Desolventizer toaster

Abstract

An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays.

Claims

1. A desolventizer toaster (DT) comprising: a housing containing a plurality of generally parallel, vertically spaced trays therewithin, a first set of the plurality of trays each having a peripheral edge engaging an inner surface of a wall defining the housing, and a second set of the plurality of trays each having an edge, generally concentric to, and spaced inwardly from said inner surface of said wall defining the housing, an annular baffle positioned inside of the housing and being configured to restrict fluid passage between the inner surface of the wall defining the housing and the edge of the trays in the second set of trays, thereby causing lower density fluid passing upwardly from said first set of trays and higher density fluid passing downwardly from said second set of trays to intermix.

2. The desolventizer toaster in accordance with claim 1, wherein said wall defining said housing includes an axially extending annular zone which is generally conical in shape.

3. The desolventizer toaster in accordance with claim 2, wherein the annular baffle extends radially outwardly from a lowermost of said second trays within said annular zone.

4. The desolventizer toaster in accordance with claim 3 further comprising an annular tube manifold having a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced orifices directing steam radially outwardly to facilitate mixing of vapors.

5. A desolventizer toaster, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a first set of trays mounted within said housing, said first trays being disposed generally vertically spaced and parallel to each other and having peripheral edges engaging an inner surface of a wall defining the housing; (c) a second set of trays mounted within said housing, said second trays being disposed generally vertically spaced and parallel to each other and to said first set of trays, said second set of trays each having an edge spaced inwardly from said inner surface; and (d) means for mixing vapors in a vapor mixing zone located between said first set of trays and said second set of trays.

6. A desolventizer toaster in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for mixing vapors comprises an annular tube manifold having a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced orifices directing steam radially outwardly to facilitate mixing of vapors.

7. A desolventizer in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for mixing vapors comprises a plurality of axially extending small ducts running external to said housing between said first set of trays and said second set of trays.

8. A desolventizer in accordance with claim 5 wherein said means for mixing vapors comprises an internal baffle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a DT employing the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion circled in FIG. 1; and

(3) FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a portion of a DT illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(4) Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a first configuration of the present invention. The embodiment illustrated, however, in itself, illustrates a number of different configurations of the invention.

(5) Illustrated is a DT housing 10 which encloses a plurality of generally circular trays 12, 12. The trays 12, 12 are characterized either as one of a first set of trays, which are the lower four trays in FIG. 1, or one of a second set of trays, which are the upper four trays. The trays 12, 12 are substantially coaxial, spaced vertically, and parallel to each other. The figure shows the trays, however, as having egress ports 14, through which an agricultural product (such as a meal 16) being processed, alternate on sides of a central axis of the housing 10. The product, or meal 16, then is spread over a particular tray and is intended to pass downwardly through the ports. Such movement of the meal 16 can be facilitated by use of wiping arms (not shown) which move the meal 16 across the surface of a corresponding tray.

(6) FIG. 1 shows the wall 18 of the housing 10 proximate the upper tray set (that is, the second tray set) as having a greater diameter than the first tray set. Consequently, the diameter of the first tray set can be made to closely approximate the diameter of the housing 10 at the location occupied by the first tray set. As will be able to be seen in view of this disclosure, a generally conical vapor mix zone 20 of the housing 10 defines an annular restriction 22 within which mixing of denser fluid passing downwardly through the zone 20 will engage and mix with less dense fluid passing upwardly through the zone 20. The vapor mix zone is specifically designed as having a restricted area for flow of light density vapor from the lower part of the machine up into the upper part where much of the very high density solvent vapor is present.

(7) The scientific principle observed here is that the velocity of vapors rising through the restriction tends to both mix with the falling heavy vapor so that it loses its high density and becomes a moderate density mix of steam and solvent. Additionally, the velocity of the fluid develops a slight pressure drop. This pressure drop will tend to retard the fall of heavy fluid until the mixing occurs just above the mixing zone 20. It will be understood that the wall 18 of the housing, at the mixing zone 20, is intentionally conical in shape to define the mixing zone 20. It will further be understood, however, that other restrictions defining a mixing zone can be employed. For example, an annular baffle 24, generally conical in shape may be employed to define a restriction and a mixing zone. Such a baffle is illustrated in phantom line in FIG. 1. It will be understood that it is possible to employ both the conical baffle 24 and the conical portion 20 of the housing wall 22 to jointly define the restriction and the mixing zone 20 thereby. Such a restriction, again, is intentional to obtain the mixing function. The mixing function, in accordance with the present invention, is far greater than that which exists in a traditional DT system. For most applications, the restricted flow velocity is calculated so as to be sufficient to cause turbulent flow. Absent a construction wherein a restriction is defined, the heavy solvent mass will often fall down into lower portions of the housing 10, go down with the meal being treated, and will cause high loss of solvent in the meal at the discharge from the housing 10.

(8) It will be understood that this disclosure, in many respects, is only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims.