MODELING OF GAS SEALINGS FOR CONTINUOUS EXTRACTION OF SOLID MATERIAL AT HIGH-PRESSURES

Continuous processing of solid material in a high pressure extraction plant was investigated by feeding oil seeds and removing the extracted meal. A cage screw press (inlet) and an extruder (outlet) both connected with cylindrical gas sealing sections were used. These gas sealings were flanged to the extractor vessel. The model of the gas sealing sections was based on the mass transport of solid material and the fluid solvent. The continuous admission of solid material was carried out successfully up to process pressures of 500 bar. The extracted meal had to be discharged against a pressure resistance device. This system was tested up to pressure values of 50 bar.