Semi-continuous Deodoriser Structured Packing Steam Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-continuous deodorisers using Mammoth pumps are inefficient in stripping efficacy and consume high amounts of steam, leading to increased operating costs and formation of undesired by-products like trans-fatty acids, while continuous deodorisers are not suitable for small batch processing due to cross-contamination and production time losses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating structured packing into the semi-continuous deodoriser with a feed buffer tray, liquid flow regulating means, and a receiver tray to optimize holding time and reduce steam consumption, allowing for counter-current flow and re-use of stripping agents, while optionally combining with Mammoth pump trays and heat exchanger systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Mammoth pumps are used for stripping action in semi-continuous deodorisers, then the deodoriser can process batches discontinuously, but the stripping efficacy is limited and steam consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters by replacing the Mammoth pump mechanism with a structured packing column operating under vacuum. This transformation allows the system to achieve superior stripping efficacy through counter-current flow and large surface area contact, while the vacuum operation reduces the temperature and steam requirements for effective deodorisation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical Mammoth pump system with a passive structured packing column that relies on vacuum-driven counter-current flow. This replacement eliminates the need for mechanical pumping action while achieving much higher stripping efficiency through the packing's large surface area and efficient gas-liquid contact
2Productivity
If continuous deodorisers are used for bulk operations, then stripping efficacy is improved with counter-current flow, but they are not suitable for small batch processing due to cross-contamination and production time losses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a multi-functional system that combines the advantages of both continuous and batch operations. The structured packing column can operate in continuous mode for bulk processing while also accommodating batch operations with quick changeover capability, making it universally applicable to different production scenarios without sacrificing stripping efficacy or flexibility
3Duration of action of moving object
If Mammoth pump operated trays are used, then holding time can be extended for thermal reactions, but the required holding time is long compared to packed columns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the relationship between holding time and processing efficiency by operating under vacuum. The reduced pressure allows for much shorter contact times to achieve the same or better stripping results, while still providing sufficient time for desired thermal reactions to occur, thus resolving the contradiction between reaction time requirements and processing speed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances stripping efficacy, reduces steam consumption, and minimizes cross-contamination, enabling flexible processing of small batches with improved product quality and reduced formation of unwanted by-products.
Implementation Method 1
The counter-current contact reduces the stripping steam consumption which due to the application of vacuum constitutes a significant part of the total running costs
Implementation Method 2
The function of the deodoriser is taken place in 2 or 3 trays, where a stripping agent is brought into intimate contact with the oil
Implementation Method 3
a stripping agent such as steam or vapour is injected in the bottom of the vertical or slightly angled pipes of the Mammoth pumps resulting in a Venturi-nozzle effect, thus transferring the oil from tray-bottom to above the liquid surface
Implementation Method 4
The pump principle is also denominated a gas-lift pump
Implementation Method 5
The spray-effect and the liquid motion from a pressure related to the liquid height in the tray to the surface head space pressure enables the volatiles to be transferred into the gas phase and thus removed from the oil
Implementation Method 6
The spray-effect and the liquid motion from a pressure related to the liquid height in the tray to the surface head space pressure
Implementation Method 7
a structured packing, for distributing a liquid, in this case oil, fed from the feed buffer tray, over the cross-sectional area of the packing
Implementation Method 8
due to the application of vacuum constitutes a significant part of the total running costs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a semi-continuous deodorizer comprising at least one stripping section, which stripping section comprises a feed buffer tray for liquids, a liquid flow regulating means, a liquid distributor, a structured packing, and a receiver tray, wherein the regulating means are regulating the liquid flow from the feed buffer tray to the distributor to distribute the flow of liquid over the structured packing. The liquid is in the packing contacted in counter-current flow to an already once-used stripping agent which is recovered from one of more of the trays installed in the apparatus. The invention relates further to a method for refining fats and oils in a semi-continuous deodorizer, a method for re-using stripping agent in a semi-continuous deodorizer, segregating the recovered distillate into high purity types matching the feed type, and a use of the semi-continuous deodorizer.