WO2020209814A2

WO2020209814A2 - A system and production method for olive oil production

Info

Publication number: WO2020209814A2
Application number: PCT/TR2020/050231
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rasim Alper ORAL; Kemal Sarioğlu; Gülcan ÖZKAN; Hüseyin DEMİRCAN
Original assignee: Bursa Tekni̇k Üni̇versi̇tesi̇
Priority date: 2019-04-09
Filing date: 2020-03-24
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Also published as: WO2020209814A3; TR201905324A2

Abstract

The invention relates to an olive oil production method includes a malaxer (20) for kneading crushed olives, a three-phase decanter (30) in which the olives kneaded in the malaxer (20) are transferred, a wastewater outlet line (70) for discharging the wastewater obtained from the three-phase decanter (30), a separator (40) to obtain olive oil by separating at least some of the water from the aqueous olive oil that obtained in the three-phase decanter (30), a holding tank (50) where the wastewater outlet line (70) of the three-phase decanter (30) is connected, and a feedback line (60) to transfer the collected wastewater in the mentioned holding tank (50) to the three-phase decanter (30).

Description

A SYSTEM AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR OLIVE OIL PRODUCTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system for the recycling of wastewater in the production of olive oil with a three-phase system, a method of production and olive oil obtained by this method.

PRIOR ART

Olive oil can be produced with two- or three-phase production systems.

In the two-phase system, the broken olives are transferred to the malaxer for kneading. The olive dough, which has been kneaded, is fed to the two-phase decanter via the dough pump. The product entering the decanter leaves the decanter as aqueous olive oil and pomace with wastewater. Aqueous olive oil is separated using separators. During this process, water is fed to the malaxer and separator.

In the three-phase method, the olive dough, which has been kneaded with water, is fed to the decanter with the addition of water at a certain amount and temperature. The product entering the decanter leaves the decanter as aqueous olive oil, wastewater, and pomace. Similar to two-phase production, aqueous olive oil is separated using separator.

Although the three-phase method is easier to apply and olive oil with lower moisture content can be obtained, it is not preferred because it provides much more wastewater production. The discharge and transport of wastewater cause high costs. In addition, the polyphenol values of olive oil decrease due to the water feeding to the decanter in the three-phase method. Another reason why the three-phase method is not preferred is the oil particles that become inert due to wastewater.

The cyclic procedure for the complete recovery of olive press by-products is described in ES2051251 (A6) publication numbered document. The method of the invention describes the recovery of wastewater in a three-phase system. The wastewater generated in the system is fed again to the three-phase separator. In this system, a heating element is positioned on the recycling pipe in order to prevent fermentation of the wastewater and by this element the wastewater is heated before being used again.

In the TR200000934 (A2) publication numbered document, the oil extraction method and tool are described. In order to extract oil from oil products such as olives, etc. the method consisting of the following stages includes steps: giving the crushed olives to a horizontal-axis centrifuge separator; separation of crushed olives, which is a light liquid, into three parts in the form of a core and solid sediment with a heavy liquid part; removal of oils of respective parts with the sediment separator.

Consequently, the aforementioned disadvantages have made it mandatory to innovate in the relevant field.

PURPOSE OF INVENTION

The current invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned problems and to make a technical innovation in the relevant field.

The main object of the invention is to provide a system for the recycling of wastewater in the production of three-phase olive oil, the production method and describe the olive oil structure obtained by this method.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the transportation and treatment costs of wastewater in the production of three-phase olive oil.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the amount of olive oil lost with wastewater in the production of three-phase olive oil.

One of the objectives of the invention is to improve the quality of olive oil obtained by reducing the amount of water used in the production of three-phase olive oil.

One purpose of the invention is to provide three-phase olive oil production in a more environmentally friendly manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In order to fulfill all the aforementioned objectives and which will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention, which is an olive oil production system, comprises a malaxer to knead crushed olives, a three-phase decanter in which the olives kneaded in the malaxer are transferred, a wastewater outlet line for discharge of the wastewater obtained from the three-phase decanter, and a separator to obtain olive oil by separating at least some of the water from the aqueous olive oil that obtained in the three-phase decanter. Accordingly, the system of the invention comprises a holding tank to which the wastewater outlet lines of the malaxer, three-phase decanter and separator are connected, and feedback lines for transferring the collected wastewater from the mentioned holding tank to the malaxer, three-phase decanter, and separator.

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a feedback line to transfer the collected wastewater from the aforementioned holding tank to the decanter.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a feedback line to transfer the collected wastewater from the aforementioned holding tank to the separator.

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a wastewater outlet line connecting the separator and the holding tank to transfer the wastewater obtained in the separator.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a nozzle at the tip of the wastewater outlet line where it enters the holding tank.

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a pump to pressurize the wastewater at the wastewater outlet line.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a liquid motion element for increasing the negative sedimentation of the wastewater by activating the wastewater in the holding tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the said liquid motion element is a mixer provided in the holding tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the said liquid motion element is a vibrator.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the said liquid motion element is a configured and connected air source to provide gas from the base of the wastewater collection tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the said liquid motion element is an ultrasonic system (provided to vibrate the wastewater) in the holding tank. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the feedback line is positioned to retrieve the oil particles accumulated at the top of the holding tank.

In order to fulfill all the aforementioned objectives and which will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is an olive oil production method comprises the steps of kneading the crushed olives with a malaxer, separating the olives kneaded in the malaxer to wastewater and pomace in the three-phase decanter, and with using a separator, obtaining olive oil from the aqueous olive oil produced in the three-phase decanter; is an olive oil production method. Accordingly, the obtained wastewater in the three-phase decanter is transferred to a holding tank, where it is allowed to stand until at least some oil particles accumulate in the upper part of the wastewater due to negative sedimentation, and the upper part, where the oil particles accumulate is fed to the three-phase decanter.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deposit from the part where the oil particles accumulate is fed to the malaxer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deposit from the part where the oil particles accumulate is fed to the separator.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wastewater obtained from the separator is fed to the holding tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wastewater is pressurized to the holding tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, movement is provided to the wastewater to increase the negative sedimentation of the wastewater in the holding tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned movement is provided by mixing wastewater.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned movement is provided by applying vibration to the wastewater.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned movement is provided by the gas applied to the wastewater from the bottom of the holding tank. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, gas from the bottom is applied to the wastewater taken into the holding tank.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned gas is air, nitrogen or any other inert gas.

The present invention to fulfill all the objectives mentioned above and from the detailed description below is olive oil obtained by the method according to any one of the claims 9 15

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In Figure 1 , a representative schematic view of the structuring of the system in the subject of the invention is given. The input and output flow directions for feedback are indicated by arrows in the figure.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE FIGURE

10. Washing unit

20. Malaxer

30. Three-phase decanter

40. Separator

50. Holding tank

60. Feedback line

70. Wastewater outlet line

80. Oil collection tank

N. Nozzle

LME. Liquid motion element DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, a system and production method for the production of olive oil according to the invention are explained with only examples that will have no limiting effect in order to better understand the subject.

The present invention relates to a system for the recycling of wastewater in the production of three-phase olive oil.

In Figure 1 , a representative schematic view of the structuring of the system in the subject of the invention is given.

The system may include a washing unit (10) and/or sieving unit to wash olives and/or separate the leaves due to the negative effects of the foreign substances mixed with the olives on the quality of the extra virgin olive oil.

The system includes a malaxer (20) to obtain olive pulp after the washed and separated olives are broken by a machine or manually. Malaxer (20) can be directly connected to other units or kneaded olive can also be transported to other units through conveyors.

The system contains a three-phase decanter (30) to separate olives, which are kneaded in the malaxer (20) into olive pulp, into a liquid and solid phase. The three-phase decanter (30) may be provided in the form of a horizontal centrifuge. The three-phase decanter (30) contains at least one wastewater outlet line (70). The wastewater outlet line (70) is contacted with the holding tank (50) to transfer the wastewater that obtained in the three-phase decanter (30) to a holding tank (50). Preferably the holding tank (50) is vertically cylindrical.

Alternatively, the holding tank (50) may include a heat control mechanism.

In a preferred structuring of the invention, the tip of the aforementioned wastewater outlet line (70) may contain a nozzle (N). The nozzle (N) provides a more pressurized transfer to the holding tank (50). Alternatively, the desired pressurized flow may be provided by a wastewater outlet line (70) extending from the three-phase decanter (30) to the holding tank (50).

In another preferred structuring of the invention, the wastewater outlet line (70) can be pressurized by a pump. In this structure, the exit of the wastewater outlet line (70) is configured and connected to transfer wastewater preferably at an angle perpendicular to the holding tank (50).

The aforementioned holding tank (50) contains a feedback line (60) directly connected to the three-phase decanter (30). The feedback line (60) is configured to transfer the wastewater, preferably at the top of the holding tank (50), to the three-phase decanter (30). Here, the inlet of the feedback line (60) provided on the holding tank (50) may vary depending on the size of the holding tank (50) and the amount of wastewater held inside, but may preferably be positioned between 2/3 of its length and the top of the holding tank (50).

In case of a lack of pressure during the transfer of the wastewater taken from the holding tank (60) to the three-phase decanter (30), the feedback line (60) may also contain a pump.

In a preferred structuring of the invention, it contains a liquid motion element (LME) to increase the negative sedimentation of the wastewater by stirring the wastewater in the holding tank (50). As a result of the movement provided in the wastewater, it accelerates the accumulation of oil at the upper part of the holding tank (50).

The aforementioned liquid motion element (LME) can be a mechanical stirrer or vibrator provided in a holding tank. The vibrator accelerates negative sedimentation by providing vibration to the wastewater.

The vibrator may be an ultrasonic system.

In addition, the liquid motion element (LME) may include an air source (AS) to apply gas to the interior volume of the holding tank (50), i.e. , to the stored wastewater, from or near the bottom of the holding tank (50). The primary function of the air source (AS) is to form bubbles from the bottom to the top of the stored wastewater. The formed bubbles accelerate negative sedimentation by providing movement to the wastewater.

The aforementioned liquid motion element (LME) alternatives (air source, vibrator, mixer, ultrasonic system) can be used one by one to provide negative sedimentation, as well as be used together to increase the technical impact. For example, the holding tank (50) may include an air source or ultrasonic system as well as a mechanical stirrer. In this case, the negative sedimentation rate will be increased, resulting in faster deposition on the top of the holding tank (50).

Here, the air source (AS) can transfer the air directly to the internal volume of the holding tank (50) or it can be configured to transmit a gas component in a gas form, such as nitrogen, to the internal volume.

Wastewater, pomace, and aqueous olive oil outputs are provided from the three-phase decanter (30). The aforementioned olive oil production system includes a separator (40) for separating water in the mentioned aqueous olive oil. The separator (40) divides the aqueous olive oil into two as olive oil and separator water. The separator 40 may be provided in the form of a vertical centrifuge. The system contains an oil collection tank (80), in which the resulting olive oil is transferred.

In a preferred structuring of the invention system, the separator (40) may include a wastewater outlet line (70) for conveying the separator water to the holding tank (50). This mentioned wastewater outlet line (70) may contain a nozzle (B) at the tip. The nozzle (N) provides a more pressurized transfer to the holding tank (50). Alternatively, the desired pressurized flow may be provided by a wastewater outlet line (70) extending from the separator (40) to the holding tank (50). Alternatively, the wastewater outlet line (70) can be pressurized by a pump. In this structure, the exit of the wastewater outlet line (70) is configured and connected to transfer wastewater preferably at an angle perpendicular to the holding tank (50).

In a preferred structuring of the invention system, the holding tank (50) may include a feedback line (60) for conveying the wastewater it holds to the separator (40). The feedback line (60) is configured to transfer the wastewater, preferably at the top of the holding tank (50), to the separator (40). Here, the inlet of the feedback line (60) provided on the holding tank (50) may vary depending on the size of the holding tank (50) and the amount of wastewater held inside, but may preferably be positioned between 2/3 of its length and the top of the holding tank (50). Alternatively, in case of a lack of pressure during the transfer of the wastewater taken from the holding tank (60) to the separator (40), the feedback line (60) may also contain a pump.

In a preferred structuring of the invention system, the holding tank (50) may include a feedback line (60) for conveying the wastewater it holds to the malaxer (20). The feedback line (60) is configured to transfer the wastewater, preferably at the top of the holding tank (50), to the malaxer (20). Here, the inlet of the feedback line (60) provided on the holding tank (50) may vary depending on the size of the holding tank (50) and the amount of wastewater held inside, but may preferably be positioned between 2/3 of its length and the top of the holding tank (50). Alternatively, in case of a lack of pressure during the transfer of the wastewater taken from the holding tank (60) to the malaxer (20), the feedback line (60) may also contain a pump.

In an alternative structuring of the invention, a feedback line (60) is provided from the holding tank (50) and the wastewater can be transferred to the malaxer (20) and/or to the three-phase decanter (30) and/or the separator (40).

The malaxer (20) and/or the three-phase decanter (30) and/or the separator (40) may also include water inlets in case wastewater feedback is not sufficient, or where water may be needed at the initial state.

Accordingly, the invention as in its most basic form, an olive oil production system including;

a malaxer (20) for kneading crushed olives,

a three-phase decanter (30) in which the olives kneaded in the malaxer (20) are transferred,

a wastewater outlet line (70) for discharging the wastewater obtained from the three- phase decanter (30),

a separator (40) to obtain olive oil by separating at least some of the water from the aqueous olive oil that obtained in the three-phase decanter (30),

a holding tank (50) where the wastewater outlet line (70) of the three-phase decanter (30) is connected, and a feedback line (60) to transfer the collected wastewater in the mentioned holding tank (50) to the three-phase decanter (30).

The invention relates to a production method for the recycling of wastewater in the production of olive oil with the three-phase system and olive oil obtained by this method.

Olives are washed and/or separated (leaf separators) and/or sieved in a washing unit (10) since the impurities originating from the natural origin of the olive have negative effects on the quality of the extra virgin olive oil and may damage the equipment used for olive oil extraction. The olives that are cleaned and separated are broken. This can be achieved with granite stone crushers or metal crushers, etc.

The crushed olives are transferred to a malaxer (20) to form olive pulp, where they are kneaded and then transferred to a three-phase decanter (30) to separate the liquid and solid phase.

The three-phase decanter (30) separates the olive pulp into three parts: wastewater, pomace, and aqueous olive oil. Aqueous olive oil is transferred to a separator (40) to be dewatered, where olive oil and separator water are obtained.

The wastewater is transferred to a holding tank (50) while the pomace is separated for different processing steps. At the top of the wastewater taken from the holding tank (50), the oil particles begin to accumulate due to negative sedimentation. These oil particles are discharged together with wastewater in known three-phase production methods. In an alternative structuring, heating may be performed in the holding tank (50) to prevent the fermentation of the wastewater.

In the method of the invention, the liquid requirement that the three-phase decanter (30) needs to operate is provided by feedback from the upper part of the wastewater, where the oil particles are more intense than the remaining part.

In the preferred structuring, similar to the three-phase decanter (30), the liquid need for malaxer (20) and/or separator (40) can be provided by feedback provided from the upper part of the wastewater, where the oil particles are more intense than the remaining part.

In order to make better use of the oil particles in the upper part of the wastewater, feedback is provided to the three-phase decanter (30) and/or the malaxer (20) and/or the separator (40) with an outlet between the top and 2/3 of the total level of the wastewater level held in the holding tank (50).

In a preferred structuring, the separator water supplied from the aforementioned separator (40) is fed to the holding tank (50).

In a preferred structuring, the wastewater obtained from the three-phase decanter (30) is pressurized and transferred to the holding tank (50) at a particularly perpendicular angle. Thus, the formation of air bubbles and turbulence during filling can accelerate the movement of the oil particles in the wastewater towards the surface and shorten the oil particle accumulation time in the upper part of the wastewater. Similarly, the wastewater obtained from the separator (40) can be pressurized and transferred to the holding tank (50) at a particularly perpendicular angle.

In order to accelerate the movement of the oil particles towards the surface, gas can also be supplied from the bottom of the holding tank in an amount sufficient to form bubbles. The aforementioned gas may preferably be air, nitrogen gas supply can also be provided, although it is more costly.

Furthermore, although the three-phase decanter (30) and/or the malaxer (20) and/or the separator (40) are provided with wastewater feedback from the holding tank (50), there is no obstacle to water supply in addition to the wastewater.

Accordingly, the invention as in its most basic form, an olive oil production method includes steps;

- kneading the crushed olives with a malaxer (20),

- separating the olives kneaded in the malaxer (20) into wastewater and pomace in the three-phase decanter (30),

- obtaining olive oil from the aqueous olive oil produced in the three-phase

decanter (30) with a separator (40)

and in there;

transferring the resulting wastewater in a three-phase decanter (30) to a holding tank (50) and holding it there until at least some oil particles accumulate in the upper part of the wastewater due to negative sedimentation,

characterized in that the deposit taken from the part where the oil particles accumulate is fed to the three-phase decanter (30).

In a structuring of the invention, a movement to the wastewater to increase the negative sedimentation of the wastewater in the holding tank (50) is provided. This movement can be achieved by mixing, vibrating or applying a gas applied from the bottom of the wastewater. Here, nitrogen or air can be selected as the gas. In addition, vibration can generally be provided by a vibrator, or an ultrasonic system can be used as the vibrator.

Similarly, the feeding of wastewater by pressurizing the wastewater to the holding tank (50) to accelerate the negative sedimentation is another preferred solution for invention. The alternatives described above may also be applied together to provide liquid mobilization to increase the negative sedimentation of the wastewater. For example, in an application, the wastewater in the holding tank (50) can be mixed as well as a gas application at the bottom of the holding tank (50).

In a preferred structuring, the wastewater provided in the separator (40) can also be fed to the holding tank.

In addition, in the upper part of the holding tank, the deposit obtained as a result of negative sedimentation can be fed back to the separator (40) or the malaxer (20).

Another subject of the invention is olive oil obtained by the method described above. The olive oil in question is superior in terms of polyphenol values compared to the olive oils produced in the prior arts by feeding wastewater instead of water, especially from the part where the oil particles accumulated due to negative sedimentation in the wastewater. In addition, an innovative product has been put forward by minimizing the loss of other organic compounds in the wastewater supply compared to the water supply.

The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the claims given in the appendix and definitely cannot be limited to those described in the detailed description for purposes of illustration. Because it is clear that a person who is an expert in technique can put forward similar structures in the light of those mentioned above without leaving the main theme of the invention.

Claims

1. The invention is about an olive oil production system comprising;

a malaxer (20) for kneading crushed olives,

a three-phase decanter (30) in which the olives kneaded in the malaxer (20) is transferred,

a wastewater outlet line (70) for discharging the wastewater obtained from the three-phase decanter (30),

a separator (40) to obtain olive oil by separating at least some of the water from the aqueous olive oil that obtained in the three-phase decanter (30), characterized by comprising

a holding tank (50) which is connected to the wastewater outlet line (70) of the three-phase decanter (30) and

a feedback line (60) to transfer the collected wastewater in the said holding tank (50) to the three-phase decanter (30).

2. An olive oil production system according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a feedback line (60) to transfer the collected wastewater from the said holding tank (50) to the malaxer (20).

3. An olive oil production system according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a feedback line (60) to transfer the collected wastewater from the said holding tank (50) to the separator (40).

4. An olive oil production system according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising a wastewater outlet line (70) connecting the separator (40) and the holding tank (50) to transfer the resulting wastewater in the separator (40).

5. An olive oil production system according to Claim 1 or 4 characterized by comprising a nozzle (N) at the tip of the wastewater outlet line (70) entering the holding tank (50).

6. An olive oil production system according to Claim 1 or 4 characterized by comprising a pump for pressurizing the wastewater in the wastewater outlet line (70).

7. An olive oil production method according to Claim 1 characterized by comprising at least one liquid motion element (LME) to increase negative sedimentation of wastewater by activating the wastewater in the holding tank (50).

8. An olive oil production system according to Claim 7 characterized by that the said liquid motion element (LME) is a mixer provided in the holding tank (50).

9. An olive oil production system according to Claim 7 characterized by that the said liquid motion element (LME) is a vibrator.

10.An olive oil production system according to Claim 7 characterized by that the said liquid motion element (LME) is an air source configured and connected to supply gas from the bottom of the wastewater holding tank (50).

11. An olive oil production system according to Claim 7 characterized by that the said liquid motion element (LME) is an ultrasonic system provided to vibrate the wastewater in the holding tank (50).

12.An olive oil production system according to Claim 1 characterized by that the feedback line (60) is positioned so as to receive the oil particles deposited on the upper part of the holding tank (50).

13. The invention is an olive oil production method comprising steps of

- kneading the crushed olives with a malaxer (20),

- obtaining olive oil from the aqueous olive oil produced in the three- phase decanter (30) with a separator (40)

and wherein;

- transferring the resulting wastewater in a three-phase decanter (30) to a holding tank (50) and holding it there until at least some oil particles accumulate in the upper part of the wastewater due to negative sedimentation, - deposit taken from the part where the oil particles accumulate is fed to the three-phase decanter (30).

14. An olive oil production method according to Claim 13 characterized by that the accumulation of oil particles from the part where it accumulates is fed to the malaxer (20).

15. An olive oil production method according to Claim 13 characterized by that the accumulation of oil particles from the part where it accumulates is fed to the separator (40).

16. An olive oil production method according to Claim 13 characterized by that the wastewater obtained from the separator (40) is fed to the holding tank (50).

17. An olive oil production method according to Claim 13 or 16 characterized by that wastewater is transferred to the holding tank (50) by pressurizing.

18. An olive oil production method according to Claim 13 characterized by that movement of the wastewater is provided in order to increase the negative sedimentation of the wastewater in the holding tank (50).

19. An olive oil production method according to Claim 18 characterized by that the said movement is provided by mixing wastewater.

20. An olive oil production method according to Claim 18 characterized by that the said movement is provided by vibrating wastewater.

21. An olive oil production method according to Claim 18 characterized by that the said movement is provided by gas applied to the wastewater from the bottom of the holding tank (50).

22.An olive oil production method according to Claim 21 characterized by that the said gas is air or nitrogen.

23. The invention is olive oil obtained by the method according to any one of claims

9-15.