US2840459A

US2840459A - Continuous solvent extractor and solvent extraction system

Info

Publication number: US2840459A
Application number: US91372A
Authority: US
Inventors: George B Karnofsky
Original assignee: Blaw Knox Co
Current assignee: Blaw Knox Co
Priority date: 1949-05-04
Filing date: 1949-05-04
Publication date: 1958-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 1975-06-24
Also published as: GB739602A

Description

June 24, 1958 G. B. KARNOFSKY CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRA 2,840,459 CTOR AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 4, 1949 y mm am ma wwm Qm mm NM k km 3 T o QM o m AM v E m hm. Wm 6 a June 24, 1958 G. B. KARNOFSKY 2,840,459

CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTOR AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM Filed May 4, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR June 24, 1958 G. B. KARNOFSKY 2,840,459

' CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTOR AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM Filed May 4, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR 6 Geo/gab? KWWOKS/Q June 24, 1958 Filed May 4, 1949 G. B. KARNOFSKY 2,840,459 CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTOR AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Geo/ye b. Karno/sky June 24, 1958 G. B. KARNOFSKY CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTOR AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 4, 1949 June 24, 1958 e. B. KARNOFSKY 2,840,459

CONTINUOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTOR AND SOLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 4, 1949 INVENTOR 15f Karno/sky United States Patent CQNTHQUGUS SOLVENT. EXTRACTOR AND SQLVENT EXTRACTION SYSTEM George B. Karnofsky, ()akmont, Pa., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Flaw-Knox Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Delaware Application May 4, 1949, Serial No. 91,572

32 Claims. (Cl. 23310) 7 This invention relates to a continuous, solvent extractor and to a continuous solvent extraction system for the extraction of oils and soluble materials from solids by the use of liquid solvents. More particularly, it relates to apparatus and processes inwhich extract-bearing solid material is moved substantially in a horizontal plane and successively supplied with solvent which percolates through the solid material and is drained into separate zones for recirculation and withdrawal. Still more particularly, the relationship of the parts and steps may be so arranged that a substantially countercurrent or any other character of movement between liquids and solidscan be obtained.

The art of solvent extraction for the recovery of vege table oils, animalfat constituents, fish oils, marrow, caffeine and the like from solid materialis broadly old. In one conventional type of solvent'extraction, a chain of basket conveyors containing material such as. soybean flakes is drenched with a solvent such as commercial hexane. Since these baskets move in a closed substantially oval path in a' vertical plane in the type of structure under discussion, the solvent percolates from basket to basket, countercurrent to .the solids on the ascending side of the apparatus, and concurrent with the solid material therein on the descending side of the apparatus. The baskets are emptied into a solid residue conveyor by being inverted as they cross the'top from one side to the other. The solution collects in the bottom of the sealed tower containing the apparatus and is removed. This basket type or" extractor produces a fairly clear miscella (due to repeated filtering through nonagitated beds of solid particles) and rather well drained solids. Many other prior types of extractors, which attempt to pass solids through liquids, do not "accomplish either of these very well. v v

The basket type of apparatus is widely used, but it requires an expensive structure of relatively great size and height. There are inherent limitations in the basket type in at least two respects. One is that the vertical rising motion of the baskets and the passing of solvent from higher baskets to those draining below, limits the amount of solvent which can be removed in thisway, the remainder which must be removed by evaporation still being a considerable amount. The other is that the net. liquid flow rate from basket to basket is fixed by the amount of solvent required to produce a miscella of specified concentration; but the drainage properties of the'particles treated ordinarily do not provide, with this specified rate of solvent flow, sufiicient volume of solvent in the baskets for an optimum extraction rate. I

- In the new apparatus and system of this invention the recognized advantages of the basket extractor are preserved, the height and volume of the extractor are materially reduced, and the limitations of the above type of extractor are overcome.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description and from the following drawings which are illustrative only, in which,

2,840,459 Patented June 24,

Figure 1 is a schematic planar devel pmentjof a pre ferred embodiment of this invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view in elevation (taken;

substantially, through the center) of a one-half of anex-a tractor constituting the preferred embodiment of this invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment shownin, Figure 2 witha portion of the top thereof broken away and illustrating by line IIII the cross sectional plane'on which the view of Figure 2 is taken; j), Figure 3A is an enlarged plan view of the assembly of a single cell in the extractor illustrated in Figure 3; V Figure 4 is a plan view of the extractor shown in Figure Z'taken along line IV-IV of Figure -2,-with the rotating portions of the extractor removed; p p t Figure 5 is an enlarged crossrsectional'view in elevation of, the lower portion of a; ell taken along line V--Y. of Figured; i 7 m Figure 6 is a detailed viewin-cross sectionof a perforate portion of the bottom closure illustrated in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a planar development viewtaken along the vertical cylindrical surface denoted. by line VTI,VII on Figure 3; v Figure 7A is a detail view taken along line: VIIA-VIIA of Figure 7 f i Figure 8 is'an enlarged view in. elevation, partly in cross section, taken. along line, VIIIVIII of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a view in crosssection taken along line IX-IX of Figure 8; V

Figure 9A is a view of a modified nozzle assembly; Figure 10 isa schematic planar developmentof a modi: fi ed embodiment of this invention; and i Figure 11 is a view in cross section taken through the center of a portion of an extractor constituting a modification such as is schematically illustratedin Figure- 10.

Referring to Figures l te 9 inclusive, the preferred structural embodiment of this invention comprises an extractor 10 havin-g a cylindrical casing 11 and a generally fiat head 12 having fianged connections to casingll, A bottom 13 also has welded connections to casing 11 to complete the outer envelope of extractor 10 which is sup.- ported on a wide beam 17. A variable speed motordrive 15 is connected to the top of a-drive shaft 25. Bottom 13 is upwardly recessed at 14in the center thereof to slope the solvent collecting compartments towards'their outlets. To prevent solvent loss, the envelope comprising casing 11, head 12 and bottom 13is usually sealed which also enables the extractor to be operated at sli'ght-subatmospheric pressure if desired. a I

'A guide shaft 18 extends vertically into the center of a vertical rotor shaft 19 to which it is appropriately rigidly fastened as by brackets 20 through block 21. Block 21. at the lowerend of rotor shaft 19 holds one raceway for a tapered roller thrust bearing 22. A lower annular raceway 23 is held in lower block 23a which is rigidly fastened to the bottom surface of bottom '13 at the top of recess 14. Guide shaft 18 as shown in Figure 2 passes through the thrust bearing out of contact therewith and ends just above the bottom of the recess in block 23a. A bushing 24"is mounted in the center of head 12 for the journaling of a drive shaft 25 connected to rotor shaft 19 by

brackets

26 and 27. Hence, at whatever speed is selected for the variable speed motordrive, rotor shaft 19 will be correspondingly turned by drive shaft 25. Suitable lubrication and conven tional vapor seals are, provided for the'shafts 1-8 and 25 and for the envelope of extractor 10. v Rotor shaft 19 supportably forms a part of a rotor in the form of a spool frame 28. Upper and lower ring flanges 29 are Welded to rotor shaft 19 above. cars 30 circumferentially. and: radially spaced aroundshaft .19.

8pooI frame 28 comprisesrigidly. connected and radially A prising rotor 28 about a vertical axis coinciding with the axes of shafts 18 and At the lower ends of vertical;

struts 33 hearing blocks 35. arewelded. Horizontallyextending connector plates 26 are adapted to'be bolted toupperand lower ring plates 34, intermediate arms 31 saawm bearing block provide 's'upportlfor cells 37 of extractor .10, which cells areadapted to contain oilbearing solid material during theextraction operation.

Each "cell; -37 is open; at thetop and substantially sector like in plan. It comprises front and rear walls 38 and side or end walls'39. The front and rear walls will respectively be leading and following wall surfaces into each cell 3 37 by reference to'the direction of rotation of such cell in aclosed' circular patlraround the axis of rotor 28 when said direction of rotation extends from said rear to said front wall respectively. Walls 38 extend substantially vertically andradially relative. the rotor axis and inclineinwardly, las shown more clearly inFigure 5, toward the center of the respectivecell 37., .In this way solid material in cell 37 and, fines therefrom will not tend to cling to walls 38. Further, walls 39 may. alsobe inwardly inclined from the bottom to the top for the same advantage.

As best shown in Figure, 3; walls 38 extend radially .of rotor' 28 and have aflixedto the inner ends of the lower edges thereof lugs which in position roughly occupy and bear against the adjoining radial m'edian half of .the respective bearing blocks 35. Horizontal connector plates} 36, overlapping the ring {plates34 between thestruts '33, are welded or otherwise rigidly connectedto opposite walls 38 and innermost end wall 39.. Thus, each cell may bewremovably fastened in positionon spool frame 2811)); reposing the lugs 40 on blocks. 35 and bolting plates- 36 to rings 34; When all of thecells37 are in place adjoining cells are substantiallycontiguous so that adjacent'walls 38 in effect form a common double wall between them. A gable cap 41 is fastened .over the upper edges of said adjacent walls 38 of adjoining cells; 37 and serves to assist in the abrupt transfer of solid material and liquidsfrom a preceding cell foam immediately succeeding cell and also to prevent any material falling between those adjoining walls.

is As showninFigure 4, leadingwall 38'ot each cell 37 hasat least a pair of hinge brackets 42 welded to the exterior thereof adjacent the lower edge thereof. The.

width of brackets 42 is sufficient to form a snug fit with the adjoining wall 38 of the adjoining cell 37 which adjoining cellsyare maintainedinrelatively. rigid relationship not onlyby the. connectionsof each thereof to rotor 28 but by registering =bolt eyes (not 'shown) for the connection of. adjoining cells adjacent the vertical edges of the outer wall 39po'f each thereof.

Each cell 37 is provided with a trapezoidal door to close the bottom thereof. The frame, thereof comprises channel members 44 and crossbars 52 which in outline conform to the opening at the. bottom of the cell. A perforate false bottom 48 is aflixed to the upper side of the door frame. This false bottom 48 comprises a perforate plate 49 overlain by 1a mesh screen 50, the mesh size of which'is preselectedfor the material undergoing extraction. Cap screws 51 secure false bottom 48 to the respective bars 52. Brackets are welded to bars 52 so as to be in registry with brackets 42. A hinge rod 46 is threaded through the openings in the respective brackets 42 and45 to enable each door frame to swing about theleading lower edge of each cell. An imperforate plate 43 is fastenedto the underside of the door 2,840,489 I j s frame in such fashion that the trailing edge 47 of each door 43 is spaced by spacing webs or rods 53 from the lower side of the trailing crossbar 52. In this way a slot is provided to confine the flow of draining solvent solution to a narrow sheeted radial stream during the movement of the cells. While such a construction is preferred, the imperforate plate 43 may be omitted retaining bottom 48 as the door in operations in which such directing of the draining liquid is not desired.

Iournaled on the respective ends of the rear cross member 52 adjacent trailing edge 47 of door 43 are rollers 54 adapted to be supportably engaged by a track 55 adjacent each end of each cell 37 for that portion of the path of rotation of the cells 37 during which doors 43 are to be kept substantially in closed position. In this closed position, false bottom 48 prevents any discharge of the solid material contents of the cells 37 While, as aforesaid, permitting the draining of liquids therefrom. Outermost track 55 is supported on brackets 56 attached to the interior of casing 11 and innermost track 55 is supported on. vertical struts 57 fastened to bottom 13. Since the path ofrotation of cells 37 is horizontal, tracks 55, in the embodiment shown, are horizontal for a major portion of the circumference of extractor 10. When doors 43 are to be respectively opened to discharge or empty the solid material in the cells, which occurs successively, tracks 55 are terminated at a predetermined position 58 whence by gravity the respective door 43 and false bottom 48 opens emptying the solid material contents of the respective cell 37 into a solid residue chute 59 whence it falls into a sealed residue conveyor 60 in which twin conveyor screws 61 turn to remove the solid residue for further processing. The continued movement of. each particular cell 37 after discharge causes rollers 54 to engage inclined portions 62 of the respective tracks 55 thus elevating the doors 43 into closed position 7 Solid organic particles such as fresh soybean flakes are continuously fed to an intake pipe 63 opening into a feed conveyor conduit 64 in which a conveyor screw 65 rotates to advance said solid material to a discharge outlet 66 connected to a feed pipe 67 which extends through the topof head 12 over the approximate center, radially measured, of cells 37 passing beneath in relatively close proximity thereto. Screw 65 hasa shaft which terminates in a driven gear 68 connected by a chain 69 to a driving gear 70. Driving gear 70 receives its force through a gear reducer 71 from an electric motor 72, the speed of which may-be varied for desireddiiferences in operation. Conduit 64 is liquid tight so that liquid may be introduced therein to form a slurry with solid material being fed by screw .65 and thereby achieve some soaking of the solid organic particles with solvent prior to extraction inthe extractor 10. The principal reasons for maintaininga liquid trap in the inclined conduit 64 and feeding a slurry to the cells are obtaining a vapor seal and distributing the particles effectively in the cells.

It maybe. desirable particularly in extractors of larger capacity to assist in the lateral distribution of the solid material slurry fed into the respective cells through inlet pipe 67. As shown in Figures 7 and 7A, a distributing wedge may be mounted beneath the outlet of pipe 67. This wedge is horizontally drilled so that it may be mounted upon horizontal supporting adjustment rods 106. Rods 106 are supported in depending brackets 107 welded to the underside of the top 12 of extractor 10. In this way, wedge 105 can be centered under pipe 67 or moved off center as may be desired to obtain a substantially uniform depth of solid material in each cell as it passes beheath pipe 67. In addition, in forming a slurry in conveyor conduit 64 for feeding through pipe 67, a relatively fluid mass of solidmaterial, is provided which is readily spread horizontally and does not. heap upto any objectionable extent. This feature is of value because the area of each cell is large in comparison to the cross sectional area of feed pipe 67.

, An annular series of compartments respectively numbered from 73 to 79 inclusive is arranged in bottom 13 immediately beneath the path of rotationof cells 37 in the embodiment illustrated by Figure 4.. These compartments have common dividing walls 80 extending substantially radially and vertically with reference to the axis of rotor shaft 19. This arrangement results in the collection of solvent solutions of varying extract strengths in the separate zones constituting the respective compartmerits.

Except in the walls 81 radially bounding compartment 74 'and in the walls 80 substantially common with the front and rear walls of discharge chute 59, weir portions 82 may be included in such walls 80 in descending levels in a counterclockwise direction from compartment 79 to compartment 75 inclusive, viewed from the position illustrated in Figure 4. These weir portions 82 form a cascading overflow control arrangement which is counter, as illustrated in Figure 1, to the direction of rotation of cells 37.

Normally, the level of liquid in compartments 73' and 75 is maintained below the level of liquid in compartment 76 by means of an automatic liquid level controller 83 which in turn controls a valve 84. Controller 83 and valve 84 are conventional in construction and therefore are only shown schematically in Figure l.

Compartments

73 and 75 are interconnected by apipe 85 leading to a pump 86. Compartment 74 is used in this embodiment to collect miscella, that is, the final eflluent from the extractor consisting of a solution of solvent and ex tracted oil in the case of soybean flakes. As the final effiuent, the miscella has the highest concentrationo'f such oil extract. Progressively decreasing concentrations of the extract in the solvent are found in

compartments

73 and 75 to 79 moving in a clockwise direction around the center of Figure 4. The liquid in these compartments is variously termed in this specification solvent or solvent solution irrespective of the concentration of extract, if

any therein, and irrespective of entrainedmoisture and' fines which may be present from the solid organic particles undergoing treatment.

The suction side of a similar pump 86 is connected to the lowermost point of each of the compartments 76 to 79 inclusive. In the case of compartments 76 to '79, pumps 86 are respectively connected on their delivery sides to solvent solution supplying nozzles respectively numbered87 to 90 inclusive. Pump 86 connected to

compartments

73 and 75 delivers solvent solution therefrom to intake 63 through pipe 91, to form a slurry with solid organic particles being fed through conveyor conduit 64. Miscella is withdrawn from compartment 74 through a line 92 which may be connected to a pump it the gravity head is insufficient for the further handling thereof. As shown in Figure 7, an inclined funnel shaped filling 108 of concrete may be provided inthe bottom of compartment 74, and in the other compartments'if desired. This filling slopes downwardly and outwardly toward the connection to line 92 to enable compartment 74 to'be completely drained. Fresh substantially pure liquid solvent is introduced into extractor through a line 93 connected to a'nozzle 94. A pump 95, which also takes suction from compartments 73 and75, is connected by a pipe '96 to a nozzle 97 substantially directly over compartment 74. Since pump 95 is in the same line as valve 84 excess liquid from compartments 73 and75 passes through nozzle 97 and into fresh extract-bearing solid material in the cells 37 passing therebeneath. This partially co-current flow serves to filter the miscella. Similarly, the miscella in the liquids from

compartments

73 and 75 passing through pump 86in line91 isalso filtered to the extent that the miscella thereindrains into compartment 74 in the 'passag eofcells37 thereover;

Normally, su'fficie'nt liquid is pumped into conduit 64 through. line 91 to form a slurry with the'fresh-solid organic particles being fed into the newly emptied and reclosed cells 37 through line 67. When theslurry is first fed into a cell 37, it is in asomewha't agitated state and is over compartment 73' insofar as drainage therefrom is concerned. The result is that the solvent thus draining into compartment 73 carries any fines of solid material which may be present with it due to the activeand agitated state of the flakes in the slurry. By the timethat drainage from that same cell begins to takeplace into compartment 74, the flakeshave settled into a relatively reposed condition and form a filter bed which results in a clear miscella draining into compartment 74.

All of the nozzles87 to 90, 94 and 97 are substantially identical. Each comprises a tubularportion 98 rotatably positioned in a stationary bushing 99 mounted in the side of head 12. Tubular portion 98 is closed at the inner end and open at the outer end thereof, terminating at the outer end in flange 100 with which suitable packing is clamped between a flange 101 on bushing 99 and a flanged end 102 at the inner ends of the respective connecting pipes. The tubular portions 98 extend horizontally and radially toward the axis of rotor- 28. V The tubular portions 98 have a longitudinal row of holes drilled therein or are slotted axially thereof to accommodate a spout 103 welded thereto fitting over said holes or slot. Spout 103 has arectangularopening therein on a section parallel to the axis of the tubular portions 98. The outermost axially extending-edges 104 of the spouts 103 are on a'radial line when the spout 103.is rotated to a horizontal position. Thus, the spouts 103 can be rotated about the horizontal axis of the respective tubular portion 98 for individual ,adjustment to obtain appropriate liquid supplying sequence to the operation to either prevent over-supplying or under-supplying. By virtue of the particular structure of the respective nozzles, this rotary adjustment continues to maintain a substantiallysheeted introduction of solvent and solvent solution from the nozzles into the respective cells 37 by abrupt transfer because of the radial character of the dividing walls between cells and of the nozzle spout edges 104. Visualsights 112a are spaced around head 12 and thebody of extractor 10 to enable an operator to observe the progress of the extraction operation I -A modified nozzle assembly is illustrated in Figure 9A. This modification is able substantially to achievethe advantages of the nozzle assembly illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. In the modification, a tubular portion 98a is fixed in radial position and: discharges solvent-solution directly downwardly. However, instead of being pro vided with a spout 103, in the modified assembly, a hinged plate 103a is provided. Plate 103a is hinged at its upper end 111 about a rod 112 suitably mounted in a bracket (not shown) attached to a casing such as casing-11. Plate 103a. has a lower edge 104a along a radial line relative to the axis of a rotor such as rotor 28. :Hence, the inclination of plate 103a aboutits hinge provides an adjustment comparable to that achieved-by edge 104'in the nozzle illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Suitable means are providedfor fixing plate 103a at whatever. inclination is desired. Solvent wsolutionjgiasses over the upper side of plate 103a and pours over edge 104a substantially in planar sheeted form.

Similarly, solvent draining, from the respective .cells 37 flows over the trailing edge 47 of the bottom closures 43 substantially in a radial 'planarsheetmanrierQ Since the dividing walls between the compartments also extend substantially radially and vertically with'reference to the axis of rotor 28, there is an abrupt-transfer between compartments of such draining solvent. -It. will be noted that the length of the compartments measuredin the direction of rotation is greater than the length of the cells 37. Further, in the specific wembodimentgillustrated, there is suflicient'spacing' between the respective nozzles T7 which normally supply suflicient solvent and solvent solu-. tionto. flood the cclls3'l during the supplying period, to permit draining. thereof before. the next.nozzl e isreached. 'lheseintcrmediatedraining zones maybe employed to prevent excessive intermingling of different extract concentrations from the respective compartments. Cornpartment 79 or any separate zone corresponding thereto is made .sufiiciently long to'efiect relatively thorough draining beforethe solid material is discharged from each cell 37jinto chute .59. v

' Inorder to illustrate the flexibility of the extractor of this invention, the duck-bill spouts103 of nozzles 87 to 90 are illustrated in Figure'l as being rotated a limited angular distance from a downwardly verticalposition in, the same direction as the indicated direction of rotationof cells 37. In so doing, drainage of solvent *solution from the cells is recirculated back in very substan tial measureto the very compartments from which it was originally pumped. ms character of relative flow of liquids, and solids is in the nature of a stagewise operation. 'If all liquid pumped from a particular drainage zone is returned'to that zone, additional liquid such as results from the addition of fresh solvent through nozzle 9 4 and dissolved extract must eventually cause ovcrflowintolower compartments, a matter which may be taken care of as by the cascading weir arrangement previously mentioned. If desired, for the purpose of minimizing the mixing of solvent solution from adjacent compartments, a batfle 1'10'may be provided in each of the compartments 75 to 78 inclusive so that upon overflow theoverflowing' liquid isdirectly guided to the outlet of the compartment into whichthe overflow takes place. i i i A modifled embodiment of this invetntion is illustrated in Figures land 11 which provides an extractor in which thereis appreciable soaking in addition to straightforward extraction. Such modified extractors may be used to noticeableadvantage on materials like cotton seed. In general, the rotor incorporatestwoj levels 'or tiers-of cells in superposed relation, the -lower of'which with the drainage compartments thereunder: corresponds closely to the-preferred embodimentillustrated in Figures 2 to .9 inclusive. Corresponding portions ofthemodified structure illustrated inFigures 10 and 11 bear the same reference number,'primed, as the reference number used for the preferredembodiment, and serve the same pur pose. In the modified embodiment, however, the nozzles for the lower section of cells have been rotated about their respective horizontalPaxes to theleft, as shown in Figure 10;to 'provide acountercurrent type of extraction operation withasdcsired less or substantially no a solvent solution being returned to an originating compartmentand a further 'with less solvent solution being supplied by the. respective nozzles to the cells as a consequence thereof. i

ln tlie rnodificd embodiment, a soaking section or tier is supported on spool frame 28"immediately' above an extraction section and preferably both are of the samefouterdiameter. iThis soaking section comprises a plurality'ofsoaking cells 120 identicalin construction to thecxtraction cells 37"exceptfor the imperforate bottom closures 121 on the soaking cells 120. These bot tom closures 121"are mounted in the same manner .as doors '43"but do not have any false bottoms 48' nor any trailing edges 47'fspaced from (the respective cells 120 by spacing rods corresponding to rods 53'. This is so becausecells1120 etfect soaking, that is, the solid macan is substantially inundated by solvent during the entire path of rotation thereof in the, soaking section. closures 121 need notbe liquid tightinasrnuch as any leakage fallsinto a stationary annular pan 122 which drains by gravity'into compartment 73" through a line 123. Aline 124islc'onnected to line 91? and supplies to-cells120 in the, course oftheir rotation through nozzles assure 75 to make up for any leakage around bottom closures 121. Upon completion of the rotation of the soaking sectionin synchronism with therotation of the extraction section, tracks 127 terminate permitting the bottom closures 121 to successively open discharging the slurry therein directly into the respective cell 37' immediately below. The respective bottom closure 121 is then closed by the rising portion 128 of the tracks 127 in order to enable it to receive fresh solid material slurry through feed line 67.

Normally, the level of liquid in compartments 73' and 75' may not exceed a predetermined height because of the provision of an automatic liquid level controller 83 which in turn controls a valve 84'. Controller 83 and valve 84' are conventional in construction and therefore are only shown schematically in Figure 10. A pipe 85' interconnects compartments 73' and 75' and leads to the inlet side of a pump 86. Whenever the level of the liquid in compartments 73' and 75 rises to a height actuating controller 83', valve 84' is opened permitting a pump 95 to deliver the excess liquid to a nozzle 97 through a line 96. Nozzle 97' is positioned so as to cause its liquid to substantially drain directly into compartment 74 to filter it through the solid material in the cells 37 passing immediately beneath. Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, no cascading of solution normally occurs, as all the solvent is ad: vanced by'me'ans of the pumps. However, it is preferable to step the partitions so that, should overflow occur due to change of nozzle adjustment, it will occur in the desired predetermined direction. The pumps 86 are of such type and so installed as to have a substantial range of delivery, and to be capable of removing solvent solution substantially at whatever rate it drains into any compartment. Thus, overflow from compartment to compartment occurs only when too much solvent solution is continuously recycled to an originating compartment or when the pump capacity is exceeded or its discharge is throttled as by a valve.

In both embodiments it will be noted that there are fewer nozzles than cells and that there is substantially a drainage compartment for each nozzle. In treating sub? stances like soybean flakes to extract the oil therein, the solvent augmented by dissolved extract drains relatively rapidly through the bed of solid material. By such relative spacing of the nozzles and compartments, successive flooding and partial drainage of each cell occurs during rotation. The relative positioning of the nozzles angula'rly around their respective horizontal axes together with the relative positioning of the dividing walls between compartments and the drainage characteristics of the substance undergoing extraction, provide a very flexible and convenient means for adjusting the quantity of solvent solution supplied to each cell by eachnozzle connected through a pump to a compartment. Hence, if the nozzles are in the positions illustrated by nozzles 87'" to inclusive, substantially full countercurrent flow occurs with the solvent solution in each compartment being advanced toward compartments 73" and 75 substantially entirely, by the successive pumps and nozzles. The pumps 86 respectively connected to compartments 76' to 79' inclusive entirely or substantially entirely keep the compartments empty with the result that there is, in this preferred countercurrent practice, no overflow between compartrnents. However, should the result be that there is insufficient inundation of the solid material in the cells passing beneath nozzles 87' to 90' inclusive, these nozzles may be separately rotated toward a position such as corresponding nozzles 87 to 90 are shown as being in for illustrative purposes in Figure 1. Such rotation tends to increase the volume of liquid issuing from each nozzle because additional liquid is recirculated through drainage back into the originating compartment, thereby providing additional solvent solution 9 which can be handled by the respective'pumps 86f. Thus a sharp control of the liquid volume issuing from each nozzle can be obtained. In practice, a nozzle setting providing the optimum rate of solvent application to flood the cells would be made.

The amount of liquid removed from the extractor as a whole aside from any operational losses will'be themiscella plus'solvent in the solid material residue discharged into conduit 60 (for the operation shown in Figures 10 and 11). This volume will equal the amount of fresh solvent introduced through nozzle 94 plus the volume of dissolved extract in the miscella, irrespective of whether a substantially wholly countercurrent or a substantially wholly stagewise or some inbetween operation is practiced. In the countercurrent situation, when equilibrium conditions are reached, there should normally be no overflow between compartments, whereas in full stagewise operation, after equilibrium is reached, there will likely be substantial overflow'from compartments having higher liquid levels to lower liquid level compartments in order to advance the liquid.

Thus, this invention provides a cell-type extractor, substantially countercurrent in operation with respect to the progress of solid particles and extracting liquid, in which the flow of net advanced liquid is substantially constant, determined essentially by the rate of solvent supply, but in which the rate of liquid application to cells at various extraction zones or positions may be readily varied or adjusted at amounts sufficient to inundate the cells to the desired degree in any such zone and substantially ex,- ceeding in rate of flow (during the period of application of liquid to any cell), the amountjof liquid advanced countercurrently in the process. And, this invention .provides means whereby the liquid is applied to each cell intermittently and successively, wherebythe cells are alternately flooded to the desired degree and partially drained of solution of gradually decreasing'extract concentration, and finally washed with substantially pure solvent and thoroughly drained before removal fromthe extractor.

Although I have illustrated and described'a preferred and modified embodiment and practice of this'invention, it will be understood that changes therein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventionor the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A solvent extractor comprising,'a rotor having an axis at an angle to the horizontal, a plurality of walled cells connected to said rotor for movement therewith around said axis, said cells being adapted to contain extract-bearing solid material, means for feeding solids to and retaining them in said cells respectively, means adjacent the top of said solid material for supplying solvent downwardly through a plurality of said cells at a plurality of positions during the rotation of said rotor, means in said cells for draining solvent so supplied, means for receiving draining solvent and dissolved extract 'adja-' cent the bottom of said cells, and means for emptying each of said cells of its solid material residue after a predetermined angular movement of said cell relative the axis of said rotor.

2. A solvent extractor comprising, a rotor having a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of substantially vertically and radially divided cells on" said rotor, said cells having an opening adjacent the top thereof for the receipt therethrough of extract-bearing solid material, a bottom closure for each of said cell-s adapted to permit the draining of solvent from said solid material during the rotation thereof, a plurality of substantially radially extending nozzles adjacent said cells for supplying solvent thereto duringsaid rotation, said cells having movement relative to said nozzles, and means for opening said closures to empty the Lsolidmaterialputcf each of said cells after a predetermined angular move ment thereof, whereby said solvent is transferred nomone cell to another during said rotation and said solid material is emptied from said cells after solvent extraction thereof to a preselected extent has taken place.

3. A solvent extractor comprising, a rotor having an axis at an angle to the horizontal, a plurality of walled cells connected to said rotor for movement therewith around said axis, said cells being adapted to contain extract-bearing solid material, a solids-retaining openable closure connected to said cells respectively, said closure being adapted to permit draining of said solid materialin said cells, a plurality of means adjaoentthe tops'ofsaid cells for supplying solvent downwardly through a :plurality of said cells during the rotation of said rotor at a plurality of positions, a plurality of compartmentsadjacent the bottoms of said cells to receive solvent drained therefrom, certain of said compartments being respectively connected to certain of said plurality of means, means'for opening said closure to empty said solid material out of each of said cells after the rotation ofsaid cells through a predetermined angle, and solvent flow connections extending between at least certain of said compartments and means for supplying solvent in a predetermined order. Y

4. A solvent'extractor comprising, a rotor having a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of substantially vertically and radially divided cells on said rotor, said cells having an opening adjacent the top thereof for the receipt therethrough of extract-bearing solid material, a bottom closure foreach of said cells adapted to permit the draining of solvent solution from said solid material during the'rotation thereof, a plurality of radially extending nozzles adjacent said cells for supplying solvent solution thereto at a plurality of station salong the' path of rotation of each of said cells,- a plurality of com'p'arte merits positioned below the path of rotation. of said cells and adapted to collect solvent solution draining from said cells, connections respectively between said cornpartments and said nozzles, means for removing misc'ella from at least one of said compartments, and means for successively opening said closures to emptysaid cells upon completion of the rotatory movement of each thereof.

5. A continuous solvent extractor comprising, a rotor having a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of substantially vertically and radially divided cells around the axis of said rotor, said cells being open at the top and adaptedto contain extract-bearing solid material to be substantially flooded with solvent solution, a solid ma; terial supporting closure at the bottom of each of said cells, perforate means through which solvent solution is drained from said solid material during the rotation of said cells, a plurality of relatively stationary solvent solution supplying members overlying said cells and stationed along the path of rotation thereof, av plurality of compartments underlying said cells along the path. of rotation thereof and adapted to collect solvent solution drained from said cells, a majority of said supplying members being respectively connected to a majority of said compartments in a predetermined order along said path of rotation, means for supplying substantially fresh solvent to said cells along said path of rotation, meansfor withdrawing miscella from at least one of said compartnients, and means for opening said closures to empty, said solid material out of said cells after said path of rotation has been substantially completed.

6. A continuous solvent extractor for vegetable oils or the like, comprising, a plurality of open cells arranged in a circular manner on a substantially horizontal plane, said cells having common dividing walls extending substantially vertically and radially, a bottom closure hinged adjacent the leading lower edge of each cell, saidclosure having a substantially'radial drainage slot therein-when saidclosure is in closed position, a plurality of radially vary the plane of introduction of solvent to each cell relati ve the respective axes ofsaid nozzles, a plurality of compartments underlying said cells in predetermined relation to each other around said rotational axis, a majority of said compartments having common dividing walls, at least one miscella compartment among said compartments, a liquid'level controller in the'lqwermost of said compartments adapted to prevent flooding thereof, a by-pass line.

connected tosaid lowermost compartment to return solventsolution to said cells when actuated by said level controller, and means for successively opening said closures upon completion of a predetermined amount of rotation of each of said cells to empty the contents thereof from which such vegetable oils or the like have been'extracted. 7. A solvent extractor, comprising, a substantially horizontal series. of, contiguous cells adapted tocontain ex- .tractsbearing solid organic particles, means for rotating said cells about a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of horizontally rotatable nozzles extending in a radial direction over saidcells and adapted to supply solvent thereto,

said nozzles being spaced apart a distance greater than the .width of each of said cells, a plurality of contiguous compartmentsunderlyin'g said cells and adapted to receive drainage therefrom, atleast some of said compartments having a greater length in the direction of movement of said cells than the width ,ofeach of said cells, a pump connecting each of said nozzles with at least one of said corn the like c'omprising, a rotor having a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of substantially vertically and radially divided cells disposed around said axis, said cells being open, at the top and adapted to contain oilebearing solid material ,for intimateficontact therein with solvent and solvent solutionof varying degrees of richness during the rotation thereof, a perforated closure adjacent the bottom of said cells adapted to permit the continuous draining of said solvent and solvent solution through said cells, a plurality of compartments positioned adjacent the bottoms of said cells. along the path of their rotation and adapted to collect said solvent and solvent solutions draining from said cells, means connected to a majority of said compartments for circulating the contents thereof to said cells 3 at a plurality of separated positions respectively along saidpath of rotation to effect substantially countercurrent flow of solvent and solvent solution and of solid material. T r

9. A continuous solvent=extractor, comprising, a' plurality of containers for extract-bearing solid material substantially adapted to be progressively su'bjected to.solvent extraction, means for loading said solid material into said containers, means for moving said containers, means for succesively flooding said containers with solvent solution at predetermined spacedintervals during the course of said movement, a plurality of solution-collecting compartments positioned generally adjacent the bottoms of said containers, said means for successively flooding being respectively connected "to said compartments in a predetermined order, one of said compartments being a miscella compartment adjacent said loading means and interposed.

between, others of said compartments, means for first sup-.

-12 compartment, one of said means for successively flooding being connected to a compartment on" at least one side of said miscella compartment and adapted subsequent to said means for first supplying to supply miscella to said freshly loaded cells for filtering into said miscella compartment, and means fondischarging solid residue before said cells again reach said loading means.

IOLIA continuous solvent extractor, comprising, a plurality ofcontainers for extract-bearing solid material substantially adapted to be progressively subjected to solvent extraction, means for loading said solid material into said containers, means. for moving said containers, means for. successively flooding said containers with solvent solution at predetermined spaced intervals during the course of said movement, a plurality of solution-collecting compartmentspositioned beneath said containers, said means for successively flooding being respectively connected to said compartments in a direction principally counter to the direction of said movement of said containers to advance solvent solution of higher and higher extract concentration toward said solid material loading means, one of said compartments being a miscella compartment adjacent said loading means and interposed between others of said compartments, one of said means for successively floodingbeing connected to said compartments on each" side of said miscella compartment and adapted'to supply miscella to said freshly loaded cells, further means-connected to at least one compartment to supply solvent therefrom to said loading means to form a slurry therein with said solid organic particles, means for draining solvent'from freshly loaded particles into a compartment other than said miscella compartment, and means for discharging solid residue after extraction and before said cells again reach said'loading means, whereby partial concurrent flow is obtained in said extractor to filter said miscella through said freshly loaded cells into said miscella compartment.

11. A continuous solvent extractor comprising, a plurality of vertically divided cells moving in a closed substantially horizontal path, said cells being open adjacent the top thereof and adapted to contain extract-bearing solidmaterial, a closure=at the bottom of each of said cells adapted to permit-.the draining of solvent solution from said solid material during the movement thereof in said closed path, a plurality of solvent solution supplying members positioned at stations along said closed path in proximity to the tops of said cells, a plurality of 'compartments underlying said closed path and adapted to collect solvent solution draining from said cells, said compartments being connected in cascade overflow arrangement, at least certain of said compartments further being connected to at least eertainof said supplying members, means for withdrawingmiscella from at least one of said compartments, and means for emptying said cells of said solid material after each ,of said cells has substantially completed its movement along said closed path.

12. In a solvent extractor, a plurality of sector cells arranged in contiguous circular fashion on a horizontal plane arounda vertical rotational axis, a perforate bottom closure for each cell substantially hinged to the lower leading edge thereof and adapted to permit draining through said cell without discharge of the solidmaterial in said cell, supporting members on at least one side of each bottom closure, a track to engage said supporting member and maintain saidclosures in substantially closed position, said track being interrupted at a predetermined place;in the rotational path of each cell, and a solid residue conveyorpositioned beneath said interruption in said track, whereby said bottom closures successively openand dischargethe solid material from said respective cells into 'saidsolid residue conveyor.

13."In a solvent extr'actor, a spool frame adapted to rotateabout a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of 13 contiguous manner around said spool frame, means for rigidly connecting said cells to said spool frame, a radially extending gablelike cap positioned over the upper edges of adjoining walls of adjoining cells to form common dividing walls between adjoining cells, a plurality of radially extending solvent supplying nozzles positioned over said cells at predetermined intervals along the path of rotation thereof, a plurality of compartments underlying said cells along the path of rotation thereof, said compartments having radially extending walls therein, and a perforate closure for each of said cells, whereby during the rotation of said cells the solvent-supplying nozzles make abrupt transfer of solvent from succeeding cell to succeeding cell. i

14. In a solvent extractor, a sealed casing, a plurality of radially divided open cells adapted to rotate about a vertical axis in said casing in a substantially horizontal plane, at least one solvent-supplying radially extending tubular nozzle within said casing overlying the path of rotationof said cells, said nozzle comprising a rotatable tubular portion and a spout portion, said spout portion having a radially slotted opening therein and havingthe outer edge thereof substantially on a radial line passing through the intersection of the axis of said tubular portion and said vertical axis, and a plurality of compart- "ments underlying said cells and adapted to collect solvent solution draining therefrom, and means for withdrawing miscella from one of said compartments, whereby said solvent is successively and adjustably introduced into said cells in substantially sheeted form by abrupt transfer between cells. I

15. In a continuous system for the solvent extraction of vegetable oils or the like from solid organic particles,

the steps comprising, separately confining a succession of masses of said solid organic particles, moving said succession along a closed path in a substantially horizontal plane, supplying solvent to said succession of masses in predetermined flooding zones along said path of move ment, collecting solvent percolating through said succession of masses in separate zones along said path of movement, and adjusting the boundary of at least one of said separate zonesrelative to a flooding zone to vary the relative flow of solvent among said zones.

. 16. In a continuous system for the solvent extraction of vegetable oils 'or the like from solid organic particles, the steps comprising, separately confining a series of masses of said solid organic particles and moving them in a substantially closed horizontal path, continuously passing said series of masses through successively spaced flooding zones, floodi ng said series of masses with a solvent during said passage through said flooding zones, continuously passing said series of masses through draining zones intermediate said flooding zones, draining said solvent continuouslythrough said series of masses during such passage through said flooding zones'and said draining zones, collecting said draining solvent in separate zones along said path of movement, recirculating at least a portion of said draining solvent from said separate zones to the respectivelypreceding flooding zones and returning to said originating respective separate zones a lesser portion of said solvent so recirculated, advancing the balance of said portion of said draining solvent so recirculated to the respectively precedingseparate zones counter to the path of movement of said series of masses, withdrawing miscella from an advanced separate zone, and introdu'cing fresh solvent at one of said flooding zones, whereby draining solvent of increasing extract content advances.

through said separate zones counter to the direction of said movement of said series of masses until withdrawn.

17. In a solvent extractor, in combination, a rotor hav-' positioned above said containers and spaced circumfer-.

V 14 entially about said axis, a plurality of liquid-receiving compartments positioned below said containers and generally arcuately about said axis, a solids-receiving chute positioned intermediate the respective ends of said com partments, at least some of said compartments incontiguous relation having a weir portion between themfor the progression of liquid respectively received by said compartments in one general direction.

18. A solvent extractor, in combination, a rotor having a generally vertical axis, a plurality of containers circum ferentially connected to said rotor for movement therewith, a solids-retaining closure respectively connected to said containers, a plurality of liquid-supplying nozzles positioned above said containers and spaced circumferentia lly' about said axis, swingable means to control the generally radial location at which liquid supplied by said liquid-supplying nozzles is respectively directed toward said containers, a plurality of liquid-receiving compartments positioned below said containers and generally arcuately about said axis, and a solids-receiving chute positioned intermediate the respective ends of said compartments.

19. In a solvent extractor, a plurality of cells arranged in contiguous circumferential fashion on a generally horizontal plane around a vertical rotational axis, a solidsretaining bottom'closure for each cell connected thereto for hinging action adjacent a lower edge thereof, means to maintain said bottom closures in substantially closed position during apredetermined portion of the rotational path of each cell, means for successively flooding said cells from above said predetermined portion of said rotational path, means for opening said bottom closures at a predetermined place in the rotational path of each cell, and a solids residue receiving memberpositioned beneath said predetermined place. t

20. In a solvent extractor, a plurality of cells arranged in contiguous circumferential fashion on'a generally horizontal' plane around a vertical rotational axis, a solidsretaining bottom closure for each cell connected thereto for hinging action adjacent a lower edge thereof trans- V verse to the direction of movement of said cell, said bottom closures havingan iinperforate plate with a generally radially extending liquid draining edge, means to maintain said bottom closures in substantially closed "position during a predetermined portion of the rotational path of each cell, means for successively flooding said cells from above said predetermined portion of said rotational path, means for opening said bottom closures at a predetermined placein therotational path of eachcell, and a solid residue receiving member positioned beneath said predetermined place. r

ZLApparatus for extraction by means of a solvent solution comprising a plurality of freely draining receptacles arranged around a common vertical axis and having common separating partitions, said receptacles being movable in a horizontal circular path, means for charging said'receptacles successively with solid material to be extracted, a solvent sp aying means fixedly mounted above each receptacle when charged, a separate tank for collecting solution drained freely from each charged receptacle but one, each receptacle having a hinged bottom with anupper filter surface and a lower inclined tray to direct the solvent from each extraction step to the corresponding drainage tank, a conduit for delivering the solution thus collected to the succeeding receptacle so that the charge'of each receptacle is successively treated with sol-'- vent solutions of gradually decreasing content of extracted substance moving in a direction contra to the movement of the receptacles, a fixed discharge chute beneath the receptacle not undergoing drainage into the tanks and a circular track over the drainage tanks for supporting the filter bottoms.

22. Apparatus for extraction by means of a solvent comprising a plurality of receptacles attached to a rotat able vertical spindle, each of said receptacles being provided with a combined filter bottom-and collecting tray pivotally attached along one edge to said receptacle, the other edge being supported by a discontinuous trackway means-for filling said receptacles with the substance to be extracted, a solvent reservoir, a plurality of circularly disposed collecting tanks positioned beneath said receptacles, a plurality of sprayers disposed above said receptacles, adapted to spray solvent on to the contents of the receptacles, means for pumping solution from one collecting, tank into a receptacle by means of a sprayer so,

positioned that substantiallyall the solvent drains into the next collecting tank in the,direction opposite to the movement of the receptacles; o 7

23. In a continuous system for the solvent extraction of oilsor the like from solid particles the steps comprising, separately, confining a succession of masses of the solid oil containing particles independently from one another, moving said succession through a closed rotary path in a substantially horizontal plane, supplying solvent flow from above to each independent confined succession of masses in direct relationship to the interval of rotary movement of each of said independent confined masses, collecting solvent percolating through said succession of masses in separate zones along said path of rotary movement, and recirculating at least a portion of said draining solvent to contact the independent confined mass following the one indepcndentconfined mass through which said-drained solvent has previouly percolated.

24. Apparatus for extraction by means of a solvent comprising a plurality of cells attached to a rotatable vertical shaft, each of said cellsbeing provided with a combinedfiltering false bottom and imperforate plate pivotal ly attached along one edge to said cell, means for support ing said bottom and platein horizontally radial drainage position duringa major portion of the travel of said cells ineach complete revolution of saidshaft, means for filling said cells with the substance to be extracted, a solvent inlet, a plurality of circularlydisposed compartments positioned beneath said cells, a plurality of nozzles disposed above said cells, adaptedto spray solvent on to the contents of said cells, means for pumping solution from one compartment intoa cell by means of a nozzle so positioned that substantially all the solvent drains into the next compartment in the direction opposite the movement ,of said cells. I

25. A solvent extractor comprising, a rotor having a substantially vertical axis, a plurality of separate cells connected to said rotor adapted to be moved thereby in a closed rotarypath, a casing enclosingsaid cells, said cells having generally vertical walls, said cells being open at least adjacent the top thereof forthe receipt of extract-bearing solidmaterial, a perforate bottom, closure extending: across substantially the entire bottom ofeach said cell between said walls, a plurality of, nozzles at spaced intervals adjacent the path of said openings; in said cells to-successively supply solvent to the solid material in said cells when said openings are in proximity thereto, a plurality of compartments positioned beneath said cells along the path of their rotation to receive solvent drained from said cells throughsaid bottom closures, and means for opening the bottom closure of each cell to emptythe solid material out of it after a predetermined angular movement thereof along said closed rotary path,

26, A solvent extractor comprising, a rotor having a substantially "vertical axis, a plurality of substantially radially divided cells :connected to said rotor adapted to moved thereby in a closed rotary path, said cells having generally vertical walls, said cells being open at least adjacent the top thereof for receipt of extract-bearing solid material, a perforate bottom extending across substantially the entire bottom of each of said cells between said walls to drain solvent supplied to said solid material, means tohold said bottoms closed, a plurality of relatively stationary means at spaced intervals along the path of said cells and adjacent said openings to. successively supply solvent generally downwardly to the solid material in said cells during therotation thereof, a plurality of arcuately arranged means for receiving solvent which is drained through said bottom, and means to open the bottom of each cell following such drainings to empty the solid material out of it after a predetermined angular movement thereof along 'said closed rotary path.

27. In a continuous system for the solvent extraction of oils or the like from solid particles, the steps comprising, separately confining a succession of masses of solid oil-containing particles independently from one another, moving said succession of masses through a closed rotary path in a substantially horizontal plane, separately supporting the bottom of said succession of ,masses during said moving, supplying a, flow of solvent substantially from above to each of said succession of masses at spaced stations along said path of rotary movement, repeatedly draining solvent so supplied from said succession of masses, into a succession of separate solvent-receiving zones positioned beneath said'succession of masses and along said rotary path, circulating solvent from a plurality of said separate solvent-receiving zones to a plurality of said solvent supplying stations generally and respectively other than the respective, originating stations along said rotary path, and separately removing by direct downward movement each of said succession of masses from said rotary path.

28. Apparatus for extraction by means of'a solvent solution comprising a plurality of drainable receptacles arranged around a common vertical axis, said receptacles having substantially vertical walls and being movable in a horizontal circular path having a solid material discharge station, means for charging said receptacles successively with solid material to be extracted, solvent supplying means mounted adjacent the top of each receptacle at spaced intervals along the path of said receptacles when charged with said solid material, a plurality of tanks for collecting solution drained from each charged receptacle, each receptacle having a bottom to support said solid ma: terial, means to close, said bottom, means to drain solution through said solid material, a conduit for delivering solution from a tank to one of said solvent supplying means to treat another charge in another receptacle with solvent, solution, means to open said bottom of each receptacle to empty drained solid material from eachsaid receptacle at said discharge station, a discharge chute, at said discharge station to receive solid material discharged from each receptacle, and means to reclose each said opened bottom before a new charge of solid material is received by each emptied receptacle.

2 9. In a solvent extractor comprising, in combination, a plurality of walled containers for extractor-bearing solid material, said containers being connected together for movement in a closed substantially horizontal path, means for supplying said solid materialto said containers, an openable closure adjacent the bottom of said containers, means for draining solvent from said containers, a plurality of means for supplying solvent to said containers at successive stations along said closed path, a plurality of compartments adjacent said containers to collect solvent draining from said containers during their movement, at least certain of said plurality of means for supplying solvent being respectively connected to at least certain of said compartments, means for withdrawing solvent andextract dissolved therein from at least one of said compartments, and'means for successively opening said closures at a discharge position for extracted solid material from said containers substantially upon completion of the movement of said containers around said closed path.

30. In a solvent extractor, apparatus comprising, in combination, a rotating carrier movable in a substantially horizontal path, said carrier having cells to'support extract-bearing solid material and drain liquid therefrom, means for feeding said material to said cells generally at one position along said path, means to supply solvent to said material at a plurality of positions along said path other than said position of said means for feeding, a plurality of means adjacent the bottom of said carrier along said path to receive liquid draining through said material on said carrier, a discharge position for said material'from said cells adjacent the end of said lastmentioned plurality of means, a plurality of liquid confiltered miscella into a compartment other than the abovenamed adjacent compartment, and means for removing J said filtered miscella from said system.

32. In a continuous system for the solvent extraction of oils or the like from solid particles, the steps comprising, separately confining a succession of masses of solid oil-containing particles independently from one another, moving said succession of masses through a closed rotary path in a substantially horizontal plane, supplying a flow of solvent substantially from above to each of said succession of masses at spaced intervals along said path of rotary movement, repeatedly draining solvent so supplied from said succession of masses into a succession of separate solvent-receiving zones posiloading said carrier with said solid material at a loading 1 station along the path of said carrier, nozzles at spaced stations generally above said carrier and along said path to supply said solid material with liquid solvent, a plurality of substantially contiguous solvent collecting compartments below said carrier to receive solvent drained from said solid materials on said carrier, means for advancing solvent by progressive circulation thereof between certain of saidcompartments and said nozzles in a predetermined direction relative to the direction of movement of said carrier, means for supplying solvent to said solid material substantially at said loading station, means for draining said last-mentioned solvent from said freshly loaded solid material into an adjacent compartment so said solid material may then be utilized as a filter bed, means adjacent said last-mentioned means to supply miscella to said bed and drain it therefrom as tioned beneath saidsuccession of masses and along said rotary path, and circulating solvent from a'plurality of said separate solvent-receiving zones to a plurality of said supplying steps.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

Claims

15. IN A CONTINUOUS SYSTEM FOR THE SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF VEGETABLE OILS OR THE LIKE FROM SOLID ORGANIC PARTICLES, THE STEPS COMPRISING, SEPARATELY CONFINING A SUCCESSION OF MASSES OF SAID SOLID ORGANIC PARTICLES, MOVING SAID SUCCESSION ALONG A CLOSED PATH IN A SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL PLANE, SUPPLYING SOLVENT TO SAID SUCCESSION OF MASSES IN PREDETERMINED FLOODING ZONES ALONG SAID PATH OF MOVEMENT, COLLECTING SOLVENT PERCOLATING THROUGH SAID SUCCESSION OF MASSES IN SEPARATE ZONES ALONG SAID PATH OF MOVEMENT, AND ADJUSTING THE BOUNDARY OF AT LEAST ONE OF SAID SEPARATE ZONES RELATIVE TO A FLOODING ZONE TO VARY THE RELATIVE FLOW OF SOLVENT AMONG SAID ZONES.