GENERAL FEATURES:

In the preparation of seeds for oil extraction the seed needs to be heated and dried to the correct temperature and moisture. The Crown VSC is designed to heat and dry the seed slowly allowing the seed to be conditioned properly for additional processing.

The basic principle of operation is as follows: The seed enters the Crown VSC through the inlet hopper and gravity flows as a packed column down through a series of heating sections and air sections. The heating sections use low-pressure steam and the air drying sections uses pre-heated air. In the Crown VSC packed column there is a slow heat transfer to the seed and moisture removal for additional processing. The seed discharge temperatures range between 140^o to 170^o F (60^o to 76^o C),(typical for soybeans).

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION:

The Crown VSC consists of an inlet hopper, inlet hopper extension (optional), multiple heating sections, inlet air section(s), exhaust air section(s) and a discharge section.

The Crown VSC components listed above all have bolted flanges. The steam and condensate as well as all the air-drying ports have bolted flanges for easy assembly and maintenance.

The discharge section is a chain and sprocket driven unit protected by a slip-clutch or sheer pin hub driven by a reducer and inverter duty motor with the speed being controlled by a VFD (variable frequency drive).

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION:

The seed gravity flows through the Crown VSC as a packed column slowly weaving down through each steam heated section. Heat is transferred slowly to the center of seed with very little heat damage to the seed.

The seed will continue to gravity feed though several steam heated sections slowly raising the temperature and releasing free moisture. The seed also flows through air inlet sections and an exhaust air section(s) during the conditioning process. Pre heated air enters these air inlet sections and is pulled through the seeds picking up the released free moisture and is exhausted through the exhaust air section drying the seeds. The amount of drying to the seeds is relative to the percent moisture in the incoming product and the amount of air being exhausted.

The conditioning process in the Crown VSC typically takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from product entry to product discharge. The residence time is very important in determining the temperature and moisture removal of the seed. The residence time is controlled by the rate at which the seed is fed to the Crown VSC. The Crown VSC is a very efficient conditioner and dryer when operated correctly.