Method for processing sugar cane filter cake mud and extracting component products

A process for obtaining useful components from sugar cane filter cake mud comprising the steps of:

• (a) introducing a quantity of sugar cane filter cake mud into a first extractor,
• (b) mixing said mud with a second liquid extract to form a first mixture,
• (c) agitating said first mixture within a first predetermined range of pressure while maintaining said first mixture within a first predetermined range of temperature,
• (d) removing said first mixture at an exit portal in said first extractor,
• (e) transporting said first mixture to an entry portal in a second extractor,
• (f) collecting a first liquid extract from said first mixture during transportation of said first mixture to said second extractor,
• (g) mixing said first mixture with liquid from a water return line in said second extractor to form a first mixture,
• (h) agitating said second mixture within a second predetermined range of pressure while maintaining said first mixture within a second predetermined range of temperature,
• (i) removing said second mixture at an exit portal in said first extractor,
• (j) transporting said second mixture to a first facility for further processing or disposal,
• (k) collecting said second liquid extract from said second mixture during transportation of said second mixture to said first facility,
• (l) delivering said second liquid extract to said first extractor for mixing with said mud to form said first mixture,
• (m) depositing said first liquid extract into a first static decanter tank,
• (n) transporting said first liquid extract from said first static decanter tank to a decanter centrifuge,
• (o) operating said decanter centrifuge within a third predetermined range of temperature and at a centrifugal force sufficient to cause the separation of said first liquid extract to form a resin and a third liquid extract,
• (p) removing said resin and transporting it to a second facility for further processing and disposal,
• (q) transporting said third liquid extract to a second static decanter tank and allowing said third extract to remain within said second static decanter tank for a first predetermined length of time to permit clarification of said third liquid extract into a wax emulsion and other components from said third liquid extract,
• (r) removing said other components from the lower portion of said second static decanter tank and causing said other components to enter a water return line, said water return line providing water from a water collecting tank to said second extractor,
• (s) transporting the wax emulsion to a third facility for collection and disposal or, alternatively,
• (t) transporting the wax emulsion to a mixer for mixing said third liquid extract with additives to cause said third liquid extract to have a pH within a predetermined range of pH values, to adjust the color of said third liquid extract, and to initiate the separation of components comprising said third liquid extract,
• (u) transporting said wax emulsion from said mixer to one or more sedimentation tanks,
• (v) allowing said wax emulsion to remain in said one or more sedimentation tanks for a second predetermined period of time during which wax will separate and collect within said one or more sedimentation tanks, and leaving a substantially wax-free liquid,
• (w) washing said wax by recirculating liquid within said one or more sedimentation tanks and optionally by introducing fresh water into said one or more sedimentation tanks,
• (x) drawing said substantially wax-free liquid from said one or more sedimentation tanks and transporting said substantially wax-free liquid to said water collection tank,
• (y) transporting said wax to a mechanical separator for elimination of water, and
• (z) transporting said wax to a fourth facility for collection.