The Computer Controlled Batch Solvent Extraction and Desolventising Unit, "QEDC", is a batch process unit able to perform different solid/liquid extractions. It is especially suitable for extracting oil from oily seeds and to remove the solvent both from the extracted solids and mixtures. Furthermore, several factors that influence the extraction process can be studied with this unit.
The cylindrical extractor/desolventiser tank with a hinged lid for charging the extraction material has a base slightly inclined towards a port to discharge the extracted and desolventised meal. Material is supported above the base by a perforated plate covered with a fine woven mesh, so solvent may drain through to the miscella tank whilst retaining the solids.
The tank base is equipped with an indirect steam chest for process heating. Direct steam is injected through a distribution pipe positioned above the mesh. A similar distribution pipe positioned near the top of the tank allows solvent to be sprayed uniformly onto the bed of material. This tank is equipped with a sight glass so that the processes can be observed and monitored.
The miscella tank, positioned directly below the extractor to collect the draining liquid, is also a cylindrical vessel incorporating a steam chest as its base and has a base slightly inclined towards a port for discharging the extracted and the dissolvent.
This tank also incorporates a direct steam distribution pipe through which steam can be sprayed uniformly onto the bed of material. This tank is equipped with a suitable level viewer.
The extractor/desolventiser tank and the miscella tank incorporate two safety valves to limit the working pressure to 0.9 bar in order to prevent the vapour condenser inlet pressure exceeding the working pressure in that condenser at the vapour side.
Vapour from the tanks, produced in the desolventising process, is directed by ducting to the solvent condenser and inclined cylindrical glass tube containing a double coil, through which cooling water is circulated. The covers of this condenser are made of stainless steel. The condenser water inlet is controlled by a pressure regulator so that the operating pressure range is not exceed. Thus, the glass coil is prevented from breaking.
Condensate (usually a mixture of solvent and water) drains into the solvent water tank which allows thorough separation of the solvent and water by a gravity process. Note: Only hexane or solvents having a similar specific gravity can be effectively separated in this tank.
Solvent reclaimed from this tank can then be recirculated by the solvent pump at a regulated rate. Excess water overflows to a waste water tank from where it can be disposed of on completion of the process.
Operation at reduced system pressures are achieved by a PTFE double diaphragm type vacuum pump. The outlet of this pump is piped through a flame arrester to a suitable ventilation point.
Each tank is equipped with suitable level viewer or sight glasses so that the processes can be observed and monitored. Pressure and temperature sensors are supplied where necessary, as are adequate sampling and drain valves.
Hexane is the most widely used solvent in the extraction processes and due to the inflammable nature of this product electrical equipment has been kept to a minimum.
Modes of operation:
- Extraction by washing with clean solvent: This involves priming the solvent/water separator tank with solvent and pumping the solvent to the extractor where it percolates through the material bed and drains as miscella in the tank for recirculation.
- Extraction by recirculating miscella: As miscella is formed, steam admitted to the miscella tank causes solvent to evaporate. The vapour is condensed in the solvent condenser and returns to the separator tank from which it is pumped back to the extractor tank.
- Desolventising extracted material: When the extraction is complete, the solvent remaining in the material is removed using a combination of steam (direct and indirect) and vacuum. The solvent vapourises and is condensed in the solvent condensate. The mixture of solvent and water is separated in the solvent water separator tank by a gravity process. When the extracted material is free of solvent it is discharged through the door at the base of the extractor.
- Desolventising miscella: Miscella is a mixture of solvent and oil from the extraction material which accumulates in the miscella tank during the extraction process. The solvent and oil are separated using a combination of steam (direct and indirect) and vacuum.
This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.
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