Apparatus and method for removing solvent residues
AssigneeIneos 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.
Claims11
A method of removing solvent residues from a bed of biomass in an extraction vessel, comprising contacting the biomass with steam in the extraction vessel;
- passing the steam, and solvent entrained therewith, to a separator;
- separating the steam and the solvent from one another in the separator;
- and condensing the steam after passing it to the separator.
A method of removing solvent residues from a bed of biomass, comprising contacting the biomass with steam;
- passing the steam and solvent entrained therewith, to a separator;
- separating the steam and the solvent from one another in the separator;
- and wherein the step of separating includes contacting an adsorbent with the steam/solvent mixture.
A method of removing solvent residues from a bed of biomass, comprising contacting the biomass with steam;
- passing the steam and solvent entrained therewith, to a separator;
- separating the steam and the solvent from one another in the separator;
- condensing the steam before passing it to the separator;
- and wherein the condensing occurs within a vessel containing the biomass.
A method of removing solvent residues from a bed of biomass, comprising contacting the biomass with steam;
- passing the steam and solvent entrained therewith, to a separator;
- separating the steam and the solvent from one another in the separator;
- and wherein the step of separating includes contacting an adsorbent with the steam/solvent mixture;
- including the step of heating the adsorbent to recover solvent therefrom.
A method of removing solvent residues from a bed of biomass, comprising contacting the biomass with steam;
- passing the steam and solvent entrained therewith, to a separator;
- separating the steam and the solvent from one another in the separator;
- and wherein the step of separating includes contacting an adsorbent with the steam/solvent mixture;
- and including the step of disposing of the adsorbent and the solvent therewith.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.