The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Automatic Solvent Extractor

Solvent Extraction Equipment: The Complete Buying Guide

Pilotech has nearly 20 years of experience in extraction equipment production, and our multifunctional extraction equipment has a wide application in pharmaceutical factories around the world and university labs of traditional Chinese medicine and health food.

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Pilotech organic solvent extraction equipment is suitable for small-scale , medium-scale and pilot tests in labs, with specifications of 5L, 10L, 20L, 30L, 50L, 60L, 80L, 100L, 120L, 150L, 180L, and 200L. We can also customize our products according to your order, properties of your materials and your capacity.

For the safety of the food and drugs you produce, our organic solvent extraction equipment is made of SUS304 stainless steel in accordance with the GMP standard. We can also use SUS316 stainless steel as required.

For long-term stable operation of the solvent extraction equipment, we choose well-known brands for our accessories, such as Delta PLC, Omron temperature controller.

The extraction and concentration tanks of the organic solvent extraction equipment are integrated in a mobile framework, so you can move them at any time as required by the lab.

You may have different process requirements when using the R&D equipment, and Pilotech solvent extraction equipment can be used for thermal reflux extraction, percolation extraction, vacuum decompression extraction, and vacuum cryogenic concentration.

For your safety, explosion-proof motor and explosion-proof electric control cabinet are used in our Pilotech organic solvent extraction equipment, along with thicker stainless steel tank plates.

Pilotech solvent extraction equipment is suitable for the extraction and concentration of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products. The specific weight after concentration can reach 1.1-1.13, and the concentrated materials can be dried into powder using our low temperature spray dryer YC-, or turned into granules directly used for tableting or capsules using our fluidized granulator.

To ensure that the extraction equipment you purchased works well, before delivery, we will conduct sealing tests and test operating for 72 hours. If the tests and operation went well, another extraction and concentration test will be made using traditional Chinese medical materials. If no failure emerged, then we will arrange for delivery. Once you receive the goods, we will send you video guidance for install and operation. If necessary, we will also arrange for engineers to come to your lab for installing and training.

Please feel free to contact us for more information about our products and prices.

Solvent Extraction Equipment: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Today, I will answer all questions you have been asking about solvent extraction equipment.

So, if you want to be an expert in these extraction equipment, read this guide.

What Is Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Solvent extraction equipment refers to equipment used for extracting solvents.

Solvent extraction equipment is available in different sizes and configurations.

Solvent Extraction Equipment

Why Should You Invest In Solvent Extraction Equipment?

You should invest in solvent extraction equipment due to the following reasons:

• Helps in the separation of hazardous contaminants from sludge as well as sediments.
• Solvent extraction equipment assists in carrying out the process of extraction itself
• For completing the process of solvent recovery of the solvent so that it can be reused through distillation.
• To ensure a high oil yield rate.
• They ensure a low residual oil rate in the oil cake.
• Investing in solvent extraction equipment will ensure high productivity and low consumption.
• They possess an efficient design, are of high quality, and require professional installation.
• Solvent extraction equipment is cost-effective.

What Is The Difference Between Solvent Extraction And Solvent Distillation?

The main difference between solvent extraction and solvent distillation is that the latter is able to purify both liquid and solid phase substances.

Solvent distillation, on the other hand, is only able to purify substances that are in a liquid mixture.

Solvent distillation is mostly used in the petroleum and solvent industry. Solvent extraction is commonly used in industries like fragrances, food products, pharmaceuticals, and essential oils.

The techniques which are used in solvent distillation include vacuum, simple, zone, steam, fractional, air-sensitive vacuum, and short path distillation.

Insolvent extraction processes the most common types include liquid-liquid extraction and solid-liquid extraction.

Which Are the Solvent Types Used in Solvent Extraction Machine?

The solvent types used in solvent extraction include:

• ethyl acetate
• diethyl ether
• ethyl acetate
• chloroform
• dichloromethane
• hexane
• Isohexane mixed isomers
• Hydroclone

What Are the Properties Of The Best Solvent To Use In A Solvent Extraction Equipment?

The perfect solvent for use in solvent extraction equipment should possess the following properties:

• It should be miscible with the liquid supposed to be extracted.
• Be immiscible with the other components of the mixture or should react with the solute.
• Have a low boiling point that is below the solute's melting point to evaporate easily after collection.
• Possess a favourable temperature coefficient
• Not toxic and not flammable because it may harm the instruments used for extraction
• Volatile: the solvent should be very volatile in a way that it can be removed with ease from the extracted material through distillation.
• Should not dissolve impurities.
• To help in easier separation, the compound's density should be different from that of the required component.

Why Is Hexane the Common Solvent To Use In Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Hexane is the most commonly used solvent in solvent extraction equipment due to the following reasons:

• Hexane possesses a boiling point that is low of about 67'.
• It exhibits high solubility of fats and oils during the extraction process.
• Uses less horsepower.
• Requires little maintenance.
• Relatively reliable and efficient.
• It can be recovered and reused in the extraction process. This is because hexane absorbed in the material is recovered through the processes of condensation of Miscella and its evaporation.

How Many Types of Solvent Extraction Equipment Are There in The Market?

There are three main types of solvent extraction equipment in the market and these include:

• Rotary Solvent
• Continuous loop Type Solvent Extractor: it is efficient and economical thus utilized by many large oilseed plants.
• Horizontal belt Solvent Extractor
• mixer-settler extractors.
• extraction columns and.
• centrifugal extraction equipment.

Which Are the Necessary Solvent Extraction Machineries?

Necessary solvent extraction machineries include:

• Roller mill: it is used in making oil seeds ready before direct solvent extraction.
• Cooker-conditioner: it is designed to condition the seed to achieve better extraction by adjusting moisture content to an optimum level and heating.
• Flaking mill: it is fitted with rolls that are smoothly suited for flaking oil seeds or cakes before solvent extraction.
• Soybean Oil Solvent Extraction Plant
• Soybean Oil Extraction Machine
• Soybean Crude Oil Refinery
• Automatic Rice Bran Oil Making Equipment
• Coconut Oil Solvent Extraction
• Sunflower Oil Refinery Machine
• Peanut Soybean Sunflower Seeds Oil Making Maker Machine

Which Are the Main Parts of Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Solvent extraction equipment comprises of the following parts:

• Heat recovery system
• De-solventising toaster: it separates the solvent from the wet meal.
• Distillation system
• Extractor: it enables the elimination of the solvent from the meal.
• Evaporator: it stabilizes temperature and moisture and separates the solvent from miscella.
• Solvent recovery system: it minimizes the loss of solvents and ensures the final oil has the optimum flashpoint.

Solvent Extractor Equipment

Which Are The Main Stages Of Extraction Process In Solvent Extraction Machine?

The extraction process in solvent extraction machine is categorised into the following stages:

1. Preparation Of Raw Material: materials should be well prepared to ensure that the solvent must meet all of the material's oil-bearing cells.Smaller material sizes allow for perfect solvent penetration to oil-bearing cells although they should not be too fine to inhibit the process.
2. Extraction Process: the material which is prepared gets into the extractor via the rotary air seal.During movement, the extractor's bed is continuously washed at several points using miscella of decreasing concentration and finally a fresh solvent.
3. Desolventization Of Extracted Material: after a wash by fresh solvent the material is removed from the band conveyor to a chain conveyor conveying it to the disolventiser.The material is heated to 100°C using jacketed steam and then discharged via an airtight seal to the pneumatic conveyor then to the bagging section.
4. Distillation Of Miscella
5. Recovery Of the Solvent by Absorption: in the dissolventiser, the solvent which is absorbed is evaporated into vapours.
6. Meal finishing and bagging.

What Are the Extraction Techniques Employed in Solvent Extractor Machines?

The techniques employed in solvent extraction include:

• Batch Extraction: it is used with small-scale chemical industries and the process is conducted using a separator funnel.
• Continuous Extraction: it is used on components that require multi-stage extraction. That is, they need materials to be separated at every stage.
• Counter-current Extraction: it is well performed by using a disc disintegrator that is toothed to produce fine slurry. In the counter-current extraction method, the material which is to be extracted moves in one direction and the solvent in the other direction.
• Phenoxy process: removes phenol from the effluent of catalytic cracking in petroleum refinery.
• Super critical fluid extraction technique
• pressurized liquid extraction.
• microwave assisted extraction
• Maceration: Involves extraction of thermolabile components
• Percolation: continuous process in which the saturated solvent is constantly being replaced by fresh solvent.
• Decoction: The extract from decoction contains a large number of water-soluble impurities.
• Reflux extraction: requires less extraction time and solvent.
• Soxhlet extraction
• Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)
• Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE)
• Microwave assisted extraction (MAE)
• Pulsed electric field (PEF) extraction

Which Are the Products That You Can Process with Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Some of the products you can process with solvent extraction equipment include:

• Soya bean seeds
• Cotton seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Corn or maize
• Rice bran
• Peanuts or groundnuts
• Castor seeds
• Palm kernel
• copra
• Canola or rapeseeds

Can You Recycle the Solvent During The Operation Of The Solvent Extraction Machine?

Yes, you can recycle the solvent during the operation of the solvent extraction machine as this makes the process economical.

To recycle the solvent, the solute requires stripping from the solvent and then the solvent should be recycled back into the process.

This ensures indefinite recycling of the solvent until it degrades due to radiolytic degradation or hydrolysis of the acid.

Also, it may degrade if its composition changes because of solubility in the aqueous phase.

What Are The Benefits Of Integrating A Solvent Recycling System With Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Benefits of Integrating a solvent recycling system with solvent extraction equipment include:

• Reduces the solvent's consumption
• Cuts down the production costs
• Ensures production safety
• Improves products' quality

How Does Bed Type Affect The Performance Of Solvent Extractors?

The type of bed affects the performance of the solvent extractor in various ways some of which include:

• The shallow bed design ensures the solvent is distributed evenly and there is consistent percolation in the material's bed.
• Due to the shallow bed design, the material is not well compacted. This causes the percolation rate to remain high despite the quality of the product prepared.
• The shallow bed type also tends to eliminate dry spot formation because there are no internal vertical dividers or cells.
• Deep extractors tend to suffer from compression of materials, poor percolation, slow drainage, long extraction times, and high solvent carry-over.
• Uniformity is not available whit the deep extractor bed type and thus may produce varying content of solvent and different densities.
• Deep bed extractors tend to also damage fragile materials
• Slow drainage may also be caused by deep bed extractors. This tends to cause the high solvent to carry over to plant steam consumption.

Which Are The Main Parameters To Control When Using Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Some of the main parameters you should control include the following:

Temperature

Sufficient temperature must be present at the solvent extractor equipment inlet for the entire equipment to operate near or at solvent's boiling point.

The extraction process entails mixing, dissolving, and flow processes and it functions faster and better when hot.

Solvent

The ratio of solvents to solids entering the solvent extractor should pass through an adequate number of effective wash stages.

The stages should be concurrent to the declining oil concentration until it reaches the final solvent pure wash.

Time

Ensure there is sufficient time for dissolving and for the flow process to take place.

This is best utilized if the bed is kept at full depth to ensure maximum solvent extraction equipment volume and depth.

Contact

It needs correctly prepared material and extractor suited for most effective drainage and washing for several material ranges even those of low quality. A shallow flake bed reduces the time at each stage in the process and even in the final drainage.

What Is The Meaning Of Miscella In Solvent Extractor?

Miscella refers to a solution of solvent and oil that flows evenly onto the bed through weirs or distributors. It is formed once the raw material has been treated by use of hexane, then the oil is recovered through distillation.

How Do Batch Solvent Extractor And Continuous Solvent Extractor Compare?

Here is all you need to know about these techniques:

Batch Solvent Extraction Machine

It entails extracting the solute from a single immiscible layer into the other by shaking the two layers until equilibrium is got.

Once this is done, the layers are allowed to settle then sampling is done.

Batch extraction is mostly used on small scale like in chemical laboratories. The common apparatus used in carrying out batch extraction is a separatory funnel.

Continuous Solvent Extractor

It is used primarily for fractional purposes, and it is achieved through difference in density between the fluids which are in contact.

In vertical columns, the denser phase enters the top and exhibits a downward flow.

The phase that has a less density flows upwards and gets in at the bottom.

The suitable method to select will generally depend on the solute's value of the distribution ratio and separation factors of the material interfering.

Continuous Solvent Extraction Machine

What Is the Output Of Your Solvent Extraction Equipment?

Our solvent extraction equipment recovers averagely the entire oil and only leaves a very small percentage of residual oil in the raw material.

In case of use of mechanical pressing, the remaining oil in the oil cake maybe about six to fourteen percent.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Orun.

The solvent extraction equipment can be directly applied to ant materials of low oil content.

Our solvent extraction equipment will make sure that you recover a high percentage of oil and can be used to extract pre-pressed oil cakes.

Do You Manufacture Mini Solvent Extraction Plant Machinery?

Yes, we do manufacture mini solvent plant machinery once you confirm the capacity that you need.  We will ensure that it is designed to suit your specifications.

Is Solvent Extraction Equipment Environmentally Friendly?

Solvent extraction is environmentally friendly because solvents like water which are environmentally friendly can be used.

Recently, greater emphasis has been put on the use and development of green solvents.

These green solvents or bio solvents are derived by processing crops.

At Pilotech, we have a range of solvent extraction equipment.

Since , TruSteel has been designing and manufacturing falling film evaporator systems (The AutoVap) in various sizes. Over the years, many different iterations of the design have been released. This guide is intended to help you understand the differences in the generations and inspect used AutoVaps for defects and incomplete packages. 

AutoVap15 

The AV15 was the first AutoVap released in September . Currently there are four different generations and two different models of the AV15.  

AV15 Basic: sold as a package with;

• 200K BTU gas or 18KW electric heater
• Plumbing manifolds for heater and chiller
• 5 ton chiller
• Diaphragm style vacuum pump
• Gear style feed pump and VFD (variable frequency drive) controller with a remote to turn the VFD on/off and adjust the speed.

AV15 Plus: intended to create a stepping stone into the AV30, the AV15 Plus has addtional features;

• 200K BTU gas or 36KW electric heater
• Plumbing manifold for heater and chiller
• 12 ton chiller
• Ethanol discharge pump to continuously remove recovered ethanol from the system for continuous production. 

Generation 2: (Buyer score: 6/10) 

Generation 2 has several improvements, the connection between the evaporator and residue vessel was increased to 3 inch for structural improvement. Generation 2 also standardized the size of the preheater to 3 x 36 inch. Gen 2 still utilizes DIN style sight glasses and NPT fittings on the lids of the vessels. In addition, part way through Gen 2 production, LOK style fittings on the shell side are utilized where the heat transfer fluid circulates. Gen 2 may or may not include custom neoprene insulation wraps for the vessels and heat exchangers. 

Key Points: Original pumps are recommended to be replaced with model. Look for neoprene sleeves.

Recommend services/upgrades:

• Replace pump(s) with model
• Flush heat exchanger and vessel shell side with CleanVap Part B
• Replacement neoprene wraps provide better insulation value and reduce burn risk from exposed hot surfaces.

Generation 3: (Buyer score: 8/10) 

Gen 3 brings a new vessel lid design featuring all TriClamp/LOK construction and upgraded sight glasses. TruSteel switched to PulsaFeeder pumps for this model, a huge step up from the previous pumps provided. Neoprene insulation jackets come standard.  

Key Points: This is the most coveted of used models on the market and offers the best performance of all the generations up to . 

Recommend services/upgrades:

• Flush heat exchanger and vessel shell side with CleanVap Part B

Generation 4: (Buyer score: 10/10) 

Gen 4 is the current pinnacle of falling film evaporators. The condenser is no longer positioned horizontally and is on top of the condensate vessel, significantly shrinking the space required for the AutoVap15. New for Gen 4 is the introduction of LiquiFlo pumps, which have improved lifespan and more robust and inexpensive rebuild kits with in-stock lead times. Domestically sourced heat exchangers with 3/8 tubes offer increased performance of up to 30 gallons/hour. The height of the machine was also reduced by 8 inches to fit labs that are tight on ceiling height. 

Key Points: It's unlikely this model will be available used, but if you're looking for latest and greatest for your facility, this is it!

AutoVap30

The AV30, introduced in , revolutionized automated solvent recovery. We took the core concept behind the AV15, removed the collection vessels, and replaced them with pumps for continuous discharge, shrinking the footprint to fit under an 8-foot ceiling and boasting the ability to be wheeled through a standard 36 inch door with it's 3×4 foot footprint. The AV30 features a sophisticated control system with 13 different sensors across the system for repeatability and safety features, controlled via touchscreen with programmable alarms and fail-safes. There are three distinct generations of the AutoVap 30. 

Generation 1: (Buyer Score: 3/10)  

Limited to 5 units, this model can be identified by it's smaller 7 inch touchscreen. The shell side fittings are NPT style which are prone to leaks. The pumps are Oberdorfer brand which we recommend replacing. This model requires all sensors to wire back to the PLC, which almost always causes issues with used installs.

Key Points: Small touchscreen, outdated fittings, and pumps will need replacing. This is the hardest model to install and likely to be missing current TruSteel recommended ancillary equipment.

Recommend services/upgrades:

• Flush heat exchanger and vessel shell side with CleanVap Part B
• Replace pumps with models
• PLC/HMI upgrade
• Replace heater/chiller with current models

Generation 2: (Buyer Score: 5/10) 

New for Gen 2 is a 12 inch touchscreen controller. Gen 2 can be identified by the Aqua Sierra serial number inside the PLC/HMI cabinet starting with BJ18XXX or BJ19XXX. This generation is still more complex to install due to all the sensors wiring back to the main PLC.

Generation 2.5: (Buyer Score: 6/10) 

During the production run of Gen 2 models, we switched from NPT to LOK style fittings, and replaced the Oberdorfer pumps with PulsaFeeder models for greater longevity and reliability. 

Key Points: Bigger is better, the new touch screen gives a better graphical read out and more advanced settings. Look for new LOK style fittings and PulsaFeeder pumps for greater reliability over older generations, model pumps are still recommended for longevity. Software can be buggy in these generations and typically need updating to version 2.6.

Recommend services/upgrades:

• Flush heat exchanger and vessel shell side with CleanVap Part B
• Replace pumps with models
• VPN card upgrade for remote access
• Flash Version 2.6 software

Generation 3: (Buyer Score: 8/10) 

Gen 3, introduced in , features significant upgrades over previous models. While Gen 1 & 2 required all 13 sensors to be wired back to the PLC controller, Gen 3 features onboard input modules built into the HMI cabinet that replaces almost all the wires with a single ethernet cable. Also standard for Gen 3 models is a VPN card that allows you and TruSteel to remotely log into your machine for startup and troubleshooting services, these features drastically reduce installation complexity and costs, while simplifying the troubleshooting process. New for this model is communication with the heater pump, chiller, and vacuum pump. The built in webserver allows you to access the machine from any internet enabled device, a cellphone, tablet, computer, etc. allowing you to start the ancillary equipment remotely on your drive to work! This feature also turns off all ancillary equipment when the emergency stop button is depressed for an extra layer of safety. 

Key Points: This is the latest generation available on the used market that encompasses all the technological improvements we've made since the AV30's inception.

Recommend services/upgrades:

• Flush heat exchanger and vessel shell side with CleanVap Part B
• Replace pumps with models

Generation 4: (Buyer Score: 10/10) 

The new AV30 generation introduced in features upgraded LiquiFlo pumps for even better serviceability and longevity. The software has been completely revamped to allow for additional tanks and sensors to be attached to the AutoVap for greater control over your up and down-stream equipment.

Key Points: This model likely won't be available on the used market for some time.

USED EQUIPMENT INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Heat Exchangers: Inspect for rust inside the shell side. If the equipment is disconnected and stored for a period of time with moisture inside the shell side, water vapor can rust the shell side of the heat exchangers, causing diminished performance if not serviced before commissioning, and in extreme cases cause the heat exchanger to fail, leaking heat transfer fluid into your product.  

Pumps: Inspect the brand of the pump, Oberdorfer pumps are not recommended and usually require replacement in used equipment. PulsaFeeder residue pumps on the AV30 should have the coupler (green housing) inspected for leaking oil indicating a failed mechanical seal. The fan blade in the motor can be manually rotated using a screwdriver or other tool, it should spin freely with little resistance and should not make any grinding noises. 

Vessels: Inspect for deformation in vessels, if exposed to high shell side pressures the internal wall of the vessel can deform creating an implosion hazard. Vessel lids with DIN style sight glasses are recommended to be replaced.  

PLC/HMI cabinets: Inspect for dirt/debris inside the cabinet. Metal shavings should not be present inside. To maintain the UL listing, holes should only be drilled in the bottom side of the cabinets, any holes drilled in the top of the cabinets will void the UL listing.  

Chillers: Inspect for rust inside the heat transfer fluid lines, oil leaking from the compressors, and debris in the fan filter indicating preventative maintenance was not performed. Small dents and dings usually don't affect performance but always consult with a refrigeration expert first.  

Heaters: Inspect for rust inside the heat transfer fluid lines, frayed or burnt wires inside the cabinet, and leaks. 

Vacuum Pumps: Inspect for cracked or loose fittings and discolored lines. 

Manifolds: Heaters and Chillers should come with TruSteel custom manifolds to ensure proper and simple installation by your plumbers that conforms to the manufacturers recommended installation setup.  

USED EQUIPMENT STARTUP RECOMMENDATIONS 

Heat Exchangers and all stainless plumbing lines should be flushed with CleanVap Part A to remove any oil residues, then flushed with distilled water, and again flushed with CleanVap Part B to remove any rust or mineral deposits. Flush with distilled water before commissioning. DO NOT USE CLEANVAP ON COPPER OR BRASS FITTINGS. 

Gear Pumps: Pumps should be rotated by hand before spinning motors to ensure they rotate freely and don't make any grinding noise or have excess resistance. It is always recommended to manually disassemble pumps before commissioning. Parts can be soaked in CleanVap or ethanol for cleaning.  

Heaters/Chillers: A demineralizing agent rated for copper lines should be used to flush out any mineral or rust deposits before commissioning.

Inspection Guide: 

General Inspection 

1. Visual Inspection: Start with a thorough visual inspection of the entire unit, looking for signs of wear, corrosion, leaks, or damage to external surfaces and structural components. Pay special attention to welds and joints for integrity. 
2. Identification Plate: Check the identification plate for model number, serial number, manufacturing date, and capacity. This information can help verify the equipment's specifications and ensure compatibility with your needs. 
3. Documentation: Request all available documentation, including the original manufacturer's manual, maintenance records, and any repair logs. This information can provide insights into the unit's history and maintenance practices. 

Heat Exchanger Inspection 

1. External Inspection: Examine the heat exchanger for signs of leaks, particularly at the connections and seals. Look for any discoloration or deposits that might indicate a glycol leak or previous repair attempts. 
2. Internal Inspection (if possible): If the unit can be safely opened, inspect the internal surfaces for corrosion, scaling, or fouling, which could affect heat transfer efficiency and fluid flow. 
3. Glycol Quality: Check the condition of the glycol-based heat transfer fluid if a sample is available. The fluid should be clear and free of contaminants. Dark, cloudy, or odorous fluid may indicate degradation or contamination, which can compromise performance and may require replacement. 
4. Pressure Testing: If feasible, conduct a pressure test on the heat exchanger to ensure integrity and the absence of leaks. This test should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines or industry standards. 

Mechanical and Electrical Components 

1. Pumps: Inspect pumps for wear and operational integrity. Check seals and bearings for leaks or noises that might indicate impending failure. 
2. Electrical Components: Examine all electrical connections, motors, and control panels for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Ensure that all components are properly rated for the operational requirements of the unit. 
3. Sensors and Controls: Verify that all sensors, gauges, and control systems are operational and calibrated. These components are crucial for precise temperature control and overall system performance. 

For any questions fill out a form below or call 530.802.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Automatic Solvent Extractor.