A continuous extraction apparatus for the preparation of starch sugar and chufa oil

Abstract

The application provides a continuous extraction equipment for preparing starch sugar and chufa oil, which comprises a pulverizer, a feeding hopper communicated with the top of one side of the pulverizer, a motor fixedly installed on the top of the pulverizer, a first extraction zone arranged at the bottom of the pulverizer, a second extraction zone arranged below the first extraction zone, a separation zone arranged below the second extraction zone, a rotating rod rotatably arranged in the pulverizer, a top end of the rotating rod fixedly connected with the output end of the motor, first and second grinding heads fixedly connected with the outer side of the rotating rod, a ceramic lining matched with the first and second grinding heads arranged on the inner wall of the pulverizer, and the mesh number of the first and second grinding heads decreases from top to bottom. The pulverizing, deoiling, saccharifying and separating processes are integrated, and the efficient, continuous and high-value utilization of chufa resources is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing technology, and in particular to a continuous extraction device for the preparation of starch sugar and tiger nut oil. Background Technology

[0002] Tiger nuts are a high-value-added economic crop that integrates grain, oil, and feed. Their tubers are rich in oil, starch, and protein, and have broad development prospects. Currently, the traditional process for extracting oil and sugar from tiger nuts mainly adopts a step-by-step, intermittent production method.

[0003] The specific process is usually as follows: First, the tiger nuts are crushed using a separate crushing device; then, the powder is transferred to an extraction tank, where the oil is extracted by pressing or solvent extraction to obtain tiger nut oil and deoiled soybean meal; next, the deoiled soybean meal is transferred to a saccharification tank, where water is added and heated to carry out a saccharification reaction to produce a sugar solution; finally, the saccharified slurry is separated into solid and liquid components by pressure filtration, sedimentation, or a separate centrifuge to obtain starch sugar and solid residue. This traditional technique has many drawbacks: Long process flow and dispersed equipment: Each process is completed in independent equipment, requiring a large amount of material conveying equipment, resulting in a large production line footprint and high equipment investment costs. High energy consumption and low efficiency: Materials need to be transferred, heated and cooled multiple times. The process is not continuous, and there is cleaning and waiting time between batches, resulting in high overall energy consumption and limited production efficiency. Product purity and quality are easily affected: After oil extraction, a small amount of residual oil will still be mixed in with the deoiled soybean meal. This oil will enter the sugar solution during the subsequent saccharification process, which will not only reduce the purity of the sugar, but also produce off-flavors, affecting the flavor and quality of the final product. Low level of automation: intermittent operation requires a lot of manual intervention, which is labor-intensive and makes it difficult to guarantee the stability and consistency of product quality for each batch. Therefore, developing an integrated equipment that can overcome the above-mentioned defects and achieve efficient, continuous, and high-purity production is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the field of tiger nut deep processing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a continuous extraction device for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil, comprising a pulverizer, a feed hopper connected to the top of one side of the pulverizer, a motor fixedly installed on the top of the pulverizer, a first extraction zone provided at the bottom of the pulverizer, a second extraction zone provided below the first extraction zone, and a separation zone provided below the second extraction zone.

[0005] Preferably, the pulverizer includes a rotating rod rotatably disposed therein, the top end of the rotating rod being fixedly connected to the output end of a motor, and a first grinding head and a second grinding head being fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod respectively. The inner wall of the pulverizer is provided with a ceramic liner that matches the first grinding head and the second grinding head. The mesh size of the first grinding head and the second grinding head decreases sequentially from top to bottom. A first filter plate and a second filter plate are respectively disposed at the bottom of the first grinding head and the second grinding head, and the aperture of the first filter plate and the second filter plate decreases sequentially from top to bottom.

[0006] Preferably, the first extraction zone includes a first extraction tank disposed below the pulverizer. A solid phase feed pipe is connected to the upper middle part of the first extraction tank. An electrically controlled valve is installed on the solid phase feed pipe. An oil phase solvent input pipe is connected to the outer side of the first extraction tank. A first isolation ring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank. A first annular liquid collection tank is formed between the first extraction tank and the first isolation ring. A first mixed oil phase output pipe is connected to the lower middle part of the first extraction tank. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided on the inner wall of the first isolation ring. One end of the oil phase solvent input pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the first isolation ring. One end of the first mixed oil phase output pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the first annular liquid collection tank.

[0007] Preferably, four first guide rods are fixedly connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank, and a first float is sleeved on the first guide rod. The first float has several round holes inside, and the outer side of the first float is in contact with the inner wall of the first isolation ring. The outer side of the first isolation ring has multiple first drainage grooves.

[0008] Preferably, the second extraction zone includes a second extraction tank located below the first extraction tank. The top of the second extraction tank is connected to a discharge pipe, and an electrically controlled valve is installed on the discharge pipe. The top of the discharge pipe is connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank. The lower part of the second extraction tank is connected to an aqueous solvent input pipe and a second mixed oil phase output pipe, which are arranged opposite to each other. A second isolation ring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank. A second annular collection tank is formed between the second extraction tank and the second isolation ring. An electric heating plate is installed at the bottom of the second extraction tank located within the second isolation ring. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are provided on the inner wall of the second isolation ring. One end of the aqueous solvent input pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the second isolation ring, and one end of the second mixed oil phase output pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the second annular collection tank.

[0009] Preferably, four second guide rods are fixedly connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank, and a second float is sleeved on the second guide rod. The second float has several round holes inside, and the outer side of the second float is in contact with the inner wall of the second isolation ring. Multiple second drainage grooves are opened on the outer side of the second isolation ring.

[0010] Preferably, the separation zone includes a separation tank located below the second extraction tank. The top of the separation tank is connected to a connecting pipe, and an electrically controlled valve is installed on the connecting pipe. The top of the connecting pipe is connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank. A centrifugal separator is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the separation tank. The rotating rod passes through the first extraction tank, the second extraction tank, and the separation tank and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the centrifugal separator via four connecting rods. A third annular liquid collection tank is formed between the separation tank and the centrifugal separator. A pair of semi-circular drain ports are opened at the bottom of the third annular liquid collection tank. A collection chamber is opened at the bottom of the inner cavity of the separation tank. The drain ports are connected to the collection chamber. A slag discharge cylinder is fixedly connected to the bottom of the separation tank. A spiral pusher is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the slag discharge cylinder. The bottom end of the rotating rod is fixedly connected to the top end of the spiral pusher. A sugar solution output pipe is connected to the bottom of the collection chamber.

[0011] Preferably, the second extraction zone further includes a conical frustum fixedly disposed on the top of the second extraction tank. The outer side of the rotating rod is rotatably engaged with the inner wall of the conical frustum. A pair of limiting rings are fixedly connected to the outer side of the centrifugal separation cylinder. The outer side of the limiting rings is slidably engaged with the inner wall of the separation tank. Several through holes are opened on the top of the conical frustum. A pair of scrapers are slidably disposed on the top of the conical frustum. One side of the scraper is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This equipment creatively integrates four core processes—crushing, deoiling, saccharification, and separation—into a vertical tower structure. Materials flow by gravity between the various stages, achieving continuous and automated production from raw materials to three products. This completely overturns the traditional step-by-step and intermittent production mode and significantly improves production efficiency. Through the unique "secondary oil collection" design, the residual oil is simultaneously recovered and separated online in the second extraction zone, which effectively avoids cross-contamination of the sugar solution by the oil, thereby ensuring the high purity and natural flavor of both tiger nut oil and starch sugar, and enhancing the product value. By employing countercurrent contact mode in both extraction zones and supplementing it with ultrasonic-enhanced mass transfer, the extraction rate and depth of oil and starch are greatly improved, resulting in higher yields of oil and sugar from the same raw materials and maximizing the utilization of tiger nuts resources. The system uses a single motor to drive multiple core components, resulting in highly concentrated power. Materials flow by gravity, reducing the need for intermediate conveying pumps. The compact vertical layout greatly saves valuable factory floor space, thereby significantly reducing total equipment investment and long-term operating energy consumption. The entire process is carried out continuously in a closed system, reducing human intervention and interference from the external environment. This makes it easy to accurately control key parameters such as temperature and flow rate during the production process, ensuring a high degree of stability and consistency in product quality between batches.

[0013] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pulverizer shown in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first extraction zone shown in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first isolation ring shown in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second extraction zone shown in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second isolation ring shown in this invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the separation region shown in the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the conical frustum shown in this invention.

[0017] Labels in the diagram: 1. Crusher; 101. Rotating rod; 102. First grinding head; 103. First filter plate; 104. Second grinding head; 105. Second filter plate; 2. Feed hopper; 3. Motor; 4. First extraction zone; 401. First extraction tank; 402. Solid phase feed pipe; 403. Oil phase solvent input pipe; 404. First isolation ring; 405. First annular collection tank; 406. First mixed oil phase output pipe; 407. First guide rod; 408. First floating plate; 409. First drainage tank; 5. Second extraction zone; 501. Second extraction tank; 502. 503. Discharge pipe; 504. Aqueous solvent input pipe; 505. Second isolation ring; 506. Second annular collection tank; 507. Second mixed oil phase output pipe; 508. Second guide rod; 509. Second floating plate; 510. Second drain tank; 6. Conical frustum; 6. Separation zone; 601. Separation tank; 602. Connecting pipe; 603. Centrifugal separator; 604. Third annular collection tank; 605. Drain outlet; 606. Collection chamber; 607. Slag discharge cylinder; 608. Spiral pusher; 609. Sugar solution output pipe; 7. Limiting ring; 8. Through hole; 9. Scraper. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When detailing the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure will be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, actual fabrication should include three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0021] Furthermore, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that mutually excludes other embodiments.

[0022] See Figures 1-8A continuous extraction device for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil includes a crusher 1, a feed hopper 2 connected to the top of one side of the crusher 1, a motor 3 fixedly installed on the top of the crusher 1, a first extraction zone 4 set at the bottom of the crusher 1, a second extraction zone 5 set below the first extraction zone 4, and a separation zone 6 set below the second extraction zone 5.

[0023] In this embodiment, the equipment is not a simple stacking of devices, but a vertically integrated "miniature chemical plant" with its interior cleverly divided into three functionally distinct and interconnected preparation layers. The first extraction zone 4 is the deoiling layer, which efficiently extracts oil from tiger pea powder. The second extraction zone 5 is the saccharification layer, which receives the semi-finished product (deoiled soybean meal) from the deoiling layer and extracts starch sugar from it. The separation zone 6 is the final sorting and waste discharge layer, which receives the mixed slurry from the saccharification layer and uses powerful centrifugal force to finally separate it into pure sugar solution and solid residue, and completes the automatic discharge of the residue. These three preparation layers are connected in series by gravity and pipelines, and the flow of materials is like a waterfall cascading down. Each layer completes a process, and finally, three target products are obtained at the bottom layer.

[0024] In the specific implementation process, the crusher 1 includes a rotating rod 101 rotatably disposed inside it. The top end of the rotating rod 101 is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 3. A first grinding head 102 and a second grinding head 104 are fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating rod 101 respectively. The inner wall of the crusher 1 is provided with a ceramic liner that matches the first grinding head 102 and the second grinding head 104. The mesh size of the first grinding head 102 and the second grinding head 104 decreases from top to bottom. A first filter plate 103 and a second filter plate 105 are respectively disposed at the bottom of the first grinding head 102 and the second grinding head 104. The aperture of the first filter plate 103 and the second filter plate 105 decreases from top to bottom.

[0025] In this embodiment, the entire device is powered by a single motor 3 at the top. A central rotating rod 101 running through the entire tower precisely distributes power to the three core actuators: crushing, centrifugal separation, and slag discharge. This achieves centralized energy supply and extreme structural simplification. The crusher 1 employs a precise control strategy of graded grinding and step-by-step screening. Raw materials first enter the crusher 1 through the feed hopper 2, where they are impacted and sheared by the first grinding head 102 with coarse teeth and wide gaps, breaking the hard tiger nuts into fragments of several millimeters. These fragments easily pass through the first filter plate 103 with larger pores. Subsequently, the material enters the fine grinding zone below, where it is further processed by the second grinding head 104 with fine teeth and extremely small gaps. Fine grinding and friction are used to process the fragments into uniform powder with a particle size typically in the range of 80-120 mesh. This particle size is optimized to ensure sufficient penetration of the subsequent solvent without being too fine and causing filtration difficulties. Ultimately, only qualified powder can pass through the second filter plate 105 with the smallest pore size and become the standard raw material for subsequent extraction. The application of ceramic lining (usually high-purity alumina) is the cornerstone of food-grade safety. It not only provides hardness and wear resistance far exceeding that of metals, ensuring the stability of the grinding gap under long-term operation, but more importantly, its chemical inertness completely eliminates the contamination and catalytic oxidation of oils and sugar solutions caused by metal ions (such as iron and chromium) after wear, ensuring the natural flavor and quality of the product.

[0026] Specifically, the first extraction zone 4 includes a first extraction tank 401 located below the pulverizer 1. A solid phase feed pipe 402 is connected to the upper middle part of the first extraction tank 401. An electrically controlled valve is installed on the solid phase feed pipe 402. An oil phase solvent input pipe 403 is connected to the outside of the first extraction tank 401. A first isolation ring 404 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank 401. A first annular liquid collection tank 405 is formed between the first extraction tank 401 and the first isolation ring 404. A first mixed oil phase output pipe 406 is connected to the lower middle part of the first extraction tank 401. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are provided on the inner wall of the first isolation ring 404. One end of the oil phase solvent input pipe 403 is connected to the inner cavity of the first isolation ring 404, and one end of the first mixed oil phase output pipe 406 is connected to the inner cavity of the first annular liquid collection tank 405.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first extraction zone 4 constructs a partitioned extraction microenvironment with "internal reaction and external collection." Its core is the first isolation ring 404, which divides the interior of the first extraction tank 401 into two independent fluid regions: the inner ring is the "countercurrent extraction reaction zone," and the outer ring is the "mixed oil phase collection zone" (i.e., the first annular collection tank 405). Oil phase solvents (such as food-grade n-hexane) are pumped into the bottom of the reaction zone through the oil phase solvent inlet pipe 403, forming a stable and controllable upward solvent flow. Powder entering from the solid phase feed pipe 402, under the influence of gravity, forms a countercurrent contact with the upward solvent flow. According to the mass transfer principle, this ensures that the freshest powder with the highest oil content always encounters the solvent with the lowest oil concentration, while the powder about to be discharged with the lowest oil content encounters the solvent with the highest oil concentration. The maximum concentration gradient is maintained throughout the entire bed height, greatly improving extraction efficiency and solvent utilization. The ultrasonic transducer on the inner wall of the ring (usually with a frequency of 20-40kHz) generates high-frequency sound waves, which trigger a violent "cavitation effect" in the liquid—the formation and instantaneous bursting of countless tiny bubbles, generating local shock waves and microjets with pressures of thousands of atmospheres. Like millions of micro scalpels, these jets efficiently break down the tough cell walls of the tiger nuts, allowing the oil to be quickly "washed out." The oil-liquid mixture, during its ascent, flows precisely and unobstructed into the external first annular collection tank 405 through multiple carefully designed first drainage channels 409 on the wall of the first isolation ring 404. Finally, it is continuously extracted through the first mixed oil phase output pipe 406 and sent to the evaporation section for oil and solvent separation.

[0028] Specifically, four first guide rods 407 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank 401. A first float 408 is sleeved on the first guide rod 407. Several round holes are opened inside the first float 408. The outer side of the first float 408 is in contact with the inner wall of the first isolation ring 404. Multiple first drain grooves 409 are opened on the outer side of the first isolation ring 404.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first floating disk 408 is an "adaptive fluidized bed former" that achieves efficient solid-liquid contact. Like a smart piston, it floats freely along four polished stainless steel first guide rods 407 according to the weight of the internal material and the buoyancy of the liquid, thereby dynamically maintaining an optimal powder bed with appropriate compaction. When a large amount of powder accumulates, the first floating disk 408 sinks, and the bed is moderately compacted, increasing the solid-liquid contact time. When the solvent flow rate increases, the first floating disk 408 rises to prevent the bed from being breached and forming "channels." It has openings on its surface... The circular holes (typically with an opening ratio of 30%-40%) are optimized through hydrodynamic simulation. They allow the solvent to pass freely while providing uniform support and distribution for the powder. The most critical design is that the outer edge of the first floating plate 408 and the inner wall of the first isolation ring 404 are precisely dynamically sealed together. This forces all mixed oil phases to flow out through the designated first drain trough 409, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of material "short circuit" (i.e., the powder and solvent flow out directly without sufficient contact), ensuring an extraction efficiency of nearly 100%.

[0030] Specifically, the second extraction zone 5 includes a second extraction tank 501 located below the first extraction tank 401. The top of the second extraction tank 501 is connected to a discharge pipe 502, which is equipped with an electrically controlled valve. The top of the discharge pipe 502 is connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank 401. The lower part of the second extraction tank 501 is connected to an aqueous solvent input pipe 503 and a second mixed oil phase output pipe 506, which are arranged opposite to each other. A second isolation ring 504 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank 501, forming a second annular collection tank 505 between the second extraction tank 501 and the second isolation ring 504. An electric heating plate is installed at the bottom of the second extraction tank 501 located within the second isolation ring 504. Multiple ultrasonic transducers are provided on the inner wall of the second isolation ring 504. One end of the aqueous solvent input pipe 503 is connected to the inner cavity of the second isolation ring 504, and one end of the second mixed oil phase output pipe 506 is connected to the inner cavity of the second annular collection tank 505.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second extraction zone 5 performs a dual function: sugar extraction and secondary oil collection. The mixture discharged from the first extraction zone 4 consists of de-oiled soybean residue powder, a small amount of entrained water, and some stubborn oil droplets that were not washed off in the first extraction. This mixture enters the second extraction tank 501 through the discharge pipe 502. Immediately afterwards, hot water is pumped into the second extraction tank 501 through the aqueous solvent inlet pipe 503. The electric heating plate at the bottom of the tank, like the inner pot of a rice cooker, precisely maintains the water temperature at the optimal temperature for converting starch into sugar. Under the soaking and cooking of hot water, the starch in the powder slowly dissolves into the water to form a sugar solution. During this process, the remaining oil droplets, being lighter than water, continuously detach from the powder and float to the top like oil droplets. The high-frequency vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducers on the inner wall of the second isolation ring 504 help the starch to be released from the soybean residue more quickly. On the other hand, they allow the tiny oil droplets to collide and merge into larger oil droplets, making it easier for them to float and separate. The residual oil that floats to the upper layer will enter the second annular collection tank 505 through a similar path to the previous layer, and will eventually be collected through the second mixed oil phase output pipe 506. What remains in the tank is a mixture of sugar solution and soybean residue, which will continue to flow downward through the bottom pipe into the final separation zone 6. The outflows from the first mixed oil phase output pipe 406 and the second mixed oil phase output pipe 506 (both are mixed oil phases) are combined through a three-way pipe and sent together to the evaporation section to recover the solvent and obtain the finished oil.

[0032] Specifically, four second guide rods 507 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank 501. A second float 508 is sleeved on the second guide rods 507. Several round holes are opened inside the second float 508. The outer side of the second float 508 is in contact with the inner wall of the second isolation ring 504. Multiple second drain grooves 509 are opened on the outer side of the second isolation ring 504.

[0033] In this embodiment, the second floating plate 508 in the second extraction zone 5 can also float up and down to support the material, but its most important function is to act as an "oil-water separator". When the floating oil layer reaches the height of the floating plate, due to the tight fit between the edge of the floating plate and the inner wall of the second isolation ring 504, a dam is formed, and the oil layer cannot continue to penetrate downward. It can only be guided to flow into the second drainage channel 509 on the isolation ring wall. At the same time, the sugar solution and soybean residue mixture with higher density can pass through the small holes on the floating plate without hindrance and continue to flow downward, realizing the dynamic separation of light oil going upward and heavy mixture going downward in the same space.

[0034] Specifically, separation zone 6 includes a separation tank 601 located below the second extraction tank 501. A connecting pipe 602 is connected to the top of separation tank 601, and an electrically controlled valve is installed on the connecting pipe 602. The top of the connecting pipe 602 is connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank 501. A centrifugal separator 603 is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of separation tank 601. A rotating rod 101 passes through the first extraction tank 401, the second extraction tank 501, and separation tank 601, and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the centrifugal separator 603 via four connecting rods. Separation tank 601 and centrifugal separator... A third annular liquid collection tank 604 is formed between the separating cylinders 603. A pair of semi-circular drain ports 605 are opened at the bottom of the third annular liquid collection tank 604. A collection chamber 606 is opened at the bottom of the inner cavity of the separating tank 601. The drain ports 605 are connected to the collection chamber 606. A slag discharge cylinder 607 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the separating tank 601. A spiral pusher 608 is rotatably installed on the inner wall of the slag discharge cylinder 607. The bottom end of the rotating rod 101 is fixedly connected to the top end of the spiral pusher 608. A sugar liquid output pipe 609 is connected to the bottom of the collection chamber 606.

[0035] In this embodiment, separation zone 6 is the final checkpoint in the entire process. Its task is to use powerful rotational force to perform a final and thorough separation of the sugar solution and soybean residue. The mixture of sugar solution and soybean residue from the second extraction zone 5 enters a high-speed rotating centrifugal separator 603. The inner wall of the centrifugal separator 603 is fixedly connected to the rotating rod 101 via four connecting rods. The rotating rod 101 drives the centrifugal separator 603 to rotate, generating a huge centrifugal force. In this powerful rotational force field, all substances are separated by weight. The mixture is redistributed, with the heaviest soybean residue being thrown against the cylinder wall, forming a tight circle; while the lighter sugar solution gathers near the central axis. The centrifugal separator 603 has many tiny sieve holes on its wall, allowing the sugar solution to easily pass through and be thrown into the third annular collection tank 604 outside the cylinder. Then, it is collected through the bottom drain port 605 into the lowest collection chamber 606, and finally flows out from the sugar solution output pipe 609. At the same time, the rotating screw feeder 608 continuously rotates, discharging the soybean residue through the residue discharge cylinder 607.

[0036] Specifically, the second extraction zone 5 also includes a conical frustum 510 fixedly installed on the top of the second extraction tank 501. The outer side of the rotating rod 101 is rotatably engaged with the inner wall of the conical frustum 510. A pair of limiting rings 7 are fixedly connected to the outer side of the centrifugal separation cylinder 603. The outer side of the limiting rings 7 is slidably engaged with the inner wall of the separation tank 601. Several through holes 8 are opened on the top of the conical frustum 510. A pair of scrapers 9 are slidably installed on the top of the conical frustum 510. One side of the scraper 9 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod 101.

[0037] In this embodiment, the centrifugal separator 603 is guided and limited by the limiting ring 7 to make it more stable during rotation. At the inlet of the second extraction zone 5, a very practical anti-clogging device is also set up. The soybean residue powder discharged from the first extraction zone 4 contains oil and has a certain degree of stickiness. It is easy to accumulate at the inlet of the second extraction zone 5, forming an arch-like blockage, which leads to interruption of material feeding. In order to solve this problem, a conical frustum 510 is installed at the inlet, and a pair of scrapers 9 are installed on the rotating rod 101 of the central shaft. When the rotating rod 101 rotates, the pair of scrapers 9 will also rotate, scraping the powder accumulated on the top of the conical frustum 510 into the adjacent through hole 8, forcing the material to enter the second extraction zone 5 smoothly, ensuring that the entire production line can produce continuously without interruption.

[0038] The working principle of this invention is as follows: Pre-treatment of raw materials: Tiger nuts are fed into the top-level pulverizer 1 through the feed hopper 2. Here, the raw materials undergo two stages of grinding. First, they encounter the coarse first grinding head 102, where they are violently impacted and torn into fragments. These fragments pass through the first filter plate 103 and fall onto the finer second grinding head 104, where they are repeatedly ground into a fine and uniform powder. Only powder of sufficient fineness can pass through the bottom second filter plate 105 to become a qualified semi-finished product, ready to enter the next process. The purpose of this step is to break the hard outer shell and cell structure of the tiger nuts, making full preparations for the subsequent extraction work. Main oil removal process: The powder falls onto the first floating plate 408. Simultaneously, a solvent specifically designed to dissolve the oil is pumped into the first isolation ring 404 inside the first extraction tank 401 through the oil phase solvent inlet pipe 403. The powder accumulates on the first floating plate 408, while the solvent flows upward through the circular holes of the first floating plate 408, forming a counter-current contact mode where the powder sinks and the solvent rises. This ensures that every particle of powder is thoroughly rinsed with the freshest solvent. The ultrasonic transducers on the inner wall of the first extraction tank 401 then activate, effectively removing the oil... The cell walls of the tiger pea are broken, allowing the oil inside to flow out without obstruction and dissolve in the solvent. The solvent (mixed oil phase) containing the dissolved oil will continue to rise, but because the edge of the first floating plate 408 is very close to the inner wall of the tank, the mixed oil phase can only overflow into the first annular collection tank 405 outside through the first drainage channel 409 specially reserved on the tank wall. Finally, it is pumped away through the first mixed oil phase output pipe 406 and sent to evaporation and recovery. After this step, most of the oil in the powder is washed away and it becomes deoiled soybean meal. Saccharification and Secondary Oil Recovery: The de-oiled soybean meal, a small amount of residual oil droplets, and entrained water enter the second extraction tank 501 together. Hot water is pumped in through the aqueous solvent inlet pipe 503 at the bottom and maintained at an optimal temperature for converting starch into sugar by the electric heating plate at the bottom of the tank. Under the soaking and cooking of hot water, the starch in the soybean meal slowly dissolves into the water to form a sugar solution. During this process, the stubborn residual oil droplets that were not washed clean in the first extraction are lighter than water and will continuously detach from the soybean meal. Then, like oil flowers, they slowly and steadily float to the top layer. The high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic transducer allows these tiny oil droplets to collide and merge into larger oil droplets, making them easier to float. When the oil layer floats to the height of the second floating plate 508, it cannot penetrate downwards due to the sealing effect of its edge. Instead, it is guided through the second drain trough 509 on the side and enters the second annular collection trough 505 on the outside. Finally, it is collected through the second mixed oil phase outlet pipe 506, realizing the secondary recovery of residual oil. Final Separation: Finally, the mixture of sugar solution and soybean residue falls through a pipe into the bottom separation tank 601. The mixture then enters a high-speed rotating centrifugal separator 603. The wall of the centrifugal separator 603 has many tiny sieve holes, through which the sugar solution can easily pass. It is thrown into the third annular collection tank 604 outside the cylinder, and then collected through the drain port 605 into the bottom collection chamber 606. Finally, it flows out from the sugar solution output pipe 609, becoming pure starch sugar solution. The soybean residue thrown onto the cylinder wall is continuously scraped downwards by a rotating spiral pusher 608 and squeezed out from the bottom slag discharge cylinder 607. This squeezing process also allows the soybean residue to remove some moisture, making it drier and turning it into high-protein feed or fuel. Thus, a whole batch of tiger pea raw materials completes the continuous preparation from raw materials to three high-value-added products. The whole process is seamless and requires no human intervention, truly realizing efficient, clean, and continuous modern production.

[0039] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), installation arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0041] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0042] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil, characterized in that, The device includes a pulverizer (1), a feed hopper (2) connected to the top of one side of the pulverizer (1), a motor (3) fixedly installed on the top of the pulverizer (1), a first extraction zone (4) provided at the bottom of the pulverizer (1), a second extraction zone (5) provided below the first extraction zone (4), and a separation zone (6) provided below the second extraction zone (5).

2. The continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pulverizer (1) includes a rotating rod (101) rotatably disposed inside it. The top end of the rotating rod (101) is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (3). A first grinding head (102) and a second grinding head (104) are fixedly connected to the outside of the rotating rod (101). The inner wall of the pulverizer (1) is provided with a ceramic liner that matches the first grinding head (102) and the second grinding head (104). The mesh size of the first grinding head (102) and the second grinding head (104) decreases from top to bottom. A first filter plate (103) and a second filter plate (105) are respectively provided at the bottom of the first grinding head (102) and the second grinding head (104). The aperture of the first filter plate (103) and the second filter plate (105) decreases from top to bottom.

3. The continuous extraction equipment for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first extraction zone (4) includes a first extraction tank (401) located below the pulverizer (1). A solid feed pipe (402) is connected to the upper middle part of the first extraction tank (401). An electrically controlled valve is provided on the solid feed pipe (402). An oil phase solvent input pipe (403) is connected to the outside of the first extraction tank (401). A first isolation ring (404) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank (401). A first annular liquid collection tank (405) is formed between the first extraction tank (401) and the first isolation ring (404). A first mixed oil phase output pipe (406) is connected to the lower middle part of the first extraction tank (401). A plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided on the inner wall of the first isolation ring (404). One end of the oil phase solvent input pipe (403) is connected to the inner cavity of the first isolation ring (404). One end of the first mixed oil phase output pipe (406) is connected to the inner cavity of the first annular liquid collection tank (405).

4. The continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 3, characterized in that, Four first guide rods (407) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank (401). A first float (408) is sleeved on the first guide rod (407). Several round holes are opened inside the first float (408). The outer side of the first float (408) is in contact with the inner wall of the first isolation ring (404). Multiple first drain grooves (409) are opened on the outer side of the first isolation ring (404).

5. The continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second extraction zone (5) includes a second extraction tank (501) located below the first extraction tank (401). A discharge pipe (502) is connected to the top of the second extraction tank (501). An electrically controlled valve is installed on the discharge pipe (502). The top of the discharge pipe (502) is connected to the bottom of the first extraction tank (401). An aqueous solvent input pipe (503) and a second mixed oil phase output pipe (506) are connected to the lower part of the second extraction tank (501). The aqueous solvent input pipe (503) and the second mixed oil phase output pipe (506) are arranged opposite to each other. A second isolation ring (504) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank (501). A second annular collection tank (505) is formed between the second extraction tank (501) and the second isolation ring (504). An electric heating plate is installed at the bottom of the second extraction tank (501) located inside the second isolation ring (504). Multiple ultrasonic transducers are provided on the inner wall of the second isolation ring (504). One end of the aqueous solvent input pipe (503) is connected to the inner cavity of the second isolation ring (504). One end of the second mixed oil phase output pipe (506) is connected to the inner cavity of the second annular collection tank (505).

6. The continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the second extraction tank (501) is fixedly connected with four second guide rods (507). A second float (508) is sleeved on the second guide rod (507). The second float (508) has several round holes inside. The outer side of the second float (508) is in contact with the inner wall of the second isolation ring (504). The outer side of the second isolation ring (504) has multiple second drain grooves (509).

7. The continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separation zone (6) includes a separation tank (601) located below the second extraction tank (501). A connecting pipe (602) is connected to the top of the separation tank (601), and an electrically controlled valve is installed on the connecting pipe (602). The top of the connecting pipe (602) is connected to the bottom of the second extraction tank (501). A centrifugal separator (603) is rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the separation tank (601). A rotating rod (101) passes through the first extraction tank (401), the second extraction tank (501), and the separation tank (601), and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the centrifugal separator (603) via four connecting rods. The separation tank (601) and the centrifugal separator... A third annular liquid collection tank (604) is formed between the separator (603). A pair of semi-circular drain ports (605) are provided at the bottom of the third annular liquid collection tank (604). A collection chamber (606) is provided at the bottom of the inner cavity of the separator (601). The drain ports (605) are connected to the collection chamber (606). A slag discharge cylinder (607) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the separator (601). A spiral pusher (608) is rotatably provided on the inner wall of the slag discharge cylinder (607). The bottom end of the rotating rod (101) is fixedly connected to the top end of the spiral pusher (608). A sugar liquid output pipe (609) is connected to the bottom of the collection chamber (606).

8. The continuous extraction apparatus for preparing starch sugar and tiger nut oil according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second extraction zone (5) also includes a conical frustum (510) fixedly installed on the top of the second extraction tank (501). The outer side of the rotating rod (101) is rotatably engaged with the inner wall of the conical frustum (510). A pair of limiting rings (7) are fixedly connected to the outer side of the centrifugal separation cylinder (603). The outer side of the limiting rings (7) is slidably engaged with the inner wall of the separation tank (601). Several through holes (8) are opened on the top of the conical frustum (510). A pair of scrapers (9) are slidably installed on the top of the conical frustum (510). One side of the scraper (9) is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod (101).

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