Extractor Screen Washing System Preventing Aperture Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solvent extraction processes, the apertures of the screen in extractors often become plugged with solid material, leading to reduced extraction efficiency and the need for time-consuming manual cleaning, typically using high-pressure liquid water or steam.
Innovation Solution
A wash system is integrated into the extractor that sprays pressurized washing fluid against the underside of the bed deck, preventing and clearing blockages by using a fluid that is the same as the extraction fluid, and is configured to move relative to the bed deck to ensure efficient coverage and fluid recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning using high pressure liquid water or steam is used, then the apertures can be cleaned, but the extractor requires time-consuming shutdowns and uses excessive water
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary washing action during operation using a wash fluid delivery system that sprays washing fluid onto the bed deck before apertures become fully plugged. This preventive approach maintains aperture clearance without requiring shutdowns for manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor system performs its own cleaning function through an integrated wash fluid delivery system that automatically washes the bed deck apertures during operation. This eliminates the need for external manual cleaning operations and associated shutdowns.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning using high pressure liquid water or steam is used, then the apertures can be cleaned, but excessive water is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of washing fluid composition by using a fluid that matches the extraction fluid properties. This parameter match ensures efficient washing with reduced water consumption compared to using pure water or steam for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash fluid delivery system recovers and reuses washing fluid by directing it back into the extraction process. This recovery mechanism significantly reduces water consumption compared to disposable high-pressure water cleaning methods.
3Reliability
If the wash system sprays washing fluid against the underside of the bed deck, then aperture plugging is prevented, but additional fluid handling systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The wash fluid delivery system is integrated with the existing extraction fluid delivery infrastructure, allowing the same fluid handling components to serve both extraction and washing functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding the washing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the washing function with the existing extraction fluid delivery system by using the same pump, fluid reservoir, and distribution infrastructure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate dedicated wash fluid handling systems.
4Productivity
If the wash system is configured to move relative to the bed deck, then coverage is improved, but the system requires additional positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wash fluid delivery system incorporates movable components that can adjust their position relative to the bed deck to maintain optimal washing coverage. This dynamic positioning ensures comprehensive aperture washing while using relatively simple adjustment mechanisms.
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
The wash system maintains the integrity of the apertures, preventing plugging and enhancing extraction efficiency without requiring frequent shutdowns for manual cleaning, allowing continuous operation with reduced fluid usage.
Implementation Method 1
sprays pressurized washing fluid against the underside of the bed deck
Implementation Method 2
sprays pressurized washing fluid against the underside of the bed deck
Implementation Method 3
The extraction fluid can filter, or percolate, down through the solid material on the bed deck, extracting components from the solid material soluble in the fluid being used as an extraction fluid
Implementation Method 4
The extraction fluid can filter, or percolate, down through the solid material on the bed deck
Implementation Method 5
the washing fluid can contact the underside of the bed deck and/or pass through the apertures in the bed deck, draining back down past the washing system and into the fluid collection system positioned underneath the bed deck
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor can be used to extract solvent-soluble molecules, such as aqueous or organic-soluble molecules, from solid material feedstock for downstream processing and recovery. In one configuration, the extractor is a percolation extractor having one or more extraction chambers each containing a screen supporting the solid materials as it is conveyed through the chamber, a fluid supply system delivering extraction fluid disposed above the solid material, and a fluid recovery system disposed below the solid materials for receiving the extraction fluid and solvent-soluble molecules contained therein. The extractor further includes a screen washing system disposed under the screen and supported against movement. The screen washing system includes a washing fluid intake and a plurality of outlet nozzles directed upward towards the screen. The screen washing system can keep the screen from plugging during operation, improving the extraction efficiency of the extractor.