Method, apparatus and solvent extractor for removing one or more organic solvents from a pomace

摘要

The invention provides a continuous process for removing organic solvents from a marc comprising the steps of: a) continuously introducing said marc into a desolventiser; b) introducing an inert, gaseous stripping medium into said desolventiser; c) removing said organic solvents from said marc by maintaining a subatmospheric pressure inside said desolventiser, thus providing an organic solvent-desolventised material; and d) continuously extracting said organic solvent-desolventised material from said desolventiser; wherein step (a) and (d) comprise compacting said marc and said organic solvent-desolventised material into a plastic, substantially gas-impermeable mass and extruding said mass through an annular gap, the opening of which is controlled by the rate of supply of said plastic mass. The invention also provides a device for compacting a moist organic material into a solid gas-impermeable mass which is useful for implementing this process.