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WO2020165844A1 - Method and apparatus for determining the industrial potential of palm oil - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for determining the industrial potential of palm oil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020165844A1
WO2020165844A1 PCT/IB2020/051217 IB2020051217W WO2020165844A1 WO 2020165844 A1 WO2020165844 A1 WO 2020165844A1 IB 2020051217 W IB2020051217 W IB 2020051217W WO 2020165844 A1 WO2020165844 A1 WO 2020165844A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
oil
press liquor
data
temperature
liquor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/051217
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Cesar Augusto Díaz Rangel
Jesús Alberto García Núñez
José Mauricio García Quiroz
Helí Mauricio Meneses
Eliberto Moreno Corredor
Original Assignee
Corporación Centro De Investigación En Palma De Aceite - Cenipalma
Agroindustrias Del Sur Del Cesar Limitada Y Cia S.C.A. - Agroince Ltda Y Cia. S.C.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Corporación Centro De Investigación En Palma De Aceite - Cenipalma, Agroindustrias Del Sur Del Cesar Limitada Y Cia S.C.A. - Agroince Ltda Y Cia. S.C.A. filed Critical Corporación Centro De Investigación En Palma De Aceite - Cenipalma
Priority to MX2021009765A priority Critical patent/MX2021009765A/en
Publication of WO2020165844A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020165844A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
    • A23N1/00—Machines or apparatus for extracting juice
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D17/00—Separation of liquids, not provided for elsewhere, e.g. by thermal diffusion
    • B01D17/02—Separation of non-miscible liquids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D21/00—Separation of suspended solid particles from liquids by sedimentation
    • B01D21/02—Settling tanks with single outlets for the separated liquid
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11B—PRODUCING, e.g. BY PRESSING RAW MATERIALS OR BY EXTRACTION FROM WASTE MATERIALS, REFINING OR PRESERVING FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES, e.g. LANOLIN, FATTY OILS OR WAXES; ESSENTIAL OILS; PERFUMES
    • C11B1/00—Production of fats or fatty oils from raw materials
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11B—PRODUCING, e.g. BY PRESSING RAW MATERIALS OR BY EXTRACTION FROM WASTE MATERIALS, REFINING OR PRESERVING FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES, e.g. LANOLIN, FATTY OILS OR WAXES; ESSENTIAL OILS; PERFUMES
    • C11B1/00—Production of fats or fatty oils from raw materials
    • C11B1/02—Pretreatment
    • C11B1/04—Pretreatment of vegetable raw material
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11B—PRODUCING, e.g. BY PRESSING RAW MATERIALS OR BY EXTRACTION FROM WASTE MATERIALS, REFINING OR PRESERVING FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES, e.g. LANOLIN, FATTY OILS OR WAXES; ESSENTIAL OILS; PERFUMES
    • C11B1/00—Production of fats or fatty oils from raw materials
    • C11B1/06—Production of fats or fatty oils from raw materials by pressing
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11B—PRODUCING, e.g. BY PRESSING RAW MATERIALS OR BY EXTRACTION FROM WASTE MATERIALS, REFINING OR PRESERVING FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES, e.g. LANOLIN, FATTY OILS OR WAXES; ESSENTIAL OILS; PERFUMES
    • C11B3/00—Refining fats or fatty oils
    • C11B3/16—Refining fats or fatty oils by mechanical means
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
    • C11B—PRODUCING, e.g. BY PRESSING RAW MATERIALS OR BY EXTRACTION FROM WASTE MATERIALS, REFINING OR PRESERVING FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES, e.g. LANOLIN, FATTY OILS OR WAXES; ESSENTIAL OILS; PERFUMES
    • C11B7/00—Separation of mixtures of fats or fatty oils into their constituents, e.g. saturated oils from unsaturated oils
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
    • G01F1/52—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring the height of the fluid level due to the lifting power of the fluid flow
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G17/00—Apparatus for or methods of weighing material of special form or property
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G17/00—Apparatus for or methods of weighing material of special form or property
    • G01G17/04—Apparatus for or methods of weighing material of special form or property for weighing fluids, e.g. gases, pastes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/26—Oils; Viscous liquids; Paints; Inks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/26—Oils; Viscous liquids; Paints; Inks
    • G01N33/28—Oils, i.e. hydrocarbon liquids

Definitions

  • This disclosure is related to the characterization and monitoring processes of the raw material used in the industrial extraction of palm oil. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for calculating the industrial oil potential of oil palm fruit.
  • the benefit of the oil palm fruit is a physical process to obtain oil, almond and by-products.
  • this process begins with the preparation of the fruit, which includes a sterilization stage and a stage of unfruitfulness of the fruit clusters, in which some cobs are separated from the fruit that will be used for oil extraction.
  • the extraction of the oil is carried out, which usually includes a digestion stage that has the purpose of macerating the fruits, and a pressing stage of the product obtained to recover the oil. From the pressing stage, a press liquor is obtained which is subsequently clarified and dried to reduce the moisture present in crude palm oil (APC).
  • API crude palm oil
  • the efficiency in obtaining the oil from this process is affected by various factors, among which the quality of the fruit used as raw material is one of the most determining factors.
  • one of the main mechanisms for the optimization of the palm industry processes is the characterization of the fresh fruit bunches (RFF), mainly referring to the determination of their oil content.
  • This disclosure is related to methods and apparatus for determining the industrial potential of oil from measurements of properties of a press liquor that can be obtained in a beneficiation plant and relating these measurements to data recorded from the material receipt hopper. raw until the pressing of the oil palm fruits.
  • the present disclosure describes embodiments of a method for determining an oil industrial potential (PIA) of oil palm fruit bunches from a press liquor (LP).
  • PPA oil industrial potential
  • the method includes a step a) of settling the press liquor (LP) in a weir device configured to generate a separation of a solid phase and an oil phase from the press liquor (LP), and a step b) of obtaining a height data of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor located near a slot of the weir device, where the slot is configured to allow the discharge of press liquor (LP) towards an outlet of the weir device.
  • a ridge is formed, which has a height that allows the flow of press liquor (LP) to be determined.
  • the method includes a step c) of obtaining a press liquor (LP) temperature data by means of a temperature sensor located near the slot; and a step d) of obtaining an oil concentration data from the press liquor (LP) that is supplied to the weir device. Also, the method of this embodiment includes a step e) of calculating by means of a computing unit the industrial oil potential (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration of steps b, c and d.
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • the computing unit can be configured to run a mathematical model that allows calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration.
  • the computing unit can be configured to calculate thermodynamic variables such as densities, flow rates, mass flows, heat capacities, enthalpies, entropy, and other variables known to a person of moderate skill in the field that can be calculated indirectly based on data from temperature, height and oil concentration.
  • the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by centrifugation and volumetric determination of the phases contained in the press liquor (LP).
  • a sample of the press liquor (LP) can be taken and analyzed in a laboratory.
  • the press liquor (LP) sample can be analyzed with oil extraction techniques through a solvent, for example, with hexane.
  • the method corresponds to semi-automated modalities, since they require the sampling of press liquor (LP), and its remote analysis in the laboratory, which usually requires the intervention of operators and laboratory workers.
  • the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by a near infrared spectroscopy (NIR, for its acronym in English).
  • NIR near infrared
  • the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique allows to continuously determine oil concentration data, for example, it can obtain oil concentration data in periods of less than one second, or even in milliseconds.
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • the method corresponds to automated modalities that allow the determination of industrial oil potential (PIA) results in real time.
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique can employ a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet of the weir device.
  • NIR near infrared
  • LP press liquor
  • a step Al) of obtaining a residence time data of a batch of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) of oil palm and its sterilized fruits of a specific evaluated batch can be included, between a fresh fruit bunches reception stage (RFF) and a pressing stage in which the press liquor (LP) is obtained.
  • the residence times will depend on the type of beneficiation plant and / or extraction process that is implemented. For example, there are processing plants in which there are batch conveyors of raw material, such as wagons, buckets, or other containers that supply the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) of oil palm in discrete quantities. Also, there are processing plants that include batch-operated sterilizers, such as autoclaves, or pressure cylinders configured to provide steam sterilization to a discrete amount of fresh fruit bunches (RFF).
  • the method can obtain a residence time data that is taken into account in stage e) to calculate the industrial oil potential (PIA) associated with the batch of fresh fruit bunches (FPP) of oil palm from of the temperature, level and oil concentration data of stages b, c and d, and the residence time data of stage Al).
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • FPP fresh fruit bunches
  • the computing unit can fractionate a function of the industrial oil potential (PIA) over time, so that the fractionation allows identifying the industrial potential of oil (PIA) of each batch that is processed from fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) associated with a palm crop from a specific supplier.
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • the method allows classifying batches of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) according to their industrial oil potential (PIA), where the batches with higher values of industrial oil potential (PIA) have a higher quality than the lots with lower values.
  • these embodiments of the method make it possible to classify batches of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) according to their industrial oil potential (PIA), which may influence the purchase strategy of fresh bunches of palm fruit.
  • PPA industrial oil potential
  • the height data of the press liquor (LP) can be obtained in the weir device by means of a radar-type level sensor.
  • This type of level sensor allows continuous level measurements to be taken without suffering abrasion effects or noise generated by the viscosity, composition and turbidity of the press liquor (LP).
  • some of the methods disclosed herein make it possible to determine the industrial potential of oil (PIA) from a press liquor (LP).
  • the process that the oil palm fresh fruit bunches (RFF) go through involves stages such as receiving the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) in a reception area, which may be provided with transport and / or storage mechanisms.
  • transport mechanisms eg conveyors, vibratory conveyors, such as Grizzly type, chain conveyors, bucket conveyors, channels, ducts, chutes, wagons, railcars, and containers configured to be moved by rails or guides, and other transport mechanisms known to a person of moderate skill in the matter).
  • transport mechanisms eg conveyors, vibratory conveyors, such as Grizzly type, chain conveyors, bucket conveyors, channels, ducts, chutes, wagons, railcars, and containers configured to be moved by rails or guides, and other transport mechanisms known to a person of moderate skill in the matter).
  • fresh bunches of oil palm fruit go through a sterilization process, which can be done by batches of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF), in sterilizers such as autoclaves, or configured pressure cylinders. to receive a steam or hot gas that allows to heat and / or pressurize with the fresh bunches of fruit (RFF) of oil palm.
  • the sterilization stage can be done in sterilizers that operate continuously, for example, tunnel-type sterilizers. The sterilization stage is after the reception of the fresh bunches of fruit (RFF) of oil palm.
  • the fresh clusters of fruit (RFF) of oil palm already sterilized go to a stage of enjoying the fresh clusters of fruit (RFF) of oil palm and obtaining kernels and fruits of oil palm.
  • This stage is generally done with mechanical means, for example, with a trommel or drum configured to drop the fresh bunches of fruit (RFF) of oil palm, so that when hitting the oil palm fruits are detached from the pods .
  • this stage can be done with any other machine or device that allows separating the oil palm fruits from the cobs.
  • a stage of digesting the oil palm fruits is passed in an apparatus configured to apply a thermomechanical treatment to the oil palm fruits, with heating rates and operating pressures, and stirring and beating conditions that allow marinate the oil palm fruit. Furthermore, this stage allows the oil palm fruits to be prepared for a pressing stage. In the next stage, the oil palm fruits are pressed in order to obtain a press liquor (LP), and a solid phase that includes biomass and nuts that contain palm kernel oil inside.
  • LP press liquor
  • This stage can be carried out with mechanical elements such as single-thyme presses or double-thyme presses.
  • other presses known to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used that allow the press liquor (LP) to be extracted without breaking the nuts, so that palm kernel oil is not mixed in the press liquor (LP).
  • the present disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus for determining the industrial potential of oil (PIA) of bunches of oil palm fruit from a press liquor (LP) (hereinafter, apparatus).
  • PPA industrial potential of oil
  • LP press liquor
  • the apparatus includes a weir device with an inlet configured to enter the press liquor (LP) and an outlet configured to remove the press liquor (LP). Furthermore, the weir device of the apparatus includes a dividing element arranged between the inlet and outlet; and a slot located in the dividing element and configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards the outlet.
  • the apparatus includes a temperature sensor located near the slot and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) temperature data; a level sensor located near the slot and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) height data; and a computer unit configured to calculate by means of the industrial potential of oil (PIA) from an oil concentration data and temperature and height data.
  • LP press liquor
  • LP press liquor
  • LP press liquor
  • this embodiment of the apparatus makes it possible to obtain data on temperature, press liquor height (LP) and oil concentration in the press liquor (LP), and based on these data, the computing unit calculates the oil industrial potential (PIA).
  • the weir device may include a first wall located near the entrance; a second wall located near the exit; and a first panel arranged between the first wall and the partition element.
  • the first panel and the first wall define a first cavity configured to reduce turbulence from the press liquor (LP) entering through the inlet.
  • the first panel and the dividing element define a second cavity communicating with the first cavity.
  • the second cavity is configured to generate a precipitation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) contained in the press liquor (LP).
  • the weir device may further include a second panel arranged between the first panel and the partition element, where the second panel and the partition panel define a third cavity configured to generate an upward flow of press liquor (LP) towards the slot.
  • LP press liquor
  • the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) is reduced and it is possible to have a homogeneous flow in this section of the weir device, with which, more precise measurements can be achieved with the level sensor than in the case of there is turbulent flow and swell in the vicinity of the groove.
  • the weir device may include a gate configured to sample Press Liquor (LP) before it enters the weir device. In this way, it is guaranteed that the Press Liquor (LP) sample
  • the weir device may further include a third panel disposed between the second wall and the partition element, where the third panel is configured to reduce turbulence of the press liquor (LP) flowing into the exit.
  • LP press liquor
  • the apparatus may include a dilution inlet arranged between the outlet of the weir device and the partition, where the dilution inlet is configured to supply dilution water to the press liquor (LP).
  • a dilution inlet arranged between the outlet of the weir device and the partition, where the dilution inlet is configured to supply dilution water to the press liquor (LP).
  • the apparatus may further include a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet of the weir device, where the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer It is configured to obtain the oil concentration data.
  • NIR near infrared
  • One of the technical advantages of the embodiments that include the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer, is that it allows to continuously determine oil concentration data, for example, it can obtain oil concentration data in periods less than one second, or even, in milliseconds. The above allows to have a greater amount of oil concentration data, which allows to have more results of industrial oil potential (PIA).
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer may include a processor configured to run near infrared radiation (NIR) analysis techniques, which can be calibrated to determine the presence and concentration of various phases within the press liquor, for example oil , water, and insoluble solids.
  • NIR near infrared radiation
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer can be connected to a processor configured to determine the oil concentration data from signal processing with a near infrared radiation (NIR) analysis technique and transmit the oil concentration data. oil to the metering unit (33).
  • NIR near infrared
  • the level sensor is a radar-type level sensor. This type of level sensor allows continuous level measurements to be taken without suffering abrasion effects or noise generated by the viscosity, composition and turbidity of the press liquor (LP).
  • LP press liquor
  • the apparatus may include an extraction conduit arranged in the bottom of the weir device and an extraction mechanism configured to extract sediments formed by the solid phase of the press liquor (LP).
  • the apparatus can evacuate solid phase sediments that accumulate at the bottom of the weir device, which can generate an erroneous reading of the height of the press liquor (LP), which would generate erroneous height data that affects the determination of the industrial potential of oil (PIA).
  • the extraction conduit may include a branch of conduits disposed at the bottom of the weir device.
  • the extraction conduit has a branch of conduits that provide multiple entry points for the sediments, which facilitates their extraction in a homogeneous way.
  • the duct branching is of the herringbone type.
  • the extraction mechanism includes a pump configured to drive sludge and sediment, for example, a diaphragm pump.
  • the extraction mechanism can include pumps selected from thyme pumps, progressive cavity pumps, lobe pumps, Eddy type pumps, cam pumps, reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps, triplex pumps, diaphragm pump, double diaphragm pump, or other equivalent pumps known to a person skilled in the art.
  • the slot has a shape selected from rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semicircular, and semi-ellipsoidal.
  • the slot can be rectangular or triangular.
  • a rectangular slot can be used.
  • the apparatus may include a plurality of temperature sensors arranged near the slot and vertically spaced from each other.
  • the plurality of sensors can take temperature measurements at multiple points on the weir device.
  • the temperature sensors can be configured to obtain a plurality of temperature data that is transmitted to the computing unit.
  • the computing unit may further be configured to obtain data on thermal conductivity, temperature gradients and temperature differentials, and other thermodynamic properties based on the temperature signals.
  • the temperature sensor may be selected from the group that includes thermocouples, two-, three-, or four-wire class PT100 thermocouples, thermistors, resistors, sensors. bimetallic, inductive sensors, resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, infrared sensors, thermocouple sensors, other sensors known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or combinations thereof.
  • the computing unit can interpret the temperature data from the plurality of sensors to determine when the sediment level has exceeded a predetermined height, which coincides with the location of the temperature sensors that measure the same temperature, or where the temperature gradient is negligible.
  • the computing unit can generate a trigger data that is sent to a controller configured to activate the extraction mechanism in order to extract sediment.
  • the apparatus can include a first module that has a user interaction device, such as a Tablet, terminals with command devices such as keyboards, pointers, pointers, or touch screens.
  • the user interaction device may be configured for an operator to enter fresh oil palm fruit (RFF) input data.
  • the first module may include a communications unit configured to transmit the fresh oil palm fruit (RFF) input data to the computing unit.
  • the apparatus may also include a controller connected to one or more temperature sensors, the level sensor, or to other sensors that are provided in the apparatus.
  • the controller in turn connects to the computing unit.
  • controllers are microcontrollers (eg arduino®, Raspberry pi®), micro processors, DSCs (Digital Signal Controller for its acronym in English), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array for its acronym in English), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Device for its acronym in English), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit for its acronym in English), SoCs (System on Chip), PSoCs (Programmable System on Chip for its acronym in English), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs, or programmable logic controller for its acronym in English), computers, servers, tablets, cell phones, smart phones, signal generators
  • the weir device includes a rectangular-shaped container, which forms the body of the weir, at least one internal partition plate or dance positioned perpendic
  • the apparatus includes a system for monitoring in real time the industrial oil potential (PIA) and other operating parameters of the palm oil extraction process in a processing plant that includes a collection module.
  • fruit input data weight and time
  • a measurement module comprising means for determining the temperature, means for determining the level of the press liquor (LP) and optionally, means for analyzing its composition.
  • the example system includes a parameter monitoring module, system control and communication between the measuring instruments and a control center, a control center and optionally, one or more remote monitoring modules.
  • the measurement module is an open channel device, for example a weir device with that of any of the previously described embodiments.
  • the methods described herein may include a process for remote monitoring of the parameters of the palm oil extraction process in beneficiation plants, wherein said process comprises all the operations performed by the previously described monitoring system.
  • the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be related to digital applications or computer programs, wherein said applications or programs comprise software codes configured to perform the monitoring and control steps of the process described above when they are executed by means of automated systems or man-machine display units, as well as the recording and analysis of information stored in databases managed by software present in the control center.
  • the methods disclosed herein can be related to the implementation of methodologies for determining the industrial oil potential (PIA) in real time in a processing plant, where said implementation requires a series of planning and conditioning stages, for example, collect the information regarding the process conditions and the physical specifications of the plant, and carry out a study of times and movements of the extraction process in the beneficiation plant.
  • the implementation may have stages in which, based on the information collected, one proceeds to design, manufacture and install a landfill device of an apparatus according to any of the previously described embodiments.
  • the implementation may include selecting the appropriate monitoring and control instrumentation for the measurement of press liquor (LP) parameters and associated process conditions, calibrating the weir device along with its sensors and other instrumentation, and designing, program and install the computer tools necessary for the operation of the remote monitoring and control system previously described.
  • LP press liquor
  • FIG. 1 shows a process flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for oil palm fruit processing.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an open channel type weir device (36) with rectangular weir.
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. two.
  • FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. two.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of the weir device (36).
  • FIG. 6A shows a diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus monitoring system disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 6B shows a diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus monitoring system disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 7 presents the results of the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) by the method of the invention and its comparison with the value calculated by the conventional methods.
  • FIG. 8 presents the results of the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) by the method of the invention for different suppliers.
  • FIG. 9 presents the comparative results of the methodologies of the invention that use two alternative tools for the analysis of press liquor (LP).
  • FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of an algorithm that is executed by one mode of the computing unit of the apparatus disclosed herein.
  • MPIA Industrial Oil Potential Measurement
  • PIA Oil Industrial Potential Indicator
  • TEA Oil Extraction Rate indicator
  • E APC stands for Crude Palm Oil Extraction module.
  • APC stands for Crude Palm Oil.
  • RFF Fresh Fruit Clusters (not sterilized).
  • RFFe sterilized Fresh Fruit Bunches.
  • LP press liquor (undiluted).
  • LPD means dilute press liquor
  • NIR Near Infrared Spectroscopy
  • PLC Programmable Fogic Controller
  • HMI Human-Machine Interface
  • RTD Resistance temperature detector.
  • Sterilize or “Sterilize” refers to a stage of processing the fruit of the oil palm.
  • the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) are loaded into trolleys or transported by another system to the sterilization area, where they are subjected to pressure and temperature conditions that allow stopping the action of the lipase enzyme and avoiding the progress of the oil acidification process.
  • the sterilization process contributes to the dehydration of a nut contained within the oil palm fruit, in order to facilitate its breaking and separation in later stages of the process, finally, sterilization contributes to weaken the union between the bunch and the fruit in order to favor its subsequent separation.
  • this step involves treatment with saturated steam, which is generally performed in a sterilizer capable of injecting and dispensing steam at a pressure of 241-344 kPa (35-50 psi) for 75-95 minutes.
  • a sterilizer capable of injecting and dispensing steam at a pressure of 241-344 kPa (35-50 psi) for 75-95 minutes.
  • other methodologies employed for sterilization for example, those utilizing continuously operating sterilizers, are within the scope of the method of the invention.
  • Desfrutar or Desfrutado refers to a stage in the processing of the oil palm fruit where the sterilized bunches (RFFe) are mechanically treated so that the fruit is released from the rachis or cob, to through the application of centrifugal force by the rotary movement of a drum with grooves, through which the fruit passes, but the empty cob leaves the end of the drum.
  • this process is carried out in a rotating drum, commonly called a stripper.
  • a stripper commonly called a rotating drum
  • Digest or Digestion refers to a stage in the processing of the oil palm fruit where the fruits, free from the rachis or cob, are treated to achieve the maceration of the fruit and the initial release of the oil prior to pressing the fruit.
  • this stage is carried out in a digester in which the fruit is treated with steam at a temperature of approximately 80-100 ° C.
  • the fruit is macerated through the use of mechanisms such as rotating paddles, lateral brakes to retain the fruit mass, upper feeding gates and dosage. towards the press, coil or steam injection.
  • the present invention is not intended to be limited to said methodology, but rather encompasses all the alternatives known in the state of the art for this stage of the process.
  • Pressing or Pressing refers to a stage of oil palm fruit processing during which the digested fruits are treated by applying pressure to separate the liquid fraction from the solid by-products present, made up mainly of fibers and nuts.
  • the pressing process involves the passage of the digested fruit through continuous endless thyme-type presses, which are contained within a perforated cover or jacket, which allows the passage only of the press liquor (LP) .
  • LP press liquor
  • cones which exert axial action on the solid phase or press cake, in order to regulate the loss of oil impregnated in the fiber and the breakage of nuts.
  • water at a temperature between 80-90 ° C is added directly to the press, or to equipment subsequent to this section (in sieving or in auxiliary tanks prior to the clarification area), with in order to reduce the viscosity of the fluid and to contribute to the process of separating the oil phase from the other layers present in said liquor (sludge and sediment).
  • sludge and sediment the press liquor
  • press liquor refers to the product obtained in the pressing stage, and consists of a mixture whose rheology describes it as a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic product, composed of water, oil, light sludge (pectins and gums) and heavy sludge (earth, sand and other impurities).
  • Clarify or Clarify refers to the oil palm fruit processing step where the palm oil contained in the previously diluted and sieved press liquor (LP) is separated. This process is carried out by decantation (static clarification) or by forced centrifugation at high speed and separation by phase density (dynamic clarification).
  • the method comprises a step a) of sedimenting the press liquor (LP ) in a weir device (36) configured to generate a separation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) from the press liquor (LP).
  • this embodiment of the method includes a step b) of obtaining a height data of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor (21) located near a slot (34) of the weir device (36), where the Slot (34) is configured to allow press liquor (LP) to pour into an outlet (25) of the weir device (36).
  • this embodiment of the method has a step c) of obtaining a press liquor (LP) temperature data by means of a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34), and a step d) of obtaining a data oil concentration of the press liquor (LP) that is supplied to the weir device (36). Furthermore, the method of this embodiment includes a step e) of calculating by means of a computing unit (33) the industrial oil potential (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration of steps b, c and d .
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • One of the advantages of this embodiment of the method is that it allows obtaining data on the industrial potential of oil (PIA) over time, with which a function of the industrial potential of oil (PIA) with respect to the processing time can be obtained . This is important in industrial processes where there is uncertainty in the industrial potential of oil (PIA) that can be obtained in one day of processing.
  • RLL fresh bunches of oil palm fruit
  • RLL fresh bunches of oil palm fruit
  • samples can be selected by casting a net, and taking fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) that fall from the net.
  • REF fresh bunches of oil palm fruit
  • the net does not exceed 2 square meters, so the sample regularly includes less than ten fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF).
  • oil palm fruit samples are taken from each fresh bunch of oil palm fruit (RFF), which may vary in quality even within the same fresh bunch of oil palm fruit (RFF).
  • the samples of palm oil fruits are analyzed in the laboratory, for example, through techniques that include oil extraction with solvents, centrifugation, dilution, and other techniques known by a person moderately versed in the matter that allow to determine the industrial oil potential (PIA) in the selected sample.
  • PPA industrial oil potential
  • the method disclosed here allows characterizing and qualifying fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) according to the industrial oil potential (PIA) calculated from the physicochemical properties of the press liquor (UP), such as they are its temperature, flow rate and oil concentration.
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • the weir device (36) can be designed.
  • embodiments of the weir device (36) can be used in which cavities configured so that the Press Liquor (LP) flows upward through a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the conduit through which it enters the weir device (36). In this way, the velocity is reduced to a point below the limit fluidization velocity of the solid phase (S), thereby producing sedimentation of the solid phase (S).
  • the upward flow can be repeated in several sections of the weir device (36), until a separation of the solid phase (S) and the liquid phase containing the oil is achieved.
  • stage a After stage a), it passes to stage b) of obtaining a data of height of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor (21) located near a slot (34) of the weir device (36) , where the slot (34) is configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards an outlet (25) of the weir device (36).
  • the height data of the Press Liquor (LP) corresponds to the peak level, or the level that the Press Liquor (LP) has before passing through the slot (34).
  • the height data of the Press Liquor (LP) can be obtained by means of a radar-type level sensor (21).
  • the Press Liquor (LP) temperature data can be obtained by means of a first temperature sensor (18) arranged near the slot (34).
  • the computing unit (33) may be configured to determine the industrial oil potential (PIA) from a mathematical model.
  • PPA industrial oil potential
  • PIA industrial oil potential
  • RFF mass of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF)
  • the oil mass can be determined from its mass flow f ac according to the expression:
  • the mass flow of oil (f ac ) can be calculated from the flow rate of the Press Liquor (LP) (QLP ( ⁇ )), the concentration of oil contained in the Press Liquor (LP) ( x voi ac ( . t)) and I a density of the oil (p ac ( ⁇ )). as shown in the following expression:
  • the industrial oil potential (PIA) can be calculated between a first time (ti) and a second time (t2) according to the following expression:
  • the flow rate of Press Liquor (LP) Q LP (t) can be determined by means of the weir device (36), from the height of the Press Liquor (LP) in the slot (34), or also called load or peak level, and using the following expression:
  • C d Coefficient of discharge. This value is obtained experimentally and depends both on the properties of the fluid and on the design parameters of the weir device (36).
  • b Groove width (34)
  • h Load or peak level.
  • K 0 K q * h 3/2
  • the computing unit (33) can be configured with other mathematical and statistical models, or can be programmed with artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques (machine leaming, in English), such as linear classification algorithms (eg. logistic regression, Naive Bayes classification, Fisher's linear discriminant), vector support machines, least squares vector support machines, quadratic classification algorithms, kernel estimation (kemel), kth neighborhood, decision trees , random forests, neural networks (eg supervised, back-propagating, forward-propagating), learning vector quantization, and other machine learning techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
  • linear classification algorithms eg. logistic regression, Naive Bayes classification, Fisher's linear discriminant
  • vector support machines e.g. logistic regression, Naive Bayes classification, Fisher's linear discriminant
  • least squares vector support machines e.g., quadratic classification algorithms
  • kernel estimation (kemel) e.g., kernel estimation (kemel), kth neighborhood, decision trees , random forests, neural networks (eg supervised, back-propagating,
  • the method disclosed here in its step d) requires obtaining data on the oil concentration of the press liquor (LP) that is supplied to the landfill device (36) in order to determine the industrial potential of oil (PIA) in step e).
  • Press liquor (LP) oil concentration data can be obtained in various ways. One of them is semi-automated, since it requires taking a sample of Press Liquor (LP) and analyze it with laboratory techniques, which are usually done in batches of Press Liquor (LP) samples and do not allow obtaining a continuous function of oil concentration over time.
  • the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) is obtained by centrifugation and volumetric determination of the phases contained in the press liquor (LP).
  • oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by means of an oil extraction technique through a solvent, or with other laboratory analysis techniques that allow determining the oil concentration data in the press liquor. (LP) known by a person moderately versed in the matter.
  • oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained in times less than 5 min, for example, every 2 min, 3 min, 4 min or 5 min.
  • the speed of obtaining the data will depend on the operating conditions of the beneficiation plant where the method is executed, and on aspects such as the distance between the spillway device (36), or the point where the liquor sample is taken. press office (LP) and the laboratory where said sample is analyzed.
  • the oil concentration values in the press liquor (LP) are entered into a terminal or computer, either in an automated manner, or manually.
  • This terminal or computer is configured to transmit the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) and send it to the computing unit (33).
  • the terminal or computer could be configured to access a database in which the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) obtained during a determined time are stored.
  • the database can be located in a physical memory connected to the terminal or computer, or it can be managed by remote servers, or it can be a cloud-type database.
  • the method disclosed here can have embodiments where oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) are obtained in real time, or in short periods of time, for example, less than a minute, less than a second. , or even in milliseconds.
  • LP press liquor
  • the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by a near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique.
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique can employ a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet (17) of the weir device. (36).
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) allows to measure the composition of the press liquor online, and therefore, it can obtain the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) online.
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be located in a conduit or pipe that is located before performing a dilution step.
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be connected to another conduit or pipe arranged after the dilution has taken place.
  • the near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) is located after the dilution, it is necessary to measure the flow rate of dilution water that is mixed with the Press Liquor ( LP).
  • these can be transmitted from the first temperature sensor (18) and the level sensor (21) directly to the computer unit (33), in the event that the first sensor temperature sensor (18) and the level sensor (21) have processors configured to directly generate temperature and level data, or are connected to a controller (32) configured to transform signals generated from the measurements of the first temperature sensor. temperature (18) and the level sensor (21) into data that is transmitted to the computing unit (33).
  • the temperature and level data could be identified and tabulated by an operator, who then supplies them manually or transmits them through another electronic device to the computer unit (33).
  • the method may also include a stage Al) prior to stage a).
  • stage Al a data on the residence time of a batch of fresh fruit bunches (RFL) of oil palm is obtained, where the residence time includes the time between a stage of receiving fresh fruit clusters (RFF) (1) and a stage of pressing oil palm fruits (5) in which the press liquor (LP) is obtained.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of how residence time can be determined by analyzing the times and movements involved in a beneficiation plant where the following stages are carried out:
  • the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) are weighed, dosed in reception hoppers, and arranged in carts marked with according to the provider and processing start time.
  • the data collected at this stage - weight, time and supplier - is stored for further processing, as described below.
  • the stage of sterilizing the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) (2) where the fresh oil palm fruit bunches (RFF) are subjected to specific conditions of pressure and temperature, in order to stop the action of the lipase enzyme and prevent the advance of the oil acidification process.
  • this stage involves treating fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) with steam, which is generally done in a sterilizer capable of injecting and distributing the steam at a pressure between 241 and 344 kPa (35 -50 psi) for 75 minutes and 95 minutes.
  • REF fresh bunches of oil palm fruit
  • the step of sterilizing the fresh fruit clusters (RFF) (2) can be carried out at other intervals of temperature, pressure and time that are known to a person of moderate skill in the matter.
  • the step of enjoying oil palm fruits (3) can be carried out by a rotating drum or trommel like the one illustrated, in which the fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) Once sterilized, they are lifted into the drum and dropped so that the oil palm fruits are detached from the cobs.
  • RVF oil palm fruit
  • the oil palm fruits are transported from the exit of the oil palm fruit harvesting stage (3) by means of a solids transport mechanism, which in the present example is a bucket elevator.
  • the bucket elevator places the oil palm fruits in a digester, in which the stage of digesting the oil palm fruits is carried out (4).
  • the digester in this example has rotating elements inside that allow the oil palm fruits to be macerated.
  • the oil palm fruit is treated with steam at a temperature of between 80 ° C and 100 ° C.
  • the stage of digesting the oil palm fruits (4) can be carried out in any other device that has elements such as rotating blades, lateral brakes to retain the fruit mass, upper feed gates and dosing towards the press. , coil or steam injection, and other equivalent elements known to a person moderately versed in the matter that contribute to marinate the oil palm fruits without breaking the nut contained in them.
  • a stage of analysis of the press liquor (LP) (6) or to analyze the press liquor (6) and a stage of calculation of the industrial oil potential (PIA) (7) or to calculate the industrial potential of oil (PIA) (7) which can be executed from the stages of the modalities of the method disclosed here.
  • the flow rate and the density of the press liquor (LP) can be determined, by means of a weir device (36), which in the example depicted in FIG. 1 is a weir-type open channel device, and making use of industrial analytical instrumentation.
  • this stage includes the analysis of the composition of the Press Liquor (LP), which can be carried out before, during or immediately after the discharge of the Press Liquor (LP) to the open channel device, taking into account that at this point you have a minor probability of mixing the press liquor (LP) associated with fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) from different sources or suppliers.
  • LP Press Liquor
  • the analysis of the composition of the Press Liquor (LP) can be carried out by means of a manual periodic sampling of the Press Liquor (LP), to then measure the volume of the phases present (oil, water, light sludge and heavy sludge) in each of the collected samples.
  • volumetric analysis can be done by centrifugation of Press Liquor (LP) samples collected in graduated plastic test tubes.
  • the value of the daily oil extraction rate (TEA) of the beneficiation plant can be determined, in this modality the sample collection period is between approximately 15 minutes and approximately 120 minutes. Also, the collection period can be approximately 15 minutes. Also, the collection period can be approximately 60 minutes or longer.
  • TAA daily oil extraction rate
  • the rate of oil extraction is calculated from the industrial potential oil (PIA), considering a percentage of oil leakage in effluent (% Ac. Forgiveness and luentes f) and a percentage of oil recovered from a stage of pressing the beans (% Ac. recusas ), according to the following expression:
  • TEA PIA% A c. p6vd e ⁇ i uen ⁇ is I-% Ac. ⁇ 6C ⁇ you use Now, it will be understood that as the oil extraction rate (TEA) depends on the industrial oil potential (PIA), the oil extraction rate (TEA) can be obtained with the same frequency as the industrial potential of oil (PIA), if possible to determine the values of percentage of oil leakage in effluent (% Ac. forgiveness and luentes f) and the percentage of oil recovered from a pressing stage cobs (% Ac. tusas rec), in the same frequency, or if mathematical interpolation models are used to obtain the values required by the equation. In one embodiment of the method, centrifugation of the collected samples is carried out at approximately 3000-4000 RPM for approximately 3 to 10 minutes. In one example of the method, the temperature of the samples is maintained between about 60 and about 90 ° C during their analysis.
  • the analysis of the LP composition is carried out in an automated manner using a near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) with a high resolution diode matrix (NIR-VIS).
  • NIR near infrared spectrometer
  • NIR-VIS high resolution diode matrix
  • the equipment provides data on the percentage of water and oil in the Press Liquor (LP) in predetermined periods.
  • the sampling period of the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be between about 1 second and about 10 seconds. Also, the sampling period of the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be the period is about 4 seconds.
  • the data collected in this stage (6), temperature, density, time, flow rate and composition of the Press Liquor (LP), can be stored in a database or memory to which the computing unit (33) has access.
  • the present disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus for determining the industrial potential of oil (PIA) of oil palm fruit bunches from a press liquor (LP), hereinafter apparatus.
  • PPA industrial potential of oil
  • LP press liquor
  • the apparatus includes a weir device (36) with an inlet (17) configured to enter the press liquor (LP); an outlet (25) configured to withdraw the press liquor (LP); and a dividing element (15) arranged between the inlet (17) and the outlet (25). Furthermore, the apparatus has a slot (34) located in the dividing element (15) and configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards the outlet (25).
  • the apparatus includes a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) temperature data; a level sensor (21) located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) height data; and a computing unit (33) configured to calculate by means of the industrial oil potential (PIA) from oil concentration data and temperature and height data.
  • a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) temperature data located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) height data
  • a computing unit (33) configured to calculate by means of the industrial oil potential (PIA) from oil concentration data and temperature and height data.
  • the weir device (36) allows to obtain press liquor (LP) flow values based on height measurements of the press liquor (LP ) near the slot (34).
  • flow meters and other instruments configured to determine directly or indirectly the flow rate of the Press Liquor (LP), and determine flow data of the Press Liquor (LP) that can be processed along with data from temperature and oil concentration data of the Press Liquor (LP) in the computer unit (33) in order to calculate the industrial oil potential (PIA).
  • the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus includes a weir device (36) with a first wall (37) located near the inlet (17); a second wall (38) located near the outlet (25) and a first panel (13) arranged between the first wall (37) and the partition element (15).
  • the first panel (13) and the first wall (37) define a first cavity (8) configured to reduce the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) entering through the inlet (17). Furthermore, the first panel (13) and the dividing element (15) define a second cavity (9) communicated with the first cavity (8); where the second cavity (9) is configured to generate a precipitation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) (illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) contained in the press liquor (LP).
  • S solid phase
  • Ac oil phase
  • the Press Liquor (LP) enters the weir device (36) through the inlet (17) towards the first cavity (8).
  • the Press Liquor (LP) undergoes a speed reduction when the cross section of the element that confines it changes abruptly, for example, the pipe that is illustrated in FIG. 2 serving as input (17).
  • the change in area generates a change in speed that allows the solid phase (S) shown in FIGs to begin to settle. 3 and 4.
  • the weir device (36) may have a second panel (14) configured to form with the dividing element (15) a third cavity (10), which is configured to achieve a level of Press Liquor (LP ) as horizontal and as little turbulent as possible. Then, the Press Liquor (LP) passes through the slot (34) into a fourth cavity (11) defined by a fourth panel (16) and the dividing element (15). In this case, a pouring ridge is formed in the groove (34) which projects towards the fourth cavity (11).
  • the height of the Press Liquor (LP) is measured with the level sensor (21), in order to obtain the peak level height data, or Press Liquor level ( LP) that takes into account the computer unit (33) to calculate the industrial potential of oil (PIA).
  • the Press Liquor (LP) can pass to a fifth cavity (12) formed by the fourth panel (16) and the second wall (38).
  • the third panel (16) is configured to reduce the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) flowing towards the outlet (25).
  • the weir device (36) may include a dilution inlet (22) arranged between the outlet (25) and the divider (15) and configured to supply dilution water to the press liquor (LP).
  • the dilution inlet (22) corresponds to a conduit through which water flows, or steam condensates taken from other stages of the beneficiation plant process where the device is installed, such as boiler traps, sterilization condensates, among others.
  • FIG. 2 represents one of the modalities of the apparatus has a near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet (17) of the weir device (36), where the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) is configured to obtain the oil concentration data.
  • NIR near infrared spectrometer
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) is connected to a processor (not illustrated) configured to determine oil concentration data from signal processing with a near infrared radiation (NIR) analysis technique. and transmitting the oil concentration data to the computing unit (33).
  • a processor not illustrated
  • NIR near infrared radiation
  • a radar-type level sensor (21) is illustrated.
  • This level sensor (21) allows taking reliable measurements of the level of Press Liquor (LP) near the slot (34), since generally this type of sensors have an electronic infrastructure capable of filtering noise generated by vapors, passage of insects, sampling of Press Liquor (LP), and other interruptions or intrusions that generate false measurements in other level sensors (21), such as optical, or those operated by laser, or sonar.
  • FIG. 2 shows that the apparatus may include an extraction duct
  • FIG. 2 shows that it is possible to have several extraction conduits (23) coupled to the same extraction mechanism (24). Additionally, in FIG. two An example of extraction duct (3) is shown in which there is a branch of ducts (39) arranged at the bottom of the weir device (36).
  • the apparatus can evacuate solid phase sediments (S) that accumulate at the bottom of the weir device (36) which can generate an erroneous reading of the height of the press liquor (LP) by the level sensor (21), which would generate erroneous height data that affects the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA).
  • FIG. 4 graphically shows how when the extraction mechanism (24) is activated, the solid phase sediments (S) exit through the extraction conduit (23).
  • the extraction conduit (23) includes a branch of conduits (39).
  • the branching of ducts (39) provides multiple entry points for the sediments, which facilitates their homogeneous extraction.
  • the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3 show that the duct branch (39) is of the herringbone type.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the extraction mechanism (24) that includes a diaphragm pump, and hydraulic accessories such as shut-off valves and pipe connections.
  • a diaphragm pump and hydraulic accessories such as shut-off valves and pipe connections.
  • other pumps selected among thyme pumps, progressive cavity pumps, lobe pumps, Eddy type pumps, cam pumps, reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps, triplex pumps, diaphragm pump, double diaphragm pump can be used. , or other equivalent pumps known to a person skilled in the art.
  • the apparatus may include a plurality of temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) arranged near the slot (34) and spaced from each other vertically.
  • the temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) can be configured to obtain a plurality of temperature data that is transmitted to the computing unit (33).
  • the computing unit (33) may further be configured to obtain data on thermal conductivity, temperature gradients and temperature differentials, and other thermodynamic properties based on the temperature signals.
  • the apparatus shown has a weir device (36) of the open channel type with a rectangular weir.
  • the first panel (13) extends from the floor of the weir device (36) to approximately 3/4 of its total height; the second panel (14) extends from the top of the weir device (36) to approximately half the height thereof; the dividing element (15) extends from the floor of the weir device (36) to the upper part thereof and has a vertical slot (34) of rectangular shape in the said upper part; and, the fourth panel (16) acts as a turbulence attenuator prior to dilution of the press liquor (LP), it extends from the floor of the weir device (36) to approximately half the height thereof.
  • LP press liquor
  • the apparatus further comprises a graduated sight glass made of material resistant to working conditions, such as heavy duty glass.
  • the sight glass is graduated in millimeters.
  • the apparatus has means for determining the temperature of the press liquor (LP) in at least three different positions inside the weir.
  • the means for temperature determination are selected from a group comprising thermocouple type temperature sensors, thermocouples, thermo-resistive devices (RTD) or the like.
  • the means for temperature determination are thermocouple type temperature sensors.
  • the rectangular weir type open channel device of the invention has means for level determination with level sensors such as guided wave radar sensors, contact by capacitance measurement, or the like.
  • this embodiment of the apparatus comprises a conduit configured as an inlet (17), a first temperature sensor (18) located in the first cavity (8), a second temperature sensor (19) located in the second cavity (9) together with a third temperature sensor (20) and a level sensor (21) arranged and a level sensor (21) of the press liquor (LP), located in the vicinity of the dividing element (15).
  • the rectangular weir type open channel device of the invention comprises means for the evacuation of sediments, for example, an extraction duct (23), means for controlling the level of sediment, for example, a extraction mechanism (24), a dilution inlet (22), for example, a water discharge conduit, and an outlet (25) with means for the exit of the dilute press liquor (LPD) towards clarification.
  • an extraction duct 23
  • means for controlling the level of sediment for example, a extraction mechanism (24)
  • a dilution inlet (22) for example, a water discharge conduit
  • an outlet (25) with means for the exit of the dilute press liquor (LPD) towards clarification.
  • LPD dilute press liquor
  • the means for controlling the sediment level comprise pipe systems made of materials suitable for working with the Press Liquor (LP).
  • the means for controlling the level of sediment comprise mechanical means that promote the movement of the sediment through the pipes, such as a pump or the like.
  • the apparatus includes an open channel type weir device (36) with weir of rectangular cross section.
  • the weir device (36) has in its lower part of the first cavity (8), second cavity (9) and / or third cavity (10) means for the evacuation of sediments, wherein said means can be a conduit for extraction (23) with a branching of ducts (39) shaped like a herringbone.
  • the means for the evacuation of sediments refer to simple pipes and are located in the lateral part of the fourth cavity (11) and the fifth cavity (12).
  • the evacuated sediments are recirculated to the first cavity (8), in order to take advantage of the oil content present in this solid phase.
  • FIG. 2 also illustrates the preferred position of the temperature sensors (18, 19, 20).
  • the first temperature sensor (18) is located located in the upper part, in such a way that it allows the measurement of the temperature of the Press Liquor (LP) that has entered (and therefore the calculation of the oil density);
  • the second temperature sensor (19) is located at an intermediate height of the landfill, in such a way that it allows detecting, by comparison with the temperature values of the first temperature sensor (18), the presence of oil or sludge .
  • the third temperature sensor (20) is located in the lower part of the landfill, so that it allows to detect, by comparison with the temperature values of the first temperature sensor (18) and the second temperature sensor (19) , the presence of sludge and sediment.
  • the accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the spillway can influence the determination of the LP level made through the level sensor (N), however, the estimated error is below 0.5% with respect to the reading sensor level.
  • the inclusion of means to carry out the evacuation of these sediments, such as pipes and pumps facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the tank, and prevents the accumulation of sediments that can generate damages during the operation of the system at the end the week of the process (considering 24-hour work days).
  • This process of cleaning and maintenance of the tank is carried out preferably at the end of the work week, making use of the maintenance days of the plant for its development.
  • FIG. 5 an embodiment of the apparatus is shown having a weir device (36) of the open channel type rectangular weir type, wherein Said weir device (36) is configured for operation on elevated platforms.
  • the spillway-type open channel device of the invention has four compartments limited by a first partition panel (26), a partition element (15) and a second partition panel (28).
  • first partition panel (26) extends from the top of the weir device (36) to about 4/5 of the height thereof;
  • the dividing element (15) extends from the bottom of the weir device (36) to the upper part thereof and has a vertical slot (34) of rectangular shape in said upper part;
  • the second partition panel (28) which acts as a turbulence attenuator prior to dilution of the press liquor (LP), extends from the bottom of the weir device (36) to approximately one-fourth of the height of the dividing element (15).
  • the second dividing panel (28) is also used as a reference for the calibration of the system when the equation is generated that relates the height of the Press Liquor (LP) (determined using the level sensor (21)), with the flow of Press Liquor (LP), to obtain the volume of Press Liquor (LP).
  • the weir device (36) is an open channel device of the rectangular weir type with a discharge conduit arranged as an inlet (17) from where the Press Liquor (LP) enters, a first temperature sensor (18 ), a second temperature sensor (19) and a third temperature sensor (20) which are located in the vicinity of the dividing element (15). Also, the illustrated weir device (36) has a level sensor (21) of the press liquor (LP), also located in the vicinity of the dividing element (15).
  • the weir device (36) comprises means for the evacuation of sediments, as in the LIG. 5 are identified as an extraction duct (23) connected to the floor of the weir device (36). Also, in the LIG. 5 shows a discharge conduit for hot water or sterilization condensates for dilution arranged as dilution inlet (22), and means for the outlet of the dilute press liquor (LPD) towards clarification, which correspond to a configured conduit as output (25).
  • an actuator configured to control the dilution water flow can be arranged, for example, a solenoid valve, which can be of the on / off type, or preferably, of the proportional type. .
  • the weir device (36) is made of materials resistant to the process conditions.
  • the weir device (36) can be made of a material selected from carbon steel, cast iron, galvanized iron, chrome steels, chrome-nickel steels, chrome-nickel-titanium steels, nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten, ferrous chromium-moly alloys, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, alloyed steel with manganese and combinations of the above.
  • the weir device (36) is made of stainless steel.
  • the apparatus may include a system to monitor in real time the industrial oil potential (PIA) and other operating parameters of the palm oil extraction process in a beneficiation plant comprising:
  • a second module (31) or measurement module comprising temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) a level sensor (21) arranged to determine the flow rate of the press liquor (LP), additionally presenting the parameters obtained through sensors and others calculated from equations, experimental and theoretical models for the system,
  • a module for monitoring parameters, system control and data communication for example, a controller (32), characterized in that said module comprises o Means for receiving the data collected by the collection and measurement modules (first module (30) and second module (31)), o Storage means (not illustrated),
  • o Means for the reception of the data transmitted by the parameter monitoring, systems control and data communication module o Storage means configured as a system database, o Means for processing the collected data,
  • one or more remote monitoring modules comprising means for receiving and transmitting data, and means for displaying the same.
  • the second module (31) includes some of the embodiments of the weir device (36) of the apparatus described above.
  • the first module (30) may include a HID (Human Inte tf ace Device) device which in turn may include, without limitation, keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing device, joystick, touch screen, among other devices capable of allowing a user to enter data in the device's computing unit and combinations of these.
  • the first module (30) may include an HMI touch screen device.
  • the first module (30) allows an operator to supply information concerning the identification of a batch of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) and the processing start time.
  • the first module (30) includes a processor that can be selected from microcontrollers, micro processors, DSCs (Digital Signal Controller for its acronym in English), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Device), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), SoCs (System on Chip for its acronym in English) acronym in English), PSoCs (Programmable System on Chip), computers, servers, tablets, cell phones, smart phones, signal generators and other types of processors known to a person moderately versed in the matter and combinations of these .
  • This same type of processors can be used in the other modules (29, 31) and in the computing unit (33).
  • the first module (30) can include storage media, such as RAM memories (cache memory, SRAM, DRAM, DDR), ROM memory (Flash, Cache, hard drives, SSD, EPROM, EEPROM, removable ROM memories (e.g. SD (miniSD, microSD, etc), MMC (MultiMedia Card), Compact Flash, SMC (Smart Media Card), SDC (Secure Digital Card), MS (Memory Stick), among others)), CD-ROM, versatile disks Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, storage, or any other medium that can be used to store information and can be accessed by the processor.
  • storage media such as RAM memories (cache memory, SRAM, DRAM, DDR), ROM memory (Flash, Cache, hard drives, SSD, EPROM, EEPROM, removable ROM memories (e.g. SD (miniSD, microSD, etc), MMC (MultiMedia Card), Compact Flash, SMC (Smart Media Card), SDC (Secure Digital Card), MS (Me
  • the first module (30) can include means for data transmission, such as ports type Ethernet, USB, SD, I2C (from the acronym for IIC Inter-Integrated Circuit), CAN (for the acronym in English for Controller Area Network ), SPI (for Serial Peripheral Interface), SCI (for Serial Communication Interface), QSPI (for Quad Serial Peripheral Interface), 1-Wire, D2B (for the acronym for Domestic Digital Bus), Profibus and others known to a person moderately versed in the matter.
  • This same type of means for data transmission can be used to interconnect the other modules (29, 31) and the computing unit (33).
  • the means for data transmission make it possible to connect the first module (30) with the computing unit (33).
  • the connection between the first module (30) and the computing unit (33) can be made by means of a communications protocol.
  • the communication protocol can be selected among AS-i according to the international standard IEC62026-2, Bristol Standard Asynchronous Protocol (BSAP), CC-Link Industrial Networks, CIP (Common Industrial Protocol), CAN bus (Network Controlled Area Data (for its acronym in English) such as CANopen and DeviceNet, ControlNet, DF-1, DirectNET, EtherCAT, Ethernet Global Data (EGD) (Global Ethernet Information), Ethernet Powerlink, EtherNet / IP, FINS FOUNDATION fieldbus (e.g.
  • Hl, HSE GE SRTP (Service Request Transport Protocol), HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol, Intelligent Distributed System (Honeywell SDS) , HostLink, INTERBUS, IO-Link, MECHATROLINK, MelsecNet, Modbus, Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, Modbus TCP / IP or Modbus TCP, Modbus over TCP / IP or Modbus over TCP or Modbus RTU / IP, Modbus over UDP, Modbus Plus (Modbus +, MB + or MBP), Pemex Modbus, Enron Modbus, Optomux, Process Im age Exchange Protocol (PieP), Profibus, PROFINET IO, RAPIEnet (Real-time Automation Protocols for Industrial Ethernet) its acronym in English), SERCOS interface, SERCOS III, Sinec Hl, SynqNet, or Time-Triggered Ethemet (SAE AS6802), and other protocols known to a person of average knowledge in the field.
  • the device can include a firewall (firewall, in English) configured to establish a secure connection between the remote monitoring modules (29) and the computing unit (33), and in this way avoid computer attacks that may affect the operation. of the device.
  • a firewall firewall, in English
  • the first module (30), the remote monitoring modules (29) and the computing unit (33) can be configured to establish communication through a communication network such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, 4G, 5G networks and other networks. of communications known to a person moderately versed in the matter.
  • the first module (30) can include a display device that can be connected to a computer unit and display its output, selected among others from CRT monitor (Cathode Ray Tube), flat screen, screen liquid crystal LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), active matrix LCD, passive matrix LCD, LED displays, screen projectors, TV (4KTV, HDTV, Plasma TV, Smart TV), OLED displays (Organic Light Emitting Diode), AMOLED displays (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode), Quantum dot displays QD (Quantic Display), segment displays, among other devices capable of displaying data to a user, known to those skilled in the art, and combinations of these.
  • This same type of display devices can be used for the other modules (29, 31) and the computer unit (33).
  • the parameter monitoring module corresponds to a controller (32), for example a programmable logic controller (PLC), characterized in that it comprises data reception means, such as configurable analog ports that receive the data obtained by the temperature and level sensors, and by the first module (30); storage media, such as a high capacity internal memory; data transmission media means, such as Modbus RTU or Ethernet modules; and an operator communication interface, such as a simple screen or a touch screen.
  • a controller for example a programmable logic controller (PLC)
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • data reception means such as configurable analog ports that receive the data obtained by the temperature and level sensors, and by the first module (30)
  • storage media such as a high capacity internal memory
  • data transmission media means such as Modbus RTU or Ethernet modules
  • an operator communication interface such as a simple screen or a touch screen.
  • the computing unit (33) is located in a space, such as a laboratory or an office, under controlled conditions of electrical supply and personnel safety.
  • the computing unit (33) corresponds to a computer comprising means for receiving the data transmitted from the controller (32) such as USB or Ethernet ports; storage media, such as high capacity memory; means for data processing; and means for displaying the data collected, such as simple or touch screens; data transmission means, such as posts or the like; and a communication interface with the operator.
  • the computing unit (33) may be configured to access a database, for example, a database stored on the storage means. Likewise, the computing unit (33) can be configured to execute an algorithm, routine or software that allows calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA).
  • a database for example, a database stored on the storage means.
  • the computing unit (33) can be configured to execute an algorithm, routine or software that allows calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA).
  • the remote monitoring modules (29) correspond to an HMI touch screen device, which is characterized by comprising an interface of communication with the operator, storage media, such as high-capacity internal memory type FLASH and / or SDRAM, and media for data transmission, such as Ethernet, serial, USB and / or SD ports.
  • storage media such as high-capacity internal memory type FLASH and / or SDRAM
  • media for data transmission such as Ethernet, serial, USB and / or SD ports.
  • the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be part of a process for remote monitoring of the parameters of the palm oil extraction process in beneficiation plants that includes the operations performed by the monitoring system described above.
  • the apparatus disclosed herein can execute in its computing unit (33), or in another computer or server, a computer program that comprises a software code that allows to carry out the stages of the monitoring process or the operations carried out. by the monitoring system described above, when said program is executed on a computer.
  • the apparatus disclosed herein can execute in its controller (32) computer programs, for example, algorithms developed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), and programs developed for screens or display units and HMI user interaction.
  • controller for example, algorithms developed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), and programs developed for screens or display units and HMI user interaction.
  • PLC programmable logic controllers
  • FIG. 6B another possible realization of the system is shown to monitor in real time the industrial oil potential (PIA) and other operating parameters of the palm oil extraction process in a beneficiation plant.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 6B includes a dilution control module (41) provided with a proportional valve (42) configured to control the flow of dilution water that is supplied to the Press Liquor (LP), for example, near the outlet (25) of the weir device (36).
  • LP Press Liquor
  • the dilution control module (41) may include a controller similar to the controller (32), configured as an auxiliary or slave controller.
  • the dilution control module controller (41) may be configured to send a control signal to the proportional valve (42) as the output of a comparison process.
  • the comparison process takes as input a desired dilution factor, which corresponds to a relationship between the oil percentage and the water percentage that goes towards a clarification stage.
  • the dilution factor depends on process conditions determined by the capacity and machinery available to pump the Dilute Press Liquor (LPD). Additionally, the control process takes as input oil concentration data and diluted press liquor level data (LPD). Dilute Press Liquor (LPD) level data can be obtained with a level sensor (not illustrated) arranged in the area where dilution water is mixed with Press Liquor (LP).
  • the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be configured to obtain data from the Press Liquor (LP) oil concentration, and also water concentration data. These oil concentration data and water concentration data are supplied as input to the dilution control module controller (41).
  • LP Press Liquor
  • the dilution control module controller (41) may be configured to run a proportional-derivative-integral (PID) control program, fuzzy control, and other control techniques known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
  • PID proportional-derivative-integral
  • the present invention further includes the following previous steps for the preparation and implementation of the methodology of the invention:
  • the physical conditions of the plant are determined, such as distances between the equipment or systems where the unit operations of the process take place, LP flow rates and for dilution using hot water or sterilization condensates. .
  • the presence of equipment and elements available for laboratory analysis in the beneficiation plant is established. The data collected in this stage will be used later for the design of the landfill device (36).
  • the residence times are statistically determined from the reception of fresh fruit clusters (RFF) to the final separation of cake and nuts (generally in the polishing drum), passing through digestion and pressing.
  • RAF fresh fruit clusters
  • this stage is carried out using stopwatches, rubber tracers of similar size to that of a fruit, and activity report sheets.
  • the calibration of the spillway device (36) is done through the collection and analysis of a group of flow and level data, so that it is possible to establish a highly reliable mathematical model that allows a correlation adequate, preferably with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.95.
  • the invention refers to the storage and ordering of the data collected during these previous stages, so that a database of the operation of the beneficiation plant and the dump-type device of the invention is established.
  • Example 1 Comparison of the daily values of industrial oil potential (PIA) and oil extraction rate (TEA) in a processing plant Using an open channel device according to the invention and following the proposed methodology, the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) was carried out at the Agroindustrial del Sur del Cesar y C ⁇ a. Ltda. (Agroince).
  • FIG. 7 shows the results of the daily determinations of the industrial oil potential (PIA) and the oil extraction rate (TEA), as well as the results obtained by the method of the invention in real time.
  • Example 2 Classification of suppliers according to the values of the industrial oil potential (PIA)
  • Example 3 Comparison of the industrial oil potential values (PIA) obtained by implementing two different measurement methodologies
  • the computing unit (33) is configured to execute the algorithm depicted in FIG. 10.
  • the algorithm has a first stage I) of establishing communication between the first module (30), the second module (31) and the remote monitoring modules (29). Subsequently, the algorithm goes to stage II) of selecting a sampling time for temperatures, level, and oil concentration.
  • the sampling time will depend on the sampling capacity of the temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) and the level sensor (21). It also depends on the ability of the laboratory equipment to obtain oil concentration data, or on the sampling capacity of the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35).
  • NIR near infrared
  • the algorithm goes to a stage III) of verifying if a sampling time less than zero has been selected. If a sampling time less than zero was selected, then step II) is repeated. If the sampling time is greater than zero, then the algorithm goes to a stage IV) of receiving variables from the controller (32).
  • the controller (32) can be a programmable logic controller that processes analog signals from the level sensor (21) and the first temperature sensor (18), second temperature sensor (19) and / or the third temperature sensor (20) , and generates the height and temperature data necessary to calculate the industrial oil potential (PIA).
  • stage V of receiving variables from the processor of the first module (30).
  • Said processor is connected to the HMI device that an operator uses to enter supplier information that provides a certain batch of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF). Additionally, in stage V) establishes communication with a database of suppliers of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF).
  • the algorithm has a stage VI) in which it verifies if a near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) connected to the computing unit (33) is detected. If yes, then it goes to a stage VIII) of receiving oil concentration data from the processor of the near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) and then it goes to a stage IX) of calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA ) based on oil temperature, level and concentration data. By counting it, if there is no near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) connected to the computation unit (33), then it goes directly to a step VII) of receiving terminal oil concentration data from the laboratory and then goes to stage IX).
  • NIR near infrared spectrometer
  • Step VII) can be executed after the computing unit (33) sends a request to the laboratory terminal, and said terminal responds by sending the oil concentration data.
  • the terminal oil concentration data can be stored in databases configured to be accessed by the computing unit (33), for example, SQL databases.
  • stage X the algorithm goes to a stage X) of saving the results of the calculation of the industrial oil potential (PIA) in a database and goes to a stage XI) in which it is verified if a user has entered a stop instruction the algorithm. If yes, the algorithm ends, if not, the algorithm returns to stage I).
  • PPA industrial oil potential

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of: (a) settling press liquor (PL) in a weir device; (b) obtaining an item of data regarding the height of the press liquor (PL) by means of a level sensor located close to a notch of the weir device; (c) obtaining an item of data regarding the temperature of the press liquor (PL) by means of a temperature sensor located close to the notch; (d) obtaining an item of data regarding oil concentration; and (e) calculating, by means of a computer unit, the industrial oil potential (IOP) from the temperature, height and oil concentration data of steps (b), (c) and (d). The invention also describes embodiments of an apparatus for determining the industrial oil potential (IOP). The apparatus includes a weir device having an inlet, an outlet, a dividing element disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and a notch located in the dividing element and configured to allow the press liquor (PL) to be discharged to the outlet; level and temperature sensors; and a computer unit configured to calculate the industrial oil potential (IOP) from data concerning oil concentration, temperature and height. The oil concentration can be obtained using laboratory techniques, or can be determined in real time using a near-infrared spectrometer.

Description

MÉTODO Y APARATO PARA DETERMINAR EL POTENCIAL INDUSTRIAL METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL
DE ACEITE DE PALMA PALM OIL
CAMPO DE TÉCNICO RELACIONADO RELATED FIELD OF TECHNICAL
La presente divulgación se relaciona con procesos de caracterización y monitoreo de la materia prima empleada en la extracción industrial de aceite de palma. Específicamente, la presente divulgación se relaciona con métodos y aparatos para calcular el potencial industrial de aceite del fruto de palma de aceite. This disclosure is related to the characterization and monitoring processes of the raw material used in the industrial extraction of palm oil. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for calculating the industrial oil potential of oil palm fruit.
DESCRIPCIÓN DEL ESTADO DE LA TÉCNICA DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART
El beneficio del fruto de la palma de aceite es un proceso físico para la obtención de aceite, almendra y subproductos. Tradicionalmente este proceso comienza con la preparación del fruto, que incluye una etapa de esterilización y una etapa de desfrutado de los racimos de fruto, en la cual unas tusas se separan del fruto que será empleado para la extracción de aceite. A continuación, se lleva a cabo la extracción del aceite, que usualmente incluye una etapa de digestión que tiene como fin macerar los frutos, y una etapa de prensado del producto obtenido para la recuperación del aceite. De la etapa de prensado se obtiene un licor de prensa que posteriormente se somete a clarificación y secado para la reducción de humedad presente en el aceite de palma crudo (APC). The benefit of the oil palm fruit is a physical process to obtain oil, almond and by-products. Traditionally, this process begins with the preparation of the fruit, which includes a sterilization stage and a stage of unfruitfulness of the fruit clusters, in which some cobs are separated from the fruit that will be used for oil extraction. Next, the extraction of the oil is carried out, which usually includes a digestion stage that has the purpose of macerating the fruits, and a pressing stage of the product obtained to recover the oil. From the pressing stage, a press liquor is obtained which is subsequently clarified and dried to reduce the moisture present in crude palm oil (APC).
La eficiencia en la obtención del aceite de este proceso se ve afectada por diversos factores, entre los cuales la calidad del fruto empleado como materia prima es uno de los más determinantes. The efficiency in obtaining the oil from this process is affected by various factors, among which the quality of the fruit used as raw material is one of the most determining factors.
De esta manera, uno de los principales mecanismos para la optimización de los procesos de la industria palmera es la caracterización de los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) referida principalmente a la determinación de su contenido de aceite. In this way, one of the main mechanisms for the optimization of the palm industry processes is the characterization of the fresh fruit bunches (RFF), mainly referring to the determination of their oil content.
En este sentido, uno de los indicadores más ampliamente empleados es la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA), la cual permite establecer la cantidad de por tonelada de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) procesado. Sin embargo, estudios comparativos han demostrado que el valor de la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) depende de diferentes variables, tales como la participación del proveedor en el fruto procesado, la variedad genética del fruto y la composición del racimo (Q. Durán, G. A. Sierra, y J. García N, “Potencial de aceite en racimos de palma de aceite de diferente calidad y su influencia en el potencial y extracción de aceite en la planta de beneficio”, Palmas, Vol. 25, Núm. 2, pp. 501-508, 2004). Asimismo, es importante resaltar que actualmente, la determinación de la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) en la mayoría de plantas de beneficio se realiza de forma manual, generalmente un día después del procesamiento de los racimos de fruto frescos (RFF). Por lo tanto, no es posible establecer la cantidad de aceite de lote específico o un proveedor , sino por el total de racimos de fruto frescos (RFF) procesados durante el día. In this sense, one of the most widely used indicators is the oil extraction rate (TEA), which allows establishing the amount per ton of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) processed. However, comparative studies have shown that the value of the oil extraction rate (TEA) depends on different variables, such as the supplier's participation in the processed fruit, the genetic variety of the fruit and the bunch composition (Q. Durán, GA Sierra, and J. García N, “Oil potential in oil palm bunches of different quality and its influence on the potential and extraction of oil in the beneficiation plant ”, Palmas, Vol. 25, Num. 2, pp. 501-508, 2004). Likewise, it is important to note that currently, the determination of the oil extraction rate (TEA) in most processing plants is carried out manually, generally one day after the processing of the fresh fruit clusters (RFF). Therefore, it is not possible to establish the quantity of oil from a specific batch or a supplier, but by the total of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) processed during the day.
Lo anterior es particularmente relevante si se tiene en cuenta que el valor de los cargamentos, y por tanto, el pago a los proveedores de fruto, se basa en la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) obtenida durante un periodo determinado (descontando costos de producción y utilidades). No obstante, esta forma de pago asume que todos los lotes de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) o proveedores procesados durante dicho periodo tienen un mismo potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), sin tener en cuenta las variaciones que dicho potencial pueda presentar. This is particularly relevant if it is taken into account that the value of the shipments, and therefore the payment to the fruit suppliers, is based on the oil extraction rate (TEA) obtained during a given period (discounting costs of production and profits). However, this form of payment assumes that all batches of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) or suppliers processed during said period have the same industrial oil potential (PIA), without taking into account the variations that said potential can present.
En este sentido, se han descrito diferentes metodologías para determinar el potencial industrial de aceite en plantas de beneficio. El documento“Metodología alterna para el análisis de racimos de palma de aceite” (Yánez et al, Palmas, Vol. 21, No. Especial, Tomo 1, pág. 303-311, 2000) describe metodologías para la determinación del potencial de aceite mediante el análisis de racimos, en el cual la medida de la cantidad de aceite se hace de forma indirecta por medio de la determinación de la humedad en el mesocarpio del fruto. Sin embargo, en la práctica, la implementación de esta metodología involucra un gran número de recursos de mano de obra, por lo que su aplicación se vió limitada a algunas plantas de beneficio y ensayos y/o experimentos desarrollados en las distintas áreas del cultivo. In this sense, different methodologies have been described to determine the industrial potential of oil in processing plants. The document “Alternative methodology for the analysis of oil palm bunches” (Yánez et al, Palmas, Vol. 21, Special No., Volume 1, pp. 303-311, 2000) describes methodologies for the determination of the oil potential by means of cluster analysis, in which the measurement of the amount of oil is done indirectly by determining the humidity in the mesocarp of the fruit. However, in practice, the implementation of this methodology involves a large number of labor resources, so its application was limited to some beneficiation plants and trials and / or experiments developed in the different areas of the crop.
Del mismo modo, el documento“Trends in ObcouiER in relation to MPD analyses in Golden Hope” (Lee et al, Proceedings of the National Seminar on Palm Oil Extraction Rate: Problems and Issues, pág. 79-90, 1993), divulga la relación entre la tasa de extracción de aceite y la masa de fruto que pasa por el digestor (MPD), y se proporciona una metodología para la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) con base en dicha relación. Sin embargo, esta metodología demanda una gran cantidad de tiempo y mano de obra, depende fuertemente del muestreo realizado y su implementación requiere uso considerable de recursos de laboratorio. Similarly, the document “Trends in ObcouiER in relation to MPD analyzes in Golden Hope” (Lee et al, Proceedings of the National Seminar on Palm Oil Extraction Rate: Problems and Issues, pp. 79-90, 1993), discloses the ratio between the oil extraction rate and the mass of fruit passing through the digester (MPD), and it is provided a methodology for determining the industrial potential of oil (PIA) based on said relationship. However, this methodology is time-consuming and labor-intensive, highly dependent on the sampling performed, and its implementation requires considerable use of laboratory resources.
Por otra parte, el documento“Medición del potencial industrial de aceite en plantas de beneficio usando sistemas de medición de caudal tipo vertederos: diseño y operación” (Boletín Técnico No. 28, Cenipalma 2011) divulga el desarrollo de alternativas basadas en la estimación del caudal del licor de prensa para la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). No obstante, la implementación exitosa de esta metodología en las plantas de beneficio depende en gran medida de operaciones manuales que implican mediciones repetitivas las cuales dejan espacio a errores de observación, y por lo tanto, no permite análisis de un gran número de datos. On the other hand, the document “Measurement of the industrial potential of oil in processing plants using landfill-type flow measurement systems: design and operation” (Technical Bulletin No. 28, Cenipalma 2011) discloses the development of alternatives based on the estimation of the flow of the press liquor for the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA). However, the successful implementation of this methodology in mills depends to a great extent on manual operations that involve repetitive measurements which leave room for observation errors, and therefore, does not allow analysis of a large number of data.
Teniendo en cuenta todo lo anterior, el estado de la técnica no divulga métodos o dispositivos que permitan medir el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en un proceso industrial de manera continua y con una representatividad significativa respecto al total de materia prima procesada. Taking all the foregoing into account, the state of the art does not disclose methods or devices that allow measuring the industrial potential of oil (PIA) in an industrial process continuously and with a significant representativeness with respect to the total raw material processed.
BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE LA DIVULGACIÓN BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
La presente divulgación se relaciona con métodos y aparatos para determinar el potencial industrial de aceite a partir de mediciones de propiedades de un licor de prensa que se puede obtener en una planta de beneficio y relacionando estas mediciones con datos registrados desde la tolva de recibo de materia prima hasta el prensado mismo de los frutos de palma de aceite. This disclosure is related to methods and apparatus for determining the industrial potential of oil from measurements of properties of a press liquor that can be obtained in a beneficiation plant and relating these measurements to data recorded from the material receipt hopper. raw until the pressing of the oil palm fruits.
La presente divulgación describe modalidades de un método para determinar un potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de racimos de fruto de palma de aceite a partir de un licor de prensa (LP). The present disclosure describes embodiments of a method for determining an oil industrial potential (PIA) of oil palm fruit bunches from a press liquor (LP).
Por ejemplo, en una realización, el método incluye una etapa a) de sedimentar el licor de prensa (LP) en un dispositivo de vertedero configurado para generar una separación de una fase sólida y una fase de aceite del licor de prensa (LP), y una etapa b) de obtener un dato de altura del licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de nivel localizado cerca de una ranura del dispositivo de vertedero, donde la ranura está configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) hacia una salida del dispositivo de vertedero. Cuando el licor de prensa (LP) pasa por la ranura, se forma una cresta, la cual tiene una altura que permite determinar el caudal de licor de prensa (LP). For example, in one embodiment, the method includes a step a) of settling the press liquor (LP) in a weir device configured to generate a separation of a solid phase and an oil phase from the press liquor (LP), and a step b) of obtaining a height data of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor located near a slot of the weir device, where the slot is configured to allow the discharge of press liquor (LP) towards an outlet of the weir device. When the press liquor (LP) passes through the slot, a ridge is formed, which has a height that allows the flow of press liquor (LP) to be determined.
Además, en esta realización el método incluye una etapa c) de obtener un dato de temperatura de licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de temperatura localizado cerca de la ranura; y una etapa d) de obtener un dato de concentración de aceite del licor de prensa (LP) que se suministra al dispositivo de vertedero. Asimismo, el método de esta realización incluye una etapa e) de calcular mediante una unidad de cómputo el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir de los datos de temperatura, altura y concentración de aceite de las etapas b, c y d. Furthermore, in this embodiment the method includes a step c) of obtaining a press liquor (LP) temperature data by means of a temperature sensor located near the slot; and a step d) of obtaining an oil concentration data from the press liquor (LP) that is supplied to the weir device. Also, the method of this embodiment includes a step e) of calculating by means of a computing unit the industrial oil potential (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration of steps b, c and d.
La unidad de computo puede estar configurada para ejecutar un modelo matemático que permita calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir de los datos de temperatura, altura y concentración de aceite. Además, la unidad de computo puede estar configurada para calcular variables termodinámicas como densidades, caudales, flujos másicos, capacidades caloríficas, entalpias, entropía, y otras variables conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia que puedan calcularse indirectamente con base en los datos de temperatura, altura y concentración de aceite. The computing unit can be configured to run a mathematical model that allows calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration. In addition, the computing unit can be configured to calculate thermodynamic variables such as densities, flow rates, mass flows, heat capacities, enthalpies, entropy, and other variables known to a person of moderate skill in the field that can be calculated indirectly based on data from temperature, height and oil concentration.
En varias de las realizaciones del método, el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse mediante centrifugación y determinación volumétrica de las fases contenidas en el licor de prensa (LP). En este caso, se puede tomar una muestra del licor de prensa (LP) y analizarla en un laboratorio. Asimismo, se puede analizar la muestra de licor de prensa (LP) con técnicas de extracción de aceite a través de un solvente, por ejemplo, con hexano. En estos casos, el método corresponde a modalidades semi-automátizadas, pues requieren el muestreo de licor de prensa (LP), y su análisis remoto en laboratorio, lo cual usualmente requiere intervención de operarios y laboratoristas. In several of the embodiments of the method, the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by centrifugation and volumetric determination of the phases contained in the press liquor (LP). In this case, a sample of the press liquor (LP) can be taken and analyzed in a laboratory. Also, the press liquor (LP) sample can be analyzed with oil extraction techniques through a solvent, for example, with hexane. In these cases, the method corresponds to semi-automated modalities, since they require the sampling of press liquor (LP), and its remote analysis in the laboratory, which usually requires the intervention of operators and laboratory workers.
En otras realizaciones del método, el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse mediante una técnica de espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (NIR, por sus siglas en inglés). En este caso, la técnica de espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) permite determinar continuamente datos de concentración de aceite, por ejemplo, puede obtener datos de concentración de aceite en periodos inferiores a un segundo, o inclusive, en milisegundos. Lo anterior permite tener una mayor cantidad de datos de concentración de aceite, los cuales permiten tener más resultados de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). En estos casos, el método corresponde a modalidades automatizadas que permiten determinar en tiempo real resultados de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). In other embodiments of the method, the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by a near infrared spectroscopy (NIR, for its acronym in English). In this case, the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique allows to continuously determine oil concentration data, for example, it can obtain oil concentration data in periods of less than one second, or even in milliseconds. The above allows to have a greater amount of oil concentration data, which allows to have more results of industrial oil potential (PIA). In these cases, the method corresponds to automated modalities that allow the determination of industrial oil potential (PIA) results in real time.
Por ejemplo, la técnica de espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) puede emplear un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) dispuesto en un conducto configurado para proporcionar el licor de prensa (LP) a una entrada del dispositivo de vertedero. For example, the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique can employ a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet of the weir device.
En cualquiera de las realizaciones del método, se puede incluir una etapa Al) de obtener un dato de tiempo de residencia de un lote de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) de palma de aceite y sus frutos esterilizados de un lote específico evaluado, entre una etapa de recepción de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) y una etapa de prensado en la que se obtiene el licor de prensa (LP). Los tiempos de residencia dependerán del tipo de planta de beneficio y/o proceso de extracción que se implemente. Por ejemplo, existen plantas de beneficio en las cuales se tienen transportadores por lotes de materia prima, tales como vagonetas, cangilones, u otros recipientes que suministran en cantidades discretas los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) de palma de aceite. Asimismo, hay plantas de beneficio que incluyen esterilizadores que funcionan por lotes, tales como autoclaves, o cilindros a presión configurados para proporcionar vapor de esterilización a una cantidad discreta de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF). In any of the embodiments of the method, a step Al) of obtaining a residence time data of a batch of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) of oil palm and its sterilized fruits of a specific evaluated batch can be included, between a fresh fruit bunches reception stage (RFF) and a pressing stage in which the press liquor (LP) is obtained. The residence times will depend on the type of beneficiation plant and / or extraction process that is implemented. For example, there are processing plants in which there are batch conveyors of raw material, such as wagons, buckets, or other containers that supply the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) of oil palm in discrete quantities. Also, there are processing plants that include batch-operated sterilizers, such as autoclaves, or pressure cylinders configured to provide steam sterilization to a discrete amount of fresh fruit bunches (RFF).
Por el contrario, hay otras plantas de beneficio en donde se utilizan transportadores que operan en continuo, como transportadores vibratorios, bandas transportadoras, bandas de cadena, zarandas, transportadores neumáticos, y transportadores similares conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Asimismo, existen esterilizadores que operan en continuo, los cuales usualmente tienen capacidades de procesamiento superiores a los esterilizadores que procesan cantidades discretas de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF). Similarmente, hay tiempos y movimientos en planta que pueden analizarse para determinar el tiempo de residencia de cada lote de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF). De esta manera, el método puede obtener un dato de tiempo de residencia que se toma en cuenta en la etapa e) para calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) asociado al lote de racimos fruto fresco (FPP) de palma de aceite a partir de los datos de temperatura, nivel y concentración de aceite de las etapas b, c y d, y el dato de tiempo de residencia de la etapa Al). On the contrary, there are other beneficiation plants where continuously operating conveyors are used, such as vibratory conveyors, conveyor belts, chain belts, screens, pneumatic conveyors, and similar conveyors known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Likewise, there are sterilizers that operate continuously, which usually have higher processing capacities than sterilizers that process discrete amounts of fresh fruit clusters (RFF). Similarly, there are times and movements in the plant that can be analyzed to determine the residence time of each batch of fresh fruit clusters (RFF). In this way, the method can obtain a residence time data that is taken into account in stage e) to calculate the industrial oil potential (PIA) associated with the batch of fresh fruit bunches (FPP) of oil palm from of the temperature, level and oil concentration data of stages b, c and d, and the residence time data of stage Al).
De acuerdo con lo anterior, la unidad de cómputo puede fraccionar una función de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en el tiempo, de manera que el fraccionamiento permita identificar cual es el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de cada lote que se procesa de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) asociados a un cultivo de palmas de un proveedor específico. Lo anterior tiene una importancia técnica y económica. Desde lo técnico, el método permite clasificar los lotes de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) de acuerdo con su potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), donde los lotes con mayores valores de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) tienen una mayor calidad que los lotes con menores valores. In accordance with the above, the computing unit can fractionate a function of the industrial oil potential (PIA) over time, so that the fractionation allows identifying the industrial potential of oil (PIA) of each batch that is processed from fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) associated with a palm crop from a specific supplier. This is of technical and economic importance. From the technical point of view, the method allows classifying batches of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) according to their industrial oil potential (PIA), where the batches with higher values of industrial oil potential (PIA) have a higher quality than the lots with lower values.
Ahora bien, esta clasificación de los lotes de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) permite obtener datos de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) que pueden correlacionarse con variables agroecológicas condiciones climáticas durante el cultivo, condiciones del terreno de cultivo, condiciones de transportes y manipulación de los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF), y otros datos que permitan identificar cómo este conjunto de condiciones influyen en el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). However, this classification of the batches of fresh fruit clusters (RFF) allows obtaining data on the industrial potential of oil (PIA) that can be correlated with agroecological variables, climatic conditions during cultivation, conditions of the cultivation land, transport and handling conditions. of fresh fruit clusters (RFF), and other data that allow to identify how this set of conditions influence the industrial potential of oil (PIA).
En cuanto a las ventajas económicas, estas realizaciones del método a permitir clasificar los lotes racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) según su potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), lo cual puede influir en la estrategia de compra de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) o en las estrategias de retroalimentación a la parte de cultivo para entre todos mejorar la eficiencia de obtención de una mayor cantidad de aceite por hectárea. Regarding the economic advantages, these embodiments of the method make it possible to classify batches of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) according to their industrial oil potential (PIA), which may influence the purchase strategy of fresh bunches of palm fruit. oil (RFF) or in the feedback strategies to the cultivation part to improve the efficiency of obtaining a greater quantity of oil per hectare between all of them.
Por otro lado, en cualquiera de las realizaciones del método, en la etapa b) el dato de altura del licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse en el dispositivo de vertedero mediante un sensor de nivel tipo radar. Este tipo de sensor de nivel permite tomar mediciones continuas de nivel sin sufrir efectos de abrasión, o ruido generado por la viscosidad, composición y turbidez del licor de prensa (LP). Por otro lado, algunos de los métodos aquí divulgados permiten determinar el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir de un licor de presa (LP). Usualmente, el proceso que recorren los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite involucra etapas como, recibir los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) en una zona de recepción, la cual puede estar provista de mecanismos de transporte y/o almacenamiento de sólidos, como tolvas, tanques, silos, compuertas, mecanismos de transporte (v.g. bandas transportadoras, transportadores vibratorios, como los tipo Grizzly, transportadores de cadenas, transportadores de cangilones, canales, ductos, canaletas, vagonetas, vagones, y contendedores configurados para ser movidos por rieles o guías, y otros mecanismos de transporte conocidos por un persona medianamente versada en la materia). On the other hand, in any of the embodiments of the method, in step b) the height data of the press liquor (LP) can be obtained in the weir device by means of a radar-type level sensor. This type of level sensor allows continuous level measurements to be taken without suffering abrasion effects or noise generated by the viscosity, composition and turbidity of the press liquor (LP). On the other hand, some of the methods disclosed herein make it possible to determine the industrial potential of oil (PIA) from a press liquor (LP). Usually, the process that the oil palm fresh fruit bunches (RFF) go through involves stages such as receiving the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) in a reception area, which may be provided with transport and / or storage mechanisms. of solids, such as hoppers, tanks, silos, gates, transport mechanisms (eg conveyors, vibratory conveyors, such as Grizzly type, chain conveyors, bucket conveyors, channels, ducts, chutes, wagons, railcars, and containers configured to be moved by rails or guides, and other transport mechanisms known to a person of moderate skill in the matter).
También, los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite pasan a un proceso de esterilización, el cual puede hacerse por lotes de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF), en esterilizadores como autoclaves, o cilindros a presión configurados para recibir un vapor o gas caliente que permiten calentar y/o presurizar con los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite. Asimismo, la etapa de esterilización puede hacer en esterilizadores que operen en continuo, por ejemplo, esterilizadores tipo túnel. La etapa de esterilización es posterior a la recepción de los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite. Also, fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) go through a sterilization process, which can be done by batches of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF), in sterilizers such as autoclaves, or configured pressure cylinders. to receive a steam or hot gas that allows to heat and / or pressurize with the fresh bunches of fruit (RFF) of oil palm. Likewise, the sterilization stage can be done in sterilizers that operate continuously, for example, tunnel-type sterilizers. The sterilization stage is after the reception of the fresh bunches of fruit (RFF) of oil palm.
Luego, los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite ya esterilizados pasan a una etapa de desfrutar los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite y obtener tusas y frutos de palma de aceite. Esta etapa generalmente se hace con medios mecánicos, por ejemplo, con un trommel o tambor configurado para dejar caer los racimos frescos de fruto (RFF) de palma de aceite, de manera que al golpearse se desprenden los frutos de palma de aceite de las tusas. Asimismo, esta etapa puede hacerse con cualquier otra máquina o dispositivo que permita separar los frutos de palma de aceite de las tusas. Then, the fresh clusters of fruit (RFF) of oil palm already sterilized go to a stage of enjoying the fresh clusters of fruit (RFF) of oil palm and obtaining kernels and fruits of oil palm. This stage is generally done with mechanical means, for example, with a trommel or drum configured to drop the fresh bunches of fruit (RFF) of oil palm, so that when hitting the oil palm fruits are detached from the pods . Likewise, this stage can be done with any other machine or device that allows separating the oil palm fruits from the cobs.
Posteriormente al desfrutado, se pasa a una etapa de digerir los frutos de palma de aceite en un aparato configurado aplicar un tratamiento termomecánico a los frutos de palma de aceite, con tasas de calentamiento y presiones de operación, y condiciones de agitación y golpeo que permiten macerar el fruto de palma de aceite. Además, esta etapa permite preparar los frutos de palma de aceite para una etapa de prensado. En la siguiente etapa, se prensan los frutos de palma de aceite con el fin de obtener un licor de prensa (LP), y una fase sólida que incluye biomasa y nueces que contienen en su interior aceite de palmiste. Esta etapa puede ejecutarse con elementos mecánicos como prensas de un tomillo, o prensas de doble tomillo. Similarmente pueden usarse otras prensas conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia que permitan extraer el licor de prensa (LP) sin quebrar las nueces, con el fin de que no se mezcle en el licor de prensa (LP) aceite de palmiste. After harvesting, a stage of digesting the oil palm fruits is passed in an apparatus configured to apply a thermomechanical treatment to the oil palm fruits, with heating rates and operating pressures, and stirring and beating conditions that allow marinate the oil palm fruit. Furthermore, this stage allows the oil palm fruits to be prepared for a pressing stage. In the next stage, the oil palm fruits are pressed in order to obtain a press liquor (LP), and a solid phase that includes biomass and nuts that contain palm kernel oil inside. This stage can be carried out with mechanical elements such as single-thyme presses or double-thyme presses. Similarly, other presses known to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used that allow the press liquor (LP) to be extracted without breaking the nuts, so that palm kernel oil is not mixed in the press liquor (LP).
Por otra parte, la presente divulgación describe realizaciones de un aparato para determinar del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de racimos de fruto de palma de aceite a partir de un licor de prensa (LP) (en adelante, aparato). On the other hand, the present disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus for determining the industrial potential of oil (PIA) of bunches of oil palm fruit from a press liquor (LP) (hereinafter, apparatus).
Por ejemplo, en una realización, el aparato incluye un dispositivo de vertedero con una entrada configurada para ingresar el licor de prensa (LP) y una salida configurada para retirar el licor de prensa (LP). Además, el dispositivo de vertedero del aparato incluye un elemento de división dispuesto entre la entrada y la salida; y una ranura localizada en el elemento de división y configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) haca la salida. For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus includes a weir device with an inlet configured to enter the press liquor (LP) and an outlet configured to remove the press liquor (LP). Furthermore, the weir device of the apparatus includes a dividing element arranged between the inlet and outlet; and a slot located in the dividing element and configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards the outlet.
Asimismo, esta realización el aparato incluye un sensor de temperatura localizado cerca de la ranura y configurado para obtener un dato de temperatura de licor de prensa (LP); un sensor de nivel localizado cerca de la ranura y configurado para obtener un dato de altura de licor de prensa (LP); y una unidad de cómputo configurada para calcular mediante el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir un dato de concentración de aceite y de los datos de temperatura y altura. Also, this embodiment the apparatus includes a temperature sensor located near the slot and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) temperature data; a level sensor located near the slot and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) height data; and a computer unit configured to calculate by means of the industrial potential of oil (PIA) from an oil concentration data and temperature and height data.
De acuerdo con lo anterior, esta realización del aparato permite obtener datos de temperatura, altura de licor de prensa (LP) y concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP), y con base en estos datos, la unidad de computo calcula el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). In accordance with the foregoing, this embodiment of the apparatus makes it possible to obtain data on temperature, press liquor height (LP) and oil concentration in the press liquor (LP), and based on these data, the computing unit calculates the oil industrial potential (PIA).
En algunas realizaciones del aparato, el dispositivo de vertedero puede incluir una primera pared localizada cerca de la entrada; una segunda pared localizada cerca de la salida; y un primer panel dispuesto entre la primera pared y el elemento de división. El primer panel y la primera pared definen una primera cavidad configurada para reducir la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) que ingresa a través de la entrada. Además, el primer panel y el elemento de división definen una segunda cavidad comunicada con la primera cavidad. La segunda cavidad está configurada para generar una precipitación de una fase sólida (S) y una fase de aceite (Ac) contenida en el licor de prensa (LP). In some embodiments of the apparatus, the weir device may include a first wall located near the entrance; a second wall located near the exit; and a first panel arranged between the first wall and the partition element. The first panel and the first wall define a first cavity configured to reduce turbulence from the press liquor (LP) entering through the inlet. Furthermore, the first panel and the dividing element define a second cavity communicating with the first cavity. The second cavity is configured to generate a precipitation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) contained in the press liquor (LP).
Opcionalmente, el dispositivo de vertedero puede además incluir un segundo panel dispuesto entre el primer panel y el elemento divisorio, donde el segundo panel y el panel divisorio definen una tercera cavidad configurada para generar un flujo ascendente del licor de prensa (LP) hacia la ranura. De esta manera se reduce la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) y se logra tener un flujo homogéneo en esta sección del dispositivo de vertedero, con lo cual, se pueden lograr mediciones más precisas con el sensor de nivel que en el caso de que se tenga flujo turbulento y con oleaje en la proximidad de la ranura. Optionally, the weir device may further include a second panel arranged between the first panel and the partition element, where the second panel and the partition panel define a third cavity configured to generate an upward flow of press liquor (LP) towards the slot. . In this way the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) is reduced and it is possible to have a homogeneous flow in this section of the weir device, with which, more precise measurements can be achieved with the level sensor than in the case of there is turbulent flow and swell in the vicinity of the groove.
También, de manera opción el dispositivo de vertedero puede incluir una compuerta configurada para tomar muestras de Licor de prensa (LP) antes de que ingrese al dispositivo de vertedero. De esta manera, se garantiza que la muestra de Licor de prensa (LP) Also, optionally the weir device may include a gate configured to sample Press Liquor (LP) before it enters the weir device. In this way, it is guaranteed that the Press Liquor (LP) sample
Adicionalmente, en cualquiera de las realizaciones del aparato, el dispositivo de vertedero puede además incluir un tercer panel dispuesto entre la segunda pared y el elemento divisorio, donde el tercer panel está configurado para reducir la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) que fluye hacia la salida. Additionally, in any of the embodiments of the apparatus, the weir device may further include a third panel disposed between the second wall and the partition element, where the third panel is configured to reduce turbulence of the press liquor (LP) flowing into the exit.
Asimismo, en cualquiera de sus realizaciones, el aparato puede incluir una entrada de dilución dispuesta entre la salida del dispositivo de vertedero y el elemento divisorio, donde la entrada de dilución está configurada para suministrar agua de dilución al licor de prensa (LP). Also, in any of its embodiments, the apparatus may include a dilution inlet arranged between the outlet of the weir device and the partition, where the dilution inlet is configured to supply dilution water to the press liquor (LP).
En cualquiera de sus realizaciones, el aparato puede además incluir un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) dispuesto en un conducto configurado para proporcionar el licor de prensa (LP) a una entrada del dispositivo de vertedero, donde el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) está configurado para obtener el dato de concentración de aceite. Una de las ventajas técnicas de las realizaciones que incluyen el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR), es que permite determinar continuamente datos de concentración de aceite, por ejemplo, puede obtener datos de concentración de aceite en periodos inferiores a un segundo, o inclusive, en milisegundos. Lo anterior permite tener una mayor cantidad de datos de concentración de aceite, los cuales permiten tener más resultados de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). In any of its embodiments, the apparatus may further include a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet of the weir device, where the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer It is configured to obtain the oil concentration data. One of the technical advantages of the embodiments that include the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer, is that it allows to continuously determine oil concentration data, for example, it can obtain oil concentration data in periods less than one second, or even, in milliseconds. The above allows to have a greater amount of oil concentration data, which allows to have more results of industrial oil potential (PIA).
El espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) puede incluir un procesador configurado para ejecutar técnicas de análisis de radiación de infrarrojo cercano (NIR), que pueden ser calibradas para determinar la presencia y concentración de varias fases dentro del licor de prensa, por ejemplo, aceite, agua, y sólidos insolubles. The near infrared (NIR) spectrometer may include a processor configured to run near infrared radiation (NIR) analysis techniques, which can be calibrated to determine the presence and concentration of various phases within the press liquor, for example oil , water, and insoluble solids.
Similarmente, el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) puede conectarse a un procesador configurado para determinar el dato de concentración de aceite a partir de procesamiento de señales con una técnica de análisis de radiación de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) y transmitir el dato de concentración de aceite a la unidad de cómputo (33). Similarly, the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer can be connected to a processor configured to determine the oil concentration data from signal processing with a near infrared radiation (NIR) analysis technique and transmit the oil concentration data. oil to the metering unit (33).
Por otro lado, en cualquiera de las realizaciones del aparato, el sensor de nivel es un sensor de nivel tipo radar. Este tipo de sensor de nivel permite tomar mediciones continuas de nivel sin sufrir efectos de abrasión, o ruido generado por la viscosidad, composición y turbidez del licor de prensa (LP). On the other hand, in any of the embodiments of the apparatus, the level sensor is a radar-type level sensor. This type of level sensor allows continuous level measurements to be taken without suffering abrasion effects or noise generated by the viscosity, composition and turbidity of the press liquor (LP).
En cualquiera de sus realizaciones, el aparato puede incluir un conducto de extracción dispuesto en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero y un mecanismo de extracción configurado para extraer unos sedimentos formados por la fase sólida del licor de prensa (LP). De esta manera el aparato puede evacuar sedimentos de fase sólida que se acumulan en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero, los cuales pueden generar una lectura errónea de la altura del licor de prensa (LP), lo cual generaría datos de altura erróneos que afectan la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). In any of its embodiments, the apparatus may include an extraction conduit arranged in the bottom of the weir device and an extraction mechanism configured to extract sediments formed by the solid phase of the press liquor (LP). In this way the apparatus can evacuate solid phase sediments that accumulate at the bottom of the weir device, which can generate an erroneous reading of the height of the press liquor (LP), which would generate erroneous height data that affects the determination of the industrial potential of oil (PIA).
En algunas realizaciones del aparato en las que se tiene el conducto de extracción, el conducto de extracción puede incluir una ramificación de conductos dispuesta en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero. De esta manera, el conducto de extracción tiene una ramificación de conductos que proporcionan múltiples puntos de entrada de los sedimentos, lo cual facilita su extracción de manera homogénea. Opcionalmente, la ramificación de conductos es de tipo espina de pescado. In some embodiments of the apparatus having the extraction conduit, the extraction conduit may include a branch of conduits disposed at the bottom of the weir device. In this way, the extraction conduit has a branch of conduits that provide multiple entry points for the sediments, which facilitates their extraction in a homogeneous way. Optionally, the duct branching is of the herringbone type.
Ahora bien, en algunas realizaciones del aparato en las que se tiene el mecanismo de extracción, el mecanismo de extracción incluye una bomba configurada para impulsar lodos y sedimentos, por ejemplo, una bomba de diafragma. Similarmente el mecanismo de extracción puede incluir bombas seleccionadas entre bombas de tomillo, bombas de cavidad progresiva, bombas de lóbulos, bombas tipo Eddy, bombas de levas, bombas reciprocantes, bombas centrifugas, bombas triplex, bomba de diafragma, bomba de doble diafragma, u otras bombas equivalentes conocidas por una persona versada en la materia técnica. Now, in some embodiments of the apparatus having the extraction mechanism, the extraction mechanism includes a pump configured to drive sludge and sediment, for example, a diaphragm pump. Similarly the extraction mechanism can include pumps selected from thyme pumps, progressive cavity pumps, lobe pumps, Eddy type pumps, cam pumps, reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps, triplex pumps, diaphragm pump, double diaphragm pump, or other equivalent pumps known to a person skilled in the art.
Por otra parte, en cualquiera de las realizaciones del aparato, la ranura tiene una forma seleccionada entre rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semicircular, y semi-elipsoidal. Por ejemplo, por su facilitad de fabricación, y disponibilidad de información hidráulica relacionada para determinar caudales con base en la altura del fluido cerca de la ranura, la ranura puede ser rectangular o triangular. Por ejemplo, en casos donde el aparato se instale en una planta de beneficio con capacidad superior a 20Ton/hora, se puede utilizar una ranura rectangular. On the other hand, in any of the embodiments of the apparatus, the slot has a shape selected from rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semicircular, and semi-ellipsoidal. For example, because of its ease of manufacture, and the availability of related hydraulic information to determine flow rates based on the height of the fluid near the slot, the slot can be rectangular or triangular. For example, in cases where the apparatus is installed in a beneficiation plant with a capacity greater than 20Ton / hour, a rectangular slot can be used.
En cualquiera de sus realizaciones, el aparato puede incluir una pluralidad de sensores de temperatura dispuestos cerca de la ranura y separados entre sí verticalmente. La pluralidad de sensores puede tomar medidas de temperatura en múltiples puntos del dispositivo de vertedero. Particularmente, en modalidades donde los sensores de temperatura están alineados y se separan entre sí verticalmente, los sensores de temperatura pueden estar configurados para obtener una pluralidad de datos de temperatura que son transmitidos a la unidad de cómputo. En este caso, la unidad de cómputo puede además estar configurada para obtener datos de conductividad térmica, gradientes de temperatura y diferenciales de temperatura, y otras propiedades termodinámicas con base en las señales de temperatura. In any of its embodiments, the apparatus may include a plurality of temperature sensors arranged near the slot and vertically spaced from each other. The plurality of sensors can take temperature measurements at multiple points on the weir device. Particularly, in modes where the temperature sensors are aligned and vertically spaced from each other, the temperature sensors can be configured to obtain a plurality of temperature data that is transmitted to the computing unit. In this case, the computing unit may further be configured to obtain data on thermal conductivity, temperature gradients and temperature differentials, and other thermodynamic properties based on the temperature signals.
En cualquiera de las realizaciones del aparato, el sensor de temperatura, o la pluralidad de sensores de temperatura, pueden seleccionarse del grupo que incluye termocuplas, termocuplas clase PT100 de dos, tres o cuatro hilos, termistores, resistencias, sensores bimetálicos, sensores inductivos, sensores resistivos, sensores capacitivos, sensores infrarrojos, sensores de termopares, otros sensores conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia o combinaciones de los mismos. In any of the embodiments of the apparatus, the temperature sensor, or the plurality of temperature sensors, may be selected from the group that includes thermocouples, two-, three-, or four-wire class PT100 thermocouples, thermistors, resistors, sensors. bimetallic, inductive sensors, resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, infrared sensors, thermocouple sensors, other sensors known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, or combinations thereof.
Asimismo, la unidad de cómputo puede interpretar los datos de temperatura de la pluralidad de sensores para determinar cuándo el nivel de sedimentos ha superado una altura predeterminada, la cual coincide con la localización de los sensores de temperatura que miden una misma temperatura, o donde el gradiente de temperatura es despreciable. De esta manera, en algunas realizaciones del aparato, en las que se tiene el mecanismo de extracción, la unidad de cómputo puede generar un dato de activación que se envía a un controlador configurado para activar el mecanismo de extracción con el fin de extraer sedimentos. Likewise, the computing unit can interpret the temperature data from the plurality of sensors to determine when the sediment level has exceeded a predetermined height, which coincides with the location of the temperature sensors that measure the same temperature, or where the temperature gradient is negligible. In this way, in some embodiments of the apparatus, in which the extraction mechanism is provided, the computing unit can generate a trigger data that is sent to a controller configured to activate the extraction mechanism in order to extract sediment.
En cualquiera de sus realizaciones, el aparato puede incluir un primer módulo que tiene un dispositivo de interacción de usuario, como una Tablet, terminales con dispositivos de mandos como teclados, punteros, señaladores, o pantallas táctiles. El dispositivo de interacción de usuario puede estar configurado para que un operador ingrese unos datos de entrada de fruto fresco de palma de aceite (RFF). Adicionalmente, en estas realizaciones del aparato, el primer módulo puede incluir una unidad de comunicaciones configurada para transmitir los datos de entrada de fruto fresco de palma de aceite (RFF) a la unidad de cómputo. In any of its embodiments, the apparatus can include a first module that has a user interaction device, such as a Tablet, terminals with command devices such as keyboards, pointers, pointers, or touch screens. The user interaction device may be configured for an operator to enter fresh oil palm fruit (RFF) input data. Additionally, in these embodiments of the apparatus, the first module may include a communications unit configured to transmit the fresh oil palm fruit (RFF) input data to the computing unit.
Por otra parte, en cualquiera de sus realizaciones, el aparato puede además incluir un controlador conectado a uno o más sensores de temperatura, el sensor de nivel, o a otros sensores que se dispongan en el aparato. El controlador a su vez se conecta a la unidad de cómputo. Ejemplo de controladores son microcontroladores (v.g. arduino®, Raspberry pi®), micro procesadores, DSCs (Digital Signal Controller por sus siglas en inglés), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array por sus siglas en inglés), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Device por sus siglas en inglés), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit por sus siglas en inglés), SoCs (System on Chip por sus siglas en inglés), PSoCs (Programmable System on Chip por sus siglas en inglés), controladores lógicos programables (PLCs, o programable logic controller por sus siglas en inglés), computadores, servidores, tabletas, celulares, celulares inteligentes, generadores de señales En una realización del aparato aquí divulgado, el dispositivo de vertedero incluye un recipiente de forma rectangular, que conforma el cuerpo del vertedero, al menos una placa o baile de división intema colocada de forma perpendicular al fondo del recipiente, que presenta una ranura vertical rectangular parcial, al menos una placa o baile para reducir efecto de turbulencia, medios para determinar la temperatura del licor de prensa (LP), medios para determinar el nivel del licor de prensa (LP), y medios para la evacuación y control del nivel de sedimentos. On the other hand, in any of its embodiments, the apparatus may also include a controller connected to one or more temperature sensors, the level sensor, or to other sensors that are provided in the apparatus. The controller in turn connects to the computing unit. Examples of controllers are microcontrollers (eg arduino®, Raspberry pi®), micro processors, DSCs (Digital Signal Controller for its acronym in English), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array for its acronym in English), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Device for its acronym in English), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit for its acronym in English), SoCs (System on Chip), PSoCs (Programmable System on Chip for its acronym in English), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs, or programmable logic controller for its acronym in English), computers, servers, tablets, cell phones, smart phones, signal generators In one embodiment of the apparatus disclosed herein, the weir device includes a rectangular-shaped container, which forms the body of the weir, at least one internal partition plate or dance positioned perpendicular to the bottom of the container, which presents a rectangular vertical slot. partial, at least one plate or dance to reduce turbulence effect, means for determining the temperature of the press liquor (LP), means for determining the level of the press liquor (LP), and means for evacuating and controlling the level of sediments.
En otra realización del aparato aquí divulgado, el aparato incluye un sistema para monitorear en tiempo real el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) y otros parámetros de operación del proceso de extracción de aceite de palma en una planta de beneficio que incluye un módulo de recolección de datos de entrada de fruto (peso y tiempo), y un módulo de medición que comprende medios para determinar la temperatura, medios para determinar el nivel del licor de prensa (LP) y opcionalmente, medios para analizar la composición del mismo. Además, el sistema del ejemplo incluye un módulo de monitoreo de parámetros, control de sistemas y comunicación entre los instrumentos de medición y un centro de control, un centro de control y opcionalmente, uno o más módulos de monitoreo remoto. El módulo de medición es un dispositivo de canal abierto, por ejemplo, un dispositivo de vertedero con el de cualquiera de las realizaciones anteriormente descritas. In another embodiment of the apparatus disclosed herein, the apparatus includes a system for monitoring in real time the industrial oil potential (PIA) and other operating parameters of the palm oil extraction process in a processing plant that includes a collection module. fruit input data (weight and time), and a measurement module comprising means for determining the temperature, means for determining the level of the press liquor (LP) and optionally, means for analyzing its composition. Furthermore, the example system includes a parameter monitoring module, system control and communication between the measuring instruments and a control center, a control center and optionally, one or more remote monitoring modules. The measurement module is an open channel device, for example a weir device with that of any of the previously described embodiments.
En otra realización, los métodos aquí descritos pueden incluir un proceso para el monitoreo remoto de los parámetros del proceso de extracción de aceite de palma en plantas de beneficio, en donde dicho proceso comprende todas las operaciones realizadas por el sistema de monitoreo anteriormente descrito. In another embodiment, the methods described herein may include a process for remote monitoring of the parameters of the palm oil extraction process in beneficiation plants, wherein said process comprises all the operations performed by the previously described monitoring system.
Además, los aparatos y métodos aquí divulgados pueden relacionarse con aplicaciones digitales o programas de ordenador, en donde dichas aplicaciones o programas comprenden códigos de software configurados para realizar las etapas de monitoreo y control del proceso anteriormente descrito cuando se ejecutan por medio de sistemas automatizados o unidades de visualización hombre -máquina, así como también el registro y análisis de información almacenada en bases de datos gestionadas por un software presente en el centro de control. Adicionalmente, los métodos aquí divulgados pueden relacionarse con la implementación de metodologías para la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en tiempo real en una planta de beneficio, en donde dicha implementación requiere una serie de etapas de planeación y acondicionamiento, por ejemplo, recolectar la información referente a las condiciones del proceso y las especificaciones físicas de la planta, y realizar un estudio de tiempos y movimientos del proceso de extracción en la planta de beneficio. Además, la implementación puede tener etapas en la que con base en la información recolectada, se proceda a diseñar, fabricar e instalar un dispositivo de vertedero de un aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las realizaciones anteriormente descritas. Furthermore, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may be related to digital applications or computer programs, wherein said applications or programs comprise software codes configured to perform the monitoring and control steps of the process described above when they are executed by means of automated systems or man-machine display units, as well as the recording and analysis of information stored in databases managed by software present in the control center. Additionally, the methods disclosed herein can be related to the implementation of methodologies for determining the industrial oil potential (PIA) in real time in a processing plant, where said implementation requires a series of planning and conditioning stages, for example, collect the information regarding the process conditions and the physical specifications of the plant, and carry out a study of times and movements of the extraction process in the beneficiation plant. In addition, the implementation may have stages in which, based on the information collected, one proceeds to design, manufacture and install a landfill device of an apparatus according to any of the previously described embodiments.
Similarmente, la implementación puede incluir seleccionar la instrumentación de monitoreo y control adecuada para la medición de parámetros del licor de prensa (LP) y condiciones de proceso asociadas al mismo, calibrar el dispositivo de vertedero junto con sus sensores y demás instrumentación, y diseñar, programar e instalar las herramientas informáticas necesarias para el funcionamiento del sistema remoto de monitoreo y control descrito previamente. Similarly, the implementation may include selecting the appropriate monitoring and control instrumentation for the measurement of press liquor (LP) parameters and associated process conditions, calibrating the weir device along with its sensors and other instrumentation, and designing, program and install the computer tools necessary for the operation of the remote monitoring and control system previously described.
BREVE DESCRIPCIÓN DE LAS FIGURAS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Se proporcionará una descripción más particular haciendo referencia a realizaciones ejemplares que se ilustran en las figuras adjuntas, entendiendo que estas figuras representan realizaciones ejemplares y no limitan el alcance de esta divulgación. Las realizaciones ejemplares se describirán y explicarán con especificidad y detalle adicionales mediante el uso de las figuras que se describen brevemente a continuación: A more particular description will be provided with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, it being understood that these figures represent exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments will be described and explained in further specificity and detail using the figures briefly described below:
La FIG. 1 muestra un diagrama de flujo de proceso de una modalidad de un método para el procesamiento de fruto de palma de aceite. FIG. 1 shows a process flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for oil palm fruit processing.
La FIG. 2 muestra una modalidad de un dispositivo de vertedero (36) de tipo canal abierto con vertedero rectangular. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an open channel type weir device (36) with rectangular weir.
La FIG. 3 muestra una vista lateral de la modalidad del aparato ilustrada en la FIG. 2. La FIG. 4 muestra una vista frontal de la modalidad del aparato ilustrada en la FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. two. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. two.
La FIG. 5 ilustra una vista isométrica de una modalidad del dispositivo de vertedero (36). FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of the weir device (36).
La FIG. 6A muestra un diagrama de una modalidad de un sistema de monitoreo del aparato aquí divulgado. FIG. 6A shows a diagram of one embodiment of an apparatus monitoring system disclosed herein.
La FIG. 6B muestra un diagrama de otra modalidad del sistema de monitoreo del aparato aquí divulgado. FIG. 6B shows a diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus monitoring system disclosed herein.
La FIG. 7 presenta los resultados de la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) por el método de la invención y su comparación con el valor calculado por los métodos convencionales. FIG. 7 presents the results of the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) by the method of the invention and its comparison with the value calculated by the conventional methods.
La FIG. 8 presenta los resultados de la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) por el método de la invención para diferentes proveedores. FIG. 8 presents the results of the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) by the method of the invention for different suppliers.
La FIG. 9 presenta los resultados comparativos de las metodologías de la invención que emplean dos herramientas alternativas para el análisis del licor de prensa (LP). FIG. 9 presents the comparative results of the methodologies of the invention that use two alternative tools for the analysis of press liquor (LP).
La FIG. 10 muestra un diagrama de flujo de una modalidad de un algoritmo que es ejecutado por una modalidad de la unidad de cómputo del aparato aquí divulgado. FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of an algorithm that is executed by one mode of the computing unit of the apparatus disclosed herein.
DESCRIPCIÓN DETALLADA DE LAS REALIZACIONES DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REALIZATIONS
Definiciones v abreviaturas Definitions and abbreviations
A menos de que se defina o describa específicamente lo contrario en alguna parte de este texto, los siguientes términos y descripciones relacionados con la invención deben ser entendidas como se describen a continuación. Unless specifically defined or described otherwise elsewhere in this text, the following terms and descriptions relating to the invention are to be understood as described below.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, MPIA significa medición del Potencial Industrial de Aceite. Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, PIA significa indicador de Potencial Industrial de Aceite. As used herein, MPIA stands for Industrial Oil Potential Measurement. As used herein, PIA stands for Oil Industrial Potential Indicator.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, TEA significa: indicador de Tasa de Extracción de Aceite. As used herein, TEA stands for: Oil Extraction Rate indicator.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, E APC significa módulo de Extracción Aceite de Palma Crudo. As used herein, E APC stands for Crude Palm Oil Extraction module.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, APC significa Aceite de Palma Crudo. As used herein APC stands for Crude Palm Oil.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, RFF significa Racimos de Fruto Fresco (no esterilizados). As used herein, RFF stands for Fresh Fruit Clusters (not sterilized).
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, RFFe significa Racimos de Fruto Fresco esterilizados. As used herein, RFFe means sterilized Fresh Fruit Bunches.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, LP significa licor de prensa (sin diluir). As used herein, LP means press liquor (undiluted).
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, LPD significa licor de prensa diluido. As used herein, LPD means dilute press liquor.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, NIR significa espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (en inglés Near Infrared Spectroscopy). As used in the present specification, NIR stands for Near Infrared Spectroscopy.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, PLC significa Controlador Fógico Programable (en inglés Programmable Fogic Controller). As used in the present specification, PLC stands for Programmable Fogic Controller.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva HMI significa Interfaz hombre -máquina (en inglés Human-Machine Interface). As used herein HMI stands for Human-Machine Interface.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva RTD significa detector resistivo de temperatura (en inglés Resistance temperature detector). Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, Esterilizar o Esterilización se refiere a una etapa del procesamiento del fruto de la palma de aceite. En algunas realizaciones del método, los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) son cargados dentro de vagonetas o transportados mediante otro sistema hacia el área de esterilización, donde son sometidos a condiciones de presión y temperatura que permiten detener la acción de la enzima lipasa y evitar el avance del proceso de acidificación del aceite. Además, el proceso de esterilización contribuye a la deshidratación de una nuez contenida dentro del fruto de palma de aceite, con el fin de facilitar su rompimiento y separación en etapas posteriores del proceso, finalmente, la esterilización contribuye a debilitar la unión entre el racimo y el fruto con el fin de favorecer su separación posterior. De manera preferida, esta etapa involucra el tratamiento con vapor de agua saturado, que generalmente se realiza en un esterilizador capaz de inyectar y distribuir el vapor de agua a una presión de 241-344 kPa (35-50 psi) durante 75-95 minutos. Sin embargo, se comprenderá que otras metodologías empleadas para la esterilización, por ejemplo, las que utilizan esterilizadores que operan en continuo, se encuentran al alcance del método de la invención. As used herein RTD stands for Resistance temperature detector. As used herein, "Sterilize" or "Sterilize" refers to a stage of processing the fruit of the oil palm. In some embodiments of the method, the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) are loaded into trolleys or transported by another system to the sterilization area, where they are subjected to pressure and temperature conditions that allow stopping the action of the lipase enzyme and avoiding the progress of the oil acidification process. In addition, the sterilization process contributes to the dehydration of a nut contained within the oil palm fruit, in order to facilitate its breaking and separation in later stages of the process, finally, sterilization contributes to weaken the union between the bunch and the fruit in order to favor its subsequent separation. Preferably, this step involves treatment with saturated steam, which is generally performed in a sterilizer capable of injecting and dispensing steam at a pressure of 241-344 kPa (35-50 psi) for 75-95 minutes. . However, it will be understood that other methodologies employed for sterilization, for example, those utilizing continuously operating sterilizers, are within the scope of the method of the invention.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, Desfrutar o Desfrutado se refiere a una etapa del procesamiento del fruto de la palma de aceite en donde los racimos esterilizados (RFFe) son tratados mecánicamente de forma que el fruto se libera del raquis o tusa, a través de la aplicación de fuerza centrífuga por el movimiento rotatorio de un tambor con ranuras, a través de las cuales el fruto pasa, pero la tusa vacía sale por el extremo del tambor. De manera preferida, este proceso se lleva a cabo en un tambor rotatorio, llamado comúnmente desfrutador. No obstante, se comprenderá que la presente invención no se limita al uso de esta metodología, sino que abarca todas las alternativas disponibles en el estado de la técnica para separar el fruto del raquis o tusa. As used in the present specification, Desfrutar or Desfrutado refers to a stage in the processing of the oil palm fruit where the sterilized bunches (RFFe) are mechanically treated so that the fruit is released from the rachis or cob, to through the application of centrifugal force by the rotary movement of a drum with grooves, through which the fruit passes, but the empty cob leaves the end of the drum. Preferably, this process is carried out in a rotating drum, commonly called a stripper. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of this methodology, but encompasses all the alternatives available in the state of the art to separate the fruit from the rachis or tusa.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, Digerir o Digestión se refiere a una etapa del procesamiento del fruto de la palma de aceite en donde los frutos, libres del raquis o tusa, son tratados para lograr la maceración del fruto y la liberación inicial del aceite previo al prensado del fruto. De manera particularmente preferida, esta etapa se lleva a cabo en un digestor en el cual el fruto se trata con vapor de agua a una temperatura aproximada de entre 80-100°C. Complementariamente, durante ésta etapa el fruto es macerado por medio del uso de mecanismos tales como paletas rotatorias, frenos laterales de retención de la masa de fruto, compuertas de alimentación superior y dosificación hacia la prensa, serpentín o inyección de vapor. Sin embargo, la presente invención no pretende limitarse a dicha metodología, sino que abarca todas las alternativas conocidas en el estado de la técnica para esta etapa del proceso. As used in the present specification, Digest or Digestion refers to a stage in the processing of the oil palm fruit where the fruits, free from the rachis or cob, are treated to achieve the maceration of the fruit and the initial release of the oil prior to pressing the fruit. In a particularly preferred manner, this stage is carried out in a digester in which the fruit is treated with steam at a temperature of approximately 80-100 ° C. Complementarily, during this stage the fruit is macerated through the use of mechanisms such as rotating paddles, lateral brakes to retain the fruit mass, upper feeding gates and dosage. towards the press, coil or steam injection. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to said methodology, but rather encompasses all the alternatives known in the state of the art for this stage of the process.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, Prensar o Prensado se refiere a una etapa del procesamiento del fruto de la palma de aceite durante la cual los frutos digeridos son tratados mediante la aplicación de presión para separar la fracción liquida de los subproductos sólidos presentes, constituidos mayoritariamente por fibras y nueces. De manera particularmente preferida, el proceso de prensado involucra el paso del fruto digerido por prensas de tipo tomillo sin fin continuas, los cuales se encuentran contenidos dentro de una cobertura perforada o camisa, la cual permite el paso solamente del licor de prensa (LP). De igual forma, se encuentran los conos, los cuales ejercen acción axial sobre la fase sólida o torta de prensado, con el fin de regular las pérdidas de aceite impregnado en la fibra y la rotura de nueces. De acuerdo con el tipo de prensa y configuración del proceso, se agrega agua a temperatura entre 80-90°C directamente en la prensa, o en equipos posteriores a esta sección (en tamizado o en tanques auxiliares previos al área de clarificación), con el fin de reducir la viscosidad del fluido y para contribuir al proceso de separación de la fase de aceite de las demás capas presentes en dicho licor (lodos y sedimentos). No obstante, debe entenderse que técnicas alternativas que logren mismo resultado, es decir, que resulten en la obtención del licor de prensa (LP) se encuentran al alcance de la presente invención. As used herein, Pressing or Pressing refers to a stage of oil palm fruit processing during which the digested fruits are treated by applying pressure to separate the liquid fraction from the solid by-products present, made up mainly of fibers and nuts. In a particularly preferred way, the pressing process involves the passage of the digested fruit through continuous endless thyme-type presses, which are contained within a perforated cover or jacket, which allows the passage only of the press liquor (LP) . Similarly, there are the cones, which exert axial action on the solid phase or press cake, in order to regulate the loss of oil impregnated in the fiber and the breakage of nuts. According to the type of press and process configuration, water at a temperature between 80-90 ° C is added directly to the press, or to equipment subsequent to this section (in sieving or in auxiliary tanks prior to the clarification area), with in order to reduce the viscosity of the fluid and to contribute to the process of separating the oil phase from the other layers present in said liquor (sludge and sediment). However, it should be understood that alternative techniques that achieve the same result, that is, that result in obtaining the press liquor (LP), are within the scope of the present invention.
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, licor de prensa (LP) se refiere al producto obtenido en la etapa de prensado, y consiste en una mezcla cuya reología la describe como un producto seudoplástico no newtoniano, compuesto por agua, aceite, lodos livianos (pectinas y gomas) y lodos pesados (tierra arena y otras impurezas). As used in the present specification, press liquor (LP) refers to the product obtained in the pressing stage, and consists of a mixture whose rheology describes it as a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic product, composed of water, oil, light sludge (pectins and gums) and heavy sludge (earth, sand and other impurities).
Como se usa en la presente memoria descriptiva, Clarificar o Clarificado se refiere a la etapa del procesamiento del fruto de la palma de aceite en donde se separa el aceite de palma contenido en el licor de prensa (LP) previamente diluido y tamizado. Este proceso se lleva por decantación (Clarificación estática) o por centrifugación forzada a alta velocidad y separación por densidad de fases (Clarificación dinámica). As used herein, Clarify or Clarify refers to the oil palm fruit processing step where the palm oil contained in the previously diluted and sieved press liquor (LP) is separated. This process is carried out by decantation (static clarification) or by forced centrifugation at high speed and separation by phase density (dynamic clarification).
Realizaciones de la invención Ahora se hará referencia en detalle a varias realizaciones. Cada ejemplo se proporciona a modo de explicación y no pretende ser una limitación y no constituye una definición de todas las realizaciones posibles Embodiments of the invention Various embodiments will now be referred to in detail. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not intended to be a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments.
En una primera realización del método para determinar un potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de racimos de fruto de palma de aceite a partir de un licor de prensa (LP), el método comprende una etapa a) de sedimentar el licor de prensa (LP) en un dispositivo de vertedero (36) configurado para generar una separación de una fase sólida (S) y una fase de aceite (Ac) del licor de prensa (LP). In a first embodiment of the method for determining an oil industrial potential (PIA) of bunches of oil palm fruit from a press liquor (LP), the method comprises a step a) of sedimenting the press liquor (LP ) in a weir device (36) configured to generate a separation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) from the press liquor (LP).
Además, esta realización del método incluye una etapa b) de obtener un dato de altura del licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de nivel (21) localizado cerca de una ranura (34) del dispositivo de vertedero (36), donde la ranura (34) está configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) hacia una salida (25) del dispositivo de vertedero (36). Furthermore, this embodiment of the method includes a step b) of obtaining a height data of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor (21) located near a slot (34) of the weir device (36), where the Slot (34) is configured to allow press liquor (LP) to pour into an outlet (25) of the weir device (36).
Similarmente, esta realización del método tiene una etapa c) de obtener un dato de temperatura de licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de temperatura (18) localizado cerca de la ranura (34), y una etapa d) de obtener un dato de concentración de aceite del licor de prensa (LP) que se suministra al dispositivo de vertedero (36). Además, el método de esta realización incluye una etapa e) de calcular mediante una unidad de cómputo (33) el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir de los datos de temperatura, altura y concentración de aceite de las etapas b, c y d. Similarly, this embodiment of the method has a step c) of obtaining a press liquor (LP) temperature data by means of a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34), and a step d) of obtaining a data oil concentration of the press liquor (LP) that is supplied to the weir device (36). Furthermore, the method of this embodiment includes a step e) of calculating by means of a computing unit (33) the industrial oil potential (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration of steps b, c and d .
Una de las ventajas de esta realización del método, es que permite obtener datos del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a lo largo del tiempo, con lo cual se puede obtener una función del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) respecto al tiempo de procesamiento. Lo anterior es importante en procesos industriales en donde existe incertidumbre en el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) que puede obtenerse en un día de procesamiento. One of the advantages of this embodiment of the method is that it allows obtaining data on the industrial potential of oil (PIA) over time, with which a function of the industrial potential of oil (PIA) with respect to the processing time can be obtained . This is important in industrial processes where there is uncertainty in the industrial potential of oil (PIA) that can be obtained in one day of processing.
Usualmente, en las plantas de beneficio donde se procesan racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RLL) para la obtención de aceite de palma, los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RLL) se clasifican y califican de acuerdo con muestras aleatorias tomadas de lotes de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF), que llegan en camiones o volquetas. Usually, in processing plants where fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RLL) are processed to obtain palm oil, fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RLL) are classified and qualified according to random samples taken from lots of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF), which arrive in trucks or dump trucks.
Por ejemplo, las muestras pueden seleccionarse al lanzar una red, y tomar los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) que caigan la red. Usualmente la red no supera los 2 metros cuadrados, por lo cual la muestra regularmente incluye menos de diez racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF). Adicionalmente, de cada racimo fresco de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) se toman muestras de frutos de palma de aceite, los cuales pueden variar en su calidad inclusive dentro de un mismo racimo fresco de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF). For example, samples can be selected by casting a net, and taking fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) that fall from the net. Usually the net does not exceed 2 square meters, so the sample regularly includes less than ten fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF). Additionally, oil palm fruit samples are taken from each fresh bunch of oil palm fruit (RFF), which may vary in quality even within the same fresh bunch of oil palm fruit (RFF).
Posteriormente, las muestras de frutos de aceite de palma se analizan en laboratorio, por ejemplo, a través de técnicas que incluyen extracción de aceite con solventes, centrifugación, dilución, y otras técnicas conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia que permitan determinar el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en la muestra seleccionada. Subsequently, the samples of palm oil fruits are analyzed in the laboratory, for example, through techniques that include oil extraction with solvents, centrifugation, dilution, and other techniques known by a person moderately versed in the matter that allow to determine the industrial oil potential (PIA) in the selected sample.
De acuerdo con lo anterior, es claro que el muestreo usualmente efectuado genera incertidumbre, y usualmente calificaciones de los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) que no corresponden a la realidad. Una de las desventajas de esto es que en ocasiones las plantas de beneficio estiman una extracción neta de aceite con base en calificaciones buenas de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF), sin embargo, al final de un periodo de procesamiento, se tienen tasas de extracción de aceite inferiores a las esperadas. In accordance with the above, it is clear that the sampling usually carried out generates uncertainty, and usually qualifications of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) that do not correspond to reality. One of the disadvantages of this is that mills sometimes estimate a net oil extraction based on good grades of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF), however, at the end of a processing period, it is have lower-than-expected oil extraction rates.
Ahora bien, el método aquí divulgado permite caracterizar y calificar los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) de acuerdo con el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) calculado a partir de las propiedades fisicoquímicas del licor de prensa (UP), como lo son su temperatura, caudal y concentración de aceite. Now, the method disclosed here allows characterizing and qualifying fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) according to the industrial oil potential (PIA) calculated from the physicochemical properties of the press liquor (UP), such as they are its temperature, flow rate and oil concentration.
En cuanto a la etapa a) de sedimentar el licor de prensa (UP) en un dispositivo de vertedero (36) configurado para generar una separación de una fase sólida (S) y una fase de aceite (Ac) del licor de prensa (UP), esta sedimentación se logra debido a la mecánica de fluidos asociada al dispositivo de vertedero (36), la cual permite reducir la velocidad del Uicor de prensa (LP), y por lo tanto, reducir su turbulencia, la cual favorece la suspensión de la fase sólida (S) en el Licor de prensa (LP). Regarding step a) of settling the press liquor (UP) in a weir device (36) configured to generate a separation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) from the press liquor (UP ), this sedimentation is achieved due to the fluid mechanics associated with the weir device (36), which allows reducing the speed of the Uicor Press (LP), and therefore, reduce its turbulence, which favors the suspension of the solid phase (S) in the Press Liquor (LP).
Dependiendo del número de Reynolds asociado al flujo de Licor de prensa (LP) que se obtiene en una planta de beneficio, se puede diseñar el dispositivo de vertedero (36). Por ejemplo, se pueden utilizar realizaciones del dispositivo de vertedero (36) en las que se generan cavidades configuradas para que el Licor de prensa (LP) fluya de manera ascendente por un área transversal mayor al área transversal del conducto a través del cual entra al dispositivo de vertedero (36). De esta manera, se reduce la velocidad hasta un punto inferior a la velocidad límite de fluidización de la fase sólida (S), con lo cual se produce una sedimentación de la fase sólida (S). El flujo ascendente puede repetirse en varias secciones del dispositivo de vertedero (36), hasta lograr una separación de la fase sólida (S) y la fase líquida que contiene el aceite. Depending on the Reynolds number associated with the flow of Press Liquor (LP) that is obtained in a beneficiation plant, the weir device (36) can be designed. For example, embodiments of the weir device (36) can be used in which cavities configured so that the Press Liquor (LP) flows upward through a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the conduit through which it enters the weir device (36). In this way, the velocity is reduced to a point below the limit fluidization velocity of the solid phase (S), thereby producing sedimentation of the solid phase (S). The upward flow can be repeated in several sections of the weir device (36), until a separation of the solid phase (S) and the liquid phase containing the oil is achieved.
Luego de la etapa a), se pasa a la etapa b) de obtener un dato de altura del licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de nivel (21) localizado cerca de una ranura (34) del dispositivo de vertedero (36), donde la ranura (34) está configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) hacia una salida (25) del dispositivo de vertedero (36). After stage a), it passes to stage b) of obtaining a data of height of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor (21) located near a slot (34) of the weir device (36) , where the slot (34) is configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards an outlet (25) of the weir device (36).
Preferiblemente, el dato de altura del licor de prensa (LP) corresponde al nivel de cresta, o el nivel que tiene el Licor de prensa (LP) antes de atravesar la ranura (34). Preferably, the height data of the Press Liquor (LP) corresponds to the peak level, or the level that the Press Liquor (LP) has before passing through the slot (34).
En algunas realizaciones del método, el dato de altura del Licor de prensa (LP) se puede obtener mediante un mediante un sensor de nivel (21) tipo radar. In some embodiments of the method, the height data of the Press Liquor (LP) can be obtained by means of a radar-type level sensor (21).
En cuanto a la etapa c), el dato de temperatura de Licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse mediante un primer sensor de temperatura (18) dispuesto cerca de la ranura (34). Regarding step c), the Press Liquor (LP) temperature data can be obtained by means of a first temperature sensor (18) arranged near the slot (34).
En varias realizaciones del método aquí divulgado, en la etapa e) la unidad de cómputo (33) puede estar configurada determinar el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir de un modelo matemático. A continuación, se describe un ejemplo de modelo matemático que pueden utilizarse. In various embodiments of the method disclosed herein, in step e) the computing unit (33) may be configured to determine the industrial oil potential (PIA) from a mathematical model. Here is an example of a mathematical model that can be used.
El potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) se determina a partir de la expresión:
Figure imgf000024_0001
donde: PIA =potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) The industrial potential of oil (PIA) is determined from the expression:
Figure imgf000024_0001
where: PIA = industrial oil potential (PIA)
mac =masa de aceite; y m ac = mass of oil; and
RFF= masa de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) RFF = mass of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF)
Ahora bien, para un proceso continuo de extracción de aceite de palma, la masa de aceite se puede determinar a partir de su flujo másico fac de acuerdo con la expresión: Now, for a continuous palm oil extraction process, the oil mass can be determined from its mass flow f ac according to the expression:
Figure imgf000024_0002
Por su parte, el flujo másico de aceite ( fac) se puede calcular a partir del caudal del Licor de prensa (LP) ( QLP (Í )), la concentración de aceite contenido en el Licor de prensa (LP) ( x voi ac(.t )) y Ia densidad del aceite (pac(í)). como se muestra en la siguiente expresión:
Figure imgf000024_0002
For its part, the mass flow of oil (f ac ) can be calculated from the flow rate of the Press Liquor (LP) (QLP (Í)), the concentration of oil contained in the Press Liquor (LP) ( x voi ac ( . t)) and I a density of the oil (p ac (í)). as shown in the following expression:
/ac( — QLP -') * xvol ac( * Pac ( / ac ( - QLP - ' ) * x vol ac (* Pac (
Así las cosas, el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) puede calcularse entre un primer tiempo (ti) y un segundo tiempo (t2) de acuerdo con la siguiente expresión:
Figure imgf000024_0003
Thus, the industrial oil potential (PIA) can be calculated between a first time (ti) and a second time (t2) according to the following expression:
Figure imgf000024_0003
Donde: Where:
RFFf =masa de racimos de fruto fresco procesados entre ti y t2 Ahora bien, la densidad del aceite (pac(t)) puede calcularse de la forma p(T) = k1 * T + k2. Las constantes / y k2 dependen de la sustancia y sus condiciones de operación, que, en caso de aceite de palma a las temperaturas de operación habituales, se reemplazarían en la ecuación de la siguiente manera: RFF f = mass of fresh fruit clusters processed between ti and t2 Now, the density of oil (p ac (t)) can be calculated in the form p (T) = k 1 * T + k 2 . The constants / yk 2 depend on the substance and its operating conditions, which, in the case of palm oil at the usual operating temperatures, would be replaced in the equation as follows:
p(T) =—0,40537 * T[°C] + 893,37 p (T) = —0.40537 * T [° C] + 893.37
Por su parte, el caudal de Licor de prensa (LP) QLP (t) puede determinarse mediante el dispositivo de vertedero (36), a partir de la altura de tiene el Licor de prensa (LP) en la ranura (34), o también llamado carga o nivel de cresta, y usando la siguiente expresión: For its part, the flow rate of Press Liquor (LP) Q LP (t) can be determined by means of the weir device (36), from the height of the Press Liquor (LP) in the slot (34), or also called load or peak level, and using the following expression:
2 _ two _
QIP QÍ) = ^ * * b * V 2 9.81 * h3/2 QIP Qi) = ^ * V * b * 2 9.81 * h 3/2
Donde Cd = Coeficiente de descarga. Este valor se obtiene experimentalmente y depende tanto de las propiedades del fluido como de los parámetros de diseño del dispositivo de vertedero (36). b= Ancho de la ranura (34) h= Carga o nivel de cresta. Where C d = Coefficient of discharge. This value is obtained experimentally and depends both on the properties of the fluid and on the design parameters of the weir device (36). b = Groove width (34) h = Load or peak level.
Para simplificar la expresión, se pueden agrupar los valores constantes de la siguiente manera: To simplify the expression, constant values can be grouped as follows:
2 -two -
KQ = - * Cd * b * y/2 * 9.81 K Q = - * C d * b * y / 2 * 9.81
3 3
De esta manera, el caudal de Licor de prensa (LP) se determina de acuerdo con la expresión: In this way, the flow rate of Press Liquor (LP) is determined according to the expression:
QLP QI) = Kq * h3/2 El valor de K0 puede obtenerse experimentalmente por medio de una calibración en la cual se mide el volumen de licor de prensas y el tiempo que tarda en llenarse un recipiente de volumen conocido, con el fin de establecer el valor de caudal de la siguiente forma:
Figure imgf000026_0001
QLP QI) = K q * h 3/2 The value of K 0 can be obtained experimentally by means of a calibration in which the volume of press liquor and the time it takes to fill a container of known volume are measured, in order to establish the flow value in the following way :
Figure imgf000026_0001
Ahora bien, se entenderá que la unidad de cómputo (33) puede configurarse con otros modelos matemáticos, estadísticos, o puede programarse con técnicas de inteligencia artificial o aprendizaje de máquina (machine leaming, en inglés), tales como algoritmos de clasificación lineal (v.g. regresión logística, clasificación de Naive Bayes, discriminante lineal de Fisher), máquinas de soporte vectorial, máquinas de soporte vectorial de mínimos cuadrados, algoritmos de clasificación cuadrática, estimación de núcleo (kemel, en inglés), vecindario k-ésimo, árboles de decisión, bosques aleatorios, redes neuronales (v.g. supervisadas, de retropropagación, de propagación hacia adelante), cuantización de vectores de aprendizaje, y otras técnicas de aprendizaje de máquina conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Now, it will be understood that the computing unit (33) can be configured with other mathematical and statistical models, or can be programmed with artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques (machine leaming, in English), such as linear classification algorithms (eg. logistic regression, Naive Bayes classification, Fisher's linear discriminant), vector support machines, least squares vector support machines, quadratic classification algorithms, kernel estimation (kemel), kth neighborhood, decision trees , random forests, neural networks (eg supervised, back-propagating, forward-propagating), learning vector quantization, and other machine learning techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Por otro lado, el método aquí divulgado, en su etapa d) requiere obtener un dato de concentración de aceite del licor de prensa (LP) que se suministra al dispositivo de vertedero (36) para poder determinar el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en la etapa e). On the other hand, the method disclosed here, in its step d) requires obtaining data on the oil concentration of the press liquor (LP) that is supplied to the landfill device (36) in order to determine the industrial potential of oil (PIA) in step e).
El dato de concentración de aceite del licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse varias maneras. Una de ellas es semi-automatizada, pues requiere tomar una muestra de Licor de prensa (LP) y analizarla con técnicas de laboratorio, que usualmente se hacen en lotes de muestras de Licor de prensa (LP) y no permiten obtener una función continua de concentración de aceite en el tiempo. Press liquor (LP) oil concentration data can be obtained in various ways. One of them is semi-automated, since it requires taking a sample of Press Liquor (LP) and analyze it with laboratory techniques, which are usually done in batches of Press Liquor (LP) samples and do not allow obtaining a continuous function of oil concentration over time.
De acuerdo con lo anterior, en algunas realizaciones del método, el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) se obtiene mediante centrifugación y determinación volumétrica de las fases contenidas en el licor de prensa (LP). Asimismo, dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse mediante una técnica de extracción de aceite a través de un solvente, o con otras técnicas de análisis de laboratorio que permitan determinar el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Igualmente, en las realizaciones semi-automatizadas pueden obtenerse datos concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) en tiempos inferiores a 5min, por ejemplo, cada 2min, 3min, 4min o 5min. La velocidad de obtención de los datos dependerá de condiciones de operación de la planta de beneficio en donde se ejecute el método, y de aspectos como la distancia entre el dispositivo de vertedero (36), o el punto en donde se tome la muestra de Licor de prensa (LP) y el laboratorio donde se analice dicha muestra. In accordance with the foregoing, in some embodiments of the method, the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) is obtained by centrifugation and volumetric determination of the phases contained in the press liquor (LP). Likewise, oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by means of an oil extraction technique through a solvent, or with other laboratory analysis techniques that allow determining the oil concentration data in the press liquor. (LP) known by a person moderately versed in the matter. Likewise, in semi-automated implementations, oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained in times less than 5 min, for example, every 2 min, 3 min, 4 min or 5 min. The speed of obtaining the data will depend on the operating conditions of the beneficiation plant where the method is executed, and on aspects such as the distance between the spillway device (36), or the point where the liquor sample is taken. press office (LP) and the laboratory where said sample is analyzed.
Ahora bien, también puede haber realizaciones del método en las que el muestreo se haga en lapsos más extensos, por ejemplo, en caso de que se quiera tener un estimado del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) procesados durante un periodo de 8 horas, 12 horas, 18 horas o 24horas. However, there may also be realizations of the method in which the sampling is done in longer periods, for example, in case you want to have an estimate of the industrial oil potential (PIA) of fresh bunches of palm fruit. oil (RFF) processed over a period of 8 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours or 24 hours.
Preferiblemente, en las realizaciones semi-automatizadas, los valores de concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) se ingresan en una terminal o computador, ya sea de manera automatizada, o de manera manual. Esta terminal o computador está configurada para transmitir generar los datos concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) y enviarlos a la unidad de cómputo (33). Asimismo, la terminal o computador podría estar configurada para acceder a una base de datos en la que se guarden los datos concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) que se obtienen durante un tiempo determinado. La base de datos puede estar localizada en una memoria física conectada a la terminal o computador, o puede ser administrada por servidores remotos, o puede ser una base de datos tipo nube. Preferably, in the semi-automated embodiments, the oil concentration values in the press liquor (LP) are entered into a terminal or computer, either in an automated manner, or manually. This terminal or computer is configured to transmit the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) and send it to the computing unit (33). Likewise, the terminal or computer could be configured to access a database in which the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) obtained during a determined time are stored. The database can be located in a physical memory connected to the terminal or computer, or it can be managed by remote servers, or it can be a cloud-type database.
Por otro lado, el método aquí divulgado puede tener realizaciones en donde se obtienen datos concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) en tiempo real, o en períodos de tiempo cortos, por ejemplo, inferiores a un minuto, inferiores a un segundo, o inclusive en milisegundos. On the other hand, the method disclosed here can have embodiments where oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) are obtained in real time, or in short periods of time, for example, less than a minute, less than a second. , or even in milliseconds.
En varias de estas realizaciones, el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) puede obtenerse mediante una técnica de espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (NIR). Por ejemplo, la técnica de espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) puede emplear un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (34) dispuesto en un conducto configurado para proporcionar el licor de prensa (LP) a una entrada (17) del dispositivo de vertedero (36). In several of these embodiments, the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) can be obtained by a near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique. For example, the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique can employ a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet (17) of the weir device. (36).
El espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) cercano permite medir en línea la composición del licor de prensas, y por lo tanto, puede obtener en línea el dato de concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP). El espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) se puede ubicar en un conducto o tubería que se localiza antes de realizar una etapa de dilución. The near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) allows to measure the composition of the press liquor online, and therefore, it can obtain the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) online. The near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be located in a conduit or pipe that is located before performing a dilution step.
Igualmente, espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) puede conectarse en otro conducto o tubería dispuesto después de que se haya efectuado la dilución. Para efectos de medir el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), si el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) se ubica luego de la dilución, es necesario medir el caudal de agua de dilución que se mezcla con el Licor de prensa (LP). Likewise, the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be connected to another conduit or pipe arranged after the dilution has taken place. For the purposes of measuring the industrial potential of oil (PIA), if the near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) is located after the dilution, it is necessary to measure the flow rate of dilution water that is mixed with the Press Liquor ( LP).
Ahora bien, en cuanto a los datos de temperatura y nivel, estos puede ser transmitidos desde el primer sensor de temperatura (18) y el sensor de nivel (21) directamente hacia unidad de cómputo (33), en caso de que el primer sensor de temperatura (18) y el sensor de nivel (21) cuenten con procesadores configurados para generar directamente los datos de temperatura y nivel, o estén conectador a un controlador (32) configurado para transformar señales generadas a partir de las mediciones del primer sensor de temperatura (18) y el sensor de nivel (21) en datos que son transmitidos a la unidad de cómputo (33). Now, regarding the temperature and level data, these can be transmitted from the first temperature sensor (18) and the level sensor (21) directly to the computer unit (33), in the event that the first sensor temperature sensor (18) and the level sensor (21) have processors configured to directly generate temperature and level data, or are connected to a controller (32) configured to transform signals generated from the measurements of the first temperature sensor. temperature (18) and the level sensor (21) into data that is transmitted to the computing unit (33).
Asimismo, los datos de temperatura y nivel podrían ser identificados y tabulados por un operario, quien luego los suministre manualmente o transmita mediante otro dispositivo electrónico a la unidad de cómputo (33). Likewise, the temperature and level data could be identified and tabulated by an operator, who then supplies them manually or transmits them through another electronic device to the computer unit (33).
Por otro lado, en varias realizaciones del método, ya sean en la que se toma el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) en tiempo real, o en las que se obtiene mediante análisis de laboratorio, el método puede además incluir una etapa Al) previa a la etapa a). En la etapa Al) se obtiene un dato de tiempo de residencia de un lote de racimos de fruto fresco (RFL) de palma de aceite, donde el tiempo de residencia incluye el tiempo comprendido entre una etapa de recibir racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) (1) y una etapa de prensar frutos de palma de aceite (5) en la que se obtiene el licor de prensa (LP). On the other hand, in various embodiments of the method, whether in which the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) is taken in real time, or in which it is obtained through laboratory analysis, the method may also include a stage Al) prior to stage a). In stage Al) a data on the residence time of a batch of fresh fruit bunches (RFL) of oil palm is obtained, where the residence time includes the time between a stage of receiving fresh fruit clusters (RFF) (1) and a stage of pressing oil palm fruits (5) in which the press liquor (LP) is obtained.
Haciendo referencia a la FIG. 1, esta FIG. muestra un ejemplo de cómo se puede determinar el tiempo de residencia analizando los tiempos y movimientos involucrados en una planta de beneficio en donde se ejecutan las siguientes etapas: Referring to FIG. 1, this FIG. shows an example of how residence time can be determined by analyzing the times and movements involved in a beneficiation plant where the following stages are carried out:
■ Recepción (1) o recibir racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) (1); ■ Receiving (1) or receiving fresh fruit bunches (RFF) (1);
■ Esterilización (2) del fruto o esterilizar los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) ■ Sterilization (2) of the fruit or sterilize the fresh fruit bunches (RFF)
(2); (two);
■ Desfrutado (3) o desfrutar frutos de palma de aceite (3); ■ Enjoying (3) or enjoying oil palm fruits (3);
■ Digestión (4) o digerir los frutos de palma de aceite (4), y ■ Digestion (4) or digesting oil palm fruits (4), and
■ Prensado (5) o prensar frutos de palma de aceite (5). ■ Pressing (5) or pressing oil palm fruits (5).
En este ejemplo, en la etapa de recepción (1) o también llamada recibir racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) (1), los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) son pesados, dosificados en tolvas de recepción, y dispuestos en vagonetas marcadas de acuerdo al proveedor y hora de inicio del procesamiento. Los datos recolectados en esta etapa -peso, tiempo y proveedor- son almacenados para procesamiento posterior, según se describe más adelante. In this example, in the reception stage (1) or also called receiving fresh fruit bunches (RFF) (1), the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) are weighed, dosed in reception hoppers, and arranged in carts marked with according to the provider and processing start time. The data collected at this stage - weight, time and supplier - is stored for further processing, as described below.
Luego, se pasa a la etapa de esterilizar los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) (2), en donde los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) son sometidos a condiciones específicas de presión y temperatura, con el fin de detener la acción de la enzima lipasa y evitar el avance del proceso de acidificación del aceite. Then, the stage of sterilizing the fresh fruit bunches (RFF) (2), where the fresh oil palm fruit bunches (RFF) are subjected to specific conditions of pressure and temperature, in order to stop the action of the lipase enzyme and prevent the advance of the oil acidification process.
Por ejemplo, esta etapa involucra tratar los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) con vapor de agua, que generalmente se realiza en un esterilizador capaz de inyectar y distribuir el vapor de agua a una presión entre 241 y 344 kPa (35-50 psi) durante 75 minutos y 95 minutos. Ahora bien, se entenderá que la etapa de esterilizar los racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) (2) puede efectuarse a otros intervalos de temperatura, presión y tiempo que sean conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. For example, this stage involves treating fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) with steam, which is generally done in a sterilizer capable of injecting and distributing the steam at a pressure between 241 and 344 kPa (35 -50 psi) for 75 minutes and 95 minutes. Now, it will be understood that the step of sterilizing the fresh fruit clusters (RFF) (2) can be carried out at other intervals of temperature, pressure and time that are known to a person of moderate skill in the matter.
Posteriormente, como se ilustra en el ejemplo representado en la FIG. 1, la etapa de desfrutar frutos de palma de aceite (3) puede ser efectuada por un tambor rotatorio o trommel como el ilustrado, en el que los racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) ya esterilizados se levantan dentro del tambor y se dejan caer para que se desprendan los frutos de palma de aceite de las tusas. No obstante, se comprenderá que la presente invención no se limita al uso de esta metodología, sino que abarca todas las alternativas disponibles en el estado de la técnica para separar el fruto del raquis o tusa. Subsequently, as illustrated in the example depicted in FIG. 1, the step of enjoying oil palm fruits (3) can be carried out by a rotating drum or trommel like the one illustrated, in which the fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) Once sterilized, they are lifted into the drum and dropped so that the oil palm fruits are detached from the cobs. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of this methodology, but encompasses all the alternatives available in the state of the art to separate the fruit from the rachis or tusa.
Luego, en el ejemplo representado en la FIG. 1, los frutos de palma de aceite son transportados desde la salida de la etapa de desfrutar frutos de palma de aceite (3) mediante un mecanismo de transporte de sólidos, que en el presente ejemplo es un elevador de cangilones. El elevador de cangilones dispone los frutos de palma de aceite en un digestor, en el que se ejecuta la etapa de digerir los frutos de palma de aceite (4). Then, in the example depicted in FIG. 1, the oil palm fruits are transported from the exit of the oil palm fruit harvesting stage (3) by means of a solids transport mechanism, which in the present example is a bucket elevator. The bucket elevator places the oil palm fruits in a digester, in which the stage of digesting the oil palm fruits is carried out (4).
El digestor del presente ejemplo cuenta con elementos rotativos en su interior que permiten macerar los frutos de palma de aceite. Además, el fruto de palma de aceite se trata con vapor de agua a una temperatura aproximada de entre 80°C y 100°C. Igualmente se entenderá que la etapa de digerir los frutos de palma de aceite (4) puede ejecutarse en cualquier otro aparato que cuente con elementos como paletas rotatorias, frenos laterales de retención de la masa de fruto, compuertas de alimentación superior y dosificación hacia la prensa, serpentín o inyección de vapor, y otros elementos equivalentes conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia que contribuyan a macerar los frutos de palma de aceite sin quebrar la nuez contenida en ellos. The digester in this example has rotating elements inside that allow the oil palm fruits to be macerated. In addition, the oil palm fruit is treated with steam at a temperature of between 80 ° C and 100 ° C. Likewise, it will be understood that the stage of digesting the oil palm fruits (4) can be carried out in any other device that has elements such as rotating blades, lateral brakes to retain the fruit mass, upper feed gates and dosing towards the press. , coil or steam injection, and other equivalent elements known to a person moderately versed in the matter that contribute to marinate the oil palm fruits without breaking the nut contained in them.
Posteriormente, se pasa a una etapa de análisis del licor de prensa (LP) (6) o analizar el licor de prensa (6) y una etapa de cálculo del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) (7) o calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) (7), la cuales pueden ser ejecutadas a partir de las etapas de las modalidades del método aquí divulgado. Subsequently, a stage of analysis of the press liquor (LP) (6) or to analyze the press liquor (6) and a stage of calculation of the industrial oil potential (PIA) (7) or to calculate the industrial potential of oil (PIA) (7), which can be executed from the stages of the modalities of the method disclosed here.
Por ejemplo, durante la etapa de análisis del licor de prensa (LP) (6), se puede determinar el caudal y la densidad del licor de prensa (LP), por medio de un dispositivo de vertedero (36), que en el ejemplo representado en la FIG. 1 es un dispositivo de canal abierto tipo vertedero, y haciendo uso de instrumentación analítica industrial. Asimismo, esta etapa incluye el análisis de la composición del Licor de prensa (LP), que puede ser realizado antes, durante o inmediatamente después de la descarga del Licor de prensa (LP) al dispositivo de canal abierto, teniendo cuenta que en este punto se tiene una menor probabilidad de mezcla del licor de prensa (LP) asociado a racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) de diferentes fuentes o proveedores. For example, during the stage of analysis of the press liquor (LP) (6), the flow rate and the density of the press liquor (LP) can be determined, by means of a weir device (36), which in the example depicted in FIG. 1 is a weir-type open channel device, and making use of industrial analytical instrumentation. Likewise, this stage includes the analysis of the composition of the Press Liquor (LP), which can be carried out before, during or immediately after the discharge of the Press Liquor (LP) to the open channel device, taking into account that at this point you have a minor probability of mixing the press liquor (LP) associated with fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) from different sources or suppliers.
Por ejemplo, el análisis de la composición del Licor de prensa (LP) se puede realizar por medio de un muestreo periódico manual del Licor de prensa (LP), para luego medir el volumen de las fases presentes (aceite, agua, lodos livianos y lodos pesados) en cada una de las muestras recolectadas. Por ejemplo, el análisis volumétrico puede hacerse mediante por medio de la centrifugación de las muestras del Licor de prensa (LP) recolectadas en tubos de ensayo plásticos graduados. For example, the analysis of the composition of the Press Liquor (LP) can be carried out by means of a manual periodic sampling of the Press Liquor (LP), to then measure the volume of the phases present (oil, water, light sludge and heavy sludge) in each of the collected samples. For example, volumetric analysis can be done by centrifugation of Press Liquor (LP) samples collected in graduated plastic test tubes.
Asimismo, en otras modalidades del método se puede determinar el valor de la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) diario de la planta de beneficio, en esta modalidad el periodo de recolección de las muestras está entre aproximadamente 15 minutos y aproximadamente 120 minutos. También, el periodo de recolección puede ser aproximadamente 15 minutos. Asimismo, el periodo de recolección puede ser aproximadamente 60 minutos o mayor. Likewise, in other modalities of the method, the value of the daily oil extraction rate (TEA) of the beneficiation plant can be determined, in this modality the sample collection period is between approximately 15 minutes and approximately 120 minutes. Also, the collection period can be approximately 15 minutes. Also, the collection period can be approximately 60 minutes or longer.
La tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) se calcula a partir del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), tomando en cuenta un porcentaje de pérdidas de aceite en efluentes (%Ac. perdefluentes ) y un porcentaje de aceite recuperado de una etapa de prensado de tusas (%Ac. rectusas), de acuerdo con la siguiente expresión: The rate of oil extraction (TEA) is calculated from the industrial potential oil (PIA), considering a percentage of oil leakage in effluent (% Ac. Forgiveness and luentes f) and a percentage of oil recovered from a stage of pressing the beans (% Ac. recusas ), according to the following expression:
TEA PIA %A c . p6vde^iuen^es I- %Ac. ^6C^usas Ahora bien, se entenderá que como la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) depende del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) puede obtenerse con la misma frecuencia que el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), si es posible determinar los valores de porcentaje de pérdidas de aceite en efluentes (%Ac. perdefluentes) y el porcentaje de aceite recuperado de una etapa de prensado de tusas (%Ac. rectusas), en la misma frecuencia, o si se emplean modelos matemáticos de interpolación que permitan obtener los valores requeridos por la ecuación. En una realización del método, la centrifugación de las muestras recolectadas se lleva a cabo a aproximadamente 3000-4000 RPM por aproximadamente 3 a 10 minutos. En un ejemplo del método, la temperatura de las muestras se mantiene entre aproximadamente 60 y aproximadamente 90°C durante su análisis. TEA PIA% A c. p6vd e ^ i uen ^ is I-% Ac. ^ 6C ^ you use Now, it will be understood that as the oil extraction rate (TEA) depends on the industrial oil potential (PIA), the oil extraction rate (TEA) can be obtained with the same frequency as the industrial potential of oil (PIA), if possible to determine the values of percentage of oil leakage in effluent (% Ac. forgiveness and luentes f) and the percentage of oil recovered from a pressing stage cobs (% Ac. tusas rec), in the same frequency, or if mathematical interpolation models are used to obtain the values required by the equation. In one embodiment of the method, centrifugation of the collected samples is carried out at approximately 3000-4000 RPM for approximately 3 to 10 minutes. In one example of the method, the temperature of the samples is maintained between about 60 and about 90 ° C during their analysis.
De otro lado, en otra realización del método, el análisis de la composición del LP se realiza de manera automatizada empleando un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) con matriz de diodos de alta resolución (NIR- VIS). De esta forma, de acuerdo a esta modalidad, el equipo proporciona datos de porcentaje de agua y aceite en el Licor de prensa (LP) en periodos predeterminados. El periodo de muestreo del espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) puede ser entre aproximadamente 1 segundo y aproximadamente 10 segundos. También, el periodo de muestreo del espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) puede ser el periodo es de aproximadamente 4 segundos. On the other hand, in another embodiment of the method, the analysis of the LP composition is carried out in an automated manner using a near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) with a high resolution diode matrix (NIR-VIS). In this way, according to this modality, the equipment provides data on the percentage of water and oil in the Press Liquor (LP) in predetermined periods. The sampling period of the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be between about 1 second and about 10 seconds. Also, the sampling period of the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be the period is about 4 seconds.
Sin embargo, deberá entenderse que la invención no pretende limitarse al uso de dichas técnicas de análisis, sino que abarca todas las alternativas que permitan determinar la cantidad de aceite por unidad de volumen del Licor de prensa (LP). However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the use of said analysis techniques, but rather encompasses all the alternatives that allow determining the amount of oil per unit volume of Press Liquor (LP).
Los datos recolectados en esta etapa (6), temperatura, densidad, tiempo, caudal y composición del Licor de prensa (LP), pueden ser almacenados en una base de datos o memoria a la que tenga acceso la unidad de cómputo (33). The data collected in this stage (6), temperature, density, time, flow rate and composition of the Press Liquor (LP), can be stored in a database or memory to which the computing unit (33) has access.
Por otro lado, la presente divulgación describe realizaciones de un aparato para determinar del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de racimos de fruto de palma de aceite a partir de un licor de prensa (LP), en adelante aparato. On the other hand, the present disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus for determining the industrial potential of oil (PIA) of oil palm fruit bunches from a press liquor (LP), hereinafter apparatus.
Haciendo referencia a la LIG. 2, en una realización del aparato, este incluye un dispositivo de vertedero (36) con una entrada (17) configurada para ingresar el licor de prensa (LP); una salida (25) configurada para retirar el licor de prensa (LP); y un elemento de división (15) dispuesto entre la entrada (17) y la salida (25). Además, el aparato cuenta con una ranura (34) localizada en el elemento de división (15) y configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) haca la salida (25). Adicionalmente, el aparato incluye un sensor de temperatura (18) localizado cerca de la ranura (34) y configurado para obtener un dato de temperatura de licor de prensa (LP); un sensor de nivel (21) localizado cerca de la ranura (34) y configurado para obtener un dato de altura de licor de prensa (LP); y una unidad de cómputo (33) configurada para calcular mediante el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir un dato de concentración de aceite y de los datos de temperatura y altura. With reference to the LIG. 2, in one embodiment of the apparatus, it includes a weir device (36) with an inlet (17) configured to enter the press liquor (LP); an outlet (25) configured to withdraw the press liquor (LP); and a dividing element (15) arranged between the inlet (17) and the outlet (25). Furthermore, the apparatus has a slot (34) located in the dividing element (15) and configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards the outlet (25). Additionally, the apparatus includes a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) temperature data; a level sensor (21) located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) height data; and a computing unit (33) configured to calculate by means of the industrial oil potential (PIA) from oil concentration data and temperature and height data.
Una de las ventajas de que el aparato cuente con un dispositivo de vertedero (36) es que el dispositivo de vertedero (36) permite obtener valores de caudal de Licor de prensa (LP) con base en mediciones de altura del Licor de prensa (LP) cerca de la ranura (34). One of the advantages of the apparatus having a weir device (36) is that the weir device (36) allows to obtain press liquor (LP) flow values based on height measurements of the press liquor (LP ) near the slot (34).
Lo anterior es importante tomando en cuenta que la tecnología disponible hasta el momento proporciona caudalímetros que si bien pueden obtener datos de caudal de Licor de prensa (LP), suelen obstruirse o descalibrarse debido a las propiedades físicas del Licor de prensa (LP), como su turbidez, abrasividad, viscosidad, alta concentración de sólidos y baja conductividad eléctrica. The foregoing is important taking into account that the technology available to date provides flowmeters that, although they can obtain flow data from Press Liquor (LP), tend to become clogged or miscalibrated due to the physical properties of Press Liquor (LP), such as its turbidity, abrasiveness, viscosity, high concentration of solids and low electrical conductivity.
Sin embargo, se entenderá que pueden utilizarse caudalímetros y otros instrumentos configurados para determinar de manera directa o indirecta el caudal del Licor de prensa (LP), y determinar datos de caudal del Licor de prensa (LP) que pueden ser procesados junto con datos de temperatura y datos de concentración de aceite del Licor de prensa (LP) en la unidad de cómputo (33) con el fin de calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). However, it will be understood that flow meters and other instruments configured to determine directly or indirectly the flow rate of the Press Liquor (LP), and determine flow data of the Press Liquor (LP) that can be processed along with data from temperature and oil concentration data of the Press Liquor (LP) in the computer unit (33) in order to calculate the industrial oil potential (PIA).
Haciendo referencia a la FIG. 2, la modalidad ilustrada del aparato incluye un dispositivo de vertedero (36) con una primera pared (37) localizada cerca de la entrada (17); una segunda pared (38) localizada cerca de la salida (25) y un primer panel (13) dispuesto entre la primera pared (37) y el elemento de división (15). Referring to FIG. 2, the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus includes a weir device (36) with a first wall (37) located near the inlet (17); a second wall (38) located near the outlet (25) and a first panel (13) arranged between the first wall (37) and the partition element (15).
El primer panel (13) y la primera pared (37) definen una primera cavidad (8) configurada para reducir la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) que ingresa a través de la entrada (17). Además, el primer panel (13) y el elemento de división (15) definen una segunda cavidad (9) comunicada con la primera cavidad (8); donde la segunda cavidad (9) está configurada para generar una precipitación de una fase sólida (S) y una fase de aceite (Ac) (ilustradas en la FIG. 3 y FIG. 4) contenidas en el licor de prensa (LP). The first panel (13) and the first wall (37) define a first cavity (8) configured to reduce the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) entering through the inlet (17). Furthermore, the first panel (13) and the dividing element (15) define a second cavity (9) communicated with the first cavity (8); where the second cavity (9) is configured to generate a precipitation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) (illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) contained in the press liquor (LP).
Durante el funcionamiento del aparato, el Licor de prensa (LP) ingresa al dispositivo de vertedero (36) a través de la entrada (17) hacia la primera cavidad (8). En la primera cavidad (8) el Licor de prensa (LP) sufre una reducción de velocidad al cambiarse abruptamente la sección transversal del elemento que lo confina, por ejemplo, la tubería que se ilustra en la FIG. 2 que sirve como entrada (17). El cambio de área genera un cambio de velocidad que permite empezar a sedimentar la fase sólida (S) que se muestra en las FIGs. 3 y 4. During the operation of the apparatus, the Press Liquor (LP) enters the weir device (36) through the inlet (17) towards the first cavity (8). In the first cavity (8) the Press Liquor (LP) undergoes a speed reduction when the cross section of the element that confines it changes abruptly, for example, the pipe that is illustrated in FIG. 2 serving as input (17). The change in area generates a change in speed that allows the solid phase (S) shown in FIGs to begin to settle. 3 and 4.
Adicionalmente, en la primera cavidad (8) se genera un flujo ascendente del Licor de prensa (LP), de manera que el Licor de prensa (LP) rebosa el primer panel (13) y pasa a la segunda cavidad (9), en donde se genera un flujo descendente, y luego pasa por el segundo panel (14) de manera ascendente. Luego, el Licor de prensa (LP) pasa por la ranura (34) formando una cresta que decrece en dirección hacia donde se localiza la salida (25). Additionally, in the first cavity (8) an upward flow of the Press Liquor (LP) is generated, so that the Press Liquor (LP) overflows the first panel (13) and passes to the second cavity (9), in where a downward flow is generated, and then passes through the second panel (14) upward. Then, the Press Liquor (LP) passes through the slot (34) forming a crest that decreases in the direction towards where the outlet (25) is located.
Además, el dispositivo de vertedero (36) puede tener un segundo panel (14) configurado para formar con el elemento de división (15) una tercera cavidad ( 10), la cual se configura para lograr tener un nivel de Licor de prensa (LP) lo más horizontal y poco turbulento posible. Luego, el Licor de prensa (LP) pasa por la ranura (34) hacia una cuarta cavidad (11) definida por un cuarto panel (16) y el elemento de división (15). En este caso, en la ranura (34) se forma una cresta de vertimiento que sobresale hacia la cuarta cavidad (11). Furthermore, the weir device (36) may have a second panel (14) configured to form with the dividing element (15) a third cavity (10), which is configured to achieve a level of Press Liquor (LP ) as horizontal and as little turbulent as possible. Then, the Press Liquor (LP) passes through the slot (34) into a fourth cavity (11) defined by a fourth panel (16) and the dividing element (15). In this case, a pouring ridge is formed in the groove (34) which projects towards the fourth cavity (11).
En la proximidad de la ranura (34) se mide la altura del Licor de prensa (LP) con el sensor de nivel (21), con el fin de obtener el dato de altura de nivel de cresta, o nivel de Licor de prensa (LP) que toma en cuenta la unidad de cómputo (33) para calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). In the vicinity of the slot (34), the height of the Press Liquor (LP) is measured with the level sensor (21), in order to obtain the peak level height data, or Press Liquor level ( LP) that takes into account the computer unit (33) to calculate the industrial potential of oil (PIA).
Haciendo referencia a la FIG. 2, después la cuarta cavidad (11) el Licor de prensa (LP) puede pasar a una quinta cavidad (12) formada por el cuarto panel ( 16) y la segunda pared (38). El tercer panel (16) está configurado para reducir la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) que fluye hacia la salida (25). Asimismo, en la realización que se muestra en la FIG. 2, el dispositivo de vertedero (36) puede incluir una entrada de dilución (22) dispuesta entre la salida (25) y el elemento divisorio (15) y configurada para suministrar agua de dilución al licor de prensa (LP). En el ejemplo representado la entrada de dilución (22) corresponde a un conducto a través del cual fluye agua, o condensados de vapor tomados de otras etapas del proceso de la planta de beneficio donde se instale el aparato, tales como, trampas de calderas, condensados de esterilización, entre otros. Referring to FIG. 2, after the fourth cavity (11) the Press Liquor (LP) can pass to a fifth cavity (12) formed by the fourth panel (16) and the second wall (38). The third panel (16) is configured to reduce the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) flowing towards the outlet (25). Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the weir device (36) may include a dilution inlet (22) arranged between the outlet (25) and the divider (15) and configured to supply dilution water to the press liquor (LP). In the example shown, the dilution inlet (22) corresponds to a conduit through which water flows, or steam condensates taken from other stages of the beneficiation plant process where the device is installed, such as boiler traps, sterilization condensates, among others.
Adicionalmente, en la realización de la FIG. 2 se representa una de las modalidades del aparato cuenta con un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) dispuesto en un conducto configurado para proporcionar el licor de prensa (LP) a una entrada (17) del dispositivo de vertedero (36), donde el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (34) está configurado para obtener el dato de concentración de aceite. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 2 represents one of the modalities of the apparatus has a near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet (17) of the weir device (36), where the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) is configured to obtain the oil concentration data.
Preferiblemente, el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (34) se conecta a un procesador (no ilustrado) configurado para determinar el dato de concentración de aceite a partir de procesamiento de señales con una técnica de análisis de radiación de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) y transmitir el dato de concentración de aceite a la unidad de cómputo (33). Preferably, the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) is connected to a processor (not illustrated) configured to determine oil concentration data from signal processing with a near infrared radiation (NIR) analysis technique. and transmitting the oil concentration data to the computing unit (33).
Asimismo, en la realización de la FIG. 2 se ilustra un sensor de nivel (21) de tipo radar. Este sensor de nivel (21) permite tomar medidas confiables de nivel de Licor de prensa (LP) cerca de la ranura (34), pues generalmente este tipo de sensores cuentan con infraestructura electrónica capaz de filtrar ruido generado por vapores, paso de insectos, toma de muestras de Licor de prensa (LP), y otras interrupciones o intrusiones que generan falsas medidas en otros sensores de nivel (21), como los ópticos, o los operados por láser, o sonar. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a radar-type level sensor (21) is illustrated. This level sensor (21) allows taking reliable measurements of the level of Press Liquor (LP) near the slot (34), since generally this type of sensors have an electronic infrastructure capable of filtering noise generated by vapors, passage of insects, sampling of Press Liquor (LP), and other interruptions or intrusions that generate false measurements in other level sensors (21), such as optical, or those operated by laser, or sonar.
Similarmente, la FIG. 2 muestra que el aparato puede incluir un conducto de extracciónSimilarly, FIG. 2 shows that the apparatus may include an extraction duct
(23) dispuesto en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36) y un mecanismo de extracción(23) arranged at the bottom of the weir device (36) and an extraction mechanism
(24) configurado para extraer unos sedimentos formados por la fase sólida del licor de prensa (LP). En la FIG. 2 se muestra que se pueden tener varios conductos de extracción (23) acoplados a un mismo mecanismo de extracción (24). Adicionalmente, en la FIG. 2 se muestra un ejemplo de conducto de extracción (3) en el que se tiene una ramificación de conductos (39) dispuesta en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36). (24) configured to extract sediments formed by the solid phase of the press liquor (LP). In FIG. 2 shows that it is possible to have several extraction conduits (23) coupled to the same extraction mechanism (24). Additionally, in FIG. two An example of extraction duct (3) is shown in which there is a branch of ducts (39) arranged at the bottom of the weir device (36).
De esta manera el aparato puede evacuar sedimentos de fase sólida (S) que se acumulan en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36) los cuales pueden generar una lectura errónea de la altura del licor de prensa (LP) por parte de sensor de nivel (21), lo cual generaría datos de altura erróneos que afectan la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). Por ejemplo, la FIG. 4, muestra gráficamente como al activarse el mecanismo de extracción (24), los sedimentos de fase sólida (S) salen por el conducto de extracción (23). In this way, the apparatus can evacuate solid phase sediments (S) that accumulate at the bottom of the weir device (36) which can generate an erroneous reading of the height of the press liquor (LP) by the level sensor (21), which would generate erroneous height data that affects the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA). For example, FIG. 4, graphically shows how when the extraction mechanism (24) is activated, the solid phase sediments (S) exit through the extraction conduit (23).
Adicionalmente, en las FIGs. 2, 3 y 4 se identifica que el conducto de extracción (23) incluye una ramificación de conductos (39). De esta manera, la ramificación de conductos (39) proporciona múltiples puntos de entrada de los sedimentos, lo cual facilita su extracción de manera homogénea. Particularmente, la realización del aparato ilustrada en las FIGs. 2 y 3 muestra que la ramificación de conductos (39) es de tipo espina de pescado. Additionally, in FIGs. 2, 3 and 4 it is identified that the extraction conduit (23) includes a branch of conduits (39). In this way, the branching of ducts (39) provides multiple entry points for the sediments, which facilitates their homogeneous extraction. In particular, the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in FIGs. 2 and 3 show that the duct branch (39) is of the herringbone type.
Ahora bien, se entenderá que, en otras realizaciones no ilustradas, se pueden utilizar diferentes configuraciones, formas y disposiciones del conducto de extracción (23). Asimismo, se pueden usar configuraciones diferentes para la ramificación de conductos (39). Now, it will be understood that, in other embodiments not illustrated, different configurations, shapes and arrangements of the extraction conduit (23) may be used. Also, different configurations can be used for branching ducts (39).
Asimismo, la FIG. 2 muestra una modalidad del mecanismo de extracción (24) que incluye una bomba de diafragma, y accesorios hidráulicos como válvulas de paso y conexiones de tubería. Ahora bien, se entenderá que pueden utilizarse otras bombas seleccionadas entre bombas de tomillo, bombas de cavidad progresiva, bombas de lóbulos, bombas tipo Eddy, bombas de levas, bombas reciprocantes, bombas centrifugas, bombas triplex, bomba de diafragma, bomba de doble diafragma, u otras bombas equivalentes conocidas por una persona versada en la materia técnica. Also, FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the extraction mechanism (24) that includes a diaphragm pump, and hydraulic accessories such as shut-off valves and pipe connections. Now, it will be understood that other pumps selected among thyme pumps, progressive cavity pumps, lobe pumps, Eddy type pumps, cam pumps, reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps, triplex pumps, diaphragm pump, double diaphragm pump can be used. , or other equivalent pumps known to a person skilled in the art.
Adicionalmente, en la realización de la FIG. 2, se identifica que el aparato puede incluir una pluralidad de sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) dispuestos cerca de la ranura (34) y separados entre sí verticalmente. Los sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) pueden estar configurados para obtener una pluralidad de datos de temperatura que son transmitidos a la unidad de cómputo (33). En este caso, la unidad de cómputo (33) puede además estar configurada para obtener datos de conductividad térmica, gradientes de temperatura y diferenciales de temperatura, y otras propiedades termodinámicas con base en las señales de temperatura. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, it is identified that the apparatus may include a plurality of temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) arranged near the slot (34) and spaced from each other vertically. The temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) can be configured to obtain a plurality of temperature data that is transmitted to the computing unit (33). In this case, the computing unit (33) may further be configured to obtain data on thermal conductivity, temperature gradients and temperature differentials, and other thermodynamic properties based on the temperature signals.
Por otra parte, tal como se ilustra en la FIG. 2, el aparato representado tiene un dispositivo de vertedero (36) de tipo canal abierto con vertedero rectangular. El primer panel (13) se extiende desde el piso del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta aproximadamente ¾ partes de su altura total; el segundo panel (14) se extiende desde la parte superior del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta aproximadamente la mitad de la altura del mismo; el elemento de división (15) se extiende desde el piso del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta la parte superior del mismo y presenta una ranura (34) vertical de forma rectangular en la dicha parte superior; y, el cuarto panel (16) actúa como un atenuador de turbulencia antes de la dilución del licor de prensa (LP), se extiende desde el piso del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta aproximadamente la mitad de la altura del mismo. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus shown has a weir device (36) of the open channel type with a rectangular weir. The first panel (13) extends from the floor of the weir device (36) to approximately 3/4 of its total height; the second panel (14) extends from the top of the weir device (36) to approximately half the height thereof; the dividing element (15) extends from the floor of the weir device (36) to the upper part thereof and has a vertical slot (34) of rectangular shape in the said upper part; and, the fourth panel (16) acts as a turbulence attenuator prior to dilution of the press liquor (LP), it extends from the floor of the weir device (36) to approximately half the height thereof.
En una modalidad no ilustrada, el aparato comprende además una mirilla graduada fabricada en material resistente a las condiciones de trabajo, tal como cristal de trabajo pesado. En una modalidad particular, la mirilla se encuentra graduada en milímetros. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a graduated sight glass made of material resistant to working conditions, such as heavy duty glass. In a particular mode, the sight glass is graduated in millimeters.
De otro lado, en aún otra realización el aparato tiene medios para la determinación de la temperatura del licor de prensa (LP) en al menos tres posiciones distintas al interior del vertedero. En una realización preferida los medios para la determinación de la temperatura se seleccionan de un grupo que comprende sensores de temperatura tipo termocupla, termopares, dispositivos termo-resistivos (RTD) o similares. En una realización particularmente preferida, los medios para la determinación de temperatura son sensores de temperatura tipo termocupla. On the other hand, in yet another embodiment the apparatus has means for determining the temperature of the press liquor (LP) in at least three different positions inside the weir. In a preferred embodiment the means for temperature determination are selected from a group comprising thermocouple type temperature sensors, thermocouples, thermo-resistive devices (RTD) or the like. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the means for temperature determination are thermocouple type temperature sensors.
En aún otra realización de la invención, el dispositivo de canal abierto tipo vertedero rectangular de la invención presenta medios para la determinación del nivel con sensores de nivel tal como sensores por radar de onda guiada, por contacto mediante medición de capacitancia, o similares. De esta forma, tal como se ilustra en la FIG. 2, esta realización del aparato comprende un conducto configurado como entrada ( 17), un primer sensor de temperatura (18) localizado en la primera cavidad (8), un segundo sensor de temperatura (19) localizado en la segunda cavidad (9) junto con un tercer sensor de temperatura (20) y un sensor de nivel (21) dispuesto y un sensor de nivel (21) del licor de prensa (LP), ubicados en las cercanías del elemento de división (15). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the rectangular weir type open channel device of the invention has means for level determination with level sensors such as guided wave radar sensors, contact by capacitance measurement, or the like. In this way, as illustrated in FIG. 2, this embodiment of the apparatus comprises a conduit configured as an inlet (17), a first temperature sensor (18) located in the first cavity (8), a second temperature sensor (19) located in the second cavity (9) together with a third temperature sensor (20) and a level sensor (21) arranged and a level sensor (21) of the press liquor (LP), located in the vicinity of the dividing element (15).
De otro lado, en una realización, el dispositivo de canal abierto tipo vertedero rectangular de la invención comprende medios para la evacuación de sedimentos, por ejemplo, un conducto de extracción (23), medios para controlar el nivel de sedimentos, por ejemplo, un mecanismo de extracción (24), una entrada de dilución (22), por ejemplo, un conducto de descarga de agua, y una salida (25) con medios para la salida del licor de prensa diluido (LPD) hacia clarificación. On the other hand, in one embodiment, the rectangular weir type open channel device of the invention comprises means for the evacuation of sediments, for example, an extraction duct (23), means for controlling the level of sediment, for example, a extraction mechanism (24), a dilution inlet (22), for example, a water discharge conduit, and an outlet (25) with means for the exit of the dilute press liquor (LPD) towards clarification.
En una modalidad de la invención, los medios para el control del nivel de sedimentos comprenden sistemas de tuberías fabricadas en materiales adecuados para el trabajo con el Licor de prensa (LP). En una modalidad particular, los medios para controlar el nivel de sedimentos comprenden medios mecánicos que promuevan el movimiento de los sedimentos a través de las tuberías, tales como una bomba o similares. In one embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling the sediment level comprise pipe systems made of materials suitable for working with the Press Liquor (LP). In a particular embodiment, the means for controlling the level of sediment comprise mechanical means that promote the movement of the sediment through the pipes, such as a pump or the like.
En aun otra realización, el aparato incluye un dispositivo de vertedero (36) de tipo canal abierto con vertedero de sección transversal rectangular. El dispositivo de vertedero (36) tiene en su la parte inferior de la primera cavidad (8), segunda cavidad (9) y/o tercera cavidad (10) medios para la evacuación de sedimentos, en donde dichos medios pueden ser un conducto de extracción (23) con una ramificación de conductos (39) con forma de espina de pescado. En otra realización, los medios para la evacuación de sedimentos, se refieren a tubería simple y se ubican en la parte lateral de la cuarta cavidad (11) y la quinta cavidad (12). In still another embodiment, the apparatus includes an open channel type weir device (36) with weir of rectangular cross section. The weir device (36) has in its lower part of the first cavity (8), second cavity (9) and / or third cavity (10) means for the evacuation of sediments, wherein said means can be a conduit for extraction (23) with a branching of ducts (39) shaped like a herringbone. In another embodiment, the means for the evacuation of sediments, refer to simple pipes and are located in the lateral part of the fourth cavity (11) and the fifth cavity (12).
En una modalidad no ilustrada, los sedimentos evacuados se recirculan a la primera cavidad (8), con el fin aprovechar el contenido de aceite presente en esta fase sólida. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the evacuated sediments are recirculated to the first cavity (8), in order to take advantage of the oil content present in this solid phase.
Por otro lado, la FIG. 2 también ilustra la posición preferida de los sensores de temperatura ( 18, 19, 20). De este modo, el primer sensor de temperatura (18) se encuentra ubicado en la parte superior, de forma que permite la medición de la temperatura del Licor de prensa (LP) que ha ingresado (y por tanto el cálculo de la densidad del aceite); por su parte, el segundo sensor de temperatura (19) se encuentra ubicado a una altura intermedia del vertedero, de forma que permite detectar, por comparación con los valores de temperatura del primer sensor de temperatura (18), la presencia de aceite o lodos. Asimismo, el tercer sensor de temperatura (20) se encuentra ubicado en la parte inferior del vertedero, de forma que permite detectar, por comparación con los valores de temperatura del primer sensor de temperatura (18) y el segundo sensor de temperatura (19), la presencia de lodos y sedimentos. Estos sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) permiten tener un control eficiente de la salida de los sedimentos evitando que se dé una salida inapropiada del aceite. On the other hand, FIG. 2 also illustrates the preferred position of the temperature sensors (18, 19, 20). In this way, the first temperature sensor (18) is located located in the upper part, in such a way that it allows the measurement of the temperature of the Press Liquor (LP) that has entered (and therefore the calculation of the oil density); For its part, the second temperature sensor (19) is located at an intermediate height of the landfill, in such a way that it allows detecting, by comparison with the temperature values of the first temperature sensor (18), the presence of oil or sludge . Likewise, the third temperature sensor (20) is located in the lower part of the landfill, so that it allows to detect, by comparison with the temperature values of the first temperature sensor (18) and the second temperature sensor (19) , the presence of sludge and sediment. These temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) allow to have an efficient control of the sediment output, avoiding an inappropriate oil output.
Así, a través de las medidas de temperatura a diferentes niveles de altura, es posible conocer la cantidad de sedimentos presentes en el vertedero, de forma que sea posible controlarlos mediante los medios de evacuación y control de sedimentos, por ejemplo, con el conducto de extracción (23) y el mecanismo de extracción (24) ilustrado en las FIGs. 2 a 5. En donde la ubicación, en términos de altura de dichos medios de evacuación (P) se determinará con base en el nivel máximo de sedimentos permitidos. Thus, through temperature measurements at different height levels, it is possible to know the amount of sediment present in the spillway, so that it is possible to control them by means of evacuation and sediment control, for example, with the duct of extraction (23) and the extraction mechanism (24) illustrated in FIGs. 2 to 5. Where the location, in terms of height of said means of evacuation (P) will be determined based on the maximum level of sediment allowed.
De acuerdo a lo ilustrado en la FIG. 4, la acumulación de sedimentos en el fondo del vertedero puede llegar a influir en la determinación del nivel del LP realizada a través del sensor de nivel (N), sin embargo, el error estimado se encuentra por debajo del 0.5% respecto a la lectura de nivel del sensor. En este sentido, la inclusión de medios para realizar la evacuación de estos sedimentos, tales como tuberías y bombas, facilita la limpieza y mantenimiento del tanque, e impiden la acumulación de los sedimentos que pueden llegar a generar afectaciones durante el funcionamiento del sistema al finalizar la semana de proceso (considerando jomadas de trabajo de 24 horas). Este proceso de limpieza y mantenimiento del tanque se lleva a cabo de manera preferida al final de la semana de trabajo, haciendo uso de las jomadas de mantenimiento de la planta para su desarrollo. According to what is illustrated in FIG. 4, the accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the spillway can influence the determination of the LP level made through the level sensor (N), however, the estimated error is below 0.5% with respect to the reading sensor level. In this sense, the inclusion of means to carry out the evacuation of these sediments, such as pipes and pumps, facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the tank, and prevents the accumulation of sediments that can generate damages during the operation of the system at the end the week of the process (considering 24-hour work days). This process of cleaning and maintenance of the tank is carried out preferably at the end of the work week, making use of the maintenance days of the plant for its development.
Haciendo referencia a la FIG. 5, se muestra una realización del aparato que tiene un dispositivo de vertedero (36) de tipo canal abierto tipo vertedero rectangular, en donde dicho dispositivo de vertedero (36) está configurado para su funcionamiento en plataformas elevadas. Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the apparatus is shown having a weir device (36) of the open channel type rectangular weir type, wherein Said weir device (36) is configured for operation on elevated platforms.
De este modo, en dicha realización, el dispositivo de canal abierto tipo vertedero de la invención presenta cuatro compartimientos limitados por un primer panel divisorio (26), un elemento de división (15) y un segundo panel divisorio (28). En donde, el primer panel divisorio (26) se extiende desde la parte superior del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta aproximadamente 4/5 de la altura del mismo; el elemento de división (15) se extiende desde el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta la parte superior del mismo y presenta una ranura (34) vertical de forma rectangular en la dicha parte superior; y, por último, el segundo panel divisorio (28), que actúa como un atenuador de turbulencia antes de la dilución del licor de prensa (LP), se extiende desde el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36) hasta aproximadamente una cuarta parte de la altura del elemento de división (15). Thus, in said embodiment, the spillway-type open channel device of the invention has four compartments limited by a first partition panel (26), a partition element (15) and a second partition panel (28). Wherein, the first partition panel (26) extends from the top of the weir device (36) to about 4/5 of the height thereof; the dividing element (15) extends from the bottom of the weir device (36) to the upper part thereof and has a vertical slot (34) of rectangular shape in said upper part; and lastly, the second partition panel (28), which acts as a turbulence attenuator prior to dilution of the press liquor (LP), extends from the bottom of the weir device (36) to approximately one-fourth of the height of the dividing element (15).
En donde el segundo panel divisorio (28) también se utiliza como referencia para la calibración del sistema cuando se genera la ecuación que relaciona la altura del Licor de prensa (LP) (determinada empleando el sensor de nivel (21)), con el caudal del Licor de prensa (LP), para obtener el volumen de Licor de prensa (LP). Where the second dividing panel (28) is also used as a reference for the calibration of the system when the equation is generated that relates the height of the Press Liquor (LP) (determined using the level sensor (21)), with the flow of Press Liquor (LP), to obtain the volume of Press Liquor (LP).
Asimismo, en ésta modalidad el dispositivo de vertedero (36) es un dispositivo de canal abierto tipo vertedero rectangular con un conducto de descarga dispuesto como entrada (17) desde donde ingresa el Licor de prensa (LP), un primer sensor de temperatura (18), un segundo sensor de temperatura (19) y un tercer sensor de temperatura (20) los cuales se ubican en las proximidades del elemento de división (15). También, el dispositivo de vertedero (36) ilustrado cuenta con un sensor de nivel (21) del licor de prensa (LP), también ubicado en inmediaciones del elemento de división (15). Likewise, in this mode the weir device (36) is an open channel device of the rectangular weir type with a discharge conduit arranged as an inlet (17) from where the Press Liquor (LP) enters, a first temperature sensor (18 ), a second temperature sensor (19) and a third temperature sensor (20) which are located in the vicinity of the dividing element (15). Also, the illustrated weir device (36) has a level sensor (21) of the press liquor (LP), also located in the vicinity of the dividing element (15).
De otro lado, en ésta realización, el dispositivo de vertedero (36) comprende medios para la evacuación de sedimentos, que en la LIG. 5 se identifican como un conducto de extracción (23) conectado al piso del dispositivo de vertedero (36). Además, en la LIG. 5 se muestra un conducto de descarga de agua caliente o condensados de esterilización para dilución dispuesto como entrada de dilución (22), y medios para la salida del licor de prensa diluido (LPD) hacia clarificación, que corresponden a un conducto configurado como salida (25). A su vez, antes de la entrada de dilución (22) se puede disponer un actuador configurado para controlar el caudal de agua de dilución, por ejemplo, una electroválvula, la cual puede ser de tipo on/off, o preferiblemente, de tipo proporcional. Adicionalmente, antes de la entrada de dilución (22) se puede disponer dispositivos electrónicos de medición de flujo volumétrico por principios de ultrasonido, electromagnéticos, Coriolis, u otros tipos de caudalímetros conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. El dispositivo de vertedero (36) se fabrica en materiales resistentes a las condiciones del proceso. Por ejemplo, el dispositivo de vertedero (36) puede ser de un material que se selecciona entre acero al carbono, fundiciones de hierro, hierro galvanizado, aceros al cromo, aceros al cromo-níquel, aceros al cromo-níquel-titanio, aleación de níquel-cromo- molibdeno-tungsteno, aleaciones ferrosas al cromo-molibdeno, acero inoxidable 301, acero inoxidable 302, acero inoxidable 304, acero inoxidable 316, acero inoxidable 405, acero inoxidable 410, acero inoxidable 430, acero inoxidable 442, acero aleado con manganeso y combinaciones de los anteriores. En una realización particular, el dispositivo de vertedero (36) se fabrica en acero inoxidable. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the weir device (36) comprises means for the evacuation of sediments, as in the LIG. 5 are identified as an extraction duct (23) connected to the floor of the weir device (36). Also, in the LIG. 5 shows a discharge conduit for hot water or sterilization condensates for dilution arranged as dilution inlet (22), and means for the outlet of the dilute press liquor (LPD) towards clarification, which correspond to a configured conduit as output (25). In turn, before the dilution inlet (22) an actuator configured to control the dilution water flow can be arranged, for example, a solenoid valve, which can be of the on / off type, or preferably, of the proportional type. . Additionally, before the dilution inlet (22), electronic devices can be arranged for measuring volumetric flow by principles of ultrasound, electromagnetics, Coriolis, or other types of flow meters known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. The weir device (36) is made of materials resistant to the process conditions. For example, the weir device (36) can be made of a material selected from carbon steel, cast iron, galvanized iron, chrome steels, chrome-nickel steels, chrome-nickel-titanium steels, nickel-chromium-molybdenum-tungsten, ferrous chromium-moly alloys, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, alloyed steel with manganese and combinations of the above. In a particular embodiment, the weir device (36) is made of stainless steel.
Por otro lado, haciendo referencia a la FIG. 6A, el aparato puede incluir un sistema para monitorear en tiempo real el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) y otros parámetros de operación del proceso de extracción de aceite de palma en una planta de beneficio que comprende: On the other hand, referring to FIG. 6A, the apparatus may include a system to monitor in real time the industrial oil potential (PIA) and other operating parameters of the palm oil extraction process in a beneficiation plant comprising:
■ Un primer módulo (30) de recolección de datos de entrada de fruto (peso y tiempo), caracterizado porque comprende una interfaz de comunicación con el operador, ■ A first module (30) for collecting fruit input data (weight and time), characterized in that it comprises a communication interface with the operator,
■ Un segundo módulo (31) o módulo de medición que comprende sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) un sensor de nivel (21) dispuesto para determinar caudal del licor de prensa (LP), presentando adicionalmente los parámetros obtenidos a través de sensores y otros calculados a partir de ecuaciones, modelos experimentales y teóricos para el sistema, ■ A second module (31) or measurement module comprising temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) a level sensor (21) arranged to determine the flow rate of the press liquor (LP), additionally presenting the parameters obtained through sensors and others calculated from equations, experimental and theoretical models for the system,
■ Un módulo de monitoreo de parámetros, control de sistemas y comunicación de datos, por ejemplo, un controlador (32), caracterizado porque dicho módulo comprende o Medios para la recepción de los datos recolectados por los módulos de recolección y medición (primer módulo (30) y segundo módulo (31)), o Medios de almacenamiento (no ilustrados), ■ A module for monitoring parameters, system control and data communication, for example, a controller (32), characterized in that said module comprises o Means for receiving the data collected by the collection and measurement modules (first module (30) and second module (31)), o Storage means (not illustrated),
o Medios de transmisión de los datos recolectados (no ilustrados), y o Una interfaz de comunicación con el operador, o Means of transmission of the data collected (not illustrated), and o A communication interface with the operator,
Un centro de control (iv) o unidad de cómputo (33) caracterizado porque comprende, A control center (iv) or computing unit (33) characterized in that it comprises,
o Medios para la recepción de los datos transmitidos por el módulo de monitoreo de parámetros, control de sistemas y comunicación de datos, o Medios de almacenamiento configurados como base de datos del sistema, o Medios para el procesamiento de los datos recolectados, o Means for the reception of the data transmitted by the parameter monitoring, systems control and data communication module, o Storage means configured as a system database, o Means for processing the collected data,
o Medios para monitorear los diferentes parámetros del proceso y control del mismo, o Means to monitor the different parameters of the process and its control,
o Medios de visualización de los datos recolectados, medios de transmisión de datos, y una interfaz de comunicación con el operador, o Means of visualization of the collected data, means of data transmission, and a communication interface with the operator,
Opcionalmente, uno o más módulos de monitoreo remoto (29) que comprenden medios de recepción y transmisión de datos, y medios para la visualización de los mismos. Optionally, one or more remote monitoring modules (29) comprising means for receiving and transmitting data, and means for displaying the same.
En donde el segundo módulo (31) incluye alguna de las realizaciones del dispositivo de vertedero (36) del aparato descritas anteriormente. Wherein the second module (31) includes some of the embodiments of the weir device (36) of the apparatus described above.
El primer módulo (30) puede incluir un dispositivo HID (por las siglas en inglés de Human Inte tf ace Device) que a su vez puede incluir, sin limitación, teclado, mouse, trackball, touchpad, dispositivo apuntador, joystick, pantalla táctil, entre otros dispositivos capaces de permitir que un usuario ingrese datos en la unidad de cómputo del dispositivo y combinaciones de estos. Por ejemplo, el primer módulo (30) puede incluir un dispositivo tipo pantalla táctil HMI. The first module (30) may include a HID (Human Inte tf ace Device) device which in turn may include, without limitation, keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing device, joystick, touch screen, among other devices capable of allowing a user to enter data in the device's computing unit and combinations of these. For example, the first module (30) may include an HMI touch screen device.
De esta manera, el primer módulo (30) permite a un operador suministrar información concerniente a la identificación de un lote racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF) y el tiempo de inicio de procesamiento. In this way, the first module (30) allows an operator to supply information concerning the identification of a batch of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF) and the processing start time.
Asimismo, el primer módulo (30) incluye un procesador que puede seleccionarse entre, microcontroladores, micro procesadores, DSCs (Digital Signal Controller por sus siglas en inglés), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array por sus siglas en inglés), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Device por sus siglas en inglés), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit por sus siglas en inglés), SoCs (System on Chip por sus siglas en inglés), PSoCs (Programmable System on Chip por sus siglas en inglés), computadores, servidores, tabletas, celulares, celulares inteligentes, generadores de señales y otros tipos de procesadores conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia y combinaciones de estas. Este mismo tipo de procesadores puede ser utilizado en los demás módulos (29, 31) y en la unidad de cómputo (33). Likewise, the first module (30) includes a processor that can be selected from microcontrollers, micro processors, DSCs (Digital Signal Controller for its acronym in English), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array), CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Device), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), SoCs (System on Chip for its acronym in English) acronym in English), PSoCs (Programmable System on Chip), computers, servers, tablets, cell phones, smart phones, signal generators and other types of processors known to a person moderately versed in the matter and combinations of these . This same type of processors can be used in the other modules (29, 31) and in the computing unit (33).
Además, el primer módulo (30) puede incluir medios de almacenamiento, tales como memorias memorias RAM (memoria caché, SRAM, DRAM, DDR), memoria ROM (Flash, Caché, discos duros, SSD, EPROM, EEPROM, memorias ROM extraíbles (v.g. SD (miniSD, microSD, etc), MMC ( MultiMedia Card ), Compact Flash, SMC (Smart Media Card), SDC (Secure Digital Card), MS (Memory Stick), entre otras)), CD-ROM, discos versátiles digitales (DVD por las siglas en inglés de Digital Versatile Disc) u otro almacenamiento óptico, casetes magnéticos, cintas magnéticas, almacenamiento o cualquier otro medio que pueda usarse para almacenar información y a la que se puede acceder por medio del procesador. Este mismo tipo de medios de almacenamiento pueden ser utilizado en los demás módulos (29, 31) y en la unidad de cómputo (33). In addition, the first module (30) can include storage media, such as RAM memories (cache memory, SRAM, DRAM, DDR), ROM memory (Flash, Cache, hard drives, SSD, EPROM, EEPROM, removable ROM memories ( e.g. SD (miniSD, microSD, etc), MMC (MultiMedia Card), Compact Flash, SMC (Smart Media Card), SDC (Secure Digital Card), MS (Memory Stick), among others)), CD-ROM, versatile disks Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, storage, or any other medium that can be used to store information and can be accessed by the processor. This same type of storage media can be used in the other modules (29, 31) and in the computing unit (33).
Asimismo, el primer módulo (30) puede incluir medios para la transmisión de datos, tales como puertos tipo Ethernet, USB, SD, I2C (del acrónimo de IIC Inter-Integrated Circuit), CAN (por las siglas en inglés de Controller Area Network) , SPI (por las siglas en inglés de Serial Peripheral Interface), SCI (por las siglas en inglés de Serial Communication Interface), QSPI (por las siglas en inglés de Quad Serial Peripheral Interface), 1-Wire, D2B (por las siglas en inglés de Domestic Digital Bus), Profibus y otros conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Este mismo tipo de medios para la transmisión de datos pueden ser utilizados para interconectar los demás módulos (29, 31) y la unidad de cómputo (33). Likewise, the first module (30) can include means for data transmission, such as ports type Ethernet, USB, SD, I2C (from the acronym for IIC Inter-Integrated Circuit), CAN (for the acronym in English for Controller Area Network ), SPI (for Serial Peripheral Interface), SCI (for Serial Communication Interface), QSPI (for Quad Serial Peripheral Interface), 1-Wire, D2B (for the acronym for Domestic Digital Bus), Profibus and others known to a person moderately versed in the matter. This same type of means for data transmission can be used to interconnect the other modules (29, 31) and the computing unit (33).
Los medios para la transmisión de datos permiten conectar el primer módulo (30) con la unidad de cómputo (33). La conexión entre el primer módulo (30) y la unidad de cómputo (33) puede efectuarse mediante un protocolo de comunicaciones. Por ejemplo, el protocolo de comunicaciones puede seleccionarse entre ntre AS-i de acuerdo con el estándar internacional IEC62026-2, Bristol Standard Asynchronous Protocol (BSAP) (Protocolo Asincrono Estándar de Bristol, por sus siglas en inglés), CC-Link Industrial Networks, CIP (Protocolo Industrial Común, por sus siglas en inglés), CAN bus (Red de Area Controlada, por su siglas en inglés) tales como CANopen y DeviceNet, ControlNet, DF-1, DirectNET, EtherCAT, Ethernet Global Data (EGD) (Información Global de Ethernet, por sus siglas en inglés), Ethernet Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Bus de campo de tipo FINS FOUNDATION (v.g. Hl, HSE), GE SRTP (protocolo de transporte de solicitud de servicio, por su siglas en inglés), protocolo HART (Highway Addressable Remóte Transducer), Sistema Inteligente Distribuido (Honeywell SDS), HostLink, INTERBUS, IO-Link, MECHATROLINK, MelsecNet, Modbus, Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, Modbus TCP/IP o Modbus TCP, Modbus sobre TCP/IP o Modbus sobre TCP o Modbus RTU/IP, Modbus sobre UDP, Modbus Plus (Modbus+, MB+ o MBP), Pemex Modbus, Enron Modbus, Optomux, Process Image Exchange Protocol (PieP) (Protocolo de intercambio de imágenes de proceso, por sus siglas en inglés), Profibus, PROFINET IO, RAPIEnet (Real-time Automation Protocols for Industrial Ethernet) (Protocolos de automatización en tiempo real para ethemet industrial, por sus siglas en inglés) , SERCOS interface, SERCOS III, Sinec Hl, SynqNet, o Time-Triggered Ethemet (SAE AS6802), y otros protocolos conocidos por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Estos mismos protocolos de comunicaciones pueden ser usados para comunicar e interconectar los demás módulos (29, 31) y la unidad de cómputo (33). Asimismo, el aparato puede incluir un cortafuegos (firewall, en inglés) configurado para establecer una conexión segura entre los módulos de monitoreo remoto (29) y la unidad de cómputo (33), y de esta manera evitar ataques informáticos que puedan afectar la operación del aparato. The means for data transmission make it possible to connect the first module (30) with the computing unit (33). The connection between the first module (30) and the computing unit (33) can be made by means of a communications protocol. For example, the communication protocol can be selected among AS-i according to the international standard IEC62026-2, Bristol Standard Asynchronous Protocol (BSAP), CC-Link Industrial Networks, CIP (Common Industrial Protocol), CAN bus (Network Controlled Area Data (for its acronym in English) such as CANopen and DeviceNet, ControlNet, DF-1, DirectNET, EtherCAT, Ethernet Global Data (EGD) (Global Ethernet Information), Ethernet Powerlink, EtherNet / IP, FINS FOUNDATION fieldbus (e.g. Hl, HSE), GE SRTP (Service Request Transport Protocol), HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol, Intelligent Distributed System (Honeywell SDS) , HostLink, INTERBUS, IO-Link, MECHATROLINK, MelsecNet, Modbus, Modbus RTU, Modbus ASCII, Modbus TCP / IP or Modbus TCP, Modbus over TCP / IP or Modbus over TCP or Modbus RTU / IP, Modbus over UDP, Modbus Plus (Modbus +, MB + or MBP), Pemex Modbus, Enron Modbus, Optomux, Process Im age Exchange Protocol (PieP), Profibus, PROFINET IO, RAPIEnet (Real-time Automation Protocols for Industrial Ethernet) its acronym in English), SERCOS interface, SERCOS III, Sinec Hl, SynqNet, or Time-Triggered Ethemet (SAE AS6802), and other protocols known to a person of average knowledge in the field. These same communication protocols can be used to communicate and interconnect the other modules (29, 31) and the computing unit (33). Likewise, the device can include a firewall (firewall, in English) configured to establish a secure connection between the remote monitoring modules (29) and the computing unit (33), and in this way avoid computer attacks that may affect the operation. of the device.
Similarmente, el primer módulo (30), los módulos de monitoreo remoto (29) y la unidad de cómputo (33) pueden estar configurados para establecer comunicación mediante una red de comunicaciones como Internet, WAN, LAN, redes 4G, 5G y otras redes de comunicaciones conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Similarly, the first module (30), the remote monitoring modules (29) and the computing unit (33) can be configured to establish communication through a communication network such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, 4G, 5G networks and other networks. of communications known to a person moderately versed in the matter.
Adicionalmente, el primer módulo (30) puede incluir un dispositivo de visualización que pueda conectarse a una unidad de cómputo y mostrar su salida, se selecciona entre otros de monitor CRT (por las siglas en inglés de Cathode Ray Tube), pantalla plana, pantalla de cristal líquido LCD (por las siglas en inglés de Liquid Crystal Display), pantalla LCD de matriz activa, pantalla LCD de matriz pasiva, pantallas LED, proyectores de pantallas, TV (4KTV, HDTV, TV de plasma, Smart TV), pantallas OLED (por las siglas en inglés de Organic Light Emitting Diode), pantallas AMOLED (por las siglas en inglés de Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode), Pantallas de puntos cuánticos QD (por las siglas en inglés de Quantic Display), pantallas de segmentos, entre otros dispositivos capaces de mostrar datos a un usuario, conocidos por los expertos en la técnica, y combinaciones de estos. Este mismo tipo de dispositivos de visualización pueden ser utilizados para en los demás módulos (29, 31) y en la unidad de cómputo (33). Additionally, the first module (30) can include a display device that can be connected to a computer unit and display its output, selected among others from CRT monitor (Cathode Ray Tube), flat screen, screen liquid crystal LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), active matrix LCD, passive matrix LCD, LED displays, screen projectors, TV (4KTV, HDTV, Plasma TV, Smart TV), OLED displays (Organic Light Emitting Diode), AMOLED displays (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode), Quantum dot displays QD (Quantic Display), segment displays, among other devices capable of displaying data to a user, known to those skilled in the art, and combinations of these. This same type of display devices can be used for the other modules (29, 31) and the computer unit (33).
En una realización preferida, el módulo de monitoreo de parámetros corresponde a un controlador (32), por ejemplo un controlador lógico programable (PLC), caracterizado porque comprende medios de recepción de datos, tales como puertos analógicos configurables que reciben los datos obtenidos por los sensores de temperatura y nivel, y por el primer módulo (30); medios de almacenamiento, tales como una memoria intema de alta capacidad; medios de medios de transmisión de datos, tales como módulos Modbus RTU o Ethernet; y una interfaz de comunicación con el operador, tal como un pantalla simple o una pantalla táctil. In a preferred embodiment, the parameter monitoring module corresponds to a controller (32), for example a programmable logic controller (PLC), characterized in that it comprises data reception means, such as configurable analog ports that receive the data obtained by the temperature and level sensors, and by the first module (30); storage media, such as a high capacity internal memory; data transmission media means, such as Modbus RTU or Ethernet modules; and an operator communication interface, such as a simple screen or a touch screen.
De manera preferida, la unidad de cómputo (33) se localiza en un espacio, tal como un laboratorio o una oficina, bajo condiciones controladas de suministro eléctrico y seguridad del personal. En una modalidad preferida, el unidad de cómputo (33) corresponde a un computador u ordenador que comprende medios para la recepción de los datos transmitidos desde el controlador (32) tales como puestos USB o Ethernet; medios de almacenamiento, tales como una memoria de alta capacidad; medios para el procesamiento de datos; y medios para la de visualización de los datos recolectados, tales como pantallas simples o táctiles; medios de transmisión de datos, tales como puestos o similares; y una interfaz de comunicación con el operador. Preferably, the computing unit (33) is located in a space, such as a laboratory or an office, under controlled conditions of electrical supply and personnel safety. In a preferred embodiment, the computing unit (33) corresponds to a computer comprising means for receiving the data transmitted from the controller (32) such as USB or Ethernet ports; storage media, such as high capacity memory; means for data processing; and means for displaying the data collected, such as simple or touch screens; data transmission means, such as posts or the like; and a communication interface with the operator.
La unidad de cómputo (33) puede estar configurada para acceder a una base de datos, por ejemplo, una base de datos almacenada en los medios de almacenamiento. Asimismo, la unidad de cómputo (33) puede estar configurada para ejecutar un algoritmo, rutina o software que permita calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). The computing unit (33) may be configured to access a database, for example, a database stored on the storage means. Likewise, the computing unit (33) can be configured to execute an algorithm, routine or software that allows calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA).
De manera preferida, los módulos de monitoreo remoto (29) corresponden a un dispositivo tipo pantalla táctil HMI, que se caracteriza por comprender una interfaz de comunicación con el operador, medios de almacenamiento, tales como memorias intemas de alta capacidad tipo FLASH y/o SDRAM, y medios para la transmisión de datos, tales como puertos tipo Ethernet, serial, USB y/o SD. Preferably, the remote monitoring modules (29) correspond to an HMI touch screen device, which is characterized by comprising an interface of communication with the operator, storage media, such as high-capacity internal memory type FLASH and / or SDRAM, and media for data transmission, such as Ethernet, serial, USB and / or SD ports.
En otra realización, los métodos y aparatos aquí divulgados pueden hacer parte de un proceso para el monitoreo remoto de los parámetros del proceso de extracción de aceite de palma en plantas de beneficio que comprende las operaciones realizadas por el sistema de monitoreo anteriormente descrito. In another embodiment, the methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be part of a process for remote monitoring of the parameters of the palm oil extraction process in beneficiation plants that includes the operations performed by the monitoring system described above.
En una realización más, el aparato aquí divulgado puede ejecutar en su unidad de cómputo (33), o en otro computador o servidor, un programa de ordenador que comprende un código de software que permite realizar las etapas del proceso de monitoreo o las operaciones realizadas por el sistema de monitoreo anteriormente descritos, cuando dicho programa se ejecuta en un ordenador. In a further embodiment, the apparatus disclosed herein can execute in its computing unit (33), or in another computer or server, a computer program that comprises a software code that allows to carry out the stages of the monitoring process or the operations carried out. by the monitoring system described above, when said program is executed on a computer.
En una realización más, el aparato aquí divulgado puede ejecutar en su controlador (32) programas informáticos, por ejemplo, algoritmos desarrollados para controladores lógicos programables (PLC), y programas desarrollados para las pantallas o unidades de visualización e interacción con el usuario HMI. In a further embodiment, the apparatus disclosed herein can execute in its controller (32) computer programs, for example, algorithms developed for programmable logic controllers (PLC), and programs developed for screens or display units and HMI user interaction.
Por otro lado, en la FIG. 6B, se muestra otra posible realización del sistema para monitorear en tiempo real el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) y otros parámetros de operación del proceso de extracción de aceite de palma en una planta de beneficio. Además de las características previamente explicadas tomando con referencia a la FIG. 6A, la realización de la FIG. 6B incluye un módulo de control de dilución (41) provisto de una válvula proporcional (42) configurada para controlar el flujo de agua de dilución que se proporciona al Licor de prensa (LP), por ejemplo, cerca de la salida (25) del dispositivo de vertedero (36). On the other hand, in FIG. 6B, another possible realization of the system is shown to monitor in real time the industrial oil potential (PIA) and other operating parameters of the palm oil extraction process in a beneficiation plant. In addition to the features previously explained taking with reference to FIG. 6A, the embodiment of FIG. 6B includes a dilution control module (41) provided with a proportional valve (42) configured to control the flow of dilution water that is supplied to the Press Liquor (LP), for example, near the outlet (25) of the weir device (36).
El módulo de control de dilución (41) puede incluir un controlador similar al controlador (32), configurado con controlador auxiliar o esclavo. El controlador del módulo de control de dilución (41) puede estar configurado para enviar una señal de control a la válvula proporcional (42) como salida de un proceso de comparación. El proceso de comparación toma como entrada un factor de dilución deseado, el cual corresponde a una relación entre el porcentaje aceite y el porcentaje de agua que va hacia una etapa de clarificación. El factor de dilución depende de condiciones de proceso determinadas por la capacidad y maquinaria disponible para bombear el Licor de prensa diluido (LPD). Adicionalmente, el proceso de control toma como entrada datos de concentración de aceite y datos de nivel de licor de prensa diluido (LPD). Los datos de nivel de Licor de prensa diluido (LPD) pueden obtenerse con un sensor de nivel (no ilustrado) dispuesto en la zona donde se mezcla el agua de dilución con el Licor de prensa (LP). The dilution control module (41) may include a controller similar to the controller (32), configured as an auxiliary or slave controller. The dilution control module controller (41) may be configured to send a control signal to the proportional valve (42) as the output of a comparison process. The comparison process takes as input a desired dilution factor, which corresponds to a relationship between the oil percentage and the water percentage that goes towards a clarification stage. The dilution factor depends on process conditions determined by the capacity and machinery available to pump the Dilute Press Liquor (LPD). Additionally, the control process takes as input oil concentration data and diluted press liquor level data (LPD). Dilute Press Liquor (LPD) level data can be obtained with a level sensor (not illustrated) arranged in the area where dilution water is mixed with Press Liquor (LP).
Asimismo, en las realizaciones del aparato en las que se tiene el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35), el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) puede estar configurado para obtener a partir del Licor de prensa (LP) datos de concentración de aceite, y además, datos de concentración de agua. Estos datos de concentración de aceite y datos de concentración de agua, se suministran como entrada al controlador del módulo de control de dilución (41). Likewise, in the embodiments of the apparatus in which the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) is available, the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) can be configured to obtain data from the Press Liquor (LP) oil concentration, and also water concentration data. These oil concentration data and water concentration data are supplied as input to the dilution control module controller (41).
Adicionalmente, el controlador del módulo de control de dilución (41) puede estar configurado para ejecutar un programa de control proporcional-derivativo-integral (PID), control fuzzy, y otras técnicas de control conocidas por una persona medianamente versada en la materia. Additionally, the dilution control module controller (41) may be configured to run a proportional-derivative-integral (PID) control program, fuzzy control, and other control techniques known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
En otra realización, la presente invención incluye además las siguientes etapas previas para la preparación e implementación de la metodología de la invención: In another embodiment, the present invention further includes the following previous steps for the preparation and implementation of the methodology of the invention:
■ Recolectar la información referente a las condiciones del proceso y las especificaciones físicas de la planta, ■ Gather information regarding the process conditions and the physical specifications of the plant,
■ Realizar un estudio de tiempos y movimientos del proceso en la planta de beneficio, ■ Carry out a study of times and movements of the process in the beneficiation plant,
■ Basado en la información recolectada, diseñar, fabricar e instalar el dispositivo de vertedero (36), ■ Based on the information collected, design, manufacture and install the landfill device (36),
■ Seleccionar la instrumentación de monitoreo y control, adecuada para la medición de parámetros del licor de prensa (LP) y condiciones de proceso asociadas al mismo, ■ Select the monitoring and control instrumentation, suitable for the measurement of press liquor (LP) parameters and associated process conditions,
■ Calibrar el dispositivo de vertedero (36) para obtener el modelo experimental que relaciona altura del licor de prensa (LP) con caudal del mismo. ■ Opcionalmente, programar la instrumentación y desarrollar herramientas informáticas tales como programas de ordenador o aplicaciones móviles que integren la información requerida para la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). ■ Calibrate the weir device (36) to obtain the experimental model that relates the height of the press liquor (LP) with its flow. ■ Optionally, program the instrumentation and develop computer tools such as computer programs or mobile applications that integrate the information required to determine the industrial potential of oil (PIA).
Así, en la etapa de recolección de información, se determinan las condiciones físicas de la planta, tales como distancias entre los equipos o sistemas en donde se desarrollan las operaciones unitarias del proceso, caudales del LP y para dilución usando agua caliente o condensados de esterilización. Además, se establece la presencia de equipos y elementos disponibles para análisis en laboratorio en la planta de beneficio. Los datos recolectados en esta etapa serán empleados posteriormente para el diseño del dispositivo de vertedero (36). Thus, in the information gathering stage, the physical conditions of the plant are determined, such as distances between the equipment or systems where the unit operations of the process take place, LP flow rates and for dilution using hot water or sterilization condensates. . In addition, the presence of equipment and elements available for laboratory analysis in the beneficiation plant is established. The data collected in this stage will be used later for the design of the landfill device (36).
Por su parte, durante el estudio de tiempos y movimientos, se determinan estadísticamente los tiempos de residencia desde la recepción de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) hasta llegar a la separación final de torta y nueces (generalmente en el tambor pulidor), pasando por digestión y prensado. De manera preferida, esta etapa se lleva a cabo empleando cronómetros, trazadores de caucho de tamaño similar al de un fruto, y planillas de reporte de actividades. On the other hand, during the study of times and movements, the residence times are statistically determined from the reception of fresh fruit clusters (RFF) to the final separation of cake and nuts (generally in the polishing drum), passing through digestion and pressing. Preferably, this stage is carried out using stopwatches, rubber tracers of similar size to that of a fruit, and activity report sheets.
Por su parte, la calibración del dispositivo de vertedero (36) se hace por medio de la recolección y el análisis de un grupo de datos de caudal y nivel, de forma que sea posible establecer un modelo matemático de alta confiabilidad que permita tener una correlación adecuada, preferiblemente con un coeficiente de correlación mayor a 0.95. For its part, the calibration of the spillway device (36) is done through the collection and analysis of a group of flow and level data, so that it is possible to establish a highly reliable mathematical model that allows a correlation adequate, preferably with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.95.
De manera preferida la invención se refiere al almacenamiento y ordenamiento de los datos recolectados durante estas etapas previas, de forma que se establece una base de datos del funcionamiento de la planta de beneficio y del dispositivo tipo vertedero de la invención. In a preferred way, the invention refers to the storage and ordering of the data collected during these previous stages, so that a database of the operation of the beneficiation plant and the dump-type device of the invention is established.
Ejemplos: Examples:
Ejemplo 1: Comparación de los valores diarios de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) y tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA) en una planta de beneficio Haciendo uso de un dispositivo de canal abierto de acuerdo a la invención y siguiendo la metodología propuesta, se realizó la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en la planta de beneficio Agroindustrial del Sur del Cesar y Cía. Ltda. (Agroince). Example 1: Comparison of the daily values of industrial oil potential (PIA) and oil extraction rate (TEA) in a processing plant Using an open channel device according to the invention and following the proposed methodology, the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) was carried out at the Agroindustrial del Sur del Cesar y Cía. Ltda. (Agroince).
En la FIG. 7 se muestran los resultados de las determinaciones diarias de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) y la tasa de extracción de aceite (TEA), así como los resultados obtenidos mediante método de la invención en tiempo real. De esta forma, es posible observar que, la medición de los valores diarios mediante métodos convencionales no permite observar la variabilidad asociada a dicho parámetro (líneas verde y naranja), de forma que no es posible pensar en posibilidades de mejora para el proceso ni determinar el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) por cargamento de fruto según los proveedores analizados durante el día. In FIG. 7 shows the results of the daily determinations of the industrial oil potential (PIA) and the oil extraction rate (TEA), as well as the results obtained by the method of the invention in real time. In this way, it is possible to observe that, the measurement of daily values using conventional methods does not allow observing the variability associated with said parameter (green and orange lines), so that it is not possible to think about possibilities of improvement for the process or to determine the industrial potential of oil (PIA) per shipment of fruit according to the suppliers analyzed during the day.
Ejemplo 2: Clasificación de los proveedores de acuerdo a los valores del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) Example 2: Classification of suppliers according to the values of the industrial oil potential (PIA)
Una vez implementada la metodología, fue posible realizar una clasificación de los proveedores con base a los valores de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) determinados, tal como se muestra en la FIG. 8. Once the methodology was implemented, it was possible to classify the suppliers based on the industrial oil potential values (PIA) determined, as shown in FIG. 8.
De esta manera, es posible plantear oportunidades de mejora para la planta de beneficio, toda vez que al determinar el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) por cargamento de fruto de proveedor, es posible clasificar los proveedores, establecer métricas para ajuste de pago por potencial industrial de aceite (PIA), determinar las condiciones más favorables de cultivo y realizar otros análisis que permitan incrementar la productividad de la planta de beneficio. In this way, it is possible to propose improvement opportunities for the beneficiation plant, since when determining the industrial oil potential (PIA) by supplier fruit shipment, it is possible to classify suppliers, establish metrics for adjustment of payment by potential industrial oil (PIA), determine the most favorable growing conditions and perform other analyzes that allow increasing the productivity of the beneficiation plant.
Ejemplo 3: Comparación de los valores de potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) obtenidos mediante la implementación de dos metodologías de medición diferentes Example 3: Comparison of the industrial oil potential values (PIA) obtained by implementing two different measurement methodologies
Para evaluar si existen variaciones significativas entre la determinación del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) llevada a cabo mediante la implementación del sistema semiautomatizado y sistema automatizado usando NIR Online, se realizaron medidas comparativas considerando la frecuencia de medición para ambos sistemas. Los resultados, mostrados en la FIG. 9 demuestran que el comportamiento en términos generales es bastante similar, y por lo tanto que la elección de una u otra alternativa dependerá de las necesidades y condiciones particulares de la planta de beneficio en la cual se implemente dicho sistema. To evaluate whether there are significant variations between the determination of the industrial oil potential (PIA) carried out by implementing the semi-automated system and the automated system using NIR Online, comparative measurements were made considering the frequency of measurement for both systems. The results, shown in FIG. 9 show that the behavior in general terms is quite similar, and therefore that the choice of one or another alternative will depend on the particular needs and conditions of the beneficiation plant in which said system is implemented.
Ejemplo 4: algoritmo de la unidad de cómputo (33) Example 4: computation unit algorithm (33)
En una realización del aparato, la unidad de cómputo (33) está configurada para ejecutar el algoritmo representado en la FIG. 10. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the computing unit (33) is configured to execute the algorithm depicted in FIG. 10.
El algoritmo cuenta con una primera etapa I) de establecer comunicación entre el primer módulo (30), el segundo módulo (31) y los módulos de monitoreo remoto (29). Posteriormente, el algoritmo pasa a una etapa II) de seleccionar un tiempo de muestreo de temperaturas, nivel, y concentración de aceite. El tiempo de muestreo dependerá de la capacidad de muestreo de los sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) y el sensor de nivel (21). Asimismo, depende la capacidad del equipo de laboratorio para obtener datos de concentración de aceite, o de la capacidad de muestro del espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35). The algorithm has a first stage I) of establishing communication between the first module (30), the second module (31) and the remote monitoring modules (29). Subsequently, the algorithm goes to stage II) of selecting a sampling time for temperatures, level, and oil concentration. The sampling time will depend on the sampling capacity of the temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) and the level sensor (21). It also depends on the ability of the laboratory equipment to obtain oil concentration data, or on the sampling capacity of the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35).
Posteriormente, el algoritmo pasa a una etapa III) de verificar si se ha seleccionado un tiempo de muestreo inferior a cero. Si se seleccionó un tiempo de muestreo inferior a cero, entonces se repite la etapa II). Si el tiempo de muestreo es mayor a cero, entonces el algoritmo pasa a una etapa IV) de recibir variables desde el controlador (32). El controlador (32) puede ser un controlador lógico programable que procesa señales análogas del sensor de nivel (21) y del primer sensor de temperatura (18), segundo sensor de temperatura (19) y/o el tercer sensor de temperatura (20), y genera los datos de altura y temperatura necesarios para calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA). Subsequently, the algorithm goes to a stage III) of verifying if a sampling time less than zero has been selected. If a sampling time less than zero was selected, then step II) is repeated. If the sampling time is greater than zero, then the algorithm goes to a stage IV) of receiving variables from the controller (32). The controller (32) can be a programmable logic controller that processes analog signals from the level sensor (21) and the first temperature sensor (18), second temperature sensor (19) and / or the third temperature sensor (20) , and generates the height and temperature data necessary to calculate the industrial oil potential (PIA).
Luego, el algoritmo pasa a una etapa V) de recibir variables desde el procesador del primer módulo (30). Dicho procesador se conecta al dispositivo HMI que utiliza un operario para ingresar información del proveedor que proporciona determinado lote de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF). Adicionalmente, en la etapa V) se establece comunicación con una base de datos de proveedores de racimos frescos de fruto de palma de aceite (RFF). Then, the algorithm goes to a stage V) of receiving variables from the processor of the first module (30). Said processor is connected to the HMI device that an operator uses to enter supplier information that provides a certain batch of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF). Additionally, in stage V) establishes communication with a database of suppliers of fresh bunches of oil palm fruit (RFF).
Posteriormente, el algoritmo tiene una etapa VI) en la que verifica si se detecta un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) conectado a la unidad de cómputo (33). En caso afirmativo, entonces se pasa a una etapa VIII) de recibir datos de concentración de aceite del procesador del espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) y luego se pasa a una etapa IX) de calcular el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) con base en los datos de temperatura, nivel y concentración de aceite. Por el contarlo, si no hay un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) conectado a la unidad de cómputo (33), entonces se pasa directamente a una etapa VII) de recibir datos de concentración de aceite de terminal del laboratorio y luego pasa a la etapa IX). Subsequently, the algorithm has a stage VI) in which it verifies if a near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) connected to the computing unit (33) is detected. If yes, then it goes to a stage VIII) of receiving oil concentration data from the processor of the near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) and then it goes to a stage IX) of calculating the industrial oil potential (PIA ) based on oil temperature, level and concentration data. By counting it, if there is no near infrared spectrometer (NIR) (35) connected to the computation unit (33), then it goes directly to a step VII) of receiving terminal oil concentration data from the laboratory and then goes to stage IX).
La etapa VII) puede ejecutarse después de que la unidad de cómputo (33) envía una petición a la terminal del laboratorio, y dicha terminal responde con el envío de los datos de concentración de aceite. Asimismo, los datos de concentración de aceite de la terminal pueden guardarse en bases de datos configuradas para ser accedidas por la unidad de cómputo (33), por ejemplo, bases de datos SQL. Step VII) can be executed after the computing unit (33) sends a request to the laboratory terminal, and said terminal responds by sending the oil concentration data. Also, the terminal oil concentration data can be stored in databases configured to be accessed by the computing unit (33), for example, SQL databases.
Luego, el algoritmo pasa a una etapa X) de guardar los resultados del cálculo del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) en una base de datos y pasa a una etapa XI) en la que se verifica si un usuario ha ingresado una instrucción de detener el algoritmo. En caso afirmativo, el algoritmo finaliza, en caso negativo, el algoritmo regresa a la etapa I). Then, the algorithm goes to a stage X) of saving the results of the calculation of the industrial oil potential (PIA) in a database and goes to a stage XI) in which it is verified if a user has entered a stop instruction the algorithm. If yes, the algorithm ends, if not, the algorithm returns to stage I).
Se debe entender que la presente divulgación no se halla limitada a las modalidades descritas e ilustradas, pues como será evidente para una persona versada en el arte, existen variaciones y modificaciones posibles que no se apartan del espíritu de la invención, el cual solo se encuentra definido por las siguientes reivindicaciones. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the modalities described and illustrated, since as will be evident to a person skilled in the art, there are variations and possible modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention, which is only found defined by the following claims.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES
1. Un método para determinar un potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de racimos de fruto de palma de aceite a partir de un licor de prensa (LP), que comprende: 1. A method for determining an oil industrial potential (PIA) of oil palm fruit bunches from a press liquor (LP), comprising:
a. sedimentar el licor de prensa (LP) en un dispositivo de vertedero (36) configurado para generar una separación de una fase sólida (S) y una fase de aceite (Ac) del licor de prensa (LP); to. sedimenting the press liquor (LP) in a weir device (36) configured to generate a separation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) from the press liquor (LP);
b. obtener un dato de altura del licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de nivel (21) localizado cerca de una ranura (34) del dispositivo de vertedero (36), donde la ranura (34) está configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) hacia una salida (25) del dispositivo de vertedero (36); b. Obtain a height data of the press liquor (LP) by means of a level sensor (21) located near a slot (34) of the weir device (36), where the slot (34) is configured to allow the pouring of liquor press (LP) towards an outlet (25) of the weir device (36);
c. obtener un dato de temperatura de licor de prensa (LP) mediante un sensor de temperatura (18) localizado cerca de la ranura (34); c. obtaining a press liquor (LP) temperature data by means of a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34);
d. obtener un dato de concentración de aceite del licor de prensa (LP) que se suministra al dispositivo de vertedero (36), y d. Obtain an oil concentration data from the press liquor (LP) supplied to the weir device (36), and
e. calcular mediante una unidad de cómputo (33) el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir de los datos de temperatura, altura y concentración de aceite de las etapas b, c y d. and. calculate by means of a computer unit (33) the industrial potential of oil (PIA) from the data of temperature, height and oil concentration of stages b, c and d.
2. El método de la Reivindicación 1, donde el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) se obtiene mediante centrifugación y determinación volumétrica de las fases contenidas en el licor de prensa (LP). 2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) is obtained by centrifugation and volumetric determination of the phases contained in the press liquor (LP).
3. El método de la Reivindicación 1, donde el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) se obtiene mediante una técnica de extracción de aceite a través de un solvente. 3. The method of Claim 1, wherein the data for oil concentration in the press liquor (LP) is obtained by means of an oil extraction technique through a solvent.
4. El método de la Reivindicación 1, donde el dato concentración de aceite en el licor de prensa (LP) se obtiene mediante una técnica de espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano (NIR). 4. The method of Claim 1, wherein the oil concentration data in the press liquor (LP) is obtained by a near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique.
5. El método de la Reivindicación 1 , donde la técnica de espectroscopia de infrarroj o cercano (NIR) emplea un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) dispuesto en un conducto configurado para proporcionar el licor de prensa (LP) a una entrada (17) del dispositivo de vertedero (36). 5. The method of Claim 1, wherein the near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technique employs a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) arranged in a conduit configured to supply the press liquor (LP) to an inlet (17) of the weir device (36).
6. El método de la Reivindicación 1, que además comprende antes de la etapa a): 6. The method of Claim 1, further comprising prior to step a):
Al) obtener un dato de tiempo de residencia de un lote de racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) de palma de aceite, donde el tiempo de residencia incluye el tiempo comprendido entre una etapa de recibir racimos de fruto fresco (RFF) (1) y una etapa de prensar frutos de palma de aceite (5) en la que se obtiene el licor de prensa (LP). By) obtaining a data of residence time of a batch of fresh fruit bunches (RFF) of oil palm, where the residence time includes the time between a stage of receiving fresh fruit bunches (RFF) (1) and a stage of pressing oil palm fruits (5) in which the press liquor (LP) is obtained.
7. El método de la Reivindicación 6, donde en la etapa e) se calcula el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) asociado al lote de racimos fruto fresco (FPP) de palma de aceite a partir de los datos de temperatura, nivel y concentración de aceite de las etapas b, c y d, y el dato de tiempo de residencia de la etapa Al). 7. The method of Claim 6, where in step e) the industrial oil potential (PIA) associated with the batch of fresh fruit bunches (FPP) of palm oil is calculated from the temperature, level and concentration data oil of stages b, c and d, and the residence time data of stage Al).
8. El método de acuerdo con cualquiera de las reivindicaciones anteriores, donde el dato de nivel de aceite se obtiene mediante un sensor de nivel (21) tipo radar. 8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oil level data is obtained by means of a radar-type level sensor (21).
9. Un aparato para determinar del potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) de racimos de fruto de palma de aceite a partir de un licor de prensa (LP), que comprende:9. An apparatus for determining the industrial oil potential (PIA) of oil palm fruit bunches from a press liquor (LP), comprising:
- un dispositivo de vertedero (36) con: - a landfill device (36) with:
- una entrada (17) configurada para ingresar el licor de prensa (LP); - an inlet (17) configured to enter the press liquor (LP);
- una salida (25) configurada para retirar el licor de prensa (LP);- an outlet (25) configured to withdraw the press liquor (LP);
- un elemento de división (15) dispuesto entre la entrada (17) y la salida (25); - a dividing element (15) arranged between the inlet (17) and the outlet (25);
- una ranura (34) localizada en el elemento de división (15) y configurada para permitir el vertimiento de licor de prensa (LP) haca la salida (25); - a slot (34) located in the dividing element (15) and configured to allow the pouring of press liquor (LP) towards the outlet (25);
- un sensor de temperatura (18) localizado cerca de la ranura (34) y - a temperature sensor (18) located near the slot (34) and
configurado para obtener un dato de temperatura de licor de prensa (LP); configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) temperature data;
- un sensor de nivel (21) localizado cerca de la ranura (34) y configurado para obtener un dato de altura de licor de prensa (LP); y - una unidad de cómputo (33) configurada para calcular mediante el potencial industrial de aceite (PIA) a partir un dato de concentración de aceite y de los datos de temperatura y altura. - a level sensor (21) located near the slot (34) and configured to obtain a press liquor (LP) height data; and - a computing unit (33) configured to calculate by means of the industrial potential of oil (PIA) from an oil concentration data and from the temperature and height data.
10. El aparato de la Reivindicación 9, donde el dispositivo de vertedero (36) incluye: The apparatus of Claim 9, wherein the weir device (36) includes:
- una primera pared (37) localizada cerca de la entrada (17); - a first wall (37) located near the entrance (17);
- una segunda pared (38) localizada cerca de la salida (25); - a second wall (38) located near the outlet (25);
- un primer panel (13) dispuesto entre la primera pared (37) y el elemento de división (15), - a first panel (13) arranged between the first wall (37) and the dividing element (15),
donde el primer panel (13) y la primera pared (37) definen una primera cavidad (8) configurada para reducir la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) que ingresa a través de la entrada (17); y where the first panel (13) and the first wall (37) define a first cavity (8) configured to reduce the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) entering through the inlet (17); and
donde el primer panel (13) y el elemento de división (15) definen una segunda cavidad (9) comunicada con la primera cavidad (8); where the first panel (13) and the dividing element (15) define a second cavity (9) communicated with the first cavity (8);
donde la segunda cavidad (9) está configurada para generar una precipitación de una fase sólida (S) y una fase de aceite (Ac) contenidas en el licor de prensa (LP). where the second cavity (9) is configured to generate a precipitation of a solid phase (S) and an oil phase (Ac) contained in the press liquor (LP).
11. El aparato de la Reivindicación 10, donde el dispositivo de vertedero (36) además incluye un segundo panel (14) dispuesto entre el primer panel (13) y el elemento divisorio (15), donde el segundo panel (14) y el panel divisorio (15) definen una tercera cavidad (10) configurada para generar un flujo ascendente del licor de prensa (LP) hacia la ranura. The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein the weir device (36) further includes a second panel (14) disposed between the first panel (13) and the partition member (15), wherein the second panel (14) and the partition panel (15) define a third cavity (10) configured to generate an upward flow of press liquor (LP) towards the slot.
12. El aparato de la Reivindicación 10, donde el dispositivo de vertedero (36) además incluye un tercer panel (16) dispuesto entre la segunda pared (38) y el elemento divisorio (15), donde el tercer panel (16) está configurado para reducir la turbulencia del licor de prensa (LP) que fluye hacia la salida (25). The apparatus of Claim 10, wherein the weir device (36) further includes a third panel (16) disposed between the second wall (38) and the partition element (15), wherein the third panel (16) is configured to reduce the turbulence of the press liquor (LP) flowing towards the outlet (25).
13. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 9 a 12, que además comprende una entrada de dilución (22) dispuesta entre la salida (25) y el elemento divisorio (15) y configurada para suministrar agua de dilución al licor de prensa (LP). The apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, further comprising a dilution inlet (22) arranged between the outlet (25) and the dividing element (15) and configured to supply dilution water to the press liquor. (LP).
14. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 9 a 13, que además comprende un espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (35) dispuesto en un conducto configurado para proporcionar el licor de prensa (LP) a una entrada (17) del dispositivo de vertedero (36), donde el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (34) está configurado para obtener el dato de concentración de aceite. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 13, further comprising a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (35) arranged in a conduit configured to provide the press liquor (LP) to an inlet (17) of the weir device (36), where the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) is configured to obtain the oil concentration data.
15. El aparato de la Reivindicación 14, donde el espectrómetro de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) (34) se conecta a un procesador configurado para determinar el dato de concentración de aceite a partir de procesamiento de señales con una técnica de análisis de radiación de infrarrojo cercano (NIR) y transmitir el dato de concentración de aceite a la unidad de cómputo (33). The apparatus of Claim 14, wherein the near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (34) is connected to a processor configured to determine oil concentration data from signal processing with an infrared radiation analysis technique. near (NIR) and transmit the oil concentration data to the computer unit (33).
16. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 9 a 15, donde el sensor de nivel es un sensor de nivel tipo radar. 16. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 15, wherein the level sensor is a radar type level sensor.
17. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 9 a 16, que además comprende un conducto de extracción (23) dispuesto en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36) y un mecanismo de extracción (24) configurado para extraer unos sedimentos formados por la fase sólida del licor de prensa (LP). The apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 16, further comprising an extraction conduit (23) arranged in the bottom of the weir device (36) and an extraction mechanism (24) configured to extract formed sediments by the solid phase of the press liquor (LP).
18. El aparato de la Reivindicación 17, donde el conducto de extracción (23) incluye una ramificación de conductos (39) dispuesta en el fondo del dispositivo de vertedero (36). 18. The apparatus of Claim 17, wherein the extraction conduit (23) includes a conduit branch (39) disposed at the bottom of the weir device (36).
19. El aparato de la Reivindicación 17, donde ramificación de conductos (39) es de tipo espina de pescado. 19. The apparatus of Claim 17, wherein the duct branch (39) is of the herringbone type.
20. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 17 a 19, donde el mecanismo de extracción (24) incluye una bomba de diafragma. 20. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the extraction mechanism (24) includes a diaphragm pump.
21. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 9 a 20, donde la ranura (34) tiene una forma seleccionada entre rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semicircular, y semi-elipsoidal. 21. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 20, wherein the slot (34) has a shape selected from rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, semicircular, and semi-ellipsoidal.
22. El aparato de la Reivindicación 21, donde la ranura (34) tiene forma rectangular. 22. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein the slot (34) is rectangular in shape.
23. El aparato de acuerdo con cualquiera de las Reivindicaciones 9 a 22, que además comprende una pluralidad de sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) dispuestos cerca de la ranura (34) y separados entre sí verticalmente. 23. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 22, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) arranged near the slot (34) and spaced from each other vertically.
24. El aparato de la Reivindicación 23, donde los sensores de temperatura (18, 19, 20) están configurados para obtener una pluralidad de datos de temperatura que son transmitidos a la unidad de cómputo (33), donde la unidad de cómputo (33) además está configurada para obtener datos de conductividad térmica, gradientes de temperatura y diferenciales de temperatura con base en las señales de temperatura. 24. The apparatus of Claim 23, wherein the temperature sensors (18, 19, 20) are configured to obtain a plurality of temperature data that is transmitted to the counting unit (33), where the counting unit (33 ) is also configured to obtain data on thermal conductivity, temperature gradients and temperature differentials based on the temperature signals.
25. El aparato de la Reivindicación 9, que además comprende un primer módulo (30) que incluye: 25. The apparatus of Claim 9, further comprising a first module (30) including:
un dispositivo de interacción de usuario configurado para que un operador ingrese unos datos de entrada de fruto fresco de palma de aceite (RFF); y a user interaction device configured for an operator to enter fresh oil palm fruit (RFF) input data; and
una unidad de comunicaciones configurada para transmitir los datos de entrada de fruto fresco de palma de aceite (RFF) a la unidad de cómputo (33). a communication unit configured to transmit the fresh oil palm fruit (RFF) input data to the computing unit (33).
26. El aparato de la Reivindicación 9, que además comprende un controlador (32) conectado al sensor de temperatura (18), el sensor de nivel (21) y a la unidad de cómputo (33). 26. The apparatus of Claim 9, further comprising a controller (32) connected to the temperature sensor (18), the level sensor (21), and the computing unit (33).
PCT/IB2020/051217 2019-02-13 2020-02-13 Method and apparatus for determining the industrial potential of palm oil WO2020165844A1 (en)

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