VRX Desolventizer Toaster
Industry leading, patented innovation for next generation soyabean meal processing
Desmet has introduced the VRX Desolventizer Toaster, an industry leading, unique patented design developed for next generation soybean meal processing. This best‑in‑class technology replaces the traditional multi‑tray pre‑desolventizing section with a single, high efficiency VRX evaporation tray, marking a major advancement in DT technology.
Unlike a standard Dimax Soya DT—where several trays indirectly evaporate hexane the VRX uses one Dimax type evaporation tray with superheated vapors generated by a superheater and circulation fan to achieve highly efficient, uniform evaporation. Meal level and retention time are controlled by a rotary valve, while a buffer tray below ensures consistent feeding to the Dimax trays.
This innovative configuration is a breakthrough solution featuring a high performance, industry leading evaporation system. Using superheated steam in the pre‑desolventizing step reduces meal humidity by 2–3%, delivering one of the highest steams‑saving improvements available today 25–30 kg of steam per ton saved in the Drier Cooler. With a lower thermal load, the DC requires smaller equipment and less energy.
Since its 2019 launch, the VRX Desolventizer Toaster has proven its strong, reliable performance across multiple plants worldwide, confirming its place among the most efficient and technologically advanced solutions in global oilseed processing.
How does it work?
The extracted meal from the solvent extractor is transported via a solvent‑tight conveyor to the extractor outlet hopper. From there, it enters the VRX evaporation tray—a deep‑bed tray similar in construction to the Dimax DT trays, featuring a high open area and stay pipes that allow the injection of superheated solvent vapors beneath the meal bed.
These vapors are superheated using a shell‑and‑tube heat exchanger and a circulation fan. This advanced VRX system allows pre‑evaporation of approximately 50% of the hexane in the meal, resulting in 2–3% lower moisture at the DT outlet. A rotary valve regulates meal level in the tray to maintain a stable retention time and consistent desolventization. The meal then drops into a buffer tray, positioned between the VRX pre‑desolventizing stage and the classical Dimax DT trays below.
The remaining DT and DC equipment follow the proven Desmet Dimax DT‑DC configuration. However, due to the efficiency delivered by the VRX system, the DC can be considerably smaller (up to 30%), with significantly reduced steam and electricity consumption compared to a classical setup.
