Multifunctional efficient continuous circulation extraction modification and concentration device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of multifunctional high-efficiency continuous circulation extraction modified concentration equipment, including evaporation and concentration tank, extraction tank, cooler;Cooler is vertically arranged and includes inner cavity, first inlet and first outlet connected with inner cavity, and the upper portion of inner cavity is connected with a vacuum pump;The first inlet of cooler is connected with the first outlet of extraction tank and the first outlet of evaporation and concentration tank respectively, and the first outlet of cooler is connected with the first inlet of extraction tank by air communication ware, and the second outlet of extraction tank is connected with the first inlet of evaporation and concentration tank by vacuum water pump, to form internal circulation structure hereby.The utility model can realize the internal circulation of continuous extraction solvent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of extraction and concentration, and in particular to a multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulation extraction, modification, and concentration device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional extraction equipment involves adding a solvent, extracting the material, then discharging and concentrating the solvent containing the extract. Fresh solvent is then added for secondary or multiple extractions and concentrations. This process utilizes large amounts of solvent and generates significant subsequent concentration work. Furthermore, traditional equipment adds "pure" solvent in a single extraction, but as the extract concentration gradually increases during extraction, the concentration difference between the material and the extract gradually decreases, leading to a decrease in the material's permeability and eventually reaching equilibrium. This exposes the drawback of traditional extraction equipment: poor material extraction efficiency. Tracking and testing of the residue after extraction with traditional equipment reveals that a significant amount of incompletely extracted active ingredients remain. However, cost calculations show that further extraction would increase product costs, meaning the production cost would exceed the value of the extracted extract. Therefore, materials still containing a large amount of active ingredients are often discarded, resulting in substantial waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a multifunctional, efficient, continuous cyclic extraction, modification, and concentration device.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulation extraction, modification, and concentration device includes an evaporation and concentration tank, an extraction tank, and a cooler;

[0006] The cooler is vertically arranged and includes an inner cavity, a first inlet and a first outlet connected to the inner cavity. The upper part of the inner cavity is connected to a vacuum pump. The first inlet of the cooler is connected to the first outlet of the extraction tank and the first outlet of the evaporation and concentration tank, respectively. The first outlet of the cooler is connected to the first inlet of the extraction tank through an air connector. The second outlet of the extraction tank is connected to the first inlet of the evaporation and concentration tank through a vacuum water pump, thereby forming an internal circulation structure.

[0007] The cooler also includes a coil located in the inner cavity, the coil including a coolant inlet and a coolant return outlet;

[0008] The first outlet of the extraction tank and the first outlet of the evaporation and concentration tank are used to inject the evaporated solvent into the cooler; the first outlet of the cooler is used to inject the cooled solvent into the extraction tank; the second outlet of the extraction tank is used to inject the extract into the evaporation and concentration tank.

[0009] The first outlet of the extraction tank and the first outlet of the evaporation and concentration tank are respectively connected to a first evaporation pipeline valve and a second steam pipeline valve. The first outlet of the cooler and the first inlet of the extraction tank are also connected to a first discharge valve.

[0010] Preferably, the vacuum water pump outlet is equipped with a filter, and the pipeline between the second outlet of the extraction tank and the first inlet of the evaporation and concentration tank is also equipped with a pipeline valve.

[0011] Preferably, the second outlet of the extraction tank is located on the side wall above the bottom of the extraction tank and is equipped with a card-type filter screen. The second outlet of the extraction tank is also connected to a compressed air pipeline and a backflushing pipeline for the cleaning solvent.

[0012] Preferably, the evaporation and concentration tank is equipped with a defoaming device, which is a defoaming blade installed on the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank. The defoaming blade includes a blade body and a downward-facing serration integrally connected below the blade body. The serration has a sharp edge. A device with a defoaming mesh is installed on the solvent vapor outlet pipe of the evaporation and concentration tank and the extraction tank.

[0013] Preferably, the evaporation and concentration tank is provided with a wall scraping device for concentration. The wall scraping device for concentration is installed in the lower part of the evaporation and concentration tank and includes blades symmetrically fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank, arc-shaped connecting arms fixedly connected to both ends of the blades, and multiple scrapers fixedly connected to the connecting arms.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes at least one temperature-controlled steam heating source, which is used to heat the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. The outlet of the temperature-controlled steam heating source is divided into two paths, one leading to the extraction tank and the other leading to the evaporation and concentration tank through a steam pipe.

[0015] Preferably, the evaporation and concentration tank and the extraction tank are flange tank structures, which can be opened for cleaning; it also includes an air compressor connected to the evaporation and concentration tank, and a compressed air pipeline connected to the air compressor. The compressed air pipeline provides gas power for opening the evaporation and concentration tank or provides compressed air to the compressed air pipeline.

[0016] Preferably, the first outlet of the cooler is also connected to a solvent discharge and recovery valve, which is configured to open when recovering "pure" solvent.

[0017] Preferably, the evaporation and concentration tank has a concentrated liquid discharge port at the bottom, the extraction tank has a discharge port at the bottom for discharging the extracted material and the remaining solvent at the bottom, and the evaporation and concentration tank and the extraction tank also have water discharge ports for steam jackets at the bottom for discharging some of the steam and water generated during the heating process.

[0018] A method for changing the polarity of a solvent using the aforementioned multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulating extraction, modification, and concentration equipment includes: adding pure water to the extraction tank for extraction, and adding pure ethanol to the evaporation and concentration tank. When the solvent circulates, the ethanol in the evaporation and concentration tank flows to the extraction tank through vaporization and condensation, causing the ethanol concentration in the extraction tank to gradually increase from zero, and the extraction solvent to gradually change from pure water to ethanol solvents of different concentrations; or, adding a low-concentration aqueous ethanol solution to both the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. When the aqueous ethanol solution vaporizes, the ethanol content in the gas phase increases, and through solvent circulation, the ethanol concentration in the extraction tank gradually increases.

[0019] This invention includes, but is not limited to, the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1) Achieved continuous solvent extraction through internal circulation.

[0021] It enables continuous circulation of the extraction solvent inside the equipment, preventing solvent loss, greatly saving solvent usage and consumption, simplifying the process of discharge and adding new solvent, and significantly reducing labor costs.

[0022] 2) High-efficiency extraction was achieved.

[0023] This equipment achieves rapid solvent circulation, enabling highly efficient and rapid extraction of materials. As the extract is continuously injected into the evaporation and concentration tanks, the solvent evaporates simultaneously. The cooled, "pure" solvent returns to the boiling extraction tank. By controlling the extraction tank to maintain a balance between solvent inflow and outflow, the extracted material in the tank is consistently maintained at a low concentration (a high concentration difference from the saturated concentration), achieving highly efficient and rapid extraction. Furthermore, the efficient circulation extraction method also determines the high extraction rate. With the same or shorter extraction time (the extraction time varies for different materials), the components are extracted completely with minimal waste.

[0024] 3) It has both atmospheric pressure and vacuum operating modes.

[0025] This equipment can operate under both atmospheric pressure and vacuum conditions. For materials with no specific extraction temperature requirement or requiring high-temperature modification processes, atmospheric pressure mode can be selected for production. For materials requiring production processes below 100℃, closing the air connector and turning on the vacuum pump allows for lower-temperature operation under reduced pressure (adjusting the vacuum level allows for different boiling temperatures; boiling ensures uniformity of extract concentration within the extraction tank).

[0026] 4) Extraction and modification processing functions

[0027] This equipment can simultaneously modify and process additives during extraction, eliminating the need for separate modification processes after extraction. The two steps are combined into one, with extraction and modification completed in a single operation. This multi-functional machine performs extraction, modification, and concentration all in one unit, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing equipment and labor costs for businesses. Taking ginseng modification and extraction as an example: a substance capable of converting ginseng components is added to the evaporation and concentration tanks. The equipment's process parameters are set, and the extract is continuously injected into the evaporation and concentration tanks. During the solvent evaporation and gradual enrichment of the extract in the evaporation and concentration tanks, efficient modification and extraction of ginseng components are achieved, followed by concentration for later use. Therefore, during the extraction of ginseng components, the common saponin components of ginseng are also modified and converted, producing a concentrated extract containing a large amount of rare ginsenosides, which can be widely used in pharmaceuticals, health products, and food.

[0028] 5) The solvent ratio and polarity of the extraction tank and evaporation / concentration tank can be changed as needed. The active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine have a wide range of polarities, including highly polar polysaccharides and amino acids, as well as relatively low-polarity fat-soluble components. Therefore, continuously changing the solvent polarity during extraction helps to efficiently extract active ingredients of different polarities. In this equipment, different solvents or solvent mixtures in different proportions can be added to the extraction tank and evaporation / concentration tank during extraction. By circulating the solvent during extraction, the polarity of the solvent can be changed, thus improving the extraction of active ingredients of different polarities.

[0029] 6) Has a concentration function

[0030] During the material extraction process, due to the circulating state, the extract in the extraction tank is continuously injected into the evaporation and concentration tank, causing the extract concentration in the evaporation and concentration tank to continuously increase. This process also achieves slow concentration of the extract. According to the process parameters, after the extraction time is completed, the internal circulation system is shut off, and the evaporated solvent is collected separately. Therefore, complete concentration of the material extract can be achieved in the evaporation and concentration tank. After concentration, the concentrated material is collected and discharged, while all evaporated solvent enters a collector for future use. This equipment is equipped with a wall scraping device for concentration in the evaporation and concentration tank, enabling high-concentration preparation of the extract, thus producing high-concentration extract products.

[0031] 7) Features anti-clogging and filtration functions

[0032] To prevent material residue from clogging the pipes during the injection of the extract from the extraction tank into the evaporation and concentration tanks, and to ensure the concentrate is residue-free and guarantees product quality, this equipment incorporates anti-clogging and filtration designs: the discharge port of the extraction tank is positioned above the bottom side wall of the tank (installing it at the bottom would significantly increase the probability of clogging). The extract outlet is equipped with a card-type filter screen to remove most of the residue. If prolonged discharge causes clogging at the extract outlet, the equipment is equipped with a compressed air (for use under normal pressure) and solvent cleaning (for use under vacuum) backflushing device to resolve the clogging problem. Furthermore, to ensure the concentrate is free of residue, a filter device is installed in the pipes injecting the extract into the evaporation and concentration tanks. The pore size of the filter media in this device is determined according to product quality standards, and the filter media is removable for easy replacement and cleaning.

[0033] 8) Possesses defoaming function

[0034] Because some extractable substances contain soap-like compounds, a large amount of foam may be generated during extraction. Therefore, a rotary paddle defoaming device with defoaming function is designed and installed in the evaporation and concentration tank. This device is mounted on the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank, and the defoaming blades can be added as needed and installed at different heights. In addition, to prevent foam from overflowing from the steam pipes of the evaporation and concentration tank, defoaming mesh is installed at the pipe outlets to ensure that the evaporation pipes are not contaminated.

[0035] 9) New industrial vacuum system

[0036] This equipment improves the design of the cooler, changing the ordinary horizontal condenser to a vertical design. The traditional design of steam flowing through pipes and coolant flowing through the condenser cavity is replaced with a structure where coolant flows through an internal coil and steam flows through the cooler cavity. Vacuum treatment is performed at the top of the cooler. The cooler's pipes connect the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank, achieving the design requirement of simultaneous vacuuming of both tanks with consistent vacuum levels. The cooled solvent flows rapidly under its own liquid gravity, achieving rapid solvent circulation during equipment operation. Moreover, this structure eliminates the need for a collection tank, significantly reducing the equipment's construction cost, which is of great significance.

[0037] 10) This equipment features an integrated design, combining two sets of equipment into one. It consists of only three parts: an evaporation and concentration tank, an extraction tank, and a cooler, which can handle both extraction and concentration functions. Moreover, it achieves continuous and efficient cyclic extraction. Compared with the current series extraction and concentration equipment, it greatly saves on the manufacturing cost of the equipment and reduces the floor space required. It has extremely high practical value for industrialization and promotion. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other solutions can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulation extraction, modification, and concentration equipment provided by the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the defoaming device provided by the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wall scraping device for concentration provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0043] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulation extraction, modification, and concentration device includes an evaporation and concentration tank 1, an extraction tank 2, and a cooler 3.

[0045] The cooler 3 is vertically arranged and includes an inner cavity, a first inlet 4 connected to the inner cavity, and a first outlet 5. The upper part of the inner cavity is connected to a vacuum pump 6. The first inlet 4 of the cooler 3 is connected to the first outlet 7 of the extraction tank 2 and the first outlet 8 of the evaporation and concentration tank 1. The first outlet 5 of the cooler 3 is connected to the first inlet 10 of the extraction tank 2 through an air connector 9. The second outlet 11 of the extraction tank 2 is connected to the first inlet 13 of the evaporation and concentration tank 1 through a vacuum water pump 12, thereby forming an internal circulation structure.

[0046] The cooler 3 also includes a coil 14 located in the inner cavity, the coil 14 including a coolant inlet 15 and a coolant return port 16;

[0047] The first outlet 7 of the extraction tank 2 and the first outlet 8 of the evaporation and concentration tank 1 are used to inject the evaporated solvent into the cooler 3; the first outlet 5 of the cooler 3 is used to inject the cooled solvent into the extraction tank 2; the second outlet 11 of the extraction tank 2 is used to inject the extract into the evaporation and concentration tank 1.

[0048] The first outlet 7 of the extraction tank 2 and the first outlet 8 of the evaporation and concentration tank 1 are respectively connected to a first evaporation pipeline valve 17 and a second steam pipeline valve 18. The first outlet 5 of the cooler 3 is also connected to a first discharge valve 19 on the pipeline connecting it to the first inlet 10 of the extraction tank 2. During cyclic extraction, both the first evaporation pipeline valve 17 and the second steam pipeline valve 18 are open. During concentration, both the first evaporation pipeline valve 17 and the first discharge valve 19 are closed. The second steam pipeline valve 18 is generally open; if cyclic extraction is not required and conventional extraction is used instead, the second steam pipeline valve 18 can be closed.

[0049] Furthermore, the vacuum water pump 12 is equipped with a filter 20 at its outlet, and a pipeline valve is also provided on the pipeline between the second outlet 11 of the extraction tank 2 and the first inlet 13 of the evaporation and concentration tank 1.

[0050] Furthermore, the second outlet 11 of the extraction tank 2 is located on the side wall above the bottom of the extraction tank 2 and is equipped with a card-type filter screen. The second outlet 11 of the extraction tank 2 is also connected to a compressed air pipeline 21 and a backflushing pipeline 22 for cleaning solvent. It has liquid backflushing (for use under vacuum conditions) and gas backflushing (for use under normal pressure conditions) to prevent filter clogging, which can effectively avoid filter clogging under various working conditions.

[0051] Furthermore, the evaporation and concentration tank 1 is equipped with a defoaming device 23. The defoaming device 23 is a defoaming impeller installed on the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank 1. The defoaming impeller includes an impeller body and serrations integrally connected below the impeller body and pointing downwards. The edges of the serrations are sharpened (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown), the device 34 with defoaming mesh is installed on the solvent vapor outlet pipe of the evaporation and concentration tank 1 and the extraction tank 2 to break up bubbles.

[0052] Furthermore, the evaporation and concentration tank 1 is equipped with a wall scraping device 24 for concentration. Preferably, as shown in the example... Figure 3 As shown, the wall-scraping device for concentration is installed inside the lower part of the evaporation and concentration tank 1, and includes blades 37 symmetrically fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank 1, arc-shaped connecting arms 38 fixedly connected to both ends of the blades 37, and multiple scrapers 39 fixedly connected to the connecting arms 38. The scrapers 39 can prevent a large amount of viscous concentrate from sticking to the wall, and the blades 37 can be used for processing and producing high-viscosity concentrates.

[0053] Furthermore, it also includes at least one temperature-controlled steam heating source 25, which is used to heat the extraction tank 2 and the evaporation and concentration tank 1. The outlet of the temperature-controlled steam heating source 25 is divided into two paths, one leading to the extraction tank and the other 35 leading to the evaporation and concentration tank through the steam pipe 26.

[0054] Furthermore, the evaporation and concentration tank 1 and the extraction tank 2 are flange tank structures, which can be opened for cleaning; it also includes an air compressor 27 connected to the evaporation and concentration tank, and a compressed air pipeline 36 connected to the air compressor 27. The compressed air pipeline 36 provides gas power for opening the evaporation and concentration tank 1 or provides compressed air to the compressed air pipeline 21.

[0055] Furthermore, the first outlet 5 of the cooler 3 is also connected to a solvent discharge recovery valve 28, which is configured to open when recovering "pure" solvent.

[0056] Furthermore, the bottom of the evaporation and concentration tank 1 has a concentrated liquid discharge port 29, the bottom of the extraction tank 2 has a discharge port 33 for discharging the extracted material and the remaining solvent at the bottom, and the bottom of the evaporation and concentration tank 1 and the extraction tank 2 also have water discharge ports 31 and 32 of the steam jacket, respectively, for discharging some of the steam and water generated during the heating process.

[0057] Furthermore, it also includes a control box 30, which is used to operate and control the overall equipment.

[0058] The following describes the two operating modes of this invention: atmospheric pressure and vacuum.

[0059] 1. Working process under normal pressure

[0060] The material is placed into the extraction tank, and solvent is added to the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. The extraction parameters are set, and the air communication valve is opened. Boiling extraction is achieved in the extraction tank to achieve a uniform concentration of the extract in the tank (the air communication valve is open, and the internal and external pressures are kept consistent so that boiling can occur in the extraction tank).

[0061] Simultaneously turn on the vacuum water pump in the pipeline from the extraction tank to the evaporation and concentration tank, and adjust the liquid flow rate of the vacuum water pump so that the amount of extract liquid injected into the evaporation and concentration tank is consistent with the amount of liquid evaporated and condensed in the evaporation and concentration tank, thereby achieving a continuous cycle extraction working state.

[0062] After the material is extracted, the obtained extract is injected into the evaporation and concentration tank through a vacuum water pump. The solvent is evaporated in the evaporation and concentration tank and condensed back to the extraction tank through a cooler. If the pipeline from the extraction tank to the evaporation and concentration tank is blocked, compressed air is turned on to backflush the pipe and resolve the blockage.

[0063] According to the process requirements, after the extraction process is completed, the extraction tank is closed to stop extraction, the valve of the evaporation pipeline of the extraction tank is closed, and then the valve of the pipeline from the cooler to the extraction tank is closed. The solvent discharge and recovery valve is opened, and the process is switched to the concentration state. The "pure" solvent is gradually recovered. The liquid extracted from the extraction tank is gradually injected into the evaporation and concentration tank. After all the liquid has been injected into the evaporation and concentration tank, the vacuum water pump and its pipeline valves must be closed. After the concentration is completed, the concentrated liquid is discharged for collection.

[0064] 2. Vacuum working process

[0065] Place the material into the extraction tank, add solvent to both the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank simultaneously, set the extraction parameters, check that the air connector is closed, and turn on the vacuum pump to bring the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank to the same vacuum state (both the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank can achieve boiling below 100°C under vacuum conditions). The vacuum level should be set according to the process requirements.

[0066] Simultaneously turn on the vacuum water pump in the pipeline from the extraction tank to the evaporation and concentration tank, and adjust the liquid flow rate of the vacuum water pump so that the amount of extract liquid injected into the evaporation and concentration tank is consistent with the amount of liquid evaporated and condensed in the evaporation and concentration tank, thereby achieving a continuous cycle extraction working state.

[0067] After the material is extracted, the resulting extract is injected into the evaporation and concentration tank via a vacuum water pump. The evaporation and concentration tank evaporates the solvent and condenses it back into the extraction tank via a cooler. If the pipeline from the extraction tank to the evaporation and concentration tank is blocked, the cleaning solvent is opened for backflushing (under vacuum conditions) to resolve the blockage.

[0068] According to the process requirements, after the extraction process is completed, the extraction tank is closed to stop extraction, the valve of the evaporation pipeline of the extraction tank is closed, and then the valve of the pipeline from the cooler to the extraction tank is closed. The air communication valve is opened, and the solvent discharge and recovery valve is opened. The process is switched to concentration. The evaporation and concentration tanks start the concentration process and gradually recover the "pure" solvent. The liquid extracted from the extraction tank is gradually injected into the evaporation and concentration tanks. After all the liquid is injected into the evaporation and concentration tanks, the vacuum water pump and its pipeline valves must be closed. After the concentration is completed, the concentrated liquid is discharged for collection.

[0069] This invention has at least the following advantages:

[0070] This method enables continuous circulation of the extraction solvent within the equipment, preventing solvent loss and significantly reducing solvent usage and consumption. It also simplifies the process of discharging and adding new solvent, greatly reducing labor costs. Traditional extraction equipment involves adding solvent, extracting the material, discharging and concentrating the solvent containing the extract, then adding fresh solvent for secondary or multiple extractions and concentrations. This process uses a large amount of solvent and generates significant subsequent concentration work. Therefore, the continuous internal circulation extraction method greatly reduces and saves on the overall cost of extraction and concentration. Internal circulation continuous extraction represents a revolutionary change from traditional extraction methods.

[0071] This equipment achieves rapid solvent circulation, thus enabling efficient and rapid extraction of materials. As the extract is continuously injected into the evaporation and concentration tanks, the solvent evaporates simultaneously. The cooled, "pure" solvent returns to the boiling extraction tank. By controlling the extraction tank to maintain a balance between solvent inflow and outflow, the extracted material in the extraction tank is consistently maintained at a low concentration (a high concentration difference from the concentration at saturation), achieving efficient and rapid extraction.

[0072] The concentration and steam tank primarily provides solvent steam to ensure continuous circulation. While continuously supplying solvent steam, it simultaneously achieves slow concentration (enrichment of the extract). Finally, the extraction tank is shut down to begin a dedicated concentration operation to produce the extract (e.g., paste).

[0073] In the traditional method, a "pure" solvent is added one at a time. As the concentration of the extract gradually increases during the extraction process, the concentration difference between the material and the extract gradually decreases. As a result, the permeability of the material also gradually decreases and eventually tends to reach equilibrium. Therefore, this method reveals its disadvantage of poor material extraction efficiency.

[0074] Furthermore, the efficient cyclic extraction method ensures a high extraction rate. With the same or shorter extraction time (the extraction time varies depending on the material), the components are extracted cleanly with minimal waste. Traditional extraction methods often leave behind residues containing a significant amount of incompletely extracted active ingredients, as revealed by monitoring. However, cost calculations show that further extraction would increase product costs, meaning the production cost would exceed the value of the extracted material. This often leads to the disposal of materials still containing substantial active ingredients, resulting in significant waste. This equipment greatly avoids this problem, achieving efficient, high-speed, and clean extraction, reducing energy consumption, preventing the waste of medicinal plant resources, and conserving natural resources.

[0075] This equipment can operate under both atmospheric pressure and vacuum conditions. For materials that do not require specific extraction temperatures or require high-temperature modification processes, atmospheric pressure mode can be selected for production.

[0076] For materials requiring production processes below 100℃, closing the air connector and turning on the vacuum pump can achieve lower-temperature operation under reduced pressure (adjusting the vacuum level can adjust different boiling temperatures; boiling ensures uniformity of extract concentration within the extraction tank).

[0077] This equipment can simultaneously modify and process additives during extraction, eliminating the need for separate modification processes after extraction. The two steps are combined into one, with extraction and modification completed in a single operation. This multi-functional machine performs extraction, modification, and concentration all in one unit, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing equipment and labor costs for businesses. Taking ginseng modification and extraction as an example: a substance capable of converting ginseng components is added to the evaporation and concentration tanks. The equipment's process parameters are set, and the extract is continuously injected into the evaporation and concentration tanks. During the solvent evaporation and gradual enrichment of the extract in the evaporation and concentration tanks, efficient modification and extraction of ginseng components are achieved, followed by concentration for later use. Therefore, during the extraction of ginseng components, the common saponin components of ginseng are also modified and converted, producing a concentrated extract containing a large amount of rare ginsenosides, which can be widely used in pharmaceuticals, health products, and food.

[0078] The active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine exhibit a wide range of polarities, ranging from highly polar polysaccharides and amino acids to relatively less polar lipid-soluble components. Therefore, continuously altering the polarity of the solvent during extraction helps to efficiently extract active ingredients of varying polarities.

[0079] This equipment allows the addition of different solvents or mixtures of different solvents in different proportions to the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. During the extraction process, the polarity of the solvent is altered through solvent circulation, leading to better extraction of active ingredients with different polarities. Therefore, a method for changing solvent polarity using the above equipment is also provided: pure water is added to the extraction tank, and pure ethanol is added to the evaporation and concentration tank. During solvent circulation, the ethanol in the evaporation and concentration tank vaporizes and condenses, flowing into the extraction tank, causing the ethanol concentration in the extraction tank to gradually increase from zero. This means the extraction solvent gradually changes from pure water to ethanol solvents of varying concentrations, thus altering the polarity of the extraction solvent and making it more favorable for extracting compounds of different polarities. Alternatively, a low-concentration ethanol-water solution (e.g., 30%) can be added to both the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. When the ethanol-water solution vaporizes, the ethanol content in the gas phase increases significantly. Therefore, through solvent circulation, the ethanol concentration in the extraction tank gradually increases, thus changing the solvent polarity and better extracting active ingredients with different polarities. This equipment is suitable for both atmospheric pressure and vacuum conditions.

[0080] During the material extraction process, due to the circulating state, the extract in the extraction tank is continuously injected into the evaporation and concentration tank, causing the extract concentration in the evaporation and concentration tank to continuously increase. This process also achieves the slow concentration of the extract. According to the process parameters, after the extraction time is completed, the internal circulation system is shut off, and the evaporated solvent is collected separately. Therefore, complete concentration of the material extract can be achieved in the evaporation and concentration tank. After concentration, the concentrated material is collected and discharged, while all evaporated solvent enters an external collector for future use.

[0081] This equipment is equipped with a wall scraping device for concentration in the evaporation and concentration tanks, which enables the high-concentration preparation of extracts and thus produces high-concentration extract products.

[0082] To prevent material residue from clogging the pipes during the extraction and evaporation / concentration processes, and to ensure the concentrate is free of residue and guarantees product quality, this equipment incorporates anti-clogging and filtration designs. The extraction tank's discharge port is positioned above the bottom sidewall (installing it at the bottom would significantly increase the probability of clogging). The extract outlet is equipped with a card-type filter screen to remove most residue. If prolonged discharge causes clogging, the equipment is equipped with compressed air (for use under normal pressure) and solvent cleaning (for use under vacuum) backflushing devices to resolve the clogging issue.

[0083] In addition, to ensure that the concentrate does not contain any residue, a filtration device is installed in the pipeline into the evaporation and concentration tanks. The pore size of the filter media in the filtration device is determined according to the product quality standards. The filter media in this filtration device is designed to be detachable and can be replaced and cleaned at any time.

[0084] Since some extractable substances contain soapy substances, a large amount of foam may be generated during extraction. Therefore, a rotary paddle defoaming device with defoaming function is designed and installed in the evaporation and concentration tank. It is installed on the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank. The defoaming paddles can be increased as needed and installed at different heights.

[0085] In addition, to prevent foam from overflowing from the steam pipes of the evaporator and condenser, defoaming mesh is installed at the pipe outlets to ensure that the evaporator pipes are not contaminated.

[0086] The vacuum system design of this equipment differs significantly from common industrial vacuum systems. Most industrial vacuum systems include a collection tank connected to a vacuum pump for evacuation. This equipment, however, improves upon the cooler design, replacing the traditional horizontal condenser with a vertical one. Instead of the traditional method of steam flowing through pipes and coolant flowing through the condenser cavity, the design now uses internal coils for coolant and steam flowing through the cooler cavity. Vacuuming is performed at the top of the cooler, whose pipes connect to the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tanks. This design allows for simultaneous and consistent vacuuming of both tanks. The cooled solvent flows rapidly under its own weight, achieving rapid solvent circulation during operation. Furthermore, this design eliminates the need for a collection tank, significantly reducing construction costs, making it a highly significant improvement.

[0087] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for changing the polarity of a solvent using a multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulating extraction, modification, and concentration device, characterized in that, The aforementioned multifunctional, high-efficiency, continuous circulation extraction, modification, and concentration equipment includes an evaporation and concentration tank, an extraction tank, and a cooler; The cooler is vertically arranged and includes an inner cavity, a first inlet and a first outlet connected to the inner cavity. The upper part of the inner cavity is connected to a vacuum pump. The first inlet of the cooler is connected to the first outlet of the extraction tank and the first outlet of the evaporation and concentration tank, respectively. The first outlet of the cooler is connected to the first inlet of the extraction tank through an air connector. The second outlet of the extraction tank is connected to the first inlet of the evaporation and concentration tank through a vacuum water pump, thereby forming an internal circulation structure. The cooler also includes a coil located in the inner cavity, the coil including a coolant inlet and a coolant return outlet; The first outlet of the extraction tank and the first outlet of the evaporation and concentration tank are used to inject the evaporated solvent into the cooler; the first outlet of the cooler is used to inject the cooled solvent into the extraction tank; the second outlet of the extraction tank is used to inject the extract into the evaporation and concentration tank. The first outlet of the extraction tank and the first outlet of the evaporation and concentration tank are respectively connected to a first evaporation pipeline valve and a second steam pipeline valve. The first outlet of the cooler and the first inlet of the extraction tank are also connected to a first discharge valve. The first outlet of the cooler is also connected to a solvent discharge and recovery valve, which is configured to open when recovering "pure" solvent. The method includes: extracting with pure water in an extraction tank, and adding pure ethanol in an evaporation and concentration tank. When the solvent is circulated, the ethanol in the evaporation and concentration tank flows to the extraction tank through vaporization and condensation, causing the ethanol concentration in the extraction tank to gradually increase from zero, and the extraction solvent to gradually change from pure water to ethanol solvents of different concentrations; or, adding a low-concentration aqueous ethanol solution to both the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. When the aqueous ethanol solution is vaporized, the ethanol content in the gas phase increases, and the ethanol concentration in the extraction tank gradually increases through solvent circulation.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum water pump outlet is equipped with a filter, and the pipeline between the second outlet of the extraction tank and the first inlet of the evaporation and concentration tank is also equipped with a pipeline valve.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second outlet of the extraction tank is located on the side wall above the bottom of the extraction tank and is equipped with a card-type filter screen. The second outlet of the extraction tank is also connected to a compressed air pipeline and a backflushing pipeline for the cleaning solvent.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporation and concentration tank is equipped with a defoaming device, which is a defoaming blade installed on the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank. The defoaming blade includes a blade body and a downward-facing serration integrally connected below the blade body. The serration has a sharp edge. The solvent vapor outlet pipe of the evaporation and concentration tank and the extraction tank is equipped with a device with a defoaming mesh.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The evaporation and concentration tank is equipped with a wall scraping device for concentration. The wall scraping device for concentration is installed in the lower part of the evaporation and concentration tank and includes blades symmetrically fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft of the evaporation and concentration tank, arc-shaped connecting arms fixedly connected to both ends of the blades, and multiple scrapers fixedly connected to the connecting arms.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least one temperature-controlled steam heating source, which is used to heat the extraction tank and the evaporation and concentration tank. The outlet of the temperature-controlled steam heating source is divided into two paths, one leading to the extraction tank and the other leading to the evaporation and concentration tank through a steam pipe.

7. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The evaporation and concentration tank and the extraction tank are flanged tank structures, which can be opened for cleaning; it also includes an air compressor connected to the evaporation and concentration tank, and a compressed air pipeline connected to the air compressor. The compressed air pipeline provides gas power for opening the evaporation and concentration tank or provides compressed air to the compressed air pipeline.

8. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The evaporation and concentration tank has a concentrated liquid discharge port at the bottom, and the extraction tank has a discharge port at the bottom for discharging the extracted material and the remaining solvent at the bottom. The evaporation and concentration tank and the extraction tank also have water discharge ports for steam jackets at the bottom for discharging some of the steam and water generated during the heating process.

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