Solvent Extraction
Process Description
Solvent Extraction Plant is the process of extracting oil from seeds and other oil containing material by addition of a solvent. Food Grade n-Hexane which is a by-product of Petroleum is used at various stages depending on the amount of oil the seeds hold. It can be coupled with an oil extraction and be used on the left-over seed to ensure complete extraction of oil from the seed. Depending on the seed, Solvent Extraction method can be used on seen containing around 20% of oil.
The horizontally arranged extractor features a moving belt with controllable speed and height. The solvent is passed through the bed and the slow conveyor speed ensures proper percolation of the solvent. The process is followed by distillation of the along with washing off the solvent.
Solvent extraction consists of four main operations,
1) Extraction of oil from oil bearing seeds/cakes.
2) De-solventising of de-oiled seeds/cake.
3) Distillation, to separate the solvent from the Miscella.
4 ) Recover the solvent for reuse.
The prepared material from Preparatory Section is received in the Feed Hopper through Rotary Valve/Plug Conveyor. The material in the hopper and the rotary valve / Plug Conveyor together constitutes an effective vapour seal while the latter also serves to regulate the feed. The hopper is further provided with the special switches for high level and low-level indications. The latter if energized stops the band conveyor of extractor while the high-level indication, transmits an audio-visual signal to Preparatory Section for preparatory operator to take corrective measures.
The Extractor is long horizontal vessel, Rectangular in cross section in M.S. Construction. An articulated band conveyor inside the Extractor receives the material from Feed Hopper and transports it at a pre-determined speed from the feed end to discharge end. The band conveyor moves over rails suitably located inside the Extractor and rides on specially constructed sprockets at either end. The speed of the band conveyor is easily adjustable within desired limits. An adjustable damper enables the regulation of height of bed of material on band conveyor.
The Extractor is long horizontal vessel, Rectangular in cross section in M.S. Construction. An articulated band conveyor inside the Extractor receives the material from Feed Hopper and transports it at a pre-determined speed from the feed end to discharge end. The band conveyor moves over rails suitably located inside the Extractor and rides on specially constructed sprockets at either end. The speed of the band conveyor is easily adjustable within desired limits. An adjustable damper enables the regulation of height of bed of material on band conveyor.
Features & Benefits of Fostechno Supplied plant.
- Continuous operation
- Lower Solvent Losses.
- Low sediment in the final oil
- Long Extraction time ensuring low residual oil.
- Simple, rugged design for low maintenance and reliable operator.
- Easy to transport and install