Desmet Ballestra

De Greyt, W. 2006 (Unpublished results). DeSmet-Ballestra Zaventem, Belgium. 

M. Kellens, DeSmet Ballestra, Da Vincilaan 2 bus Gl, 1935 Zaventem, Belgium... 

Fig. 34.14. Drawing of DeSmet LM perforated belt diffusion-type extractor. (Courtesy of Desmet Ballestra Oils and Fats, Brussels, Belgium.)...

A second type of extractor widely used on soybeans is the deep-bed (34 m deep), rotary-basket extractor (Fig. 11.13), such as the Reflex extractor marketed by Desmet Ballestra. Countercurrent solvent-to-flake flow is accomplished by rotating the baskets of flaked material while the solvent and miscella sprays, the miscella collection cells, and the marc discharge remain stationary. The bed is divided into cells or baskets to prevent back mixing of oil-lean miscella with oil-rich miscella. The drained marc discharges when the basket rotates to the position above the discharge hopper. 

Fig. 11.13. Depiction of a deep-bed, rotary basket extractor ("Reflex" extractor, Desmet Ballestra North America, Marietta, GA).

A third type of extractor is the belt-type (Fig. 11.15), such as one manufactured by Desmet Ballestra, but this extractor is more commonly used on oilseeds other than soybeans that are prepressed. In this type of extractor, the flakes are conveyed through a series of solvent sprays by means of a belt. Fresh solvent is introduced at the discharge end and is circulated countercurrent to the flow of flakes by a series of stage pumps. No dividers are in the belt, but the belt is inclined to assure countercurrent flow of solvent to solids. The drained marc discharges the extraction belt by means of rotary paddles. 

Jules Janick, James Troop Distinguished Professor in Horticulture, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Purdue University Tim Kemper, President and CEO, DeSmet Ballestra North America, Marietta, GA Phil Kerr, The Solae Company, St. Louis, MO... 

A similar process is offered by Desmet Ballestra that uses the Henkel neutral bleach MES process. High-temperature digestion is followed by the addition of a slight excess of stoichiometric methanol to the sulfonic acid, then neutralization in a more dilute form and bleaching with hydrogen peroxide for up to 24 h. Drying is accomplished with a wiped film evaporator. 

Refined, bleached, and deodorized pahn stearin (RBDPS) is used as a raw material for ME manufacture. ME technology producers include Lurgi Gmbh, Crown Iron Works Company, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Desmet Ballestra, and a number of other companies. 

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