Patent ID: 7600707

Claim:
An apparatus to separate components of a solid feedstock, the apparatus comprising: a threaded shaft comprising a plurality of reaction zone segments along the length of the shaft that are separated from each other by dynamic plug segments, wherein the threads of the shaft have a first thread pitch in the reaction zone segments, and a second thread pitch that is less than the first thread pitch in the dynamic plug segments; a motor coupled to a first end of the threaded shaft to rotate the shaft, and an outlet coupled to a second end of the shaft that is opposite the first end, wherein the solid feedstock moves in a direction from the first to the second end of the shaft when the motor rotates the shaft, and one or more solid components of the solid feedstock exit the apparatus through the outlet; a barrel unit to contain the threaded shaft; a feeder to supply the solid feedstock to the threaded shaft, wherein the solid feedstock from the feeder first contacts the threaded shaft at a first reaction zone segment that is closest to the first end of the shaft; a pump to provide a rinse fluid to the threaded shaft, wherein the rinse fluid flows in the opposite direction of the solid feedstock along the shaft; and a pressurized discharge unit coupled to the outlet of the apparatus, wherein discharge unit comprises a progressing cavity pump running in reverse that discharges solid product components with controlled pressure reduction.