Low Layer Solvent Extractor with Loop-Shaped Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solvent extraction processes for oil from oleaginous materials face inefficiencies due to high residual oil content in meal, particularly when dealing with materials containing fines, which reduces extractor capacity and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A low layer solvent extractor with a two-deck, loop-shaped housing and a chain assembly with baffles that transports materials through an elbow and a draining section, allowing counter-current solvent flow and efficient oil separation, reducing residual oil content by optimizing contact time and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a deep bed immersion extractor is used to increase extraction capacity, then the extractor can handle higher throughput, but the solvent flow rate through the material layer is reduced significantly when fines are present, lowering extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor is divided into multiple extraction zones along the material path, with each zone having controlled bed depth and solvent application. This segmentation allows maintaining high throughput while ensuring adequate solvent flow through each zone, preventing the flow rate reduction problem in deep beds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a vertical deep bed configuration to a horizontal or inclined belt-based system where material moves through extraction zones in a different spatial arrangement. This dimensional change allows shallow extraction layers with maintained solvent flow rates while achieving high capacity through continuous material progression.
2Reliability
If a shallow bed percolation extractor is used to maintain good solvent flow rate through material, then extraction efficiency is maintained, but the extractor capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor operates continuously with material constantly moving through the extraction zones on the belt system. This continuous operation allows shallow extraction beds to process large volumes of material over time, achieving high capacity while maintaining efficient solvent flow rates through each shallow zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a moving belt to dynamically transport material through multiple extraction zones, allowing the extraction process to be distributed over time and space. This dynamic approach enables shallow beds to achieve high throughput by continuously processing new material while maintaining optimal solvent flow rates.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple miscella washes are performed to reduce residual oil content, then extraction completeness is improved, but the residence time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is segmented into multiple zones along the material path, with each zone performing a specific washing function. This allows achieving low residual oil content through distributed extraction actions rather than requiring prolonged residence time in a single zone, reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a horizontal or inclined belt configuration to distribute multiple washing stages along the material transport path. This spatial distribution allows performing multiple washes with reduced residence time per stage, achieving complete extraction faster than traditional vertical deep bed systems.
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 solution effectively reduces residual oil content in the meal, enhancing extraction efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing solvent retention and energy requirements, while maintaining a stable material bed height and flow.
Implementation Method 1
solvent that percolates through the materials
Implementation Method 2
sprayed again onto the materials in a counter-current manner
Implementation Method 3
an assembly of two or more endless chains that are connected by a series of baffles and driven by a set of two or more sprocket wheels transports the materials
Implementation Method 4
the end of which serves as a draining section
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the solvent extraction of oil-bearing materials having a two-deck, loop-shaped housing is provided. The apparatus has a feed inlet for the materials and an outlet for the solvent-wet extracted materials. An assembly of two or more endless chains are connected by a series of baffle plates and driven by a set of two or more drive sprockets that transport the materials from the feed inlet to the outlet over an upper deck, along an elbow and over a lower deck the end of which serves as a draining section, both of which decks retain the materials but let miscella pass through. Inside the housing, the materials are sprayed with solvent that percolates through the materials and is collected below the decks and sprayed again onto the materials in a counter-current manner.