Method and device for extracting plant constituents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the packing density of a liquid material-liquid mixture in an extraction tower that has at least one rotatable transport shaft and is filled with the material-liquid mixture, to a system for carrying out such a method, and to a method for extracting at least one constituent from a plant material using such a method and / or such a system.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Method and apparatus for the extraction of plant constituents

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the packing density of a liquid material and liquid mixture in an extraction tower having at least one rotatable transport shaft and filled with the material and liquid mixture, a system for carrying out such a method and a method for extracting at least one ingredient from a plant material using such a method or system.

[0004] The extraction of plant constituents from plant materials has been known for a long time. Of particular economic importance is the extraction of sucrose from sugar beets or sugar cane. Well-known extraction methods employ tower extraction systems for this purpose.

[0005] EP 0 592 772 A2 and EP 0 678 583 Al disclose extraction towers for extracting sucrose from sugar beet pulp.

[0006] The extraction of sugar beet pulp can be carried out in a tower extraction system to convert sucrose from fresh sugar beet pulp into a liquid technical sucrose solution, a so-called raw juice, via solid-liquid countercurrent extraction. The extracted pulp is then mechanically dewatered using presses.

[0007] Such an extraction system is usually divided into three subsystems connected to each other via piping systems: the pulp mash, the subsequent extraction tower, and the subsequent pulp press.

[0008] The schnitzel mash primarily serves the thermal denaturation of the schnitzel and mixes it with tower juice, usually from the extraction process, to produce a pumpable suspension, also referred to here as schnitzel-juice mixture, which can then be pumped into the extraction tower.

[0009] After passing through the extraction tower, the wood chips are transferred to the wood chip press. The wood chip press serves to further dewater the extracted chips mechanically. The extraction tower, as an essential component of the extraction system, serves to efficiently and with minimal disruption extract the denatured wood chips from the wood chip mash, for example, using solid-liquid countercurrent extraction.

[0010] To meet these requirements, the parameters temperature, fresh water quantity and tower shaft speed can be adjusted accordingly in the extraction tower.

[0011] Temperature adjustment is achieved by controlling the temperature of the incoming mass streams, particularly the schnitzel-juice mixture, and the liquid extraction solvents, especially fresh water and press water. Excessively high temperatures reduce microbial activity but increase the risk of extracting large quantities of undesirable non-sucrose substances, such as pectin. Conversely, excessively low temperatures lead to significant sugar loss by microorganisms.

[0012] Increasing the mass flow rate of fresh water increases the extraction rate, but later in the granulated sugar production process, it also increases energy consumption because more water needs to be evaporated. The amount of fresh water affects the liquid level in the extraction tower. A high liquid level increases the residence time of the beet pulp for extraction, but reduces the drying or draining zone, which is located at the top of the tower above the liquid level of the beet pulp-juice mixture and where extraction water drains from the pulp. The fresh water dosing control system is usually designed to react quickly, even in the event of a disturbance. Therefore, the control system is configured to have short response times to changes. As a result, the fresh water dosing is subject to significant fluctuations, and the signal is consequently noisy.

[0013] Changes in packing density, i.e., the density of the wood chip packing (the wood chip-juice mixture), caused by inconsistent chip quantity or quality, are very common in practice and lead, among other things, to undesirably reduced extraction yields. The packing density of the extraction tower can be influenced by the amount of fresh water. The aim is to achieve the most uniform wood chip packing, and thus packing density, within the tower, which does not exceed the mechanical capacity of the transport shaft inside the tower, on which the transport vanes are located. Since the packing density in the extraction tower is not directly measured, the torque of the extraction tower is determined instead. The goal of a conventional extraction tower control system is to adjust the two setpoints, liquid level and torque, to a specific operating range.The amount of fresh water supplied is used as the control variable for both signals. Conventional control of the packing density of an extraction tower is therefore achieved solely by changing the liquid level within the tower. Because two setpoints are controlled by a single control variable, achieving an optimal operating condition is often impossible. This approach leads to fluctuating operating conditions (fresh water demand, press water output) and reduces the total available extraction volume, which negatively impacts the extraction yield.

[0014] It is also known that reducing the rotational speed of the tower shaft (also referred to here as the transport shaft) with its transport vanes compacts the wood chip packing in the extraction tower, thus increasing the packing density. This also increases the residence time of the wood chips in the extraction system and the extraction yield. Too low a rotational speed can cause the tower's discharge screens to become clogged. Although changes to the tower rotational speed are technically possible, they are not made by the conventional controller, but rather manually by the plant operator on a case-by-case basis, and are not usually carried out in practice due to concerns about mechanical overload of the drive.The rotational speed of the tower shaft with the transport vanes attached to it is therefore not usually changed and is thus not part of a conventional strategy for controlling the packing density.

[0015] Therefore, the energy efficiency and extraction yield of known extraction methods still have room for improvement.

[0016] The technical problem underlying the present invention lies in providing a method for controlling the packing density in an extraction tower that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and difficulties, in particular ensuring a packing density that is as constant as possible, i.e., constant, with a liquid level that is as constant as possible, preferably in an automatable manner, preferably suitable for use in an extraction process for ingredients from materials, wherein a high extraction yield for the extracted ingredients and a low degree of impurities in the obtained extract are preferably to be achieved with optimized energy efficiency.

[0017] The present invention solves the underlying technical problem by providing the teachings of the independent claims, the dependent claims, and the description. In particular, the present invention solves the underlying technical problem by providing a method for controlling the packing density of a liquid material and liquid mixture in an extraction tower having at least one rotatable transport shaft and filled with the material and liquid mixture, and having at least one extraction chamber, preferably a single extraction chamber.The process comprises the following steps: a) adjusting the liquid level of the material and liquid mixture in the extraction chamber by regulating the liquid level in the extraction chamber by adjusting the quantity of at least one liquid extraction agent supplied to the extraction chamber, and b) adjusting the packing density of the material and liquid mixture in the extraction chamber, which has a constant liquid level according to process step a), by regulating the packing density by adjusting the rotational speed of the transport shaft.

[0018] The present invention relates in particular to a method for controlling the packing density in at least one extraction chamber of an extraction tower filled with a material and liquid mixture, wherein the extraction chamber is preferably supplied with either i) a material and liquid mixture and at least one liquid extraction agent or ii) a material and at least one liquid extraction agent, in particular continuously, and the material-liquid mixture located in the extraction chamber is conveyed by a rotatable, in particular rotating, at least one transport shaft, preferably continuously, in particular from a bottom to a top region of the extraction tower, wherein process steps a) and b) are carried out in the course of this method.The present invention preferably relates to a method for controlling the packing density, wherein a material and liquid mixture and at least one liquid extraction agent are preferably supplied to the extraction chamber.

[0019] The present invention relates in particular to a method for controlling the packing density in at least one extraction chamber of an extraction tower filled with a material and liquid mixture, the extraction tower having at least one transport shaft for transporting the material and liquid mixture, preferably arranged centrally within it and preferably aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the extraction chamber. The packing density of the material and liquid mixture located in, and preferably flowing continuously through, the extraction chamber is controlled in two, preferably independent, control steps.

[0020] The present invention accordingly provides a control system which, in a first control step a), where the setpoint is the liquid level, ensures a constant liquid level, in particular by controlling the quantity of liquid extraction solvent supplied (manipulated variable), especially the quantity of fresh water. For this purpose, a predetermined setpoint for the liquid level in the extraction tower is set, and the supply of extraction solvent is adjusted to this value by changing the amount of liquid supplied, such that a constant liquid level is achieved. In a second, preferably independent, control step b), where the setpoint is the packing density, a predetermined setpoint for the packing density, adapted to the set liquid level, is then set, and the rotational speed of the transport shaft (manipulated variable) is adjusted to this value to achieve a constant packing density.The controlled variables of the present invention are therefore the liquid level, regulated by the manipulated variable of liquid extraction solvent supply, and the packing density, regulated by the manipulated variable of transport shaft speed. Thus, as soon as a liquid level that is too low is detected by a measuring device capable of detecting this liquid level within the framework of the inventive process, the supply of liquid extraction solvent, in particular fresh water supply, is increased to reach the target value. If the measuring device for the liquid level detects that the liquid level is too high, the supply of liquid extraction solvent is reduced accordingly. If the measuring device for the packing density detects that the packing density is too high, the speed of the transport shaft is increased accordingly to reach the target packing density.If, on the other hand, the measuring device detects a packing density that is too low, the rotational speed of the transport shaft is reduced.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that as soon as a constant liquid level has been set according to process step a), the setting and control according to process step b) is started, so that both controls then take place simultaneously.

[0022] The method according to the invention is also characterized by the fact that the rotational speed of the transport shaft is used as an additional control variable alongside the quantity of liquid extraction solvent supplied. The fill level of the liquid column in the extraction tower is controlled solely by the supply of liquid extraction solvent, in particular fresh water, while the torque is controlled by the rotational speed. Because the supply of liquid extraction solvent, in particular fresh water, controls only one target variable according to the invention—namely the fill level—maintaining the target fill level is significantly more precise. Simultaneously, controlling the torque via the transport shaft rotational speed allows for improved uniformity of the packing density in the tower.

[0023] The packing density set and regulated in process step b) is determined according to the invention by determining the torque, in particular the electrically determined torque, of the transport shaft.

[0024] The teaching of the present invention makes it possible to set a defined, and in particular optimal, packing density at the maximum possible extraction volume. Both excessively high and excessively low packing densities reduce the extraction yield and, according to the invention, can advantageously be avoided particularly easily and in a controlled manner.

[0025] Typically, the liquid level in an extraction tower is approximately 1 to 2 m below at least one material discharge device, preferably a screw conveyor, which serves to transport the beet pulp via the beet pulp outlet in the top of the extraction tower. At a relatively low liquid level, the extracted beet pulp has a longer drip zone before reaching the screw conveyor. The residence time of the beet pulp in the extraction liquid decreases, and consequently, so does the yield. A relatively high liquid level extends the residence time of the beet pulp in the extraction liquid, resulting in the extraction of more sugar. However, the drip zone is short, which means that the water content of the extracted beet pulp is higher when it exits the extraction tower. A fluctuating liquid level is therefore undesirable.According to the invention, it is possible to set a constant liquid level that is not affected by control processes used to adjust the packing density. The packing density control provided according to the invention, which is independent of the liquid level control and is carried out automatically, in particular by adjusting the rotational speed, allows for the independent setting of a constant, preferably high, packing density and a constant liquid level.

[0026] The inventive method can preferably be used as part of an extraction process for ingredients from materials, preferably achieving high extraction efficiency for the extracted ingredients, in particular low extraction losses, and a low degree of impurity in the obtained extract.

[0027] The teaching of the present invention thus advantageously ensures a constant liquid level in the extraction tower. This allows the volume of the extraction tower to be used optimally for extraction. A high liquid level ensures that the materials to be extracted, in particular beet pulp, remain in contact with the extraction water for a long time and are extracted, which contributes to increasing the extraction yield.Advantageously, more uniform mass flows are enabled by the constant packing density. In particular, reduced fluctuations in the input of extracted materials, especially wet chips, lead to improved pressability of the extracted materials, especially chips, more consistent subsequent press operation and thus a more consistent supply of press water, reduced over-drying of materials, especially dry chips, due to the constant flow of pressed materials, especially pressed chips, to the drying equipment, and a more consistent tower juice flow. The packing density of the material, especially chips, in the tower can be easily adjusted by changing the tower shaft speed. Furthermore, any fluctuating amount of press water supplied to the extraction tower no longer constitutes a disturbance.

[0028] The present invention preferably relates to a method for controlling the packing density, wherein a mixture of material and liquid is supplied to the extraction chamber, preferably continuously, and separately therefrom, an amount of at least one liquid extraction agent.

[0029] The present invention preferably relates to a method for controlling the packing density, wherein the method is a countercurrent process, in particular wherein an amount of material and liquid mixture, in particular the shreds, and an amount of at least one liquid extraction agent are guided in the extraction tower in countercurrent to each other, in particular the liquid extraction agent from top to bottom and the material and liquid mixture, in particular the shreds, from bottom to top.

[0030] The present invention preferably relates to a method for controlling the packing density, wherein a material and, separately, a quantity of at least one liquid extraction agent are supplied to the extraction chamber, preferably continuously. The present invention preferably relates to a method for controlling the packing density, wherein a quantity of at least one liquid extraction agent is supplied to the extraction chamber and the material-liquid mixture in the extraction chamber is conveyed by a rotatable, in particular rotating, at least one transport shaft, in particular from a bottom to a top region of the extraction tower.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, at least one, and in particular one or more different, liquid extraction agents can be added in process step a). According to the invention, the addition of at least one of these liquid extraction agents according to process step a) is adjusted to control the liquid level.

[0032] According to the invention, preferably the supply of only one of these liquid extraction agents is adjusted according to process step a) to control the liquid level. According to the invention, preferably the supply of two of these liquid extraction agents is adjusted according to process step a) to control the liquid level.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the liquid material and liquid mixture is a mixture of a plant material and a transport liquid, in particular an aqueous solution, especially water.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the plant material is sugar beet, sugar cane, chicory, or a processed or unprocessed part thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the plant material is sugar beet material. In a preferred embodiment, the plant material is beet pulp, in particular beet pulp, in particular sugar beet pulp.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the plant material is sugar beet and sugar, in particular sucrose, is extracted from the plant material.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the plant material is chicory and inulin is extracted from the plant material.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the transport liquid, in particular an aqueous solution of the material and liquid mixture, is water or juice, in particular juice, in particular tower juice. In a preferred embodiment, the transport liquid, in particular an aqueous solution of the material and liquid mixture, is press water.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the transport liquid is, in particular, an aqueous solution of the material and liquid mixture, water or juice, in particular juice, in particular tower juice, and press water.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the material and liquid mixture is a schnitzel and juice mixture.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid supplied in process step a)

[0041] Extracting agent: water, in particular an aqueous solution, especially fresh water.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid supplied in process step a)

[0043] Extraction solvent: press water.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid extraction agents supplied in process step a) are water, in particular an aqueous solution, especially fresh water, and press water.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid extraction agent supplied in process step a) and adapted to control the liquid level is water, in particular an aqueous solution, especially fresh water.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid extraction agent supplied in process step a) and adapted to control the liquid level is press water.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid extraction agents supplied in process step a) and adapted to control the liquid level are water, in particular an aqueous solution, especially fresh water, and press water.

[0048] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the liquid schnitzel-juice mixture to be introduced, in particular pumped, into the extraction tower has a packing density of 100 to 400, in particular 200 to 350 kg of juice per 100 kg of schnitzel.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the packing density is determined by determining the torque of the transport shaft.

[0050] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the controls in process steps a) and b) are independent of each other.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the control in method step a), b) or in both is automatic.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the rotational speed of the transport shaft is automatically changed depending on an external disturbance variable.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the external disturbance is a blockage of a mass flow in the extraction tower, in particular a liquid flow, a material flow or a material and liquid flow, or at least two of them.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the external disturbance is a blockage of a drain screen.

[0055] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the constant packing density set in the extraction tower is 500 to 800 kg, in particular 600 to 700 kg, in particular 650 to 700 kg of material (total mass), in particular chips, per m³ 3 of the material and liquid mixture, in particular the schnitzel-juice mixture.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the constant packing density set in the extraction tower is a packing density with a value in the range of 500 to 800 kg, in particular 600 to 700 kg, in particular 650 to 700 kg of material (total mass), in particular chips, per m³ 3of the material and liquid mixture, in particular a mixture of wood chips and juice. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein the constant liquid level set in the extraction tower is a liquid level with a value in the range of 12 to 40 m, in particular 15 to 30 m, in particular 19 to 28 m.

[0057] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein a continuous mass flow of the liquid material and liquid mixture takes place in the extraction tower, in particular from the bottom to the top region of the extraction tower.

[0058] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a method is provided wherein a continuous mass flow of the quantity of liquid extraction agent supplied takes place in the extraction tower, in particular from the head to the bottom region of the extraction tower.

[0059] The present invention solves the underlying technical problem, in particular by providing a system that is designed and equipped to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0060] The features disclosed in connection with the present system are also applicable to the method for controlling the packing density and to the method for extracting ingredients of the present invention.

[0061] The features disclosed in connection with the present methods for controlling packing density and methods for extracting ingredients are also applicable to the system of the present invention.

[0062] The present invention therefore also relates to a system, in particular for carrying out a method according to the invention, comprising at least one extraction tower with at least one extraction chamber having a transport shaft rotatable by means of at least one drive, with at least one inlet for a liquid extraction agent, which has at least one adjustable inlet valve, with at least one measuring device for determining the liquid level, preferably arranged in or on, particularly preferably in, the extraction chamber, and with at least one controller coupled to the measuring device for determining the liquid level for regulating the liquid level, and at least one speed-adjustable drive for the transport shaft, wherein the system has at least one measuring device for determining the packing density and at least one controller coupled to the measuring device for regulating the packing density.wherein the measuring device for determining the packing density is designed and configured such that its measurement signals can be supplied to the controller for regulating the packing density, and wherein the controller is coupled to the drive for the transport shaft, and wherein the controller is designed and configured such that it can regulate the speed of the drive of the transport shaft depending on the supplied measurement signals. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring device for determining the packing density is arranged in or on, preferably in, the extraction tower, and preferably the measuring device is spatially and functionally assigned to the at least one drive of the transport shaft.

[0063] The extraction tower serves to extract plant material, in particular beet pulp, which is preferably fed in denatured form from a functionally upstream pulp mash coupled to the extraction tower, for example by means of solid-liquid countercurrent extraction. The pulp is moved from bottom to top, assisted by transport vanes preferably arranged on a transport shaft located centrally in the tower. The liquid extraction solvent flows through the pulp packing from top to bottom. The extraction juice is drained off through preferably provided discharge sieves, which are attached to the lower end of the tower, and passed on to the pulp mash. The aim of the extraction is to extract as much sucrose as possible from the pulp, while simultaneously retaining as much non-sucrose as possible in the pulp.Furthermore, it is important to prevent the optional extraction sieves for the extraction juice from being blocked by wood chips and to avoid the degradation of sucrose by microorganisms.

[0064] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the transport shaft has, in particular, wings arranged on the circumferential surface of the transport shaft, in particular distributor wings and transport wings.

[0065] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring device for determining the liquid level is designed and configured such that its measurement signals can be supplied to the controller for regulating the liquid level, and wherein the controller is coupled to the actuator of the inlet valve of the inlet for the liquid extraction agent, and wherein the controller is designed and configured such that it can regulate the actuator of the at least one inlet valve depending on the supplied measurement signals. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided which has at least one actuator, preferably several actuators, for the transport shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the transport shaft is thus driven by at least one motor, preferably several motors.

[0066] Preferably, at least one drive is a motor.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the motors are connected via pinions to a common ring gear, the ring gear being spatially and functionally connected to the transport shaft.

[0068] Accordingly, the motors preferably drive the transport shaft via a pinion assigned to each motor and preferably via a common ring gear spatially and functionally assigned to the pinions. Preferably, each motor is also spatially and functionally assigned a gearbox.

[0069] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring device for determining the packing density is at least one frequency converter arranged in or on at least one drive for the transport shaft.

[0070] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring device for determining the packing density is a frequency converter functionally, and preferably also spatially, assigned to the at least one drive for the transport shaft.

[0071] The at least one frequency converter measures the current consumption of the drive, in particular the motor, of the transport shaft and thus allows the determination of the torque on the transport shaft and the packing density in the extraction chamber.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the drive for the transport shaft is powered by at least one, preferably several, motors. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one motor has a frequency converter. In a preferred embodiment, each motor has a frequency converter, with the motors operating in master-slave mode. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring device and the controller for the liquid level are configured and designed to be suitable for automatic control of the liquid level.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring device and the controller for the packing density are set up and designed in such a way that they are suitable for automatic control of the packing density.

[0074] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the measuring devices and the controllers for the liquid level and the packing density are set up and designed in such a way that they are suitable for the automatic control of the liquid level and the packing density.

[0075] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controller for the liquid level can be a PID controller (proportional-integral derivative controller, proportional-integral differential controller) or a model predictive controller (MPC).

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controller for the packing density can be a PID controller or an MPC controller.

[0077] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the controller for the liquid level can be a PID controller and the controller for the packing density can be an MPC controller.

[0078] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the MPC controller can be an adaptive controller or an NMPC (nonlinear model predictive controller).

[0079] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the controller, in particular an MPC controller, is designed and configured such that it can additionally regulate the speed of the drive of the transport shaft depending on an external disturbance variable, for example, a blockage in the extraction tower, particularly in the discharge screens, and in particular can regulate it automatically. Preferably, the blockage of a discharge screen can be detected by a measuring device for detecting a pressure difference, in particular at an outlet of the extraction tower. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the extraction tower has at least one extraction fluid outlet, at least one material outlet, and at least one inlet for a material-liquid mixture or an inlet for the material and an inlet for the transport fluid for the material.

[0080] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plant according to the invention is provided, wherein the extraction tower has at least one material discharge device, in particular a screw conveyor, especially in the head region of the extraction tower.

[0081] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a system according to the invention is provided, wherein the system has at least one drain screen, in particular as a component that delimits the extraction chamber of the extraction tower on the bottom side.

[0082] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plant according to the invention is provided, wherein the plant is a beet extraction plant operating continuously according to the countercurrent principle.

[0083] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plant according to the invention is provided, wherein, in addition to the extraction tower, it has a chip mash, preferably arranged upstream of the material flow, or a chip press, preferably arranged downstream of the material flow, or both.

[0084] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plant according to the invention is provided, wherein, in addition to the extraction tower, it includes a wood chip mash, preferably arranged upstream of the material flow. The wood chip mash serves to cool a tower juice originating from the extraction tower by transferring the thermal enthalpy to the wood chips, thus reducing the energy required for further heating of the fresh wood chips; to heat the cold, fresh wood chips by contact with warm tower juice in a countercurrent flow for heat recovery; and to heat the fresh wood chips by contact with tower juice to a temperature at which the cell membranes of the wood chips are thermally denatured, thereby reducing the diffusion resistance. The denatured wood chips are preferably converted into a pumpable suspension, also referred to as a wood chip-juice mixture, which can be conveyed into the extraction tower.The required ratio of juice to pulp is preferably achieved by a juice recirculation system, which can be set up between the extraction tower and the pulp mash. A raw juice is also derived from the pulp mash and fed into further raw juice processing for sugar production, in particular juice purification.

[0085] Preferably, the wood chip mash can be a counter-current wood chip mash.

[0086] Preferably, the wood chip mash can have a direct current and a counter-current section.

[0087] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a plant according to the invention is provided, wherein, in addition to the extraction tower, a chip press is arranged, preferably downstream of the material flow.

[0088] The pulp mash and pulp press are preferably connected to the extraction tower via pipes to allow the flow of material and liquid mixture, pulp, or both.

[0089] The invention also relates to a method for extracting at least one ingredient from a plant material, comprising the following process steps: x) introducing a plant material and a transport liquid into a system according to the invention to obtain a liquid material and liquid mixture, y) introducing at least one liquid extraction agent into a system according to the invention, and z) carrying out an extraction of the at least one ingredient from the plant material using a method according to the invention.

[0090] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in process step x) the material and the transport fluid are introduced into the system together.

[0091] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in process step x), the material is introduced into the system separately from the transport fluid. In a particularly preferred embodiment, process steps x), y), and z) are carried out simultaneously.

[0092] In a particularly preferred embodiment, process steps x), y) and z) are carried out continuously.

[0093] Preferably, the plant material and the transport liquid are fed into the system under pressure, either together or separately.

[0094] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the material and liquid mixture is a schnitzel juice mixture and the ingredient is sucrose.

[0095] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the extracted materials and the resulting extraction liquid are removed from the extraction tower following the extraction process.

[0096] In connection with the present invention, the term "packing density" (also known and referred to as "filling level") is understood to be the quotient of the mass of material in a material-liquid mixture and the volume occupied by the mixture. The "packing density" is preferably expressed in kg of material / m³. 3 The volume of the material and liquid mixture is quantified. The mass of the material is preferably the total mass of the material (dry mass and water mass of the material), particularly after subtracting any residual amounts of external liquid adhering to it, i.e., the drained weight of the material.

[0097] In the context of the present invention, the term "constant packing density" means that a predetermined target value for the packing density is substantially maintained throughout the process, particularly with the exception of changes caused by unavoidable fluctuations in disturbances. In the context of the present invention, the term "constant packing density" also means a packing density that deviates from a predetermined target value or target value range by preferably no more than 15%, more preferably no more than 10%, more preferably no more than 5%, more preferably no more than 1%. The target value range is preferably 500 to 800 kg, more preferably 600 to 700 kg of material, particularly wood chips (total mass) per m³. 3Material and liquid mixture. According to the invention, the packing density is preferably determined indirectly as an “electrically determined torque” in Nm (Newton meters) by means of a frequency converter functionally assigned to the drive, in particular motor, of the transport shaft, which measures the current consumption of the drive, in particular motor. From this, the torque at the transport shaft can be calculated and the packing density derived.

[0098] In the context of the present invention, the term "frequency converter" refers to a device that can, on the one hand, measure the current consumption of a functionally coupled drive, in particular a motor, and, on the other hand, control the motor power and speed by changing the frequency of an alternating current supplied to the drive, in particular the motor, for the transport shaft, so that the motor is not overloaded. The frequency converter converts the 50 Hz alternating current from the mains supply into an alternating current with a variable frequency (0 to 60 Hz). The frequency converter is therefore preferably connected between the electrical supply network and the drive, in particular the motor, and directly controls the drive, in particular the motor, in order to avoid disturbances originating from the supply network, in particular overloads.

[0099] In the context of the present invention, the term "extraction tower" is understood to mean a spatially defined reactor or container, in particular enclosed by a wall system, in which the extraction of materials can take place. An extraction tower preferably has a head and a bottom region, wherein the head region is preferably the region of the extraction tower that is at a greater distance from the ground surface than the bottom region. An extraction chamber lies between the head and bottom regions. Preferably, the extraction tower is a reactor that is taller than it is wide and deep, wherein the height is the dimension perpendicular to the ground surface. The longitudinal axis of the extraction tower runs along this height.

[0100] In connection with the present invention, the term "extraction chamber" refers to the portion of the internal volume of an extraction tower in which the extraction of the material can take place. The extraction chamber is preferably separated from the bottom-facing areas of the extraction tower, where extraction does not occur but, for example, discharge, by a bottom plate or discharge screens. The extraction chamber is limited towards the top of the extraction tower by the maximum fill level intended for the system. In connection with the present invention, the term "drive" refers in particular to a motor.

[0101] In connection with the present invention, the term "drying zone" (also referred to as draining zone) is understood to mean the internal volume of the extraction tower located in the head region, which lies above the liquid level and thus the surface of the liquid material and liquid mixture, and in which, accordingly, the plant material, in particular the shreds, is not present in a material and liquid mixture, in particular a shred-juice mixture, but in a gas mixture, in particular air, dries out and can be conveyed out of the tower in non-fluid, in particular lumpy form by discharge devices, in particular extraction screws.

[0102] In connection with the present invention, the term "wet zone" is understood to mean the internal volume of the extraction tower located in the lower and middle regions, which is closed off at the top by the surface of the material and liquid mixture, and in which the plant material, in particular the chips, is present in a material and liquid mixture, in particular a chips-juice mixture, and can be conveyed in fluid form by conveying devices, in particular transport vanes, in the tower into its dry zone.

[0103] In the context of the present invention, the term "liquid level" refers to the fill level of the material and liquid mixture in the extraction tower, in particular measured in meters. The fill level is the height of the liquid column in the internal volume of the extraction tower filled with a material and liquid mixture, in particular a pulp-juice mixture. The fill level is thus the distance between the surface of the material and liquid mixture, in particular the interface between the liquid phase of the wet zone and the gaseous phase of the gas mixture-filled dry zone, and the bottom of the extraction chamber, in particular the drain screens.Typically, for an extraction tower with an extraction chamber of, for example, 26 m in height, a minimum fill level (e.g., 20 m), at which the height of the drying zone is at its maximum (e.g., 6 m), and a maximum fill level (e.g., 26 m), at which the drying zone has a minimum height, in particular 0 m, are defined. In this case, the liquid level to be controlled thus has a setpoint in the range of 20 to 26 m. In the context of the present invention, the term "constant liquid level" means that a predetermined setpoint for the liquid level is substantially maintained throughout the process, in particular, maintained with the exception of changes caused by unavoidable fluctuations in disturbances.In connection with the present invention, the term "constant liquid level" is understood to mean in particular a value for the liquid level which deviates from a predetermined setpoint or setpoint range by preferably no more than 15%, in particular no more than 10%, in particular no more than 5%, in particular no more than 1% upwards or downwards.

[0104] A “disturbance variable” in connection with the present invention is a disturbance variable in the present process that affects the liquid level and the packing density, and thus either directly or indirectly influences the controlled variables affected by the invention. A disturbance variable can be the quality or quantity of the materials supplied, the volume of liquid extraction solvent supplied, in particular fresh or press water, and / or the volume of liquids or materials discharged.

[0105] An “external disturbance” in connection with the present invention is a disturbance in the present method that does not directly affect the liquid level and packing density, but either has no effect or only an indirect effect on the controlled variables influenced by the invention. An external disturbance can be a blockage in a material or liquid flow.

[0106] In connection with the present invention, the term "Schnitzel" is understood to mean beet pulp, in particular sugar beet pulp.

[0107] In connection with the present invention, the term "Schnitzel -juice mixture" is understood to mean the mixture of beet pulp and juice, in particular extraction juice from a beet pulp extraction.

[0108] In connection with the present invention, the term "liquid extraction agent" is understood to mean the liquid, generally sucrose-free or low-sucrose, that is fed into the extraction chamber, in particular into the head region and / or the moist zone, to extract the ingredients from the material. The extraction liquid for the cutlets introduced into the extraction tower in the form of a cutlet-juice mixture is preferably fresh water.

[0109] In connection with the present invention, the term "extraction liquid" (also referred to as extraction juice) is understood to mean the generally sucrose-rich liquid obtained after and as a result of the extraction of the ingredients from the material. The extraction liquid of the cutlets introduced into the extraction tower in the form of a cutlet-juice mixture is preferably juice, in particular tower juice.

[0110] In connection with the present invention, the term "countercurrent extraction" refers to a process for separating substances in which two immiscible phases, for example an aqueous phase and a pulp-containing phase, are preferably brought into contact multiple times, particularly successively along the longitudinal axis of an extraction tower, in opposite directions of flow in order to transfer a substance, for example sugar, as efficiently as possible from one phase to the other. In connection with the present invention, the term "tower juice" (here also referred to simply as "juice") refers to a liquid that is the result of an extraction of plant material, in particular sugar beet pulp, with an extraction agent, in particular water, carried out in an extraction tower. The "tower juice" is preferably fed from the extraction tower into a pulp mash, which is preferably present.

[0111] In the context of the present invention, the term "raw juice" refers to a liquid that is drawn off from a pulp mash for subsequent sugar purification steps, in particular juice purification processes. The raw juice is thus a tower juice that is drawn off from the pulp mash towards juice purification (i.e., not into the extraction process).

[0112] In connection with the present invention, the term "transport fluid" is understood to mean the fluid with which the material to be extracted is introduced into the extraction tower and supplied to the extraction process in the tower.

[0113] The leached schnitzels obtained after extraction are called "extracted schnitzels".

[0114] In connection with the present invention, the term "press water" is understood to mean liquid, in particular an aqueous liquid, that originates from a pressing device for, in particular, plant material and is obtained by pressing liquid from it. Specifically, the low-concentration technical sucrose solution produced during the pressing of the extracted chips in the chip press is referred to as "press water," which is preferably heated via heat exchangers and can be returned to the upper section of the extraction tower for the extraction process. The press water can thus supplement the fresh water as the extraction liquid.

[0115] In connection with the present invention, the terms "inlet" and "outlet" are understood to include, in particular, inlet openings and outlet openings for liquids, materials, or both, optionally provided with actuating elements and / or optionally provided with measuring devices and / or optionally provided with inlet lines and outlet lines.

[0116] According to the invention, the torque results from the mass, viscosity, and density of the material and liquid mixture, in particular the schnitzel-juice mixture, and the rotational speed of the transport shaft (also referred to as tower shaft). Depending on the mass, density, and viscosity of the material and liquid mixture, in particular the schnitzel-juice mixture, as well as the rotational speed, specific torques are applied to the transport vanes of the transport shaft (tower shaft).

[0117] In the context of the present invention, the term "control" (also referred to here as "regulation") refers to a process in which a controlled variable is continuously measured, compared with a reference variable or setpoint, and, in the event of a deviation, adjusted to match the reference variable or setpoint. The regulation compares the controlled variable with the reference variable or setpoint by calculating the control difference between the reference (setpoint) and the controlled variable.

[0118] In case of deviation, a "controller" intervenes in the controlled process, particularly the controlled system, by means of an "actuator" to correct the deviation. The actuator influences a "manipulated variable," which then affects the controlled variable in the controlled system. The task of a control system is to reduce the magnitude of the control error, ideally to zero.

[0119] A control system therefore involves determining the actual value of a controlled variable, for example one that is to be kept constant (measurement), and adjusting it so that it approaches the desired setpoint again if it deviates from it (feedback). This counteracts the deviation from the setpoint, so the feedback is a negative feedback loop. This feedback creates a closed-loop process, which is called a control loop.

[0120] A "control loop" characterizing the system provided according to the invention comprises a "controlled system" on which the controlled variable is exposed to at least one disturbance variable, in particular the humid zone of the tower, and thus forms the actual value; a "sensor" for measuring the controlled variable at the output of the controlled system, which sends the measured value in the form of an electrical signal to a "comparator"; the comparator compares a setpoint or reference variable generated by a "setpoint generator" with the actual variable, determines the control error, and transmits the setpoint deviation to a "controller," which determines the action to be performed and transmits a corresponding electrical signal to the "actuator." The actuator acts on the manipulated variable and adjusts the actual value accordingly.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the comparator, the setpoint generator and the controller can be integral components of a "control system unit", in particular a single device.

[0122] "Regulating" is therefore not control (steering), because in control there is no feedback and consequently no closed sequence of actions.

[0123] The term "control" or, in English, "controlling" is used for both steering and regulation. The "regulation" provided according to the invention therefore does not necessarily correspond to the term "control"; rather, the term "regulation" corresponds to the term "closed-loop control," and the term "steering" not according to the invention corresponds to the term "open-loop control."

[0124] In the context of the present invention, the term "controlled variable" refers to the quantity affected by the control, i.e., the quantity to be kept constant or selectively variable. Its instantaneous measured value at the beginning or during the process is the "actual value".

[0125] In the context of the present invention, the term "reference variable" refers to the value to which the controlled variable is to be adjusted. It is specified externally by the operator or another technical system. The system to be controlled is then influenced accordingly via the actuator. The currently set value of the reference variable is the "setpoint." If the reference variable does not change over time, the terms "setpoint" and "reference variable" are synonymous.

[0126] The "rule difference" is the difference between the specified instantaneous value (setpoint or reference variable) and the actual value of the controlled variable.

[0127] In connection with the present invention, the term "controller" is understood to mean the part in a control loop that compares the setpoint or reference value and the actual value and influences the controlled system in such a way that the setpoint or reference value is achieved as accurately as possible.

[0128] The regulation can be a cascade regulation.

[0129] In the context of the present invention, the term "configured and equipped" means that the element in question is designed, functionally, in particular through electronic data processing, or both, so that it can perform the function referred to, preferably being specifically designed for this function and functionally adapted to it, either structurally or through electronic data processing. In the context of the present invention, the term "configured and equipped" also specifically means that the element in question is functionally or structurally connected to other elements in such a way as to enable the flow of material, fluid, data, signals, or electrical current. Electronic data processing measures can include processors, data lines, memory, and algorithms or software stored or executable thereon.

[0130] In the context of the present invention, the term "coupled" means that the at least two elements referred to are functionally, structurally or functionally and structurally connected to each other, in particular by at least one conduit for material, fluid, data, signals or electrical current.

[0131] In connection with the present invention, the term "quantity" means volume unless otherwise specified.

[0132] In the context of the present invention, the phrase "and / or" means that all members of a group connected by the term "and / or" are disclosed both alternatively to one another and cumulatively to one another in any combination. For example, the expression "A, B and / or C" means that the following disclosures are to be understood: i) (A or B or C), or ii) (A and B), or iii) (A and C), or iv) (B and C), or v) (A and B and C).

[0133] If, in connection with the present invention, the first and second decimal places or the second decimal place are not specified in a number, they shall be set to zero.

[0134] In the context of the present invention, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are understood to mean that, in addition to the elements explicitly covered by these terms, further, unmentioned elements may be present. In the context of the present invention, these terms are also understood to mean that only the explicitly mentioned elements are covered and no further elements are present. In this particular embodiment, the meaning of the terms "comprising" and "comprising" is synonymous with the term "consisting of." Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" also encompass compositions that, in addition to the explicitly mentioned elements, contain further unmentioned elements that are, however, of a functionally and qualitatively subordinate nature. In this embodiment, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are synonymous with the term "essentially consisting of."

[0135] Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

[0136] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures and examples.

[0137] The figures show:

[0138] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an extraction tower according to the invention with shredded mash.

[0139] Figure 2 graphically represents the torque in percent relative to the maximum torque as a function of time in hours for a process according to the invention (with active packing density controller) compared to a control with an inactive packing density controller. Figure 3 graphically represents the rotational speed in rpm as a function of time in hours for a process according to the invention (with active packing density controller) compared to a control with an inactive controller.

[0140] Figure 4 graphically represents the liquid level as a percentage of the maximum level as a function of time in hours for a procedure according to the invention (with active controller for the liquid level) compared to a control with an inactive controller for the liquid level.

[0141] Figure 5 graphically represents the fresh water flow rate in m³ 3 / hour (h) as a function of time in hours for a process according to the invention (with active controller for the liquid level) compared to a control with inactive controller.

[0142] Figure 6 schematically represents the configuration of an inventive controller for packing density.

[0143] Figure 1 schematically shows a system (100) according to the invention for carrying out a process according to the invention. The system (100) comprises an extraction tower (10), a mash of wood chips (70) which may be present, and a wood chip press (8). The extraction tower (10) is shown with an inlet for a liquid extraction solvent, in particular a fresh water inlet (2), a material outlet, in particular an outlet for extracted wood chips (28), a press water inlet (29) (of which there may be several, not shown here), an extraction liquid outlet, in particular a juice outlet (27), and an inlet for the material-liquid mixture, in particular a wood chip-juice mixture (12). Also shown is the material and liquid mixture, in particular a wood chip-juice mixture (13), with the material (14) contained therein, namely wood chips.Also shown is the transport shaft (20) with distributor vanes (23) and transport vanes (24) arranged on the shaft's circumferential surface, which are only partially shown here. The distributor vanes (23) serve in particular to ensure a uniform distribution of the cutlets (14) in the cutlet-juice mixture (13) in the extraction tower (10), while the transport vanes (24) preferably serve to transport the cutlets (14) from bottom to top. Also shown is the extraction chamber (15), that is, the interior of the extraction tower (10) in which the extraction takes place. Furthermore, the dry zone (5) located in the head region of the tower (10) and the wet zone (6) located below the dry zone (5) are shown. The dry zone (5) is formed by the surface of the cutlet-juice mixture (13) in the extraction chamber (15) and the wet zone (6). The liquid level (60) indicates the fill level in the extraction tower (10).In the upper part of the extraction tower (10) is at least one measuring device (40) for the liquid level (60), which is coupled to a controller (44) for the liquid level (60), which in turn is coupled to a valve actuator (46) for a valve (4) located in the inlet line for the liquid extraction solvent (2). The controller (44) for the liquid level (60) is a PID controller. Below the extraction chamber (15) are drain screens (26) that delimit this extraction chamber at the bottom. Above the extraction chamber (15) in the extraction tower (10) is at least one drive (motor, M) (22), which drives the transport shaft (20) via a toothed ring (25).A measuring device (30) for the torque at the transport shaft (20) is located on and functionally associated with the drive (22). This device is specifically a frequency converter for detecting an electrically determined torque. The frequency converter (30) measures the current drawn by the drive and thus the torque applied to the transport shaft (20) as a function of the packing density. Also shown is an MPC controller (33) for the packing density, coupled to the measuring device (30) and to the drive (22) of the transport shaft (20), in order to control the transport shaft speed as a function of the torque and thus the packing density determined by the measuring device (30).

[0144] A mixture of wood chips and juice (13) originating from a wood chip mash (70), which has a feed chute (72) for the wood chips to be supplied, is pumped from below into the extraction chamber (15) through the wood chip and juice mixture inlet (12) in the lower region of the extraction tower (10), against the flow direction of the extraction liquid, and distributed evenly over the cross-section of the extraction tower by means of distributor vanes. The ratio of juice to wood chips is preferably 3 to 1. Continuous extraction of the wood chips (14) takes place in the extraction tower (10) in a countercurrent flow; the wood chips are transported from bottom to top, particularly in the peripheral circumferential region of the extraction tower (15), with the assistance of the distributor and transport vanes (13) and (14).Fresh water is fed into the extraction tower (10) through the fresh water inlet (2) in the upper area of ​​the extraction tower (10), namely in the dry zone (5), below the material outlet (28) and distributed over the entire cross-section of the extraction tower (10), as well as through press water inlets (29) arranged in the area of ​​the wet zone (6) (only one of several inlets is shown as an example in Figure 1), which flows from top to bottom through the extraction chamber (15) and thereby extracts the chips (14), in particular reducing the sucrose content in the chips (14) and increasing the sucrose content of the juice from top to bottom.The extracted pulp is conveyed in the drying zone (5) by means of extraction screws (16) through a pulp outlet (28) to the pulp press, while the resulting tower juice exits the extraction chamber (15) through the discharge sieves (26) in the lower part of the extraction tower (10) and is directed into the pulp mash (70) through the liquid outlet (27). Raw juice (71) is drawn off from the pulp mash for juice purification. Water collected from the pulp press (8) (referred to here as press water) can be fed back into the extraction tower (10) via the press water inlets (29). The extraction liquid is therefore formed from fresh and press water.

[0145] If the controller (44) for the liquid level (60) detects, based on the signals transmitted by the measuring device (40), that the liquid level (60) has fallen below the setpoint to be maintained, the controller (44) automatically causes the actuator (46), i.e., the valve drive, to open the fresh water supply valve (4) so ​​that the fresh water supply is increased. Conversely, if the controller (44) detects that the liquid level (60) is above the setpoint to be maintained, the controller (44) automatically causes the valve drive (46) to close the valve (4), so that the fresh water supply is reduced and the liquid level (60) is adjusted to the setpoint. The setpoint for the liquid level (60) must therefore be kept constant during the process, and the actual value must be adjusted accordingly.The packing density controller (33) automatically increases the rotational speed of the transport shaft (20) if the packing density measuring device (30), in particular the frequency converter, detects that the torque on the transport shaft (20) is too high. Conversely, if the controller (33) detects, via the measurement signals received from the measuring device (30), that the torque is too low, the rotational speed of the transport shaft (20) is automatically reduced to maintain a constant torque corresponding to the target value. The target value for the packing density must therefore be kept constant during the process, and the actual value adjusted accordingly.

[0146] Both the control loop relating to the liquid level (60) and the packing density are fully automated. The packing density controller (33) is an MPC controller. In a preferred embodiment, the MPC controller is designed and configured such that, in the event of a blockage in the extraction chamber, particularly of the discharge screens (26), it can automatically control the drive (22), in particular the transport shaft speed, and in particular automatically increase the speed of the transport shaft as soon as a screen blockage is detected via the differential pressure at the outlet (27).

[0147] According to the invention, a constant liquid level is achieved in the extraction tower, allowing the available extraction volume to be used optimally for extraction. The constant packing density, set according to the invention, significantly reduces fluctuations in the yield of extracted chips and thereby improves subsequent processes, especially pressing and drying processes.

[0148] Figures 2 to 5 graphically illustrate the results of a process according to the invention. The liquid level (Figure 4), which is kept constant by continuous regulation of the fresh water supply (Figure 5) when the controller is active, is clearly visible. The constant maintenance of the torque and thus the packing density (Figure 2), which deviates only slightly from the specified constant torque setpoint, is also clearly visible. Particularly noticeable is the automatic maintenance of the constant torque due to the rotational speed (Figure 3) of the transport shaft being adjusted according to the measured torque when the controller is active. As soon as a reduction in the torque applied to the transport shaft, and thus in the packing density, is detected, the MPC controller for packing density automatically reduces the rotational speed and increases the packing density.As soon as an increase in torque and thus packing density is detected, the rotational speed is automatically increased and the packing density decreases.

[0149] Figures 2 to 5 also illustrate the torque, rotational speed, liquid level, and fresh water flow rate of conventional processes (without active controllers). It is evident that with the typically constant rotational speed of the transport shaft (Figure 3) and regulation of the liquid level (Figure 4) and torque (Figure 2) solely via the fresh water supply (Figure 5), comparatively large fluctuations in the liquid level and torque, and thus in the packing density, occur continuously. These fluctuations are detrimental to the extraction yield, the purity of the obtained juice, and the pressability of the pulp.

[0150] The MPC controller can be configured by first determining, through an extraction process, the response of the torque applied to the transport shaft to small, stepwise changes in the transport shaft speed. The responses thus determined can be used to define a dynamic model for deriving the torque applied to the transport shaft from the speed, and the resulting algorithm can then be configured in the MPC controller.

[0151] Figure 6 graphically illustrates the changes in torque values ​​(Y-axis) as measured and modeled (model for torque) within such a configuration procedure as a function of time (X-axis). Reference symbol list

[0152] 2 Fresh water inlet

[0153] 4 Inlet valve for liquid extraction solvent, especially fresh water

[0154] 5 Dry zone

[0155] 6 Humid zone

[0156] 8 schnitzel press

[0157] 10 Extraction tower

[0158] 12 Inlet for material and liquid mixture

[0159] 13 Material and liquid mixture

[0160] 14 Material

[0161] 15 Extraction room

[0162] 16 Extraction screw

[0163] 20 transport wave

[0164] 22 Drive

[0165] 23 distributor wings

[0166] 24 transport wings

[0167] 25 sprocket

[0168] 26 Drain strainer

[0169] 27 Extraction liquid outlet (tower juice outlet)

[0170] 28 Material outlet

[0171] 29 Pressurized water inlet

[0172] 30 Measuring device for packing density

[0173] 33 controllers for packing density

[0174] 40 Measuring device for liquid level

[0175] 44 Liquid level regulators

[0176] 46 Valve actuator

[0177] 60 fluid level

[0178] 70 Schnitzel mash

[0179] 71 Raw juice extraction

[0180] 72 Inlet shaft for wood chip mash

[0181] 100 plant

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. A method for controlling the packing density of a liquid material and liquid mixture in an extraction tower (10) having at least one rotatable transport shaft (20) and filled with the material and liquid mixture, comprising an extraction chamber (15), and comprising the following process steps: a) adjusting a constant liquid level (60) of the material and liquid mixture in the extraction chamber (15) by controlling the liquid level (60) in the extraction chamber (15) by adjusting a quantity of at least one liquid extraction agent supplied to the extraction chamber (15), and b) adjusting a constant packing density of the material and liquid mixture in the extraction chamber (15) having a constant liquid level (60) according to process step a) by controlling the packing density by adjusting the rotational speed of the transport shaft (20).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid material and liquid mixture is a mixture of plant material and water.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packing density is determined by determining the torque of the transport shaft (20).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the provisions in process steps a) and b) are independent of each other.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the regulation in method step a), b) or in both is carried out automatically.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational speed of the transport shaft (20) is automatically changed depending on an external disturbance variable.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the constant packing density 500 to 800 kg of material (total mass) per 1 m² 3 of the material and liquid mixture.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a continuous mass flow of the liquid material and liquid mixture takes place in the extraction tower (10).

9. Plant (100) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one extraction tower (10) with an extraction chamber (15) with a transport shaft (20) rotatable by means of at least one drive (22), with at least one inlet for a liquid extraction agent (2) which has at least one adjustable inlet valve (4), with at least one measuring device (40) arranged in or on the extraction chamber (15) for determining the liquid level (60) and with at least one controller (44) coupled to the measuring device (40) for determining the liquid level for controlling the liquid level (60), and at least one speed-adjustable drive (22) for the transport shaft (20), characterized in that the plant (100) has at least one, preferably arranged in or on the extraction tower (10),The measuring device (30) for determining the packing density and at least one controller (33) coupled to the measuring device (30) for controlling the packing density, wherein the measuring device (30) for determining the packing density is designed and configured such that its measurement signals can be supplied to the controller (33) for controlling the packing density, and wherein the controller (33) is coupled to the drive (22) for the transport shaft, and wherein the controller (33) is designed and configured such that it can control the speed of the drive (22) of the transport shaft (20) depending on the supplied measurement signals.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the measuring device (40) for determining the liquid level (60) is designed and configured such that its measuring signals can be supplied to the controller (44) for controlling the liquid level (60) and wherein the controller (44) is coupled to the actuator (46) of the inlet valve (4), and wherein the controller (44) is designed and configured such that it can control the actuator (46) of the inlet valve (4) depending on the supplied measuring signals.

11. System according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the measuring devices (30, 40) and the controllers (33, 44) are configured and designed to be suitable for automatic control of liquid level and packing density.

12. System according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the controller (33) is designed and configured such that it can additionally control the speed of the drive (22) of the transport shaft (20) depending on an external disturbance variable.

13. System according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the system has at least one extraction liquid outlet (27), at least one material outlet (28) and at least one inlet (12) for a material and liquid mixture or for the material.

14. Plant according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the plant (100) is a beet extraction plant operating continuously according to the countercurrent principle.

15. A method for extracting at least one ingredient from a plant material, comprising the following process steps: x) introducing the plant material and a transport liquid into a system according to any one of claims 9 to 14 to obtain a liquid material and liquid mixture, y) introducing at least one liquid extraction agent into the system, and z) carrying out an extraction of the at least one ingredient from the plant material using a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9 and 15, wherein the material and liquid mixture is a schnitzel juice mixture and the ingredient is sucrose.

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