Air sealed bearing for industrial centrifuges used for chemical extraction

Abstract

An industrial centrifuge (10) for extracting one or more compounds from biomass includes a centrifuge basket (100) disposed within a cylindrical container (20). The centrifuge basket (100) includes a cylindrical sidewall and a basket base (350), the cylindrical sidewall including an upper perforated portion (320) and a lower solid portion (330), the basket base being coupled to the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion. The centrifuge includes a main shaft (70) coupled to the basket base (350), a main shaft bearing assembly (420), and a contact seal (440) disposed between the main shaft bearing assembly and the basket base. The lower solid portion of the sidewall, the main shaft, and the basket base define a skirt volume (354). During operation of the industrial centrifuge, air trapped within the skirt volume provides an air seal between the extractant fluid in the cylindrical container and the contact seal, the main shaft bearing assembly, or both, to prevent the extractant fluid from contacting and damaging the main shaft bearing.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 046,787, filed July 1, 2020, entitled “Air Sealed Bearing for an Industrial Centrifuge for Chemical Extraction,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to industrial centrifuges, and in particular to industrial centrifuges used in chemical extraction processes. Background Technology

[0004] Industrial centrifuges can be used to extract one or more chemicals from mixtures of plant materials. In one plant product extraction application, an industrial centrifuge can be used for the cold chemical extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) oil droplets from biomass composed of industrial hemp or certain low-THC hemp varieties. Typically, cold chemical extraction is carried out at low temperatures, such as around -40°F, in the presence of an extraction fluid. The extraction fluid extracts the CBD oil droplets, which are carried by the extraction fluid and separated from the biomass by centrifugal force. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Exposing the various bearings of an industrial centrifuge to the extractant fluid can damage the bearings or motor of the industrial centrifuge. This disclosure relates to an air seal for the spindle bearing assembly of an industrial centrifuge to prevent the extractant fluid from leaking into the spindle bearing assembly, motor bearing assembly, or both. Reducing or preventing the bearing assembly from being exposed to the extractant fluid can reduce or prevent damage to the spindle bearing assembly, motor bearing assembly, motor, or combinations thereof. The air seal also allows the use of more cost-effective bearings instead of sealed bearings made of materials acceptable for extraction centrifuges operating at -40°F with cooled extractant fluid. The air seal can be passive, driven solely by the gravity of the extractant fluid, thereby compressing the air trapped in the chamber containing the bearing assembly.

[0006] In one or more aspects of this disclosure, a centrifuge basket for an industrial centrifuge used to extract compounds from biomass may include a sidewall comprising an upper perforated portion and a lower solid portion, wherein the sidewall is cylindrical and the lower solid portion does not include perforations. The centrifuge basket may also include a basket base plate coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion. The centrifuge basket may also include a spindle attachment assembly coupled to the basket base plate. The lower solid portion of the sidewall, the bottommost surface of the basket base plate, and the housing of the spindle attachment assembly may define a skirt volume operable to form an air seal between the extracted fluid and one or more bearings during operation of the industrial centrifuge.

[0007] In one or more other aspects of this disclosure, an industrial centrifuge for extracting one or more compounds from biomass includes a centrifuge basket disposed within a cylindrical container. The centrifuge basket may include sidewalls that are cylindrical and include an upper perforated portion and a lower solid portion. The centrifuge basket may also include a basket base plate coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion. The industrial centrifuge may include a main shaft coupled to the basket base plate and operatively coupled to a drive mechanism operable to rotate the main shaft about an axis. The industrial centrifuge may also include a main shaft bearing assembly coupled to the cylindrical container and disposed between the bottom of the cylindrical container and the basket base plate. The industrial centrifuge may also include a contact seal disposed between the main shaft bearing assembly and the basket base plate. The main shaft extends vertically through the main shaft bearing assembly and may extend vertically downward to the drive mechanism, which is vertically disposed below the bottom of the cylindrical container. The lower solid portion of the sidewall, the basket base plate, and a portion of the main shaft define a skirt volume, and at least a portion of the main shaft bearing assembly is disposed within the skirt volume. During operation of the industrial centrifuge, air trapped within the skirt volume provides an air seal between the extractant fluid in the cylindrical container and the contact seals. This air seal reduces or prevents portions of the contact seals and the main shaft bearing assembly from being exposed to the extractant fluid contained within the cylindrical container during operation.

[0008] In one or more other aspects of this disclosure, a vertical chemical extraction centrifuge may include a motor drive controller, an operator controller and a safety system, and a leak-proof cylindrical container comprising a cylindrical centrifuge basket. The centrifuge basket may include a cylindrical basket having a partially perforated basket wall region extending over a sealed circumferential attachment to a solid centrifuge basket base plate. The centrifuge basket may include a further extension of the basket wall region below the basket base plate, forming a solid cylindrical skirt extending below the centrifuge basket base plate. The centrifuge basket base plate may be attached to a rotating vertical spindle extending below the base plate. The industrial centrifuge may include a spindle bearing assembly attached to the cylindrical container. The rotating vertical spindle may be mounted in the spindle bearing assembly, which is connected to the motor drive via the leak-proof cylindrical container. The solid cylindrical skirt extension may extend vertically below the spindle bearing assembly. When the cylindrical container is filled with the extraction fluid, bubbles may form in the skirt extension region below the basket base plate. Air bubbles can act as an air seal for the spindle bearing assembly, protecting it from exposure to the extraction fluid. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The best understanding of the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed below can be obtained by reading in conjunction with the following figures, in which the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of an industrial extraction centrifuge according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0011] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an industrial extraction centrifuge according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is schematically depicted;

[0012] Figure 3 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the centrifuge basket of an industrial extraction centrifuge, the centrifuge basket including a spindle attachment assembly connected to a basket base plate;

[0013] Figure 4 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 3 A sectional view of a section of the centrifuge basket;

[0014] Figure 5 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 3 A bottom view of the centrifuge basket; and

[0015] Figure 6 The illustration schematically depicts one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1A cross-sectional view of an industrial centrifuge, which has... Figure 3 The basket spindle bearing assembly has an air seal for the spindle bearing during operation. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This application relates to methods and seals for reducing or preventing damage to industrial centrifuge bearings caused by exposure of the spindle bearing, motor bearing, or both to the extractant fluid. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an industrial centrifuge having a centrifuge basket and a spindle bearing assembly that create an air seal capable of preventing exposure of the spindle bearing, motor bearing, or both to the extractant fluid, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the spindle bearing, motor bearing, or both.

[0017] Sealing bearings such as rotary shaft ball bearings and roller bearings to withstand humid environments can be challenging. Three different types of ball bearings can be identified: open bearings (where the balls and raceways are exposed); shielded bearings; and sealed bearings. Open bearings, such as open ball bearings, are the most cost-effective and are those in which the balls and raceways are exposed, which can allow fluids, solid debris, or both to come into contact with them. In the case of open bearings in industrial extraction centrifuges, the balls and raceways are exposed to the extraction fluid, which can lead to damage to the balls and raceways.

[0018] Shielded bearings may include one or more shields to protect the balls and ball races. The shield is a metal disc attached to the outer bearing race, with no contact between the shield bore and the inner bearing race. Shielded bearings can prevent solid debris and some liquids from penetrating into the bearing, but they cannot completely prevent liquids from reaching the balls and ball races.

[0019] Sealed bearings may include one or more fluid seals, which can be made of various elastic materials and can contact the shaft itself. The type of fluid seal material selected may depend on compatibility with environmental factors such as fluid composition, viscosity, temperature, and fluid hydraulic pressure. Mechanical factors, such as whether the shaft is sliding (e.g., in a hydraulic cylinder) or rotating (e.g., in a pump or centrifuge), and the shaft surface speed, also influence the choice of seal type.

[0020] Some companies, such as AW Chesterton in Groveland, Massachusetts, specialize in rotary shaft sealing solutions, primarily for pumps and valves. The range of shaft seals extends from simple elastomeric lip seals to complex rotary face seal assemblies. Seals acceptable for extraction centrifuges operating with extraction fluids cooled to -40°F (such as alcohol or aliphatic solvents) are complex. A major technical challenge is finding an elastomer that remains elastic at -40°F (-40°C) and does not degrade upon exposure to organic solvents such as, but not limited to, ethanol, heptane, or other extraction fluids. Therefore, functional motor bearing seal assemblies for industrial centrifuges, capable of handling extraction fluids cooled to -40°F, such as ethanol or heptane, can cost thousands of dollars.

[0021] This disclosure relates to air seals for spindle bearings, motor bearings, or both, in the spindle bearing assembly of an industrial centrifuge for cold solvent extraction. The air seals of this disclosure prevent contact between the rotating spindle, motor, and / or static spindle bearing seals and the extraction fluid in the chemical extraction centrifuge, which may be -40°F ethanol or heptane. Other extraction fluids suitable for cold temperature extraction are also contemplated.

[0022] An air seal is created by forming a bubble positioned between the sealing surface and the extraction fluid interface. The bubble can be formed below the centrifuge substrate, as will be further described in this disclosure. Specifically, the lower solid portion of the centrifuge substrate and the sidewall of the centrifuge basket can define an airtight skirt volume. The spindle bearing supporting the rotating spindle of the centrifuge basket can be arranged always within the bubble formed in the skirt-like volume defined below the centrifuge substrate. Only the air in the bubble contacts the spindle bearing, motor bearing, or both. Therefore, the air in the bubble separates the spindle bearing, motor bearing, or both from the extraction fluid. The air seal allows for the use of simpler, commercially available rotating non-fluid-resistance bearing seals, such as lip seals or face seals. These standard seals are priced at a fraction of the cost of custom-made anti-fluid bearing seal assemblies that can be used to contact -40°F pure ethanol or heptane extraction fluids.

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An industrial centrifuge 10 for chemical extraction according to this disclosure is shown. An example of the industrial centrifuge 10 for chemical extraction could be the Western States Machine Company Model C40 plant extraction centrifuge, designed and manufactured for OEM sales, although the industrial centrifuge 10 is not intended to be limited thereto. (See reference...) Figure 1The industrial centrifuge 10 includes a cylindrical container 20, which may be referred to as a curb. The cylindrical container 20 can be connected to a machine base plate 30. The machine base plate 30 can form the bottom of the cylindrical container 20. In an embodiment, the cylindrical container 20 may have a separate curb base plate 430 connected to the cylindrical container 20. Figure 6 The constraint substrate 430 is then connected to the machine base plate 30. (See reference...) Figure 2 The industrial centrifuge 10 may include a control panel 40, which is communicatively connected to the motor 60. (See reference...) Figure 2 The cylindrical container 20 or the restraint portion may include a removable and sealable cap 412 to the cylindrical container 20. The cap 412 can be removed to add biological material into the industrial centrifuge 10. The cap 412 may include one or more inlet pipes 470 capable of introducing extractable fluids or other materials into the cylindrical container 20. The cylindrical container 20 may also include one or more outlet pipes 480 from which extractable fluids and extracted material may be withdrawn from the cylindrical container 20.

[0024] Refer again Figure 2 The industrial centrifuge 10 includes a centrifuge basket 100 disposed within a cylindrical container 20. The centrifuge basket 100 may be a rotating cylindrical centrifuge basket in which chemical extraction is performed from rotating biomass. The centrifuge basket 100 may be rotatable relative to the cylindrical container 20. The centrifuge basket 100 may be rigidly coupled to a spindle 70. The centrifuge basket 100 may be driven by the spindle 70, which may be connected via a timing belt 80 to an electric motor 60 disposed below an elevated machine base plate 30. Although shown with a timing belt 80, it should be understood that the electric motor 60 may be operatively coupled to the spindle 70 via other types of linkages. The industrial centrifuge 10 may include a control panel 40 for operating the centrifuge 10 and an emergency stop button 50, both located in… Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper right part. The industrial centrifuge 10 may also include casters 90 for easy movement of the industrial centrifuge 10 between positions.

[0025] Now refer to Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a centrifuge basket 100 is schematically depicted. The centrifuge basket 100 may include a sidewall 310, a reinforcing ring 340 coupled to the top of the sidewall 310, and a basket base 350. The centrifuge basket 100 may also include a spindle attachment assembly 380 coupled to the basket base 350 of the centrifuge basket 100. The sidewall 310 may be cylindrical and may be parallel to... Figure 3The central axis A of the cylindrical sidewall 310 in the + / -Z direction of the coordinate axis is vertical. The sidewall 310 may include an upper perforated portion 320 and a lower solid portion 330. The upper perforated portion 320 may have a plurality of perforations 314 spaced apart across the upper perforated portion 320. The lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 may not have perforations. The upper perforated portion 320 and the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 of the centrifuge basket may be formed by a horizontal plane P (e.g., perpendicular to the coordinate plane P). Figure 3 The plane P, defined by the + / -Z directions of the coordinate axis, is tangent to the bottom of the perforations 314 (the bottom row 316 of the perforations 314). The bottom row 316 of the perforations 314 can be a horizontal row of perforations 314 surrounding the perimeter of the centrifuge basket 100, whose vertical position (e.g., in...) Figure 3 The position of the perforation 314 in the + / -Z direction of the coordinate axis is lower than that of any other row of perforations 314 (e.g., in the -Z direction relative to all other perforations 314).

[0026] The sidewall 310 of the centrifuge basket 100 can be formed by perforating a portion of a flat metal sheet to create an upper perforated portion 320. The partially perforated flat metal sheet can then be rolled into a cylindrical shape, and the ends of the partially perforated metal sheet can be welded together along a seam 315 to create the sidewall 310 of the centrifuge basket 100 having a cylindrical shape. The top edge of the sidewall 310 can then be welded to the edge of the reinforcing ring 340.

[0027] The centrifuge basket 100 may further include a basket base plate 350, which may be a disc-shaped plate. The basket base plate 350 may be joined / welded to the side wall 310 between the upper perforated portion 320 and the lower solid portion 330. The basket base plate 350 may be horizontally oriented such that its central plane C is perpendicular to the [missing information - likely a typo]. Figure 3 The coordinate axes are in the + / -Z direction. The basket substrate 350 may have a bottom surface 352 and an outer radial edge 356. The basket substrate 350 may be coupled to the sidewall 310 such that the outer radial edge 356 of the basket substrate 350 is connected to the inner surface 312 of the sidewall 310.

[0028] Reference Figure 3 The basket base plate 350 can be positioned within the cylindrical sidewall 310 between the upper perforated portion 320 and the lower solid portion 330, for example, just below the bottom of the upper perforated portion 320, such that any perforation in the sidewall 310 is not lower than the horizontal height of the basket base plate 350. Now refer to Figure 4 The basket substrate 350 can be positioned relative to the sidewall 310 such that the center plane C of the basket substrate 350 is vertically located below the horizontal plane P that is tangent to the bottom of the perforations 314 (the bottom row 316 of the perforations 314) (e.g., in Figure 4 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis). The basket base plate 350 can be positioned relative to the side wall 310 such that at least a portion of the lower solid portion 330 of the side wall 310 extends below the basket base plate 350. In an embodiment, the basket base plate 350 can be positioned relative to the side wall 310 such that the center plane C of the basket base plate 350 is vertically located above the bottommost end 332 of the side wall 310 (e.g., in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis). Figure 4 In the +Z direction of the coordinate axis). In an embodiment, the basket substrate 350 may be positioned relative to the sidewall 310 such that the bottommost surface 352 of the basket substrate 350 is vertically positioned above the bottommost end 332 of the sidewall 310 (e.g., in Figure 4 (in the +Z direction of the coordinate axis) and spaced apart from the bottommost end 332 of the sidewall 310. The lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 extending below the basket substrate 350 may not include any perforations or holes. Now refer to Figure 5 The disc-shaped basket substrate 350 can be attached / welded to the inner surface 312 of the sidewall 310 along the inner cylindrical periphery 360 between the upper perforated portion 320 and the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310.

[0029] The basket substrate 350 is connected to the inner surface of the sidewall 310 in a manner that prevents the extraction fluid from permeating between the basket substrate 350 and the inner surface of the sidewall 310. The basket substrate 350 can be joined (e.g., welded) to the sidewall 310 such that the basket substrate 350 seals against the sidewall 310 to prevent liquid or gas from passing through the joint between the basket substrate 350 and the sidewall 310. The joint connecting the basket substrate 350 to the sidewall 310 can be airtight, so that air cannot escape from the air bubble or the extraction fluid can permeate into the air bubble through the joint.

[0030] Refer again Figure 3 The basket base plate 350 may include a sealed basket bottom plate of the centrifuge basket 100. The basket base plate 350 may be a solid circular plate having a topmost surface 351 and a bottommost surface 352. The basket base plate 350 may have a central hole to receive a spindle attachment assembly 380. The sealed spindle attachment assembly 380 may be welded to the basket base plate 350. In an embodiment, the spindle attachment assembly 380 may be disposed in a hole in the basket base plate 350 and welded or otherwise coupled thereto.

[0031] The spindle attachment assembly 380 may include a housing 382 and a solid cover 390. The basket substrate 350 may have a central opening, and the housing 382 of the spindle attachment assembly 380 may be disposed within the opening and attached to the basket substrate 350, as previously described herein. In embodiments, the basket substrate 350 may be welded to the housing 382 of the spindle attachment assembly 380 using one or more welds 370. The spindle attachment assembly 380 may be attached to the basket substrate 350 in a manner that prevents extraction fluid from permeating between the basket substrate 350 and the spindle attachment assembly 380. The basket substrate 350 may be coupled (e.g., welded) to the spindle attachment assembly 380 such that the basket substrate 350 seals against the spindle attachment assembly 380 to prevent liquid or gas from passing through the joint between the basket substrate 350 and the spindle attachment assembly 380. The joint connecting the basket substrate 350 to the spindle connection assembly 380 can be airtight, so that air bubbles are formed in the lower solid portion 330 of the basket substrate 350 and the sidewall 310, and air is not allowed to escape from the bubbles or fluid is allowed to seep into the bubbles through the joint between the basket substrate 350 and the spindle connection assembly 380.

[0032] Refer again Figure 3 In one embodiment, the solid cover 390 can be attached to the housing 382 of the spindle attachment assembly 380. During operation of the industrial centrifuge 10, the solid cover 390 can cause the rotating spindle 70 ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 The extraction fluid in the centrifuge basket 100 is sealed. The spindle attachment assembly 380 can be rigidly attached to the motor-driven spindle 70.

[0033] In one type of chemical extraction centrifuge, the cylindrical centrifuge basket 100 can be reversibly rotated at speeds up to about 100 revolutions per minute (RPM). However, in some embodiments, the industrial centrifuge 10 of this disclosure can operate at speeds greater than 100 RPM.

[0034] Now refer to Figure 6 The centrifuge basket 100 is mounted inside a cylindrical container 20 (constraint portion), which is a liquid-tight container. The cylindrical container 20, having an openable, sealed top cover 412, can be attached to a constraint portion substrate 430, which can be further attached to an elevated machine base plate 30. The constraint portion substrate 430 can form the bottom of the cylindrical container 20.

[0035] The rotating spindle 70 can be attached to the centrifuge basket 100 using the spindle attachment assembly 380. The spindle 70 can pass through spindle bearing assemblies 420 and 460 mounted in bearing housings 465, which can be coupled to a restraint base plate 430. The bearing housing 465 can surround the spindle bearing assemblies. The restraint base plate 430 can be attached to a raised machine base plate 30. The spindle 70 can pass vertically through the spindle bearing assemblies 420 and 460 and can be vertically downward (e.g., in…). Figure 6 The coordinate axis extends in the -Z direction to engage with a drive mechanism vertically positioned below the constraint base plate 430 of the cylindrical container 20. As used herein, the term "drive mechanism" may refer to the electric motor 60 ( Figure 2 ) or other types of motors and any linkage between motor 60 and spindle 70, such as, but not limited to, Figure 2 The timing band shown is 80.

[0036] Refer again Figure 6 The industrial centrifuge 10 may include a simple lip contact seal 440 disposed between the bottom of the spindle attachment assembly 380 and the spindle bearing assembly 420. Although the lip contact seal 440 is depicted, it should be understood that other types of seals, such as face seals, may also be disposed between the bottom of the spindle attachment assembly 380 and the spindle bearing assembly 420.

[0037] The industrial centrifuge 10 may include an inlet pipe 470 and an outlet pipe 480. The inlet pipe 470 for extracting fluid can enter through the top of the cylindrical container 20, for example, through a sealed top cover 412. All extracted fluid can be discharged from the restraint section through the outlet pipe 480. Both the outlet pipe 480 and the bearing housing 465 are attached to and sealed to the restraint substrate 430 in a manner that prevents leakage of extracted fluid between the restraint substrate 430 and the bearing housing 465 and the outlet pipe 480.

[0038] Refer again Figure 6A skirt volume 354 is defined by the basket substrate 350, the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 extending below the basket substrate 350, and at least a portion of the spindle 70. In an embodiment, the skirt volume 354 may be defined by at least a portion of the basket substrate 350, the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 extending below the basket substrate 350, the housing 382 of the spindle attachment assembly 380, the lip contact seal 440, and the spindle bearing assembly 420. The skirt volume 354 may be an annular volume defined between the inner surface of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 and the spindle 70. In an embodiment, the skirt volume 354 may be an annular volume defined between the inner surface 312 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310, the outer surface of the housing 382 of the spindle attachment assembly 380, the lip contact seal 440, the spindle 70, and the spindle bearing assembly 420. The skirt volume 354 can extend downwards from the bottommost surface 352 of the basket base plate 350 (i.e., at...). Figure 6 (in the -Z direction of the coordinate axis) extends to the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310.

[0039] Before the industrial centrifuge 10 is operated, the skirt volume 354 can be initially filled with air, and when extractant fluid is added to the cylindrical container 20 during operation, the skirt volume 354 allows air bubbles 490 to form within it. The air bubbles 490 formed in the skirt volume 354 provide an air seal between the extractant fluid 472 in the cylindrical container 20 and a lip seal 440 disposed between the spindle attachment assembly 380 and the spindle bearing assembly 420. The air seal created by the air bubbles 490 reduces or prevents contact between the extractant fluid 472 and the lip seal 440, which in turn reduces or prevents the extractant fluid 472 from intruding into the spindle bearing assemblies 420, 460.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420 may be disposed within the skirt volume 354 such that when the cylindrical container 20 is filled with the extraction fluid 472, this portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420 may be contained within the air bubble 490. At least a portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420 may be vertically disposed above the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310. When the cylindrical container 20 is filled with the extraction fluid 472 to a working horizontal height 475, the volume of the extraction fluid 472 in the cylindrical container 20 may exert hydrostatic pressure, which may compress the air bubble 490 in the skirt volume 354. This may result in the final vertical horizontal height of the extraction fluid 472 in the skirt volume 354 being higher than the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310. To compensate for this effect, the vertical distance d between the topmost portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420 and the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 can be large enough that when the bubble 490 is compressed by the extractant fluid 472 at the operating temperature of the industrial centrifuge 10 (e.g., -40°C) to the working level 475, the bubble 490 captured by the skirt volume 354 contains at least a portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420. In other words, the vertical distance d should be sufficient to allow the bubble 490 to be compressed by the extractant fluid during filling while still retaining a portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420 within the bubble 490. The vertical distance d between the topmost portion of the spindle bearing assembly 420 and the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 can depend on the dimensions (e.g., height) of the cylindrical container 20, the total volume defined by the skirt volume 354, the operating temperature of the industrial centrifuge 10, and the nature of the extractant fluid 472.

[0041] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bearing housing 465 may be disposed within the skirt volume 354 such that when the cylindrical container 20 is filled with the extraction fluid 472, the top portion of the bearing housing 465 is contained within the bubble 490. At least a portion of the bearing housing 465 may be vertically disposed above the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310. As previously described, when the cylindrical container 20 is filled to the working level 475, the extraction fluid 472 can compress the bubble 490. Therefore, the vertical distance between the top of the bearing housing 465 and the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 can be sufficiently large such that when the bubble 490 is compressed by the extraction fluid 472 filled to the working level 475 at the operating temperature of the industrial centrifuge 10 (e.g., -40°C), the bubble 490 captured by the skirt volume 354 contains at least a portion of the bearing housing 465. In other words, the vertical distance d should be sufficient to allow the bubble 490 to be compressed by the extracted fluid during filling, while still retaining a portion of the bearing housing 465 within the bubble 490. The vertical distance between the topmost part of the bearing housing 465 and the bottommost end 332 of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 can depend on the dimensions of the cylindrical container 20 (e.g., height), the total volume defined by the skirt volume 354, the operating temperature of the industrial centrifuge 10, and the nature of the extracted fluid 472.

[0042] Refer again Figure 6 The operation of the industrial centrifuge 10 of this disclosure will now be described. When the cylindrical container 20 is not extracting fluid 472, the cylindrical container 20 can be temporarily opened by opening the sealed top cover 412, and biomass (not shown) from which one or more chemicals such as, but not limited to, CBD, are extracted can then be placed in the centrifuge basket 100 disposed within the cylindrical container 20. The sealed top cover 412 can then be closed and sealed. The extraction fluid 472 at -40°F, such as, but not limited to, ethanol, heptane, or other extraction fluids, can be introduced into the cylindrical container 20 through the inlet pipe 470, filling the cylindrical container 20 from the restraint substrate 430 until it reaches a typical operating level 475 just above the top of the centrifuge basket 100. Although in Figure 6Not shown, the extractant fluid 472, along with the biomass, fills the portion of the centrifuge basket 100 defined by the upper perforated portion 320 of the sidewall 310. During the filling of the cylindrical container 20 with the extractant fluid 472, air may be trapped in the skirt volume 354 due to the increase in the horizontal height of the extractant fluid 472. Therefore, bubbles 490 can form in the skirt volume 354 defined below the centrifuge basket base plate 350. The bubbles 490 can be slightly compressed air at -40°F, the temperature of the extractant fluid. The length and diameter of the lower solid portion 330 of the sidewall 310 of the centrifuge basket 100 determine the size of the bubbles 490 and the fluid discharge volume, which is the volume of extractant fluid discharged from the skirt volume 354 by the bubbles 490.

[0043] As previously described, the rotating spindle attachment assembly 380 can be rigidly attached to the centrifuge basket 100. The spindle bearing assembly 420 can be attached to the restraint substrate 430, and the lip seal 440 is attached to the spindle bearing assembly 420. By design, the gap between the spindle attachment assembly 380 and the spindle bearing assembly 420 can be sealed within a bubble 490 defined by the skirt volume 354, such that the lip seal 440 is positioned near the center of the bubble 490. Therefore, the bubble 490 can form an air seal including the lip seal 440, which can expel the extractant fluid 472 from the spindle bearing assembly 420.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, the formation of bubbles 490 in the skirt volume 354 defined below the centrifuge basket base plate 350 reduces the total volume of extractant fluid 472 required to fill the cylindrical container 20 to the working level 475 by decreasing the volume of the bubbles 490. Therefore, the operation of the industrial centrifuge 10 may require a smaller volume of extractant fluid 472.

[0045] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art upon receipt of the teachings in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An industrial centrifuge for extracting one or more compounds from biomass, the industrial centrifuge comprising: A centrifuge basket, disposed within a cylindrical container, the centrifuge basket comprising: The sidewall includes an upper perforated portion and a lower solid portion, wherein the sidewall is cylindrical; A basket base plate, the basket base plate being connected to the inner surface of the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion; and A main shaft, which is coupled to the basket base plate and operably coupled to a drive mechanism operable to rotate the main shaft about an axis; A spindle bearing assembly, the spindle bearing assembly being coupled to the cylindrical container and disposed between the bottom of the cylindrical container and the basket base plate; and A contact seal is disposed between the spindle bearing assembly and the basket base plate; in: The spindle extends vertically through the spindle bearing assembly and vertically downwards to the drive mechanism, which is vertically positioned below the bottom of the cylindrical container. The lower solid portion of the sidewall, a portion of the main shaft, and the basket base plate define the skirt volume; At least a portion of the spindle bearing assembly is disposed within the skirt volume; and During operation of the industrial centrifuge, the air trapped within the skirt volume provides an air seal between the extracted fluid in the cylindrical container and the contact seal.

2. The industrial centrifuge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The center plane of the basket substrate is vertically positioned below a horizontal plane P that is tangent to the bottom of the bottom row of perforations in the upper perforated portion of the sidewall.

3. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The basket base plate is sealed against the side wall to prevent liquid or gas from passing through the joint between the basket base plate and the side wall.

4. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It further includes a spindle attachment assembly coupled to the basket substrate, wherein: The spindle attachment assembly connects the spindle to the basket base plate; and The skirt volume includes an annular volume defined by the lower solid portion of the sidewall, the basket base plate, the housing of the spindle attachment assembly, a portion of the spindle, and a portion of the spindle bearing assembly.

5. The industrial centrifuge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The spindle attachment assembly is attached to the bottommost surface of the basket substrate.

6. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that, The basket base plate is sealed against the spindle attachment assembly, wherein the seal prevents liquid or gas from passing through the joint between the basket base plate and the spindle attachment assembly.

7. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least a portion of the spindle bearing assembly is vertically disposed above the bottommost end of the lower solid portion of the sidewall.

8. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The vertical distance between the bottommost end of the lower solid portion of the sidewall and a point on the bottommost surface of the basket substrate is greater than the shortest vertical distance between the spindle bearing assembly and a point on the bottommost surface of the basket substrate.

9. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The spindle bearing assembly is mounted in a bearing housing surrounding the spindle bearing assembly.

10. The industrial centrifuge according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least a portion of the bearing housing is disposed within the skirt volume.

11. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that, The bottommost end of the lower solid portion of the sidewall is vertically positioned below at least a portion of the bearing housing.

12. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The lower solid portion of the side wall of the centrifuge basket does not have perforations or openings.

13. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The basket base plate is a solid disc-shaped plate.

14. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The basket substrate does not have perforations or openings that allow gas or fluid to flow between the bottommost surface and the topmost surface of the basket substrate.

15. The industrial centrifuge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The contact seal is a lip-type contact seal.

16. A centrifuge basket for an industrial centrifuge used to extract compounds from biomass, the centrifuge basket comprising: A sidewall comprising an upper perforated portion and a lower solid portion, wherein the sidewall is cylindrical and the lower solid portion does not include the perforation; A basket base plate, wherein the basket base plate is connected to the inner surface of the sidewall between the upper perforated portion and the lower solid portion; as well as The lower solid portion of the sidewall and the bottommost surface of the basket substrate define a skirt volume operable to form an air seal between the extracted fluid and one or more bearings during operation of an industrial centrifuge including the centrifuge basket.

17. The centrifuge basket according to claim 16, characterized in that, The center plane of the basket substrate is vertically positioned below the horizontal plane P, which is tangent to the bottom of the bottom row of perforations in the upper perforated portion of the sidewall.

18. The centrifuge basket according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that, The basket base plate is sealed against the side wall to prevent liquid or gas from passing through the joint between the basket base plate and the side wall.

19. The centrifuge basket according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, It further includes a spindle attachment assembly coupled to the basket substrate, wherein: The spindle attachment assembly is operable to attach the basket base plate to the spindle; and The skirt volume includes an annular volume defined by the lower solid portion of the sidewall, the basket base plate, the housing of the spindle attachment assembly, and a portion of the spindle connected to the spindle attachment assembly.

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