Ineos Fluor Holdings Limited

Imperial Chemical Industries Limited

Ineous Fluor Holdings Limited

Frederick Thomas Murphy

Stuart Corr

James David Morrison

Robert E Low

Paul Alan Dowdle

Richard Llewellyn Powell

A closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus using HFC solvents including an extraction vessel, an evaporator for the solvent, a compressor and a condenser connected in series in a closed loop extraction circuit; a solvent recovery loop constituted by a bypass line; a plurality of flow control valves that are selectively operable for connecting the solvent recovery loop in parallel with the closed loop extraction circuit; and at least one container containing an adsorbent for organic contaminants and a desiccant, the container being connected in the solvent recovery loop to which solvent in the extraction circuit may be supplied through selective operation of the flow control valves whereby solvent used in the extraction circuit may be supplied through the adsorbent and the desiccant.

Method and apparatus for recovering a solvent

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 () for containing biomass; a steam source () for supplying steam to contact the biomass; and a separator () for separating solvent from steam that has contacted the biomass. The disclosure also includes a method of use of the apparatus.

Apparatus and method for removing solvent residues

Apparatus and methods for reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent that includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or nitrogen are disclosed. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a vessel () containing extract () and a source of the gas. The source may be in the form of a moveable, hollow wand () having a sparging gas outlet; or a fixed gas inlet () for bubbling the gas through the extract ().

Apparatus and method for reducing residual solvent levels

An apparatus ( ) for extracting biomass includes an extractor ( ), evaporator ( ), compressor ( ) and condenser ( ) connected in series by pipework ( ) to define a closed loop extraction circuit. A transfer line ( ) selectively supplies hot solvent vapor from the outlet side of the compressor ( ) to the interior of the extractor ( ), where the solvent vapor heats the biomass. This causes stripping of solvent from the biomass. The transfer line ( ) includes control elements ( ) for controlling the flow of solvent vapor.

Apparatus and methods for removing solvent residues

An apparatus for extracting biomass includes a closed loop circuit having an extraction vessel ( ), an evaporator ( ), a compressor ( ), a condenser ( ) and (optionally) a storage reservoir ( ) operatively connected in series. A pumped recirculation loop ( ) recirculates a portion of the output of the extraction vessel ( ) for further contact with biomass. One or more modifiable resistances to flow ( ) control the flow of solvent around the recirculation loop ( ) and the main closed loop.

Apparatus and method for extracting biomass

Apparatus and methods for reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent that includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or nitrogen are disclosed. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a vessel ( ) containing extract ( ) and a source of the gas. The source may be in the form of a moveable, hollow wand ( ) having a sparging gas outlet; or a fixed gas inlet ( ) for bubbling the gas through the extract ( ).

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Frodsham, United Kingdom

Frederick Thomas Murphy