GB530345A - Improvements in and relating to extraction processes and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

530,345. Making extracts. CORN PRODUCTS REFINING CO. June 21, 1939, No. 18124. Convention date, Sept. 19, 1938. [Class 81 (i)] [Also in Groups IV and III] An apparatus for extracting zein from gluten meal, or for extracting oil from maize, cotton seed or soya beans, or for the extraction of other substances from solid materials by means of solvents comprises a mixing vessel A provided with agitating means B a settling vessel C in liquid communication with A having a sloping bottom 10 extending upwardly to a point remote from and higher than, the liquid communicating means, a conveyer D adapted to conduct solid material from the lowest portion of the vessel C and discharge it over the top of the sloping bottom 10, and an outlet E for liquid from the settling vessel. In the arrangement shown, for extracting zein from gluten meal by means of isopropyl alcohol, the vessels A, C communicate over a barrier 12 and a baffle 13 is placed in the vessel C between the barrier 12 and the liquid exit pipe E. The bottom 10 is provided, at a point above the level of the liquid, with a foraminous drainage element 17, through which liquids contained in the solids carried up by the conveyer pass into a drainage duct 23 and thence, by a pipe 24, back into the vessel C. A plurality of units, each comprising a mixing and a settling tank, are preferably arranged in series as shown, the liquids and solids being passed through on the counter-current principle and the spent solids discharged from the last settling unit at 20. The apparatus is preferably provided with a jacket 22 for the circulation of hot air or hot water, the temperature, in the case of extracting zein, being kept between 120‹ and 160‹ F.