Apparatus and method for reducing residual solvent levels

摘要

Apparatus and methods for reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent that includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or nitrogen are disclosed. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a vessel ( 12;25 ) containing extract ( 26 ) and a source of the gas. The source may be in the form of a moveable, hollow wand ( 27 ) having a sparging gas outlet; or a fixed gas inlet ( 30 ) for bubbling the gas through the extract ( 26 ).