RAJARAMESHPULI

Dear Hector,

Thanks for your reply.

Our cake input to the extractor is approximately 21 T/hr. The bed width is 2.0 m and the average bed height is around 2.2 m. We have seven spray pumps, and the effective washing length is approximately 10 m( considered up to sprays – 7). The total extractor length, centre-to-centre between sprocket wheels, is 18.535 m. Fresh hexane addition is located around 1.1 m from the last, 7th spray section.

Based on the effective washing area, the volume calculation is:

Washing volume = 2.0 × 2.2 × 10 = 44 m³

Considering a bulk density of 0.55 t/m³:

Cake mass in washing zone = 44 × 0.55 = 24.20 tons

Therefore, the estimated extraction residence time is:

Residence time = 24.20 ÷ 21 × 60 = 69.14 minutes

So, based on these assumptions, the extraction time is approximately 69 minutes.

Could you please confirm whether this approach is correct, or if we should consider the full extractor length of 18.535 m instead of only the effective washing length? Also, please advise if any correction factor should be applied for cake bed porosity, chain/pocket filling, drainage zones, or non-uniform bed movement.

Once again, many thanks for your support. I look forward to your reply.

Regards,
RajaRamesh P.

Thank you very much for your reply Dear Hector. We are processing CANOLA seed. In our DTDC ( 8 trays)we have 1 PD ,3 DT ,1 SPRAGE TRAY,2 DRYING & 1 COOLING trays supplied by DESMET BALLESTRA. we do have flash steam recovery for DT. we do not have any Air preheating loop.

I would like to learn how to calculate the Energy Balance in Crushing & Solvent Extraction. Any references would be highly appreciated & very useful to enhance skills.