Abstract: For the improvement of the reaction and mixing effects of extruders, expanders and similar devices, as well as for the increase of the energy yield, the so-called scraper fingers (1) employed in such devices are provided with flats or recesses (4'). In addition, the scraper fingers (1) are disposed rotatably around an angle, so that the surface facing the advanced product in the screw space (12) can be varied. The twisting is adjustable from the outside of the jacket of the apparatus. The fingers (1) have at least one center bore (6), from which there issue side bores (8) in optional directions. In addition to a flat or recess (4'), the fingers (1, 4) can also have twisting (4') within themselves.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of vegetable raw material such as soy beans is disclosed wherein the vegetable raw material is subjected to one of the following: (1) an extraction step, (2) a compressing step, and (3) an extraction step and a compressing step. In addition to one of the three aforementioned procedures, the vegetable raw material is also subjected to a thermal conditioning step in which the material is heated to a temperature above 100 degrees Celsius and a pressure above atmospheric pressure in an oxygen-free atmosphere. According to the process of the present invention, the thermal conditioning step is carried out at a pressure of 2.0 to 25 bar for a time period of between 0.1 and 5 seconds and, after the time period, the process calls for suddenly releasing the pressure, moving the heated material into an oxygen-free zone, and cooling the heated material to a temperature below 100 degrees Celsius in the oxygen-free zone.

Abstract: In the desolventizing of solvent-containing residues which are obtained in the extraction from vegetable, oil and fat-bearing raw materials with organic solvents and from which the so-called miscella containing oil and/or fat has been separated, the desolventization proper by direct action of a desolventizing agent, particularly steam, is relieved by interposing before the desolventization proper a pre-desolventization with indirect heat transfer, particularly indirect steam heating, and thereby the energy input of the entire system is reduced considerably.Moreover, the drying and cooling of the now solvent-free residue, which follows the desolventizing, can take place in a single, combined stage, whereby further relief of the volume of apparatus as well as the energy input is achieved.

Abstract: The desolventizing of solvent-wet extraction residue which is obtained in the extraction of vegetable material such as soybean, rape, nut and other kernel or seed material etc. with organic solvents, such as hexane, benzine etc., is effected in a continuously operating multistage or multi-compartment system of specific construction by means of superheated steam or a fluid containing superheated steam. In this, at least 45%, but particularly 100%, of the superheated steam is introduced below the lowermost bottom plate, which serves exclusively to distribute the steam, and the steam is conducted in opposition to the solvent-wet material. The temperature of the escaping vapors is maintained at about 66.degree.-68.degree. C. (150.8.degree.-154.4.degree. F.). The apparatus is equipped with double bottoms (3) which are steam heated (6') and the bores of which are formed by a plurality of individual distance pieces or spacers (12) interconnecting the upper and lower plates of the bottoms.

Abstract: A system for the solid/liquid extraction of in particular vegetable raw materials, such as oilseeds and oil-yielding plants, with low-boiling solvents, such as gasoline and the like, in continuous co-current manner.The equipment, which is also to be regarded as the actual extraction unit, is formed by the combination of a conveyor screw (1) having a screw flight pitch (3) which widens in the direction of the transport of material, and a screen-like or perforated bottom portion (4) provided at a short distance upstream of the discharge of the extracted material (6). The equipment is closed on all sides.Several individual sets of equipment of this type are combined in the installation and interconnected by a logical circulation system for the miscella in such a way that the extraction time is shortened, the extraction yield is improved and the residual solvent content in the fully extracted material (groats) is reduced.

Abstract: The filtering vessel (1) holding cartridge filter (16) is connected to a receiver (3) through a quick-opening valve. There is generated an underpressure in (3) for separating the filter cake built up on the cartridges, said underpressure being lower than the evaporation pressure of the liquid contained in the filter cake. Accordingly, there is built up an overpressure in the filtering vessel (1). An immediate opening of the valve (2) and a proportionate temperature in system (1) and (2) results in a spontaneous bursting off of the filter cake from the cartridge surface, which bursting off, in consequence of the pressure compensation between (1) and (3) still will be increased by means of the liquid contained in the filter cake evaporating in the course of a flash procedure. The relatively dry filter cake is collected in the receiver (3). The next filtration process can be started after closing valve (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for gentle thermal treatment of flaky or granulated material with vapors in continuous operation, wherein the vapors are introduced from the bottom and conducted in countercurrent to the material falling downwardly by gravity and by the aid of additional mechanical means through one treatment stage or a plurality of treatment stages, the individual treatment stages being defined by perforated plates to which the material to be treated is fed by horizontal motion, the space below the lowermost, unheated perforated plate serving to distribute the gases or vapors and to admit the latter uniformly to the entire treatment space, the bores of the openings or perforations in the plates having a cross-section which allows the vapors, but not the material being treated, to pass therethrough, in order, on the one hand, to achieve optimum vapor exploitation and, on the other hand, to prevent any damage to the material being treated (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The apparatus serves for the continuous mixing and suspending of material to be extracted, particularly seed material, such as soy material, with solvent or extractant, particularly hexane and other suitable hydrocarbons, provision being made for preventing the influence of atmospheric oxygen on the extraction material as well as the formation of solvent vapors throughout the entire plant.

Abstract: The apparatus serves particularly for the continuous charging of extractors for oil-containing vegetable raw materials, wherein highly flammable, low-boiling solvents, such as benzene, hexane, heptane etc. are used as extractants or solvents for the glyceride constituents to be extracted. The apparatus, which is provided between the preparation (comminution) of the raw material and the extraction plant proper, comprises an equalizing vessel having a mixing zone and a double screw disposed at an inclination with respect to the horizontal wherein the spacing of the screw turns, in the area of the vessel, increases continuously in the direction towards the discharge outlet.The inclination of the screw is such that the space defined by the base of the screw and an imaginary line is constantly filled.Equalizing vessel, mixing zone and screw are interconnected to form a tightly sealed unit.