Process and apparatus for purifying a fatty mixture and related products including fuels
AssigneeArgent Energy (UK) Limited
InventorMichael Scott
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Abstract
There is described a process and an apparatus for purifying a mixture and related products. In particular, there is described a process and an apparatus for purifying a mixture comprising fats, oils and greases as are typically found in sewer waste. The process involves heating, acidifying and separating the mixture. The apparatus used includes a heating and separation device for separating into a solid fraction, an organic liquid fraction and an aqueous liquid fraction. Apparatus such as a three phase separation unit and a rotary vacuum filter may also be used.
Claims28
A process for purifying a mixture comprising fat, oil and/or grease, said process comprising the steps of:
- (i) initial heating of the mixture so that it is flowable;
- (ii) acidifying the mixture;
- (iii) homogenising the mixture after acidification and prior to separation, wherein homogenisation comprises injecting steam into the mixture at a pressure of between 5 bar(g) (600 kPa) and 7 bar(g) (800 kPa) and agitation;
- (iv) separating the mixture into a solid fraction, an organic liquid fraction and an aqueous liquid fraction;
- (v) removing said solid and said aqueous liquid fractions from the mixture;
- and
- (vi) filtering the mixture using a rotary vacuum filter after removing said solid and said aqueous liquid fractions therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.