The design and construction of vapor-tight presses is a specialty of Vincent Corporation. Our vapor-tight presses are used to separate the aqueous alcohol solution ahead of a dryer in the production of food ingredients such as pectin, soybean protein concentrate (SPC), and xanthan gum. The alcohol is recovered from the press liquor in solvent recovery units.
Safety standards for our presses, especially those built with the European ATEX certification, are very stringent. Bolted vapor tight covers (usually with Pyrex portholes that include manually operated wipers) are just a start. A 3/4″ O-ring of solid silicone is mounted in a pocket that follows the perimeter of each cover. The cover itself is a honey-comb structure that minimizes warping. This simple design provides reliable sealing while greatly reducing the number of clamps required.
We also install explosion proof motors, avoid the use of belt drives, and are careful to avoid any metal-on-metal rubbing. RTD’s (remote temperature detectors) are installed on the cone bushings, bearings, and other potential hot spots. Besides temperatures, a variety of other variables should be monitored.
The discharge cone of modern Vincent presses is actuated by dual air cylinders. This design is especially good in vapor-tight applications as it puts the air cylinders and thrust bearing outside of the vapor-tight compartment.
Inert gas, usually nitrogen, may be pumped into the press compartment containing the screens. The system can be either slightly pressurized so that air does not leak in, or under a slight vacuum to prevent alcohol from leaking out. An oxygen meter may be used to monitor the oxygen concentration inside he press. The system can be designed with alarms and automatic shutdown if the oxygen concentration increases above safe levels.
Click the link below for a pdf version of the VT press brochure.
