Apparatus for decaffeination of aqueous extracts
AssigneeChock Full O'Nuts Corp.
InventorIsmar M. Reich
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A perforated plate extraction column in which a liquid phase is contacted by a gas phase and in which foaming tends to prevent necessary separation of the two phases, in which a physical foam-breaking means is placed above each perforated plate.
Claims19
An extraction apparatus for use in a continuous countercurrent extraction process in which two phases are brought into contact to extract a component from one phase into the other phase, comprising
- (a) a perforated plate extraction column having a series of parallel plates for continuously contacting a liquid phase by a gas phase;
- (b) liquid phase supply means for providing the liquid phase under pressure to an inlet port above the top plate of said column;
- (c) gas phase supply means for providing the gas phase under pressure to an inlet port below the bottom plate of said column;
- (d) means to break foam comprising as porous solid extended surface above each plate and extending across the column.
Perforated plate extraction column apparatus comprising:
- (a) a vertical cylindrical pressure containing vessel;
- (b) a plurality of parallel perforated plates extending horizontally across the vessel and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction;
- (c) downcomer means extending from each plate downward and arranged to enable cross-flow of a liquid phase in a continuous stream;
- (d) gas inlet means below the lowest plate of the vessel;
- (e) gas outlet means at the top of the vessel;
- (f) liquid inlet means above the uppermost plate of the vessel;
- (g) liquid outlet means at the bottom of the vessel;
- and
- (h) foam breaking means comprising a porous solid extended surface placed above each plate in the vessel and extending across the vessel.
Perforated plate extraction column apparatus to separate caffeine from supercritical carbon dioxide so as to recover a portion of the carbon dioxide or caffeine comprising:
- (a) a vertical cylindrical pressure containing vessel;
- (b) a plurality of parallel perforated plates extending horizontally across the vessel and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction;
- (c) downcomer means extending from each plate downward and arranged to enable cross-flow of a liquid phase in a continuous stream said liquid phase comprising water;
- (d) supercritical gas inlet means below the lowest plate of the vessel, said supercritical gas comprising carbon dioxide and dissolved caffeine;
- (e) supercritical gas outlet means at the top of the vessel;
- (f) liquid inlet means above the uppermost plate of the vessel;
- (g) liquid outlet means at the bottom of the vessel;
- and
- (h) foam breaking means comprising a porous solid extended surface placed above each plate in the vessel and extending across the vessel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.