Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
This invention relates to a device and method for extractin3
liquids from liquid containing solids material and m~re particularly,
a multi-stage liquids extractor or press apparatus and its method of
extraction which is primarily intended to extrac~ juices from fruits,
vegetables, seeds, bagasse and the like, although it will be apparent
that its application is not limited to liquid extraction in the
vegetable arts.
Liquid or juice extractors are well known in the art. Small
scale or early types of extractors or presses subjected the
uncompressed solids material to a single unidirectional compression,
whereupon the liquid exuded therefrom was recovered in its raw or
concentrated state.
In large scale or industrial applications, presses of the
foregoing variety have in the main been supplanted by either screw
presses such as those ~anufactured by The French Oil Mill Machinery
Co. of Piqua, Chio, U.~.A. or roller presses having two or more pairs
of rollers through which the uncompressed material passes. These
industrial presses are designed to extract liquid on a continuous
basis frcm an ongoing supply or throughput of uncompressed material.
However, these types of presses involve a high initial o~st. Further,
since they are designed to ocmpress or squeeze solids material on a
continuous basis, they are relatively inefficient insofar as recovered
liquid yield is concerned. l~oreover, when extracting liquid from
relatively hard or fiberous ~laterial, such as bagasse, the charge
normally must be introduced with water meaning the liquid exuded from
the charge during pressing is only initially recovered in a diluted
state. mis can o~ntribute significantly to overall recovery costs,
as in ~he case o sugar recovery, the sugar in diluted Eorm must be
evaporated for the purpose of reconcentrating it or for producing
sugar crystals.
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A further drawback existing in known industrial presses is
their high energy consumption during operation and their ongoing high
maintenance costs and down time which is particularly acute when
abrasive solids material is being processed through the press or
extractor.
The liquids extractor of my invention is intended to
provide, on a continuous basis, maximum extraction of the liquids
component from the solids onponent. Furthermore, compared to screw
or roller presses, the operating energy re~uired for a given capacity
consumption is significantly less as is its down-time and maintenance
(repair or replacement) costs. The apparatus itself can be
dimensioned so as to handle different volumetric inputs as required by
the end user. Additionally, given the simplicity of the extractor,
relatively unskilled operators and maintenance personnel can be
advantageously e~ployed.
My novel apparatus and process also has the ability to initially
- recover raw (undiluted) liquid from its host solids material; a
shortcoming existing in screw and roller presses when processing
certain solids as discussed above. Moreover~ my technique is also
capable of secondary and tertiary recovery from the once liquid
depleted solids material, either from the standpoint of additional
liquid recovery in its native form or in a diluted form.
In accordance with my invention, the novel device for
extracting liquids from liquid c3ntaining solids material comprises,
at least three oompression units. Each unit includes a piston within
a piscon chamber and which are so arranged that the first piston
chamber of the first unit is normal to the second piston chamber of
the second unit and the second piston chamber of the second unit is
nor~al to the third piston chamber of the third unit. As will be
evident fro~ that which follows, the three compression units which
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intercommunicate, are disposed at right angles to each other so that
the first piston chamber can be said to be on the x-axis, the second
piston chamber on the y-axis and the third piston ehamber on either of
the x or z-axis and preferably the z-axis. The axial relationship of
the ccmpression units, one to the other, is designed so that solids
material which is cornpressed in one chamber and its fibrous content
which tends to align itself parallel to the head of the piston of that
chamber, is subjected to an ensuing compression stroke whieh is
preferably directed in line with the previously aligned fibrous
product of the prior xmpression. m is is believed to further "work"
the previously o~npressed colids product for the purpose of extraeting
additional liquids therefrom
Each piston in eaeh piston ehamber is reeiproeal between
points of maximum and minimum ehamber volume. Where three piston
ehambers are employed, the volumetrie size of the first piston chamber
obviously will be larger than the remaining two sinee it must
initially aeeo~modate an uncompressed eharge of the liquid containing
solids material. Similarly, the seeond piston ehamber whieh is
intended to accommodate the once eornpressed solids may be of reduced
maximum ~hamber volume c~npared to the first, and the third piston
charnber, if desired, can be similarly made with a smaller maximum
ehamber volume than the seeond or first.
The three o~npression units are so arran~ed that the minimum
ehamber volume of the first unit is ineluded within the maximum
chamber volume of the second unit, and the minimum ehamber volume of
the second unit is ineluded within the maximum ehamber volume of the
third ~nit. This interrelationship is neeessary so that a eharge of
initially uncornpressed solids ean be eontinuously subjeeted to
cornpression in eaeh of the three compression units as i~ passes
through the apparatus. Beeause the piston chambers intereommunieate
~ ~'7~
and each piston chamber must effectively be sealed during ccmpression,
a first gate means is positioned intermediate the piston chamber of
the second ~nit to thereby define the piston wall opposed the piston
of the second unit when the first unit is in its maximum volume
position. Similarly, a second gate means is positioned intermediate
the piston chamber of said third unit so as to define the piston wall
opposed the piston of the third unit when the second unit is in its
maximum volume ~osition. ~eans is provided for opening and closing
the piston chamber of the second unit with the first gate and for
opening and closing the piston chamber of the third unit with the
- second gate. The opening of these gates is necessary in order to
enable the product of cnpression to pass through the piston chamber
in which each gate is located.
The first compression unit is provided with means for
introducing the uncompressed solids material into the compression
chamber thereof when it is at its maximum volume position. Once
charged with uncompressed solids, this material is subjected to a
first campression in the first unit by suitable means acting on the
piston of the unit. During this ccmpression step, the second unit is
in its maximum volume position and the first gate is closed. The
solids product of the first campression is subjected to a second
c~npression in the second unit when the third ~nit is in its maximum
volume p~sition, said first gate is opened and said second gate is
closed~ In a similar fashion, the solids product of the second
c~npression is subjected to a third compression in the third unit when
the second unit is in its minimum v~lume position and the second gate
is cpen. The solid products af the third compression in the third
unit is then discharged therefrom.
Located in the area af ~inimum chamber volume of each of the
units is liquids drain-off means which facilitates withdrawal of the
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exuded liquid fran the o~mpressed ~aterial. The drain-off means, if
desired, may ~ake the form of a perforated cylinder head in each
compression unit. The liquid so recovered at each stage can be
advantageously delivered to storage, or settled, filtered or otherwise
treated as the particular dictates of the recovered liquid being
handled may re~uire. Alternatively, the liquid draw-off from the
second and third ccmpression stage can be recycled, as discussed in
greater detail below.
In order to cpen and close the first and second gates, and
to subject the solids to the first, second and third compressions
employing the pistons as above described, I prefer to employ hydraulic
means. Indeed, double acting (two-way) hydraulic pistons can be
advantageously employed and usefully serve to drive a second apparatus
of the foregoing description. Where a second apparatus is utilized
and which effectively doubles the capacity of the single device, the
hydraulic drive means can cause the first unit of the first mentioned
device to be in its minimum volume p~sition when the first unit of the
second device is in its maximum volume position. Similarly, the
second unit of the first device can be in its maximum volume position
when the second unit of the second device is in its minimum volume
position and the third unit of the first device is in its minimum
volume p~sition ~hen the third unit of the second device is in its
maximum volume position. In other words, the complimentary pistons in
each of the two apparatus are reciprocating in cpposed directions.
As a further embodiment to my invention and regardless of
whether or not one or two devices as above described are
simultaneously employed, liquid or steam can advantageously be
introduced into the piston chambers of the second and third units of
each device. m is liquid or steam introduction into one or both of
the second an~ third compression chambers has the effect cf enhancing
the recovery of residual liquids remaining in the previously
compressed solids; albeit in a diluted form, yet which contributes
significantly to the overall recovery of liquids yield. ~dditionally,
and as indicated above, by subjecting the solids product to a further
compression in a direction normal to the preceding direction, the
interaction of the injected liquid or steam together with the
rearrangement of the otherwise aligned fibrous material further
assists in liquids extraction.
Based on the foregoing, in practicing the process of my
invention, a charge of uncompressed solids material is introduced into
a first compression chamber wherein it is subjected to a
unidirectional first oonpression whereby the liquids exuded therefrom
are withdrawn. me solids product of the first compression is then
subjected to a unidirectional second compression which is normal to
the direction of the first ccmpression in a second compression chamber
and the exuded liquids again withdrawn therefrom. Again, the
remaining solids product of the second ccmpression is subjected to a
unidirectional third compression which is normal to the second, in a
third o~mpression chamber and the exuded liquids withdrawn therefrom.
If desired, the product of the first ccmpression or the product of the
second compression, or both, can also be subjected to at least one of
steam or water exposure prior to the subsequent compression step as
above described.
Stean or water introduction has the effect of diluting the
recovered juice. However, in accordance with my invention, it is
possible to recycle a portion of the natural juice or liquid recovered
from the first compression stage by combining same with the water or
steam in predetermined quantities and thereby enhancing the percentage
of natural juice content recovered in the second and third stages.
Thus, the degree of diluted juice recovered can effectively be
controlled within oertain percentage limits and which has a direct
bearing u~on the later dehydration that may be required following
extraction. It will also be apparent that portions of the diluted
liquid recovery fr~n the second or third c~npression can, in a sirnilar
fashion, be o~mbined and recycled with the steam or water.
In the accompanying drawings which illustrate one working
embodiment of my invention:
Figure 1 is a generalized plan sectional view of two
extractors each one of which employs similarly constructed compression
units;
Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-section view of the first
com~ression unit illustrated on the right-hand side of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a plan sectional view, illustrated in greater
detail, of part of the first and second compression chambers shown in
the left-hand bottan c Figure l;
Figure 4 is a partial cut-away and cross-sectional view of
the piston, piston rod, hydraulic cyclinder and canpression chamber of
the second compression unit appearing on the left hand side of Figure
1, and which also illustrates the steam or water inlet ~eans;
Figure 5 is a detailed plan sectional view of a portion of
the third o~npression unit when its filter and gate is in the closed
condition as generally illustrated on the left-hand side of Figure l;
Figure 6 is a crcss-section along the third compression unit
shown in Figure 5, again with the filter gate closed;
Figure 7 is a similar view to that of Figure 6 but w~ere the
gate is cpen when the compressed solid is being ejected, and
Figure 8 is a block plan ~ia~ram illustrating a typical raw
liquid recovery and recycling arrangement suitable for use with the
apparatus cf this invention or when practising the process of this
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invention.
With reference to Figure 1, an extractor employing three
compression units 1, 2 and 3 is illustrated on the left-hand side
whilst a similar extractor also employing three canpression units 101,
102 and 103 is shown on the right-hand side of Figure 1. Because the
left-hand and right-hancl extractors employ similar components, for
ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been employed
but those reference numerals appearing on the right-hand extractor are
increased by a factor of 100.
Ccm~on to both extractors, and as illustrated in Figure 1
are double-acting hydraulic cylinders 13 and 15. With reference to
the left-hand extractor of Figure 1, the three canpression units 1, 2
and 3 as generally illustrated therein in plan each have
rectilinear-shaped compression walls. It will be appreciated,
however, that the compression units can be made to any desired
configuration, such as o~npression units having cylindrical-shaped
- compression walls, without departing from the spirit of this
invention.
As illustrated, oomp~ession unit 1 is normal to compression
unit 2 and ccmpression unit 3 is normal to compression unit 2 so that
unit 3 is actually aligned with unit 1. ~npression unit 1 includes
piston 5 and compression chamber 4; unit 2 includes piston 7 and
compression chamber 6 and finally, unit 3 includes piston 9 and
canpression chamber 8. Piston 5 which is activated by hydraulic
cylinder 13 is reciprocal between points of maximum chamber volume
when the piston 5 is at its 5' position shown in broken chain-line and
minimum chamber v~lume when at its position shown by reference numeral
5. Piston 7 of compression unit 2 is illustrated in its maximum
chamber volume Fosition and ~hen at 7' as shown in broken chain-line,
is at its minimum chamber v~lume p~sition. Piston 7 reciprocates in
cempression unit 2 by ~eans of two-way hydraulic eylinder 14.
Reciproeal piston 9 of cempression unit 3 is aetivated by
two-way hydraulic eylinder 15 for movement between its maximum volume
position 9 to its minimum v~lu~.e position 9' indieated by chain-line.
It will be evident that when piston 5 is in its minimum volume
position, this volume is ineluded within the maximum ehamber volume of
eompression unit 2 when piston 7 is in its retraeted condition as
: shown~ Similarly, when piston 7 is in its 7' position, this volume is
ineluded within the maximum chamber volume of ccmpression unit 3 when
piston 9 is similarly in its retraeted position as shown.
Referring ncw to the extractor shown on the right-hand side
of Figure 1, it will be evident that the pistons 105, 107 and.109 are
effectively cut-of-phase with pistons 5, 7 and 9 of the left-hand
extractor. Thus, piston 105 is at its minimum ehamber volume
eondition when at position 105'; piston 107 is at its maximum volume
condition when at 107' and finally, piston 109 is at its minimum
volume Fosition when at 109'.
~: With referenee to Figures 1 and 3, the "piston head" of unit1 comprises a perforated plate, screen or filter 19. Also ineluded
within unit 2 is reciprocal gate 16 which ean effectively open and
elose piston chamber 6 and when in its elosed position, defines the
piston wall opposed the head of piston 7 when the latter is in its
retraeted Fosition. With reference to the right-hand extraetor of
Figure 1 and as shown in greater detail in Figure 2, comparable gate
116 reeiprocates between opened and closed positions; it being
illustrated in its partially opened eondition exposing, for ease of
understanding, lower edge 140.
Guides c,r side supports 41 and 141 support gates 16 and 116
for reciprocatable m~vement when opening or elosing chambers 6 and
106, respeetively. As illustrated in Figure 2, gate 116 is eonneeted
,tt~t~
to double-acting hydraulic piston 142 on upper plate 143 by means of
piston rod 144.
A similar gate arrangement is provided in oompression unit 3
and nDre particularly gate 17 which, when in its closed position is
opposed piston 9 when the latter is in its retracted position
indicated at 9'. From the foregoing, it will be obvious that as
piston 5 moves in oompression, piston 7 will be retracted and gate 16
closed. When piston 7 moves in compression from its retracted
position, piston 5 is in its extended p~sition as illustrated and gate
16 open. Piston 9, on the other hand, is in its retracted position as
illustrated during the oompression stroke of piston 7 and gate 17 is
closed. Thereafter, piston 7 remains in its extended position
(minimum chamber volume) while piston 9 moves in its compression
direction and gate 17 is open.
The extractor illustrated in the left-hand side of Figure 1
can function independently of i~s right-hand e~uivalent. However, by
utilizing two-way hydraulic cylinders 13 and 15 and aligning
compression unit 1 with compression unit 101 and compression unit 3
with compression unit 103, hydraulic cylinders 13 and 15 can
advantageously be e~ployed to drive the cpposed pistons to which they
are attached in a reciprocating manner. Thus, while piston 5 mov~s in
compression, piston 105 is withdrawn from oompression and similarly,
when piston 9 moves in oompression, piston 109 is withdrawn from
ccmpression, and vice versa.
The right-hand extractor of Figure 1, with piston 105 at its
maximum chamber volume position is in a charging condition. With
specific reference to Figures 1 and 2, liquid containing solids
material (not shown) enters compression chamber 104 via delivery
hopper 118. With gate 116 open, piston 107 is withdrawn to its
position 107' indicated ~y chain-line in Figure 1 and thereafter gate
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p~
116 is closed. The lcosely packed solids material is then compressed
as piston 105 moves to its 105' chain-line position with the exuded
liquid therefrom passing through filter 119 into collection chamber
122 and thereafter exiting via drain s~out 125 for collection. ~ith
piston 105 in its 105' position and gate 116 open, the once compressed
solids material is then mQved along chamber 106 by piston commencing
fran its 107' position. Once piston 107' has passed unit 1, piston
105 is withdrawn. When piston 107 is at its minimum chamber volume
position as illustrated, with piston 109 at its 109' position and gate
117 closed, exuded liquid from this second canpression is filtered off
through filter 120 into oollection chamber 123 and withdrawn through
drain 126. Following this second compression and with piston at
position 107 as shown, gate 117 is c~ened and piston 109 permitted to
move from position 109' to its minimum volume position 109 as
illustrated. Once piston 109 traverses unit 102, piston 107 is in a
condition to ~e withdrawn back to its maximum chamber volume 107'
position. Exuded liquid from the third compression when piston 109 is
at its 109' location shown, is withdrawn via filter 121 as discussed
in greater detail in oonnection with Figures 5, 6 and 7.
Gates 17 and 117 are constructed in a manner similar to
gates 16 and 116 previously discussed employing side supports 45 and
145, piston rods 46 and 146, as well as double-acting hydraulic
pistons for opening and closing same (not shown).
The three pistons of each of the left and right-hand
extractors are provided with pairs of piston seals 47 and 147. It
will also ~e apparent that pistons 7, 9, 107 and 109 are provided with
central c~enings 48, 49 and 148, 149. mese openings communicate with
their corresponding hollow piston rcds 50, 150, 51 and 151 as shown
and which are driven by hydraulic cylinders 14, 114 and 15. The
hollow portion c piston rods 50, 150, 51 and 151 communicate with
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~3 ~7~
complimentary stems 52, 152, 53 and 153 as illustrated generally in
Figure 1 and in detail in Figure 4. These stems are connected in a
known ashion to a hot water or steam supply (not shown). As any of
pistons 7, 9, 107 or 109 rrove fr~n its maximum chamber volume position
to its minimum chamber volwlle position, steam or hot water is capable
of being introduced into the compress ion chamber in wh ich they are
located for the purpose of further liquid recovery, albeit in diluted
form. As it is not intended to dilute the liquid during the first
compression, no oamparable arrangement is provided in pistons 5 and
105 and their associated piston rods 54 and 154 although this feature
can be included if s~ desired.
Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 7 which illustrate the
; final or third compression in unit 3 and the discharge of the liquid
depleted solids plug 55, screen plate 21 is connected to vable
backing support 56 so that both are r[ovable vertically along guides 57
in order to effectively open and close the end of chamber 8. In a
- manner similar to gates 16~ 17, 116 and 117, a hydraulic double-acting
cylinder 58 is positioned on plate 59 and is connected to the screen
or perforated plate 21 and m~vable support 56 by means of rod 60.
Screen plate 21 is in its closed condition during final campression in
this unit as seen in Figures 5 and 6 and is in its raised condition
for the purpose of discharging plug 55 as illustrated in Figure 7. As
best seen in Figure 7, a cavity 61 is defined between screen 21 and
backing support 56 for the collection of liquid passing through the
screen and ~en it is in its closed condition, is drawn oEf or
collection via drain 62.
Following o~npression of plug 55 between screen plate 21 and
piston 9 (Figures 5 and 6), the ~creen plate 21 is raised and piston 9
permitted to n~ve further along in its ccmpression direction in order
to discharge plug 55 therefrclm as seen in Figure 6. Piston 9 is then
r~
withdrawn to its 9I position and screen 21 closed so that the process
can then be repeated with the next, twice compressed charge or
plug 55.
If desired, plug ejection may also be achieved when screen
plate 21 is open merely ky injecting a further quantity of steam or
water through hollow rod 57 and piston 9 which will have the effect of
ejecting plug 55 under pressure.
Because the left and right~hand extractors illustrated in
Figure 1 are effectively cperating cut of phase with the pistons of
the opposed extractors m~ving in opposite directions, this is also
true with the gates 16 and 116 of units 2 and 102 and gates 17 and 117
of units 3 and 103. Accordingly, a central hydraulic governing means
(not shown) can advantageously be employed for simultaneously opening
; and closing gates 16 and 116 and for cpening and closing gates 17 and
117 on an cut-of-phase basis. Where desired, the same or a similar
type of governing means can be employed for orchestrating all
reciprocating movement of the extractor or extractors during
operation.
Based on the foregoing, sequential charges can be fed into
unit 1 and unit 101 on an out of-phase basis and each charge in each
extractor subjected to first, second and third compressions, again in
an cut-of-phase basis. As the cycle of each extractor repeats itself
from its initial charging condition to the third condition, during
continuous operation, there is always a through-put of solids material
undergoing oompression.
The flow diagram illustrated in Figure 8 shows, in block
form, one way in which the extracted liquids (extractate) may be
rec~vered or recycled. On the left hand side of this figure, first,
second and third compression units of one extractor - extractor "A"
are illustrated and are constructed in a manner as described above. A
- 13 -
second extractor - extractor "B" consisting again of first, second
and third o~npression units is shown on the right hand side of the
drawing.
It will ke seen 1-hat the native or raw liquid extracted fran
first canpression units "A" and "B" is drawn off in the direction of
the arrows via lines 200 and 201 to a primary liquid recovery tank
from where it may undergo further processing or re-cycling as
discussed below.
Second compression units "A" and l'B" have introduced
therein, via lines 202, 203 and 204, intermediate recovered liquid, as
shown, ~hich in fact is the product of the liquid recovery from the
third canpression units "A" and "B". Steam or water is externally
introduced, via lines 207, 208 and 209 into the two third compression
units "A" and "B". If no provision were made for dilution or
recycling, it is apparent that on a volume basis, maximum recovery of
extractate would be at the first compression stage and minimum
recovery at the third oompression stage. Where outside water or steam
is introduced, as shown, it is evident that the volumetric recovery at
the æcond and third stages is increased although the extractate is
now recovered in diluted form. By way of example, if sufficient
external water or steam is added during the third compression stage,
the recovered liquid - identified in the diagram as the intermediate
liquid recovery - may consist of 85-90% water and 10-15% extractate
which may, in certain circumstances, not contain a sufficient quantity
of natural liquid or juice to water to warrant further processing in
the nature of evaporation for the purpose making it more ooncentrated.
However, by taking the intermediate liquid recovery and recycling it
via lines 202, 203 and 204 and introducing sarne into the second
canpression units of extractors "A" and "B", it will be evident that
the dilution effect, o~npared to the straight injection of water or
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steam into these second compression units, is reduced by a factor
commensurate with the percentage of extractate in recovered
intermediate liquid. Thus, the Fercentage of extractate drawn off via
lines 205 and 206 to the secondary recovery tank will be higher than
that at the intermediate recovery stage, and in the example given,
could be in the range of 30 to 35~ extractate to water. Where
desired, the secondary recovery can undergo further processing
directly in ~he form as recovered, or blended with the primary liquid
recovery (not shown) for the F~rpose of diminishing the water content
to acceptable limits. Similarly, primary rec~ery liquid can be mixed
with the intermediate liquid recovery to enhance the extractate
percentage (not shown). Thus, by regulating the percentage of
extractate in the intermediate recovery or the initial amount of water
or stream introduced, the overall system can be brought into an
operating equilibrium considered cptimal for the type of material
being processed.
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