METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING ORGANIC MATERIAL

摘要

An apparatus and method of separating organic mass into its component parts in environmentally contained hygienic conditions at high thermal efficiency. One example is extraction of aromatic oils from citrus fruit. Organic materials derive from plants which contain (A) dry matter; (B) aqueous solutions and (C) secretions. The apparatus and method separates organic mass into these three components to create positive valuable products, frequently from negative value wastes. The apparatus and method utilise a drying medium comprising a mixture of self-derived superheated steam generated from part of the moisture given off by the material itself and air. The apparatus is fully enclosed, thus being environmentally benign and eliminating odours and deleterious emissions common to non-contained and/or direct fired dryers. Enclosure and use of superheated steam for drying, plus the combination of several processes in one operation, leads to higher thermal efficiency and lower operating costs than conventional drying or distillation processes.