Title of Invention

"A SOLVENT RECOVERY APPARATUS"

Abstract

This Invention relates to a solvent recovery apparatus In a solvent extraction system, the system extracting oil and hexane from raw meal being fed into an extractor (17) of the system, the apparatus recovering hexane separated from the oil extracted from the raw meal, the system comprising atteast one desolventizer receiving raw meal entrained with air from the extractor, an economizer separating the hexane and a condenser, the apparatus comprising, atteast one absorber (1) receiving the separated hexane mixed with air from the condenser, an ejector (3) connected via a first end to the atteast one absorber (1), characterized in that a splitter (2) is intermediately disposed being connected with the atteastone absorber (1) via a second end of the ejector (3). [Fig. 2|

Full Text

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a solvent recovery apparatus from vent air in a solvent extraction plant of oil from oil seeds or oil bearing materials. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION It is generally recognized in the art that for every metric ton of raw meal fed into the extractor of a solvent extraction plant carries 0.5 m3 of air. Thus, a certain quantity of air is introduced into the system through the extractor. Additionally, it has been found that a certain quantities of air are also introduced into the system through the desolventizer, storage tank and also through leakages. Such an air does not condense in the condensers, and therefore requires to be discharged to atmosphere as the plant or system operates under vacuum conditions. The defatted meal with air entrained therein is fed to the desolventizer and then to the economizer. The separated hexane flows into the condenser and then finally into the absorber, and from where air is discharged into atmosphere through an ejector provided in the outlet of the absorber. A disadvantage associated with the known system is that of substantial losses of hexane which is discharged with air from the ejector. Such losses are on an average to the extent of 10 litres/m3 of raw material processed. An object of this Intention is to propose a solvent recovery apparatus for from vent air In a solvent extraction plant of oil. Another object of this invention is to propose a solvent recovery apparatus for from vent air in a solvent extraction plant of oil which is efficient. Accordig to this invention there is provided a solvent recovery apparatus in a solvent extraction system, the system extracting oil and hexane from raw meal being fed into an extractor of the system, the apparatus recovering hexane separated from the oil extracted from the raw meal, the system comprising atteast one desolventizer receiving raw meal entrained with air from the extractor, an economizer separating the hexane and a condensor, the apparatus comprising; atteast one absorber receiving the separated hexane mixed with air from the condensor, an ejector connected via a first end to the atteast one absorber, characterized In that a splitter is intermediately disposed being connected with the atteast one absorber via a second end of the ejector. The present invention resides in an apparatus for recovery of hexane still present in vent air. Hitherto, such hexane was discharged with vent air into the atmosphere, which constituted a waste. The apparatus of the present Invention recovers hexane present In the vent air. The ejector provided with the absorber no longer allows the vent air to be discharged to atmosphere. Instead, the ejector is now connected between the absorber and a splitter which provides a fist recovery of hexane. Such a hexane is fed to the absorption chamber of the extractor. Further hexane and air traces may alternatively or additionally be fed to a safety absorber, where hexane is absorbed and then fed to said absorption chamber of the extractor to ensure that there is no loss of hexane. DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and wherein : Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the solvent recovery apparatus for use in on solvent extraction plant of oil, and Fig. 2 shows the splitter Referring to the drawings, the desorber I normally provided in existing solvent extraction systems of oil for causing an absorption of hexane and air is discharged through the ejector. However, in the known systems, entire hexane is not absorbed in absorber 1 and approximately 500 to 1000 ppm of hexane is lost with air to the atmosphere. For this purpose, an ejector is provided with absorber 1 for discharge of air. In distinction, air containing hexane is no longer discharged into the atmosphere, but is allowed to flow into a splitter 2. An ejector 3 may or may not be provided between absorber 1 and splitter 2. Splitter 2 causes a separation of hexane entrained in the vent air. For this purpose reference is made to Fig. 2 which illustrates splitter 2 to comprise an inlet chamber 4 having a first inlet 5 for introduction of vent air from absorber 1. Chamber 4 has a second inlet 6 for introduction of water. Chamber 4 leads into a venturi 7 for causing a mixing of water and air in mixing chamber 8. Thus, air is dissolved in water under high pressure mixing in chamber 8, and whereby hexane contained in air is separated. Such a mixture flows into chamber 13 having rachrings 9. Chamber 13 has a water inlet 10. Hexane separated from air is discharged through an outlet 11 and the air water mixture is fed to a water separator 12. Water separator 12 causes a further separation of residual and trace amounts of hexane contained in water, and the recovered hexane is recycled into the plant for further use. Hexane and air traces from outlet 11 of splitter 2 is fed to a safety absorber 14 through inlet 15. Hexane is absorbed and fed to the absorption chamber 16 of extractor 17 Safety absorber 14 is operative in instances where a raw meal is not present in extractor 17, and in which hexane from outlet 11 is fed to chamber 16. Alternatively, and even a raw meal is present in extractor 17, hexane with trace amounts of air discharged from outlet 11 is fed to safety absorber 14. We Claim 1. A solvent recovery apparatus In a solvent extraction system, the system exfractig oil and hexane from raw meal being fed Into an extractor (17) of the system, the apparatus recovering hexane separated from the oil extracted torn the raw meal, the system comprising atleast one desolventizer receiving raw meal entrained with air from the extractor, an economizer separating the hexane and a condenser, the apparatus comprising: • atteast one absorber (1) receiving the separated hexane mixed win air from the condensor, - an ejector (3) connected via a first end to the atteast one absorber (1), characterized in that a splitter (2) is intermediately disposed being connected with the atteast one absorber (1) vh a second end of the ejector (3). 2. The solvent recovery apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereto said splitter comprises a high speed mixer (4) with a first inlet (5) for introduction of air from said absorber (1) and a second Inlet (6) for Introduction of water, the bottom end of the mixer (4) toads into a venturi (7) for allowing at to be dissolved in water. 3. The solvent recovery apparatus as claimed In claim 1, comprising a chamber (13) receiving the deared hexane, the chamber (13) having rachrlngs (9). 4. The solvent recovery apparatus as claimed In claims 2 or 3, wherein the chamber (13) has an inlet (10) for water injection and an outlet (11) for discharge of air-water mixture to a water separator (12). 5. The solvent recovery apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said separated and de-aired hexane is recycled back to an absorption chamber (16) connected to the extractor (17). 6. The solvent recovery apparatus as claimed In claim 3 or 5, optionally comprising a safety absorber (14) having an inlet (15). 7. A solvent recovery apparatus In a solvent extraction system as substantial descrbed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

67-del-2001-abstract.pdf

67-del-2001-claims.pdf

67-DEL-2001-Correspondence-Others-(22-11-2010).pdf

67-del-2001-correspondence-others.pdf

67-del-2001-correspondence-po.pdf

67-del-2001-description (complete).pdf

67-del-2001-drawings.pdf

67-del-2001-form-1.pdf

67-DEL-2001-Form-15-(22-11-2010).pdf

67-del-2001-form-19.pdf

67-del-2001-form-2.pdf

67-del-2001-form-4.pdf

67-del-2001-gpa.pdf

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