Apparatus and method for removing solvent residues
AssigneeIneous Fluor Holdings Limited
InventorsStuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, James David Morrison, Frederick Thomas Murphy
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Abstract
In the field of biomass extraction, there is a need for effective removal of solvent from spent biomass material. An apparatus for removing solvent residues includes a vessel (11) for containing biomass; a steam source (19) for supplying steam to contact the biomass; and a separator (24) for separating solvent from steam that has contacted the biomass. The disclosure includes a method of use of the apparatus.
Claims23
Apparatus for removing solvent residue from a bed of biomass, comprising an extraction vessel for containing biomass, that permits a solvent or a solvent mixture to contact biomass therein to effect extraction;
- a source of steam, selectively connectable to supply steam to biomass in the extraction vessel;
- a separator for separating steam, that has contacted biomass in the extraction vessel, and solvent entrained therewith;
- and a delivery line for steam/solvent selectively interconnectable between the extraction vessel and the separator to permit passage of steam and solvent entrained therewith to the separator.
A method of removing solvent residues from a bed of biomass, comprising contacting the biomass with steam;
- passing the steam, in vapour or liquid form, and solvent entrained therewith, to a separator;
- and separating the steam and the solvent from one another in the separator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.