly arranged on the bottom of the groove plate, the stirring rod being a hollow structure, the upper portion of the stirring rod being communicated with the groove plate, and a plurality of liquid outlets arranged on the side wall of the stirring rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rice bran oil processing, and more specifically, to an alkali refining mixer for refining rice bran oil. Background Technology

[0002] Rice bran oil is a type of rice bran oil produced from rice bran, a byproduct of rice processing, using pressing or solvent extraction. To obtain high-quality rice bran oil that meets safety standards, refining is necessary during the refining process. Alkali refining is a crucial step in this process, requiring the addition of a certain amount of sodium hydroxide solution to react with impurities such as free fatty acids in the rice bran oil. The alkali mixer plays a particularly important role in this process, ensuring thorough mixing of the alkali solution and the rice bran oil, guaranteeing a complete reaction and achieving the goal of removing impurities.

[0003] Existing alkali refining mixers typically include a shell, a rotating stirring assembly inside the shell, and an alkali solution addition assembly located at the top of the shell. Currently, the alkali solution addition assembly uses a metering pump to add a predetermined amount of alkali solution to the rice bran oil and mix it at a set temperature to ensure thorough mixing and reaction. A crucial aspect of this process is ensuring complete and uniform mixing of the alkali solution and rice bran oil. Since rice bran oil is an oil phase, most of it will be in the upper layer during alkali refining. The alkali refining reaction mainly occurs at the interface between the oil phase and the alkali phase. However, in actual alkali refining, the distribution of the two interfaces changes as the reaction progresses, such as... In the initial stage of alkali refining, the interface is not very clear. As the reaction proceeds, the interface becomes clearer, and the separation of the upper oil phase and the lower soap and water phases becomes more obvious. The current method of adding alkali solution involves evenly distributing it on the surface of rice bran oil using a distributor, and then using a stirring component for mixing. As a result, the upper surface of the rice bran oil comes into contact with the alkali solution first. If the alkali concentration in this area is too high, it will cause the free fats to over-react, resulting in increased loss of neutral oils. Although a stirring component is used for mixing, there are still some dead zones. Moreover, as the reaction proceeds, the interfacial tension between the two phases becomes too high after the upper layer is saponified, preventing the subsequent alkali solution from reaching the lower layer.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing alkali refining mixer to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a mixer for refining rice bran oil using alkali refining, which enables the alkali solution to be fully mixed with the rice bran oil, thereby improving the alkali refining effect.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a mixer for refining rice bran oil using alkali refining, comprising a mixer shell, an alkali inlet at the top of the mixer shell, and a discharge outlet at the bottom of the mixer shell. A stirring assembly is rotatably disposed within the mixer shell, and a power device for driving the stirring assembly to rotate is disposed at its top. A mounting plate with a circular projection on a horizontal plane is fixedly disposed within the mixer shell. A bearing ring is disposed around the outer periphery of the mounting plate, and an annular groove plate is connected to the outside of the bearing ring. The stirring assembly includes a stirring shaft, on which a sun gear is fixedly disposed. An internal gear ring is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the mounting plate. At least one set of planetary gears is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the groove plate, the planetary gears meshing with the sun gear and the internal gear ring respectively. A stirring rod is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the groove plate, the stirring rod having a hollow structure, the upper part of the stirring rod communicating with the groove plate, and several liquid outlet holes being formed on the side wall of the stirring rod.

[0007] Optionally, the alkali inlet is directly opposite the tank plate, and the mounting plate has a through hole for the stirring shaft to pass through.

[0008] Optionally, the stirring rod is inverted U-shaped, and both ends of the stirring rod are connected to the trough plate.

[0009] Optionally, the alkali solution at the alkali inlet is added via a metering pump.

[0010] Optionally, the amount of alkali solution added is greater than the capacity of the tank plate and the inner cavity of all the stirring rods.

[0011] Optionally, the bottom of the mounting plate has a mounting cavity, and the gear ring, the sun gear and the planet gear are all located in the mounting cavity. The bottom of the mounting plate is also provided with a mounting cover covering the mounting cavity.

[0012] Optionally, the cross-section of the stirring rod is a circular rod with a recess, and a solid reinforcing rod is provided in the recess.

[0013] Optionally, the planetary gear is rotatably provided with a hollow connecting rod, the upper part of the connecting rod is embedded in the groove plate, the lower end of the connecting rod is connected to the stirring rod, and the upper end of the connecting rod has a conical guide surface.

[0014] Optionally, the stirring assembly includes a plurality of stirring blades distributed along the axial direction of the stirring shaft, and the stirring blades are detachably connected to the stirring shaft.

[0015] Optionally, the power unit is a variable frequency motor.

[0016] This invention provides a mixer for refining rice bran oil using alkali refining. Compared with existing technologies, it first utilizes the cooperation of a sun gear, planetary gears, and an internal gear ring. A power unit drives the stirring assembly to rotate for stirring. Simultaneously, the planetary gears rotate and revolve relative to the sun gear, while the trough plate and stirring rod rotate with the planetary gears. The planetary gears' revolution drives the trough plate and stirring rod to rotate, thus creating a superimposed vortex effect through the rotation of the stirring assembly and the stirring rod, greatly improving the stirring effect. Furthermore, alkali solution is added by a metering pump. In the initial stage of the reaction, most of the alkali solution is discharged through the outlet hole on the stirring rod and mixed with the rice bran oil. As the reaction progresses and the interface between the two phases becomes clearer, the lower layer becomes more emulsified. At this point, even the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the stirring rod is insufficient to discharge a large amount of alkali solution. With the addition of alkali solution, it overflows from the trough plate, falls from the edge of the trough plate, and contacts the upper oil phase to continue the neutralization reaction. This completely changes the defect of uneven mixing of alkali solution and rice bran oil in existing technologies, greatly improving the alkali refining effect. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the stirring rod.

[0018] The components are: 1. Mixer housing; 2. Alkali inlet; 3. Mounting plate; 4. Slot plate; 5. Sun gear; 6. Planetary gear; 7. Stirring shaft; 8. Stirring blade; 9. Stirring rod; 10. Liquid outlet; 11. Reinforcing rod; 12. Variable frequency motor; 13. Connecting rod; 14. Guide surface. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0022] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] like Figures 1-3As shown, a mixer for refining rice bran oil using alkali refining includes a mixer shell 1, an alkali inlet 2 at the top of the mixer shell 1, and a discharge outlet at the bottom of the mixer shell 1. A stirring assembly is rotatably mounted inside the mixer shell 1, and a power device for driving the stirring assembly to rotate is mounted on its top. A mounting plate 3, whose projection on a horizontal plane is circular, is fixedly mounted inside the mixer shell 1. A bearing ring is mounted around the outer periphery of the mounting plate 3, and an annular groove plate 4 is connected to the outside of the bearing ring. The stirring assembly includes a stirring shaft 7, on which a sun gear 5 is fixedly mounted. An internal gear ring is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the mounting plate 3. At least one set of planetary gears 6 is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the groove plate 4, and the planetary gears 6 mesh with the sun gear 5 and the internal gear ring, respectively. A stirring rod 9, which is hollow, is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the groove plate 4. The upper part of the stirring rod 9 is connected to the groove plate 4, and several liquid outlet holes 10 are opened on the side wall of the stirring rod 9.

[0026] Wherein: the alkali solution inlet 2 is added by a metering pump, and the amount of alkali solution added is greater than the capacity of the tank plate 4 and the inner cavity of all the stirring rods 9. The stirring assembly includes a plurality of stirring blades distributed along the axial direction of the stirring shaft 7. The stirring blades 8 are detachably connected to the stirring shaft 7. The power device is a variable frequency motor 12.

[0027] Working principle: The motor drives the stirring shaft 7 to rotate, which in turn drives the stirring blades 8 to rotate for mixing. The sun gear 5 fixed on the stirring shaft 7 rotates accordingly, and the planetary gears 6 meshing with it also rotate. Since the planetary gears 6 are rotatably connected to the trough plate 4 and the trough plate 4 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 3, the trough plate 4 revolves relative to the sun gear 5 with the planetary gears 6, thereby driving the stirring rod 9 connected to it to rotate. During mixing, a superposition of vortices from the double rotation of the stirring blades and the stirring plate is formed, greatly increasing the mixing effect. The alkali solution is added by a metering pump. Initially, the alkali solution enters the hollow stirring rod 9 through the trough plate 4, and is then thrown out through the outlet 10 by centrifugal force to neutralize the rice bran oil. As the reaction proceeds, the lower layer of emulsion... As the degree of alkalinity increases, the outlet hole 10 becomes blocked. Therefore, even under centrifugal force, it is impossible to throw out a large amount of alkaline solution. As alkaline solution continues to be added, it accumulates in the tank plate 4, causing overflow. The overflowing alkaline solution falls from the edge of the tank plate 4 and comes into contact with the upper oil phase to continue the neutralization reaction. As the alkaline refining process continues, the two interfaces in the mixer become clearly separated, with the upper layer being the oil phase and the lower layer being the lower soap phase and water phase. Therefore, the overflowing alkaline solution comes into contact with the oil phase to continue neutralization, while only a small amount of alkaline solution enters the lower layer. This ensures that in the later stage of the reaction, most of the alkaline solution always comes into contact with the oil phase first, thus ensuring the overall alkalinity effect. This achieves thorough mixing and avoids the loss of neutral oils and reduced production due to excessive alkaline solution in some areas.

[0028] For ease of installation, the alkali inlet 2 is positioned directly opposite the tank plate 4, and the mounting plate 3 has a perforation for the stirring shaft 7 to pass through.

[0029] To improve the mixing effect, the stirring rod 9 is inverted U-shaped, and both ends of the stirring rod 9 are connected to the trough plate 4. Using the U-shaped stirring rod 9 for mixing results in a large mixing surface and a good mixing effect.

[0030] For ease of installation, the bottom of the mounting plate 3 is provided with a mounting cavity, in which the gear ring, the sun gear 5 and the planet gear 6 are all located. The bottom of the mounting plate 3 is also provided with a mounting cover covering the mounting cavity. When cleaning and maintenance are required, the mounting cover can be removed.

[0031] To improve stability and ensure the rigidity of the hollow stirring rod 9, the cross-section of the stirring rod 9 is a round rod with a recess, and a solid reinforcing rod 11 is provided in the recess.

[0032] To ensure the alkaline solution can smoothly enter the stirring rod 9, a hollow connecting rod 13 is rotatably mounted on the axis of the planetary gear 6. The upper part of the connecting rod 13 is embedded in the trough plate 4, and the lower end of the connecting rod 13 is connected to the stirring rod 9. The upper end of the connecting rod 13 has a conical guide surface 14. Under the action of the centrifugal force of the guide surface 14 and the rotation of the trough plate 4, the alkaline solution smoothly enters the stirring rod 9 in the initial stage of addition and then is discharged from the outlet hole 10 for neutralization.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A mixer for refining rice bran oil using alkali refining, characterized in that, The mixer includes a mixer housing, an alkali inlet at the top of the mixer housing, and a discharge outlet at the bottom of the mixer housing. A stirring assembly is rotatably mounted inside the mixer housing, and a power device for driving the stirring assembly to rotate is mounted on its top. A mounting plate with a circular projection on a horizontal plane is fixedly mounted inside the mixer housing. A bearing ring is mounted around the outer periphery of the mounting plate, and an annular groove plate is connected to the outside of the bearing ring. The stirring assembly includes a stirring shaft, on which a sun gear is fixedly mounted. An internal gear ring is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the mounting plate, and a rotating gear is rotatably mounted at the bottom of the groove plate. At least one set of planetary gears meshes with the sun gear and the internal gear ring, respectively. A stirring rod is fixedly installed at the bottom of the trough plate. The stirring rod has a hollow structure, and its upper part is connected to the trough plate. Several liquid outlet holes are opened on the side wall of the stirring rod. The alkali solution is added through the alkali solution inlet by a metering pump. The amount of alkali solution added is greater than the capacity of the trough plate and all the inner cavities of the stirring rod. The alkali solution inlet is directly opposite the trough plate. A through hole is opened on the mounting plate for the stirring shaft to pass through. The stirring rod is inverted U-shaped, and both ends of the stirring rod are connected to the trough plate.

2. The rice bran oil alkali refining mixer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the mounting plate has a mounting cavity, and the internal gear ring, the sun gear and the planet gear are all located in the mounting cavity. The bottom of the mounting plate is also provided with a mounting cover that covers the mounting cavity.

3. The rice bran oil alkali refining mixer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the stirring rod is a circular rod with a recess, and a solid reinforcing rod is provided in the recess.

4. The rice bran oil alkali refining mixer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The planetary gear has a hollow connecting rod rotatably mounted on its axis. The upper part of the connecting rod is embedded in the groove plate, and the lower end of the connecting rod is connected to the stirring rod. The upper end of the connecting rod has a conical guide surface.

5. The rice bran oil alkali refining mixer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring assembly includes a plurality of stirring blades distributed along the axis of the stirring shaft, and the stirring blades are detachably connected to the stirring shaft.

6. The rice bran oil alkali refining mixer as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power unit is a variable frequency motor.

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