Extraction device and extraction method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an extraction device and an extraction method for extracting valuables, for example, from a biomass raw material. [Solution] The present invention provides a device for extracting a valuable 112 contained in a raw material 111, the device performing: an extraction step 114 in which the valuable 112 in the raw material 11 is transferred into an extraction solvent 13 by bringing the raw material 111 into contact with the extraction solvent 113; a filtration step 118 in which a filtrate 116, which is the extraction solvent containing the valuable 112, that is, the extract, is separated from an extraction residue 117 by filtering a mixture of the raw material 10 and the extraction solvent 113 after extraction; a drying step 119 in which the extraction residue 117 after filtration is dried; and a discharge step 120 in which a dry cake 117A containing the dried valuable 112 is discharged, wherein the extraction step 114, the filtration step 118, the drying step 119, and the discharge step 120 are applied to the raw material 111 stored in the same container.

Description

Extraction apparatus and extraction method

[0001] The present invention relates, for example, to an extraction apparatus and extraction method for extracting valuable substances contained in biomass.

[0002] Earth's resource problems, such as energy and food, and CO2 ２ To solve environmental problems such as increasing emissions and realize a sustainable world, biomass such as algae is attracting attention. The energy efficiency of algae production is very high compared to other plants and animals. For this type of biomass, technologies for cultivating algae and other organisms are important, as are technologies for obtaining the various components contained in the cultivated algae efficiently and at low cost.

[0003] For example, continuous extraction apparatuses are widely used for the purpose of extracting various components contained in biomass using an extraction solvent (Patent Document 1). In this technology, for example, soybeans, rapeseed, or pelletized raw materials are placed into multiple cells of a continuous extraction apparatus, and the extraction solvent is supplied to the cells containing the raw materials by a pump within the apparatus. The extraction solvent passes through the gaps between the coarse particles or pelletized raw materials due to its own weight, and is then discharged from the perforated metal at the bottom of the apparatus. The discharged extraction solvent containing the target material is then pumped into the raw materials of another cell. After repeating these steps multiple times, the extraction solvent containing the target material is sent to a solvent recovery apparatus, where the solvent is vaporized to obtain the target material.

[0004] US-2840459-A Special Publication No. 15922 / 1983

[0005] However, proposals such as those in Patent Document 1 have the problem that the contact and displacement of the solvent with the raw material depends on the flow due to the weight of the solvent, and the solvent outlet after extraction is made of perforated metal, so they are only suitable for raw materials with large dimensions, such as pellets, and are not suitable for powders with small particle sizes. Furthermore, even if the initial dimensions of the raw material are large, when the raw material is introduced into the device or when the solvent is passed through it, its shape breaks down and it becomes finer, which can cause problems such as solids leaking out of the perforated metal, reducing the purity of the extract, or causing clogging of downstream equipment with solids.

[0006] Furthermore, the complex structure of the equipment limits production to large, high-capacity units, leading to problems such as increased initial costs and inability to accommodate small-scale production.

[0007] Furthermore, since the contact between the raw material and the solvent depends on the flow due to the weight of the solvent, the shape and size of the particles and pellets, which can change due to the contact between the raw material and the solvent, as well as variations in these shapes and sizes, and the stacking state, may not provide sufficient opportunities for solid-liquid contact necessary for adequate extraction, resulting in unstable extraction rates.

[0008] Furthermore, the extraction time varies greatly depending on the shape and size of the raw materials, making it difficult to precisely set and control the extraction conditions. This can lead to problems such as insufficient extraction, resulting in low yields or excessively long extraction times. Additionally, the separation of the raw materials from the solvent after contact depends on the flow due to the solvent's own gravity. Since a large amount of liquid remains in the solid portion and it is difficult to break down, solidification and clogging can occur during discharge, sometimes preventing sufficient discharge.

[0009] Therefore, there is a strong desire for the emergence of technologies that can extract various components contained in biomass in particulate form at low cost, efficiently, and stably. Furthermore, there is a strong desire for technologies that can accommodate facilities of various production scales, from bench scale to pilot scale and commercial scale, and that can reliably and easily scale up from small-scale to large-scale production.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an extraction apparatus and extraction method that can extract various valuable components contained in biomass, such as algae, at low cost and efficiently.

[0011] An extraction apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for extracting valuable substances contained in a raw material, comprising: an extraction step of transferring valuable substances in the raw material into the extraction solvent by bringing the raw material into contact with the extraction solvent; a filtration step of separating the filtrate containing the valuable substances of the extract from the extraction residue by filtering the mixture of the raw material and the extraction solvent after extraction; a drying step of drying the extraction residue after filtration; and a discharge step of discharging a dried cake containing the dried valuable substances, wherein the extraction step, the filtration step, the drying step, and the discharge step are performed on a raw material stored in the same container.

[0012] A second embodiment of the present invention is an extraction apparatus for extracting valuable substances contained in a raw material, comprising: an extraction step of transferring valuable substances in the raw material into the extraction solvent by bringing the raw material into contact with the extraction solvent; a filtration step of separating the filtrate containing the extract from the extraction residue by filtering the mixture of the extracted biomass raw material and the extraction solvent; a discharge step of discharging the extraction residue; a storage step of storing the filtered filtrate; and a liquid transfer step of returning the filtrate stored in the storage step back to the extraction step, wherein the extraction step, the filtration step and the discharge step are performed on a raw material stored in the same container.

[0013] The extraction method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an extraction apparatus according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment is used, and the filtrate stored in a specific batch process is used in the extraction process in the batch process following the specific batch process.

[0014] The first aspect of the extraction method according to the present invention is characterized in that, using the extraction apparatus of the first or second aspect, in the first batch, the filtrate stored in the storage step is discharged from the container from which the biomass raw material from one batch was extracted is then added to the container, the raw material from the other batch is added, the filtrate stored in the storage step is added to the container, and the biomass raw material from the other batch is extracted using the filtrate as the extraction solvent.

[0015] For example, it becomes possible to extract various components contained in biomass in particulate form at low cost, efficiently, and stably. Furthermore, it can accommodate facilities of various production scales, from bench scale to pilot scale and commercial scale, and enables reliable and easy scaling up from small-scale to large-scale production.

[0016] This is a schematic diagram of the extraction apparatus according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the extraction apparatus according to the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of another extraction apparatus according to the second embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the extraction apparatus according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of another extraction apparatus according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the process of the extraction system according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the process of the extraction system according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the process of the extraction system according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the process of the extraction system according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of the process of the extraction system according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram showing the three extractions of the first batch. This is a diagram showing the three extractions of the second batch. This is a diagram showing the three extractions of the third batch. This is a diagram showing the extraction and filtration processes of the first and second batches being performed three times. This is a diagram showing the extraction and filtration processes of the second and third batches being performed three times. This is a diagram showing a modified version of Figure 5A. This is a diagram showing another modified version of Figure 5A. This is a diagram showing another modified version of Figure 5A. This is a diagram showing another modified version of Figure 5A. This is a side view of the filtration apparatus used in the embodiment, viewed from the left. This is a top view of the base and support plate of the embodiment. This is a front view of the rotating base of the embodiment, viewed from the front. This is a front view of the base, support plate, and sealed container of the embodiment, viewed from the front. This is a cross-sectional view of the sealed container of the embodiment. This is a front view of the support plate, power transmission unit, and motor of the embodiment, viewed from the front. This is a perspective view of the lifting unit of the embodiment, viewed from the front right. This figure shows the state in which slurry has been introduced into the filter chamber of the embodiment and filtration has begun. This figure shows the state in which liquid has been removed from the state in Figure 15 and a wet cake has been produced. This figure shows the state in which washing solution has been introduced into the state in Figure 16 and washing of the wet cake has begun. This figure shows the state in which the drying process has begun from the state in Figure 16. This figure shows the state in which the support plate has been rotated and the sealed container has been tilted from the state in Figure 16. This figure shows the state in which the stirring blade has been lowered and driven from the state in Figure 18A. This figure shows the state in which the discharge port of the sealed container has been opened and the solid cake has been discharged from the state in Figure 19. This figure shows the state in which the wet cake is being dried in the sealed container of the embodiment. This figure shows the state in which washing or solvent replacement is being performed in the sealed container of the embodiment.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described herein, the same reference numerals are used for the same components throughout the text.

[0018] [First Embodiment] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an extraction apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1A, the extraction apparatus 100A according to this embodiment is an apparatus for extracting valuable substances 112 contained in biomass raw material 111, and comprises: an extraction step 114 in which the valuable substances 112 in the biomass raw material 111 are transferred into the extraction solvent 113 by bringing the biomass raw material 111 into contact with the extraction solvent 113; a filtration step 118 in which the mixture of the extracted biomass raw material 111 and the extraction solvent 113 is filtered to separate the extraction solvent (filtrate) 116 containing the extracted valuable substances 112 from the extraction residue 117; a drying step 119 in which the wet cake 117, which is the extraction residue after filtration, is dried; and a discharge step 120 in which the dried cake 117A containing the dried valuable substances 12 is discharged. The extraction step 114, the filtration step 118, the drying step 119, and the discharge step 120 are performed on raw materials stored in the same container (shown by a dashed line in Figure 1A).

[0019] In the extraction step 114, biomass raw material (hereinafter also referred to as "raw material") 111 containing valuable material 112 is placed into a container (extraction and filtration device), and the raw material 111 is heated by means such as a jacket or heat exchanger using hot water, steam, oil, etc. as a heat transfer medium, an electric heater, microwave, etc., while being stirred by, for example, rotating or oscillating a stirring blade or the container itself.

[0020] The extraction step 114, the filtration step 118, and the drying step 119 are essential components, and the containers holding the raw materials 111 and the extraction solvent 113 are fixed in one place without moving. However, the containers may be rotated or oscillated.

[0021] The container is rotated to agitate the mixture of biomass raw material and extraction solvent during extraction, or to change the position of the filter plate relative to the container to the optimal position, such as the top or bottom, during each of the extraction, filtration, drying, and discharge processes.

[0022] Here, the extraction solvent 113 used for extracting the valuable substance 112 may be such that extraction is performed by sequentially using a plurality of types of solvents. Thereby, different types of extraction targets can be obtained by extraction with each extraction solvent.

[0023] For the wet cake 117, which is the extraction residue obtained after extraction and filtration, a substitution solvent is added and filtration is performed again, so that the liquid content in the extraction residue is substituted with another type of solvent, thereby improving the extraction rate and drying efficiency in the next step.

[0024] Drying of the extraction residue obtained after extraction and filtration is performed after the extraction and filtration of each batch of biomass raw material are completed. However, when sequential extraction is performed with a plurality of types of extraction solvents, it may be performed after the extraction and filtration immediately before changing the extraction solvent are completed.

[0025] After adding a cleaning liquid to the extraction residue obtained after extraction and filtration and cleaning, filtration is performed again to remove impurities remaining in the obtained cake, thereby improving the value when using the extraction residue.

[0026] Alternatively, by purifying the extraction target contained in the cleaning liquid after cleaning, the extraction target can be obtained without loss. Also, it may be dried after filtration.

[0027] An apparatus having a plurality of containers for performing the extraction step 114, filtration step 118, drying step 119, and discharge step 120 may be used. In this case, by appropriately synchronizing the number of containers and the timing of the processing of each container, it is possible to shorten or make zero the storage time of the filtrate, reduce the heat loss generated during the storage of the filtrate, and enable processing at a lower cost.

[0028] Furthermore, the intervals for raw material input and filtrate / extraction residue discharge are shortened, and the compatibility with continuous-type apparatuses in the upstream and downstream processes of the apparatus is improved.

[0029] In order to perform an effective extraction process with a small amount of extraction solvent 113, it is preferable to perform countercurrent multi-stage extraction.

[0030] In this extraction process 114, the number of extraction stages in the multi-stage extraction is preferably, for example, 2 to 4 stages. The extraction rates in each stage are, for example, 60% for the first stage and 20% for the second stage in the case of two-stage extraction.

[0031] Furthermore, in the case of, for example, a three-stage extraction in the extraction process 114, the extraction rate for the first stage is 60%, the extraction rate for the second stage is 20%, and the extraction rate for the third stage is 10%.

[0032] Furthermore, in the case of a four-stage extraction, for example, the extraction rate for the first stage would be 60%, the second stage 20%, the third stage 10%, and the fourth stage 3%.

[0033] According to the extraction apparatus 100A of this embodiment, by performing each process, including the drying process 19, in the same container, the transfer of solid matter between devices can be minimized. Furthermore, the drying process reduces the liquid content in the solid matter, improving its transferability, thus significantly reducing problems such as convection, clogging, and poor discharge of solid matter within the device.

[0034] In this embodiment, the extraction time can be set arbitrarily, and by installing a stirring step inside the container, reliable contact opportunities between the biomass raw material 111 and the extraction solvent 113 can be ensured. As a result, a high extraction rate can be achieved.

[0035] By performing solvent extraction multiple times on a batch of raw materials, the amount of solvent used can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, by using the filtrate 116 obtained after filtering the raw materials from one batch as the extraction solvent for other batches, the amount of solvent used can be significantly reduced.

[0036] The same process can be used to handle facilities of various scales, from bench scale to pilot scale and commercial scale, enabling reliable and easy scaling up.

[0037] This enables solvent extraction using biomass raw materials in the form of fine particles, eliminating the need for processes such as pelletization, thereby reducing equipment investment and operating costs.

[0038] Furthermore, using biomass raw materials in the form of fine particles increases the contact opportunities between the raw material and the extraction solvent during extraction, resulting in improved extraction rates.

[0039] Furthermore, since there is no outflow of solids to the downstream process that processes the filtrate, problems such as solid buildup and blockage can be significantly reduced.

[0040] When performing solvent substitution or extraction using different types of solvents, the raw materials can be dried within the extraction apparatus when changing solvents. This not only improves the efficiency of solvent substitution and extraction, but also reduces the cost of solvent regeneration because the recovered solvent is a single solvent rather than a mixture of different solvents.

[0041] Since the extraction process and the preceding and succeeding processes are carried out in the same container without transferring the solids, problems such as loss, stagnation, blockage, and adhesion caused by the transfer of solids can be significantly reduced, leading to improved yield and stable operation of the equipment.

[0042] In recent years, processes for extracting valuable substances from microorganisms such as microalgae cultured in cultivation facilities have attracted attention. For example, first, the harvested culture solution is dried to remove water from the concentrated solution using a drying process such as a dryer or sun drying, and dried microorganisms are obtained. By adding an extraction solvent to the dried microorganisms, the valuable substances contained in the microorganisms are dissolved in the extraction solvent, and the valuable substances are obtained by volatilizing the extraction solvent. Because these microorganisms have a small particle size, processing them with conventional continuous extraction devices has been difficult, but this can be solved by using the extraction device of the present invention.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to extract various components contained in biomass in the form of fine particles at low cost, efficiently, and stably.

[0044] Furthermore, it can accommodate equipment of various production scales, from bench scale to pilot scale and commercial scale, enabling reliable and easy scaling up from small-scale to large-scale production.

[0045] [Second Embodiment] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of an extraction apparatus according to the second embodiment. Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of another extraction apparatus according to this embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1A are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figure 1B, the extraction apparatus 100B according to this embodiment is an apparatus for extracting valuable substances 112 contained in a raw material 111, and comprises an extraction step 114 in which the valuable substances 112 in the biomass raw material 111 are transferred into the extraction solvent 113 by bringing the raw material 111 into contact with the extraction solvent 113; a filtration step 118 in which the mixture of the extracted biomass raw material and the extraction solvent is filtered to separate the extraction solvent containing the extract (filtrate 116) from the extraction residue 117; a discharge step 120 in which the extraction residue 17 is discharged; a storage step 121 in which the filtered filtrate is stored; and a liquid transfer step 122 in which the filtrate 116 stored in the storage step 21 is returned to the extraction step 114. The extraction step 121, the filtration step 118, and the liquid transfer step 122 are performed on the raw material 111 stored in the same container.

[0046] According to the extraction apparatus 100B, the extraction solvent from which valuable substances have been extracted is separated as a filtrate, and this filtrate is stored once before being returned to the extraction process, thereby allowing the extraction solvent to be reused.

[0047] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1C, the extraction apparatus 100C according to this embodiment may have a drying step 19 in which the wet cake 117, which is the extraction residue after filtration, is dried to produce a dried cake 117A, as shown in the extraction apparatus 100B in Figure 1B. Since this extraction apparatus 100C has a drying step 119, the solvent can be recovered from the wet cake 117.

[0048] [Third Embodiment] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the extraction apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of another extraction apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figures 3A to 3F are schematic diagrams of the process of the extraction system according to the third embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 2A, the extraction system 1000 according to this embodiment includes an extraction and filtration container (hereinafter also simply referred to as "container") 3 that performs an extraction and filtration process, and a raw material introduction line L that introduces a biomass raw material 111 containing valuable substances 112 into this container 3 １ and a solvent introduction line L that introduces an extraction solvent 113 into the container 3 ２ and a filtrate discharge line L that discharges a filtrate 116 from the container 3 ３ and a storage device 221 (221-1 to 221-3) that is connected to the filtrate discharge line L and performs a storage process of storing the filtrate 116, and a liquid feed line L that discharges the filtrate 116 from the storage device 221 ３ and a filtrate return line L that branches from the liquid feed line L and returns the filtrate 116 to the extraction and filtration container 3 ４ and a nitrogen introduction line L that introduces pressurized nitrogen (N ４ ), and is provided with ５ ). ２ ), and a nitrogen introduction line L that introduces it into the container 3 ６ .

[0050] Further, a filter medium 34 is disposed on the bottom side of the extraction and filtration container 3, and a stirring blade 5 that stirs the inside is disposed and is driven by a motor M. In the figure, reference numeral 130 is a solvent recovery means, V １ ~V ５ , V １１ ~V １３ , V ２１ ~V ２３ , V ３１ ~V ３３ illustrate on-off valves.

[0051] Further, as shown in Fig. 2B, another extraction system 1000 according to this embodiment further installs an extraction kettle 200 in the extraction system 1000 of Fig. 2A. This extraction kettle 200 introduces and stirs the raw material 111 and the extraction solvent 113 to form a slurry 201, and introduces it into the container 3

[0052] The extraction vessel 200 is used because if the raw material 111, which is in powder form, is directly added to the container 3 which has a filtration function, the powder may enter the filter medium 34 inside the container 3, causing clogging of the filter medium or preventing sufficient contact with the solvent during extraction. By mixing the raw material 111 and the extraction solvent 113 in advance in the extraction vessel 200 to create a slurry, the above problems are resolved.

[0053] Furthermore, after completing the first stage of extraction in the extraction kettle 200, the slurry 201 is transferred to the container 3, and the subsequent filtration steps are performed in the container 3. This reduces the number of steps and time required to be performed within the container 3. As a result, the container 3 can be operated efficiently, enabling high productivity at a low initial cost. In other words, the container 3 is an expensive piece of equipment with a filtration function, while the extraction kettle 200 is an inexpensive jacketed tank with a stirrer.

[0054] Therefore, if the priority is reducing initial costs, the system shown in Figure 2A is preferable, while if the priority is productivity relative to initial costs, the system configuration shown in Figure 2B is preferable. Furthermore, in the case of raw materials with high risks associated with directly adding the powder to container 3, the system configuration shown in Figure 2B is preferable.

[0055] Furthermore, while the capacity of the extraction kettle 200 is not limited, it is preferably the same as or larger than the capacity of the container 3, and when processing multiple batches at once, it should be larger than the capacity of the container 3.

[0056] Next, an example of extracting valuable substances 112 from raw materials 111 using the system 1000 in Figure 2A will be explained with reference to Figures 3A to 3F. In this example, extraction is performed three times in one batch, and the extraction rates will be explained assuming that in the first batch, the extraction rate for the first stage is 60%, the extraction rate for the second stage is 20%, and the extraction rate for the third stage is 10%.

[0057] Furthermore, the extraction rate for the second batch and subsequent batches will be lower than that of the first batch. This is because the filtrate, which already contains the valuable substance 112, is used as the extraction solvent 116, resulting in a lower extraction rate per extraction compared to using a fresh solvent 113 under the same conditions.

[0058] First, in Figure 3A, the raw material 111 and the extraction solvent 113 are introduced into the container 3. After the raw material 111 and the extraction solvent 113 are introduced, the valve V １ , V ４ Close it.

[0059] Here, from an explosion-proof standpoint, nitrogen purging is necessary to replace the air inside the equipment with nitrogen before introducing the raw material 111 and extraction solvent 113. Before starting the process, it is necessary to expel oxygen-containing air from the equipment and piping downstream of container 3, including the storage tank. Specifically, this operation involves introducing nitrogen into container 3 while sequentially opening and closing the valves downstream of container 3 to fill the equipment and piping with nitrogen.

[0060] Next, the container 3 is heated by the jacket 90 installed around it, and the inside of the container 3 is subjected to predetermined extraction conditions, and the extraction process 114 is carried out to extract the valuable substance 112 with the extraction solvent 113.

[0061] Here, container 3 is connected to a condenser (not shown) via an upper nozzle (not shown), and the solvent recovered by the condenser is reused. The exhaust from the condenser is treated as exhaust solvent 122. Furthermore, during the extraction process, the exhaust line is kept open to maintain a state close to atmospheric pressure inside container 3.

[0062] <First batch: First extraction process (S1-1)> After the first extraction process (S1-1) of the first batch is completed, valve V １１ Open the vent and pressurize with nitrogen (N ２ The inside of the container is pressed by the filtration process 118, and the first filtrate 116-1 is stored in the storage tank 221-1. Since the extraction rate of this first filtrate 116-1 is 60%, in the solvent recovery process 130, the valuable material 12 is separated and the solvent is recovered separately. The recovered solvent is reused as the extraction solvent 113.

[0063] <First Batch: Second Extraction Process (S1-2)> After the first extraction process (S1-1) of the first batch is completed, as shown in Figure 3B, valve V ４ The opening is opened, and the extraction solvent (fresh) 113 is introduced, and the second extraction step (S1-2) of the first batch is performed in the same manner as the first extraction step (S1-1).

[0064] After the second extraction step (S1-2) of the first batch is completed, valve V １２ Open the vent and pressurize with nitrogen (N ２ The inside of the container is pressed by the filtration process 118, and the second filtrate 116-2 is stored in the storage tank 221-2. The extraction rate of this second filtrate 116-2 is 20%. Therefore, there is still room for extraction of the second filtrate 16-2, and as will be described later, it will be used for the extraction of the next batch (second batch).

[0065] <First Batch: Third Extraction Step (S1-3)> After the second extraction step (S1-2) of the first batch is completed, as shown in Figure 3C, valve V ４ The opening is opened, the extraction solvent (fresh) 13 is introduced, and the third extraction step (S1-3) of the first batch is performed in the same manner as the first extraction step (S1-1).

[0066] After the third extraction step (S1-3) of the first batch is completed, valve V is used as shown in Figure 3C. １３ Open the vent and pressurize with nitrogen (N ２ The inside of the container is pressed by the filtration process 118, and the third filtrate 116-3 is stored in the storage tank 221-3. The extraction rate of this third filtrate 116-3 is 10%. Therefore, since there is still room for extraction in the third filtrate 16-3, it will be used for the extraction of the next batch (second batch) as described later.

[0067] After the third extraction step (S1-3) of the first batch is completed, the extraction residue from the first batch is discharged from container 3 (not shown).

[0068] <Second Batch: First Extraction Step (S2-1)> The first extraction step (S2-1) of the second batch differs from the first extraction step (S1-1) of the first batch, as shown in Figure 3D, in that fresh extraction solvent 13 is not used, and valve V ３２ The opening is opened, and the second filtrate 116-2 stored in the storage tank 221-2, which was collected in the second extraction step (1-2) of the first batch described above, is used for extraction.

[0069] At this point, the space inside storage tank 221-2 increases by the amount of filtrate used as the extraction solvent, so it is purged with nitrogen by a nitrogen supply means (not shown) connected to each storage tank (the same applies to other processes that use the filtrate in the storage tank).

[0070] The reason why the valuable substance 112 can be extracted using the second filtrate 116-2 of this first batch is that the second filtrate 116-2 of the first batch has an extraction rate of about 20%, and therefore has remaining extraction capacity as a solvent.

[0071] After the first extraction step (S2-1) of this second batch is completed, valve V is used as shown in Figure 3D. １１ Open the vent and pressurize with nitrogen (N ２ The inside of the container is pressed by the filtration process 118, and the first filtrate 126-1 is stored in the storage tank 221-1. The extraction rate of this first filtrate 126-1 is slightly less than 60%, and including the 20% from the second batch of the first batch, it contains approximately 80% of the valuable material in terms of extraction rate. Therefore, the valuable material 112 is recovered separately in the solvent recovery process 130, and the solvent is also recovered.

[0072] <Second Batch: Second Extraction Process (S2-2)> After the first extraction process (S2-1) of the second batch is completed, as shown in Figure 3E, valve V ３３ The nozzle is opened, and extraction is performed using the third filtrate 116-3 from the third extraction step (1-3) of the first batch, without using fresh extraction solvent 113.

[0073] After the second extraction process (S2-2) of the second batch is completed, valve V １２ Open the vent and pressurize with nitrogen (N ２The inside of the container is pressed by the filtration process 118, and the second filtrate 126-2 is stored in the storage tank 221-2. This second filtrate 126-2 has an extraction rate of slightly less than 20%, and including the 10% from the third extraction of the first batch, it contains approximately 30% of the valuable material in terms of extraction rate, so there is still room for further extraction. Therefore, it can be used as the first extraction solvent for the third batch.

[0074] <Second Batch: Extraction Process (S2-3)> After the second extraction process (S2-2) of the second batch is completed, as shown in Figure 3F, valve V ４ The opening is opened, and the extraction solvent (fresh) 113 is introduced, and the extraction of the third extraction step (S2-3) of the second batch is carried out in the same manner as the first extraction step (S1-1) of the first batch.

[0075] After the third extraction step (S2-3) of the second batch is completed, valve V ２ Open the vent and pressurize with nitrogen (N ２ The inside of container 3 is pressed by the filtration process 118, and the third filtrate 126-3 is stored in storage tank 221-3. This is because the extraction rate of the third filtrate 126-3 of this second batch is 10%, so there is still room for further extraction. Therefore, it can be used as the second extraction solvent for the next batch (third batch).

[0076] Although not shown in the diagram, in the third batch, by performing the same procedure as in the second batch described above, the first filtrate has an extraction rate of slightly less than 60%, and when combined with the slightly less than 20% from the second batch, it contains valuable materials equivalent to 70-80% of the extraction rate. Therefore, valuable materials 12 can be recovered, as well as the solvent.

[0077] Figures 4A to 4C show how a single container 30 was used for the extraction of the first to third batches. Figure 4A shows the three extractions of the first batch, Figure 4B shows the three extractions of the second batch, and Figure 4C shows the three extractions of the third batch.

[0078] Figure 4A shows the extraction and filtration process for the first and second batches, with each batch being performed three times. As described above, in the first extraction of the first batch (S1-1), the first filtrate 116-1 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4A(a), (b)). In the second extraction of the first batch (S1-2), the second filtrate 116-2 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4A(c), (d)). In the third extraction of the first batch (S1-3), the third filtrate 116-3 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4A(e), (f)).

[0079] Figure 4B shows the extraction and filtration process for the second batch being performed three times for each batch. As described above, in the first extraction of the second batch (S2-1), the first filtrate 126-1 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4B(a), (b)). In the second extraction of the second batch (S2-2), the second filtrate 126-2 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4B(c), (d)). In the third extraction of the second batch (S2-3), the third filtrate 126-3 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4B(e), (f)).

[0080] Figure 4C shows the extraction and filtration process for the third batch being performed three times for each batch. As described above, in the first extraction of the third batch (S3-1), the first filtrate 136-1 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4C(a), (b)). In the third extraction of the second batch (S3-2), the second filtrate 136-2 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4C(c), (d)). In the third extraction of the third batch (S3-3), the third filtrate 126-3 is discharged from container 3 (Figure 4C(e), (f)).

[0081] Next, the extraction process for the first to third batches is shown in Figures 5A to 5C. Figure 5A shows the extraction and filtration process for the first and second batches being performed three times, and Figure 5B shows the extraction and filtration process for the second and third batches being performed three times.

[0082] As shown in Figure 5A, the extraction process for the first and second batches is shown. In the first batch, from the first to the third extraction, fresh solvent 113 is used to extract the valuable substance 112 from the raw material 111. In the second batch, fresh solvent is not used for the first and second extractions, and the second and third filtrates are used as the extraction solvent.

[0083] In other words, in the first extraction step (S1-1) of the first batch, the first filtrate 116-1 is sent to the storage step, and in the solvent recovery step 130, the solvent is recovered along with the valuable material 12.

[0084] In the second extraction step (S1-2) of the first batch, the filtrate 116-2 from which valuable substances have been extracted is sent to the storage step and subsequently used as the first extraction solvent for the second batch.

[0085] In the third extraction step (S1-3) of the first batch, the filtrate 116-3 from which valuable substances have been extracted is sent to the storage step and subsequently used as the second extraction solvent for the second batch.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5B, the extraction process for the second and third batches is shown, and in the third batch, the second filtrate 126-2 and the third filtrate 126-3 from the second batch are used as the extraction solvent for the first and second extractions.

[0087] Next, modified examples of the extraction process for the first to third batches are shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B.

[0088] Figure 6A shows the extraction process in Figure 5A, but with the filtration function performed within a single container (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 6A).

[0089] Figure 6B shows the extraction process in Figure 5A, but with extraction step 1 performed in a separate device (for example, the extraction vessel 200 shown in Figure 2B), and the filtration process from step 1 onwards carried out in a single container (shown by two dashed lines in Figure 6B).

[0090] Figure 7A shows the extraction process in Figure 5A, in which a drying process 119 is performed after the filtration process 3, and the filtration and drying functions are carried out in a single container (shown by a dashed line in Figure 7A).

[0091] Figure 7B shows the extraction process in Figure 7A, but with extraction step 1 performed in a separate device, and the filtration step 1 and drying function carried out within a single container (shown by two dashed lines in Figure 7B).

[0092] As described above, the extraction operation of the present invention can improve the extraction rate by performing the extraction step and filtration step multiple times on the biomass raw material 111.

[0093] Furthermore, the filtration process is preferably a vacuum filtration process or a pressure filtration process, but other filtration operations may also be used. Vacuum filtration or pressure filtration allows for sufficient removal of liquid from the solids, preventing clogging, adhesion, and poor discharge of solids within the apparatus. In addition, in vacuum filtration or pressure filtration, even after filtration has been carried out until almost no more filtrate is being discharged, maintaining the pressurized or depressurized state allows gas to pass through the solids for dehydration, enabling the removal of even more liquid from the solids.

[0094] Furthermore, during the extraction process, it is preferable to include one or more of the following means: a heating means, a heat retention means, and a stirring means, in order to improve the extraction rate.

[0095] By using the multi-stage countercurrent extraction method of the present invention, when the extraction and filtration processes are performed multiple times during the extraction of a single batch of biomass raw material, the extraction solvent used in all extractions except the final one can be the filtrate obtained when the extraction and filtration were performed in the batch preceding the batch (the first batch) in the second stage, after the first stage. This significantly reduces the amount of fresh solvent used, thereby reducing the total amount of solvent used.

[0096] By equipping the system with multiple extraction devices that perform extraction, filtration, and discharge processes within a single container, the processing timings in each device can be staggered almost uniformly. This allows for shorter or even zero filtrate storage time, reducing heat loss during filtrate storage and enabling lower-cost processing. Furthermore, the intervals between raw material input and filtrate / extraction residue discharge are shortened, increasing the system's compatibility with continuous equipment in upstream and downstream processes.

[0097] Next, the configuration of the biomass processing apparatus (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "extraction apparatus") 100 (100A to 100F) will be described in more detail using Figures 8 to 22. As shown in Figure 8, the extraction apparatus 100 (100A to 100D) comprises a base 1, a support plate 2, a sealed container (hereinafter referred to as the "container") 3, a stirring shaft 4, a stirring blade 5, a power transmission unit 6, a motor 7, and a lifting unit 8.

[0098] The base portion 1 comprises a plurality of columns 10 extending upward from the ground (or base) 10a, a horizontal portion 11 connecting the upper parts of the columns 10, a rotating base portion 12 fixed to the upper surface of the horizontal portion 11, a pivot shaft 13 supported by the rotating base portion 12, a support plate fixing portion 14 fixed to the upper surface of the support plate 2, a support piece 15 fixed to one end of the pivot shaft 13, and a plurality of fixing pins 16.

[0099] The columns 10 extend vertically, and their lower parts are fixed to the ground 10a. As shown in Figure 11, there are four columns 10. Two of the four columns 10 are positioned in front of the support plate 2 and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The remaining two of the four columns 10 are positioned behind the support plate 2 and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Therefore, the four columns 10 are spaced apart from each other so that they are located at the corners of a rectangle in plan view.

[0100] The horizontal section 11 is a member that extends horizontally. The horizontal section 11 has an L-shaped cross-section (see Figure 10). Two horizontal sections 11 are provided. One horizontal section 11 is fixed to the upper part of two columns 10 positioned in front of the support plate 2 and extends horizontally between the two columns 10. The remaining horizontal section 11 is fixed to the upper part of two columns 10 positioned behind the support plate 2 and extends horizontally between the two columns 10. As a result, the two horizontal sections 11 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction while being separated from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0101] The rotating base 12, pivot shaft 13, support plate fixing part 14, support piece 15, and fixing pin 16 are provided on the two horizontal parts 11, respectively, and have the same configuration. Therefore, the explanation of the rotating base 12, pivot shaft 13, support plate fixing part 14, support piece 15, and fixing pin 16 will be given using the part located in front of the support plate 2 as a representative example, and the explanation of the part located behind the support plate 2 will be omitted.

[0102] The rotating base 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the horizontal section 11, in the center in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 11, a circular through-hole 12a is provided in the center of the rotating base 12, penetrating in the front-rear direction. A bearing 12b is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 12a. In this invention, the type of bearing 12b is not particularly limited, but examples include metal bearings that can withstand high loads. The front surface 12c of the rotating base 12 faces the support piece 15 (see Figure 10). Multiple fixing holes 12d are provided on the front surface 12c. These fixing holes 12d are recessed from the front surface 12c and are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from the center of the through-hole 12a. In this embodiment, 12 fixing holes 12d are provided at 30° intervals.

[0103] The pivot shaft 13 is a cylindrical member with an axis O extending in the front-rear direction (horizontal direction). The pivot shaft 13 is inserted into the through hole 12a of the rotating base 12 and is rotatably supported by the bearing 12b. As shown in Figure 10, the rear end of the pivot shaft 13 extends behind the rotating base 12 and extends to the extent that it overlaps with the support plate 2 in a plan view. The front end of the pivot shaft 13 protrudes forward from the front surface 12c of the rotating base 12.

[0104] The support plate fixing portion 14 is positioned opposite the rotating base portion 12 in the front-rear direction. The support plate fixing portion 14 has a through hole 14a that penetrates in the front-rear direction, and a bearing (not shown) is fitted to its inner circumferential surface. The rear end of the pivot shaft 13 is inserted into the through hole 14a of the support plate fixing portion 14 and is rotatably supported by the bearing (not shown). As a result, the support plate 2 is rotatable around the pivot shaft 13.

[0105] The support piece 15 comprises a main body portion 15a positioned in front of the rotating base portion 12, an arm portion 15b extending to the left from the main body portion 15a, and a bent portion 15c extending rearward from the arm portion 15b. As shown in Figure 12, the main body portion 15a is circular when viewed from the front. The front end of the pivot shaft 13 passes through the central part of the main body portion 15a. The main body portion 15a and the pivot shaft 13 are fixed so as not to rotate relative to each other. The main body portion 15a is provided with four through holes (not shown) that penetrate in the front-rear direction, into which the shaft portion of the fixing pin 16 is inserted. These through holes (not shown) are arranged at 90° intervals around the axis O of the pivot shaft 13. The arm portion 15b extends horizontally. The bent portion 15c is connected to the lower left end of the arm portion 15b. As shown in Figure 11, the bent portion 15c passes above the horizontal portion 11 and extends rearward from the arm portion 15b. The rear end portion 15d of the bent portion 15c is connected to the support plate 2. Thus, the pivot shaft 13, the support piece 15, and the support plate 2 rotate together.

[0106] The shaft of the fixing pin 16 is inserted into the through hole 15e (see Figure 11) of the main body 15a. The tip of the shaft of the fixing pin 16 is inserted into the fixing hole 12d of the rotating base 12. Therefore, the pivot shaft 13, the support piece 15, and the support plate 2 are restricted by the multiple fixing pins 16 so as not to rotate around the axis O. The shaft of the fixing pin 16 is slidably fitted into the through hole 15e of the main body 15a. Therefore, by pulling the fixing pin 16 forward, the tip of the fixing pin 16 is removed from the fixing hole 12d, and the pivot shaft 13, the support piece 15, and the support plate 2 become rotatable.

[0107] As shown in Figure 11, the support plate 2 is a plate-shaped component that extends horizontally. In plan view, the support plate 2 has a rectangular shape, and a notch 2a is provided in the center of the right side. This notch 2a is a space for arranging components that extend vertically, such as the stirring shaft 4. A support shaft 20 that extends downward is provided on the lower surface of the support plate 2. A concave surface 21 is provided on the left side of the support shaft 20. A rack (not shown) is provided on the concave surface 21 in the vertical direction.

[0108] As shown in Figure 12, the sealed container 3 comprises a connecting portion 29, an upper lid portion 30, a cylindrical portion 31, a lower lid portion 32, and a filter plate 33. The connecting portion 29 is a component located below the support plate 2. The connecting portion 29 is fastened to a bolt that penetrates the support plate 2 and is integrated with the support plate 2. The upper lid portion 30 and the lower lid portion 32 close the upper and lower openings of the cylindrical portion 31. This forms a filter chamber S inside the sealed container 3. The upper lid portion 30 is fixed to the lower side of the connecting portion 29 by a bolt (not shown). The cylindrical portion 31 constitutes the side wall of the filter chamber S.

[0109] The cylindrical portion 31 and the lower cover portion 32 are each connected to the support shaft 20 via an arm portion 22. The arm portion 22 extends to the left from the left wall of the cylindrical portion 31 or the lower wall of the lower cover portion 32. The arm portion 22 is composed of a pair of plate members 22a that face each other in the front-rear direction (only one plate member 22a is shown in Figure 14). A pinion 23 is rotatably supported at the left end of the arm portion 22. The pinion 23 is meshed with the rack of the support shaft 20. Between the pair of plate members 22a is a projection 24 that abuts against the right side surface of the support shaft 20. The pinion 23 and the projection 24 clamp the support shaft 20 from the left and right directions, thereby connecting the arm portion 22 to the support shaft 20 so that it can move vertically.

[0110] Then, as the lower cover portion 32 moves downward, the lower side of the cylindrical portion 31 is opened (see Figure 20). Furthermore, as the cylindrical portion 31 moves downward, the upper side of the cylindrical portion 31 is opened. As a result, the upper cover portion 30, the cylindrical portion 31, and the lower cover portion 32 are all separable. With this structure, cleaning of the upper cover portion 30, the cylindrical portion 31, and the lower cover portion 32 is made easy. In addition, the arm portion 22 is provided with a claw (not shown) that engages with the teeth of the pinion 23, forming a ratchet mechanism. As a result, the rotation of the pinion 23 is restricted by the claw, thereby positioning the cylindrical portion 31 and the lower cover portion 32 in the vertical direction.

[0111] The filter plate 33 is a plate-shaped member that is positioned on the upper surface 32a of the lower lid portion 32 and extends horizontally. The filter plate 33 is provided with a plurality of holes 33a that penetrate in the vertical direction. The upper surface of the filter plate 33 is provided with a recess 33b that is recessed downwards. The filter material 34 is positioned in this recess 33b. As a result, when slurry is introduced into the filter chamber S, the liquid flows through the filter material 34 and the holes 33a of the filter plate 33 toward the upper surface 32a of the lower lid portion 32. On the other hand, the solid accumulates above the filter material 34.

[0112] An opening 32b for draining liquid to the outside is provided in the center of the lower cover portion 32. A discharge pipe 35 is connected to the opening 32b. A drainage groove (not shown) connected to the opening 32b is provided on the upper surface 32a of the lower cover portion 32. Therefore, liquid that flows onto the upper surface 32a of the lower cover portion 32 flows from the opening 32b to the discharge pipe 35 and is discharged to the outside.

[0113] Furthermore, the sealed container 3 is provided with an inlet pipe 36, a cleaning liquid supply pipe (not shown), a pressurizing pipe 37, and an exhaust pipe (not shown). The inlet pipe 36 penetrates the upper wall of the top lid 30 and is a pipe for supplying slurry into the filter chamber S. The cleaning liquid supply pipe is a pipe for supplying cleaning liquid into the filter chamber S. The pressurizing pipe 37 is a pipe that connects the filter chamber S to the outside space. In this embodiment, a supply port 37a is provided on the outer surface of the connecting portion 29. Therefore, by attaching a pressurizing device that supplies gas such as air or inert gas to this supply port 37a, air or the like can be supplied to the filter chamber S. The exhaust pipe (not shown) is a pipe for discharging gas from inside the filter chamber S to the outside.

[0114] Alternatively, a jacket 90 may be installed on the outer circumference of the sealed container 3. This jacket 90 is a temperature control means for the sealed container that is attached to the outer circumference of the sealed container 3. The jacket 90 has a channel through which a heat transfer medium flows. When the heat transfer medium 93 flowing through the channel is heated, the jacket 90 heats the sealed container 3, and when the heat transfer medium flowing through the channel is cooled, the jacket 90 cools the sealed container 3. In this embodiment, since hot water 93, which is the heat transfer medium, is supplied, the jacket 90 heats the sealed container 3. The jacket 90 also includes a first jacket 90B that is attached to the lower surface of the lower lid portion 32 and a second jacket 90A that is attached to the outer circumference of the side wall of the cylindrical portion 31. The hot water supply line 95a, which supplies hot water 93 from the hot water supply device 94 which is a heat transfer medium supply device, the connection line 95b, which supplies hot water 93 to the second jacket 90B that is attached from the first jacket 90A, and the return line 95c, which returns the hot water supply device 94 from the second jacket 92, are used to regulate the temperature inside the sealed container 3 by bringing the hot water 93 to a predetermined temperature.

[0115] The stirring shaft 4 is a shaft member that extends in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 12, the stirring shaft 4 penetrates the connecting portion 29 and the upper lid portion 30 of the sealed container 3, and the lower part 41 of the stirring shaft 4 is located in the filter chamber S. The upper lid portion 30 is also provided with a seal 40 that seals the hole through which the stirring shaft 4 passes.

[0116] The stirring blade 5 is a component for stirring. The stirring blade 5 of this embodiment comprises a bottomed cylindrical central part 50 into which the lower part 41 of the stirring shaft 4 is fitted, and a plurality of L-shaped blade portions 51 that extend horizontally from the central part 50 and upward from their ends. Therefore, the blade portions 51 rotate along the upper part of the filter material 34, which is the bottom of the filter chamber S, and the side wall of the cylindrical portion 31, which is the side of the filter chamber S. With such blade portions 51, the upper end portion 52 of the blade portion 51 is located relatively high, and the upper part of the side wall of the cylindrical portion 31 can also be stirred. In addition, the blade portion 51 is provided with an arc-shaped notch 53 to reduce resistance during stirring. The stirring blade 5 of this embodiment is also called an anchor shape. Furthermore, in the present invention, the shape of the stirring blade is not limited to an anchor shape. Therefore, in the present invention, conventional stirring blades such as paddle-shaped blades may be used.

[0117] As shown in Figure 13, the stirring shaft 4 passes through the notch 2a in the support plate 2 and extends upward above the support plate 2. The power transmission unit 6 is a reduction gear that reduces the rotational motion of the motor's output shaft 70. The power transmission unit 6 comprises a main body 60, a drive shaft cylinder 61, and a transmission shaft cylinder 62. The main body 60 is positioned above the support plate 2 and is fixed to the support plate 2 by bolts (not shown). A motor 7 is fixed to the right of the main body 60. The output shaft 70 of the motor 7 is inserted inside the main body 60. The main body 60 reduces the rotational force transmitted from the output shaft 70, and further changes the direction of the stirring shaft 4 in the vertical direction before transmitting it to the drive shaft cylinder 61.

[0118] The drive shaft cylinder 61 is a cylindrical component that extends in the vertical direction. The drive shaft cylinder 61 is rotatably supported by the main body 60. The drive shaft cylinder 61 also penetrates the main body 60 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in a plan view, the drive shaft cylinder 61 is positioned to overlap with the notch 2a of the support plate 2. The drive shaft cylinder 61 passes through the notch 2a of the support plate 2, and the lower end 61a of the drive shaft cylinder 61 is located below the lower surface of the support plate 2. The stirring shaft 4 extends upward from the main body 60 by passing through the inside of the drive shaft cylinder 61. Note that the inner circumferential surface of the drive shaft cylinder 61 and the outer circumferential surface of the stirring shaft 4 are spaced apart. Therefore, power is not directly transmitted from the drive shaft cylinder 61 to the stirring shaft 4. On the other hand, the upper part 61b of the drive shaft cylinder protrudes upward from the main body 60.

[0119] The transmission shaft cylinder 62 is a cylindrical component extending in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported by a base 63 provided on the main body 60. The lower part 62a of the transmission shaft cylinder 62 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the drive shaft cylinder 61. A key 64 is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the transmission shaft cylinder 62 and the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft cylinder 61. The key 64 connects the transmission shaft cylinder 62 and the drive shaft cylinder 61 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the transmission shaft cylinder 62 rotates together with the drive shaft cylinder 61.

[0120] The upper part 62b of the transmission shaft cylinder 62 protrudes above the drive shaft cylinder 61. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the upper part 62b of the transmission shaft cylinder 62 faces the outer circumferential surface of the stirring shaft 4. Multiple spline grooves 42 extending in the vertical direction are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the upper part of the stirring shaft 4. In addition, multiple ball-holding grooves 65 extending in the vertical direction and facing the spline grooves 42 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the upper part 62b of the transmission shaft cylinder 62. Multiple balls 66 are arranged in the ball-holding grooves 65. These balls 66 also fit into the spline grooves 42. Therefore, when the transmission shaft cylinder 62 rotates, the balls 66 move in the circumferential direction, and the stirring shaft 4 rotates. On the other hand, when the stirring shaft 4 moves in the vertical direction, the balls 66 roll in the spline grooves 42. From the above, the vertical movement of the stirring shaft 4 is not hindered by the power transmission unit 6.

[0121] As shown in Figure 14, the lifting unit 8 comprises two fixed parts 80 fixed to the upper surface of the main body 60, two leg parts 81 extending vertically from the fixed parts 80, two rollers 82 that guide the leg parts 81, two horizontal parts 83 extending horizontally from the leg parts 81, a first support part 84 supported by the horizontal parts 83, and a second support part 85 positioned above the first support part 84.

[0122] The fixing portion 80 is a plate-shaped member extending horizontally. The fixing portion 80 is provided with a hole 80a that penetrates vertically. As shown in Figure 11, one of the two fixing portions is positioned to the left front of the stirring shaft 4. The other fixing portion is positioned to the right rear of the stirring shaft 4. Therefore, the two fixing portions 80, the two leg portions 81, the two rollers 82, and the two horizontal portions 83 are arranged diagonally across the stirring shaft 4.

[0123] As shown in Figure 14, the outer surface of the leg portion 81 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the stirring shaft 4) is provided with a concave surface 81a on which the roller 82 rolls. The roller 82 is rotatably supported by a support piece 82a provided on the upper surface of the fixed portion 80. A handle 82b is provided on the end face of the roller 82. Therefore, when the handle 82b is grasped and the roller 82 is rotated, the leg portion 81 that contacts the roller 82 moves in the vertical direction. In this invention, the roller may be a pinion and the concave surface 81a of the leg portion 81 may be a rack. In other words, the leg portion 81 may be raised and lowered by a rack and pinion.

[0124] Furthermore, the leg portion 81 is provided with multiple through holes 81b in the vertical direction, which penetrate in a direction parallel to the axis of the roller 82. The support piece 82a is also provided with a through hole (not shown) opposite to the through holes 81b of the leg portion 81. The support piece 82a is provided with a fixing pin 82c that passes through the through hole of the support piece 82a and the through hole 81b of the leg portion 81. This restricts the leg portion 81 from moving in the vertical direction. The fixing pin 82c is slidably fitted to the through hole of the support piece 82a and the through hole 81b of the leg portion 81. Therefore, by removing the fixing pin 82c, the leg portion 81 can move in the vertical direction.

[0125] The horizontal section 83 is a member that connects the upper part of the leg section 81 and the first support section 84. The first support section 84 is a cylindrical part. Therefore, when the leg section 81 moves in the vertical direction, the fixing pin 86 that abuts against the upper surface 84b of the first support section 84 also moves up and down in accordance with the leg section 81, causing the stirring shaft 4 to move up and down.

[0126] The second support portion 85 is a bottomed cylindrical component fixed above the first support portion 84.

[0127] From the above, according to the filtration device of this embodiment, by rotating the support plate 2, the sealed container 3, the stirring shaft 4, the stirring blade 5, the power transmission unit 6, the motor 7, and the lifting unit 8 rotate together. Therefore, the sealed container 3, the power transmission unit 6, the motor 7, and the lifting unit 8 can each be tilted (see Figure 18B).

[0128] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the bent portion 15c of the support piece 15 extends above the horizontal portion 11. Therefore, when viewing the biomass processing device 100 from the front, the rotation direction of the support plate 2 is limited to clockwise (see arrow A in Figure 11).

[0129] Next, once the pulverization process is complete, a container 150 is prepared below the right wall of the cylindrical section 31. Then, the lower lid 32 is moved downward, separating the cylindrical section 31 and the lower lid 32 vertically. As a result, the powder 140 that accumulates from the top of the filter material 34 towards the right wall of the cylindrical section 31 is forced by gravity to pass between the cylindrical section 31 and the lower lid 32, discharged to the outside of the filter chamber S, and collected in a container (not shown). This makes the process of discharging the powder 140 easier. When discharging the powder 140, the support plate 2 may be rotated to change the angle to facilitate the discharge of the powder 140.

[0130] In the pulverization process described above, the rotation angle of the support plate 2 is approximately 45°, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not particularly limited as long as the angle allows the wet cake 202 to be lifted by the stirring blade 5 and fall downward due to gravity. Therefore, as shown in Figure 21, the support plate 2 may be rotated 90° so that the right side wall of the cylindrical portion 31 extends horizontally. However, in the state shown in Figure 21, there is a possibility that the wet cake or powder may enter between the seals 40. Therefore, it is preferable to limit the rotation angle of the support plate 2 to an angle that prevents the wet cake or powder from scattering toward the seals 40.

[0131] In addition, the biomass processing device 100 is capable of replacing the solvent. As shown in Figure 22, for example, a new replacement solvent to be replaced in the slurry is introduced through the introduction tube 36 to reduce the concentration of the original solvent contained in the slurry. Then, gas is supplied to the filter chamber S from the supply port 37a of the pressurizing tube 37. As a result, the solvent passes through the filter material 34, and the amount of solvent in the filter chamber S decreases. Again, the new replacement solvent is introduced through the introduction tube 36 to further reduce the concentration of the original solvent that was initially contained. Then, the amount of solvent in the filter chamber S is reduced by pressurization. By repeating this process, the ratio of the solvent gradually increases, with the ratio of the new replacement solvent increasing, until finally the solvent in the solution is replaced by the new replacement solvent.

[0132] Furthermore, when performing such solvent replacement, the sealed container 3 may be tilted as shown in Figure 22. In this case, a portion of the solid 160 flows toward the right wall of the cylindrical portion 31. As a result, a portion of the filter media 34 is no longer covered by the solid 160, and the filtration resistance is reduced. In other words, the solvent is smoothly discharged from the portion of the filter media 34 that is not covered by the solid 160, shortening the time required for the replacement operation.

[0133] Furthermore, the preferred inclination angle of the sealed container 3 during the solvent replacement process is 90°. At this angle, the solid 160 accumulates on the right side wall of the cylindrical portion 31 of the sealed container 3, and the area of ​​the filter material 34 covered by the solid 160 is minimized. Therefore, the solvent is discharged most smoothly. After solvent replacement, the cake that has undergone the above-described deliquidation process may be subjected to a powdering process. In addition to solvent replacement, a washing process may also be performed.

[0134] 100A-100C Extraction apparatus 111 Biomass raw material 112 Valuable material 113 Extraction solvent 114 Extraction process 116 Extraction solvent (filtrate) 117 Extraction residue 118 Filtration process 119 Drying process 120 Discharge process

Claims

1. An extraction apparatus for extracting valuable substances contained in a raw material, comprising: an extraction step of transferring valuable substances in the raw material into the extraction solvent by contacting the raw material with the extraction solvent; a filtration step of separating the filtrate containing the extracted valuable substances from the extraction residue by filtering the mixture of the extracted raw material and the extraction solvent; a drying step of drying the filtered extraction residue; and a discharge step of discharging the dried cake containing the dried valuable substances, wherein the extraction step, the filtration step, the drying step, and the discharge step are performed on a raw material stored in the same container.

2. An extraction apparatus for extracting valuable substances contained in a raw material, comprising: an extraction step of transferring valuable substances in the raw material into the extraction solvent by bringing the raw material into contact with the extraction solvent; a filtration step of separating the filtrate containing the extract from the extraction residue by filtering the mixture of the extracted biomass raw material and the extraction solvent; a discharge step of discharging the extraction residue; a storage step of storing the filtered filtrate; and a liquid transfer step of returning the filtrate stored in the storage step back to the extraction step, wherein the extraction step, the filtration step, and the discharge step are performed on the raw material stored in the same container.

3. The extraction apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by having a drying step for drying the extraction residue after filtration.

4. An extraction method characterized by using the extraction apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, and using the filtrate stored in a specific batch process for extraction processing in the batch process following the specific batch process.

5. An extraction method characterized by using the extraction apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the first batch, the filtrate stored in the storage step is discharged from the container from which the biomass raw material of one batch was extracted, the raw material of the other batch is put into the container, the filtrate stored in the storage step is put into the container, and the filtrate is used as an extraction solvent to extract the biomass raw material of the other batch.

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