GB716960A - Apparatus for mixing liquids for treatment thereof and then separating them - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0716960/III/1> An apparatus for treating a first liquid, such as a miscella having "fines" or colloids in suspension, with a second liquid, such as a coagulant solution, and for separating the treated liquid from treating liquid comprises a series of chambers, interconnected in series through weirs permitting flow of liquid from the first chamber of the series to the last chamber of the series, and provided with means to admit both liquids to the first chamber of the series, means to draw the treated liquid from the last chamber of the series, and means to return the treating liquid to the first chamber of the series. The treated liquids may comprise miscellas or like liquids, such as solvents containing oils or fats leached from seeds, nuts &c. having minute solid particles and colloids held in suspension therein. The coagulant solution precipitates both the "fines" and the colloidal matter. Filtering of the miscellas and fouling of the evaporators when removing the solvents are thus avoided. Any known coagulants, such as ferric chloride, may be used; a solution of alum in water is preferred. A suitable apparatus for use when the miscella is lighter than the coagulating liquid comprises a closed tank A divided into compartments B . . . E with outlets N . . . N3 at the base thereof for the coagulating liquid mixed with the precipitated "fines" and colloidal matter, together with a pump F for circulating the coagulating liquid back to the top of the first compartment B of the series. The coagulating liquid discharges against a baffle into a funnel J, to which the miscella to be treated is supplied through pipe H and further coagulating liquid if desired from a funnel Q. The miscella rises in the compartment B and the coagulating liquid falls to the bottom. The miscella eventually overflows through pipes L . . . L2 in successive settling compartments C . . . E to be removed through pipe M, any retained coagulating liquid with impurities settling out and falling to the bottom. The exhausted coagulating liquid can be removed from the system by closing a cock O and opening a cock P which goes to waste, the liquid being replaced through the funnel Q. In a modified settling tank for use when the miscella is heavier than the coagulating liquid the same system is employed with overflow pipes for the miscella connected near the base of the compartments and overflow pipes connected to the outlets N . . . N3 extending to the coagulating liquid layers, now at the top of the compartments.