Intermediate concentration stillage is fed to the vapor body (VB-200) where it mixes with the liquid inventory and is circulated by a recirculation pump (RP-250) through the heater (HX-210) and is returned to the vapor body. Heat gained in the heater is released in the vapor body, where boiling and concentration of the stillage occurs.
The vapor produced flows through chevron mist eliminators, exits the vapor body, and is transported to the vapor washer (VW-220) where it is scrubbed and flows through a second stage, mesh-style mist eliminator. The vapor is then drawn into the blower (BL-240) where it is compressed and delivered to the shell-side of the heater at a higher pressure to provide the energy required for the evaporation process. All energy required for evaporation is provided electrically. Low-pressure steam will only be utilized during the startup of the system.
The physical design of the system suppresses boiling in the heater (HX-210), which minimizes fouling of the heat transfer surfaces. Product is withdrawn from the recirculation loop at a rate controlled to achieve the desired syrup concentration. Feed is delivered to the system at a rate controlled to maintain the proper liquid level in the vapor body.
