Investigation of the feasibility of micelle separation in bone meal production using a sedimenting centrifuge

Abstract

As a result of laboratory studies, it was established that the miscella formed after fat extraction from meat-and-bone meal contains approximately 130 g/l of suspended solids, which makes it impossible to purify it directly using a standard centrifugal separator. During processing in a laboratory centrifuge, the miscella separates into two phases: a solution of fat in hexane and a sediment, in which the concentration of suspended solids reaches 35 -45%. In the centrifugate obtained after centrifugation, the suspended solids content decreases to 1.0%, which is an acceptable level for further purification in a separator. To enable continuous removal of insoluble impurities, the use of an industrial decanter centrifuge with screw discharge of sediment - the Ecomash SHS 312A model - has been proposed. This equipment is designed for the separation of two-phase suspensions based on component density. It is explosion-proof and non-hermetic, allows for nitrogen supply, but is not equipped with a heating system. The aim of the study was to experimentally confirm the efficiency of solid impurity sedimentation from miscella and to determine the optimal purification modes. As part of the research program, miscella was fed into the centrifuge operating at speeds ranging from 2400 to 3800 rpm, with subsequent removal of the clarified centrifugate. The process efficiency was evaluated based on the degree of solid impurity removal by comparing the suspended solids content before and after treatment.