Solvent flow control system and method and application of solvent flow control system and method in traditional Chinese medicine extraction

Abstract

The invention discloses a solvent flow control system and method and application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction.The system comprises a passive adjusting system and an active adjusting system, the passive adjusting system comprises a bin module and a pipeline module, and the bin module comprises a first-stage bin, a second-stage bin, a third-stage bin and a fourth-stage bin; the first-stage bin, the second-stage bin, the third-stage bin and the fourth-stage bin are communicated in sequence, and flow of a solvent is controlled through change of internal air pressure; the pipeline module is used for inflow of a solvent; the active adjusting system comprises a liquid level sensor for monitoring liquid level data of a solvent in the bin body module and an air pressure adjusting module for adjusting air pressure; the passive adjusting system is used for passively realizing supplementary inflow of the solvent when the solvent flows out; the active adjusting system is used for monitoring the liquid level data of the solvent in real time and actively controlling the supplementary inflow and outflow of the solvent according to the monitored real-time liquid level data; the flow control process of the solvent is perfected in the mode of combining passive adjustment and active adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of solvent flow control, and in particular to a solvent flow control system and method and application thereof in traditional Chinese medicine extraction. Background Art

[0002] The solvent extraction method of Chinese herbal medicine extract is a method of dissolving the effective ingredients from the medicinal material tissue according to the solubility properties of various components in Chinese herbal medicine in solvents. The solvent has a high solubility for the active ingredients and a low solubility for the components that do not need to be dissolved. When the solvent is added to the Chinese herbal medicine raw materials, the solvent gradually penetrates into the cells through the cell wall due to diffusion and osmosis, dissolving the soluble substances and causing a concentration difference inside and outside the cells. As a result, the concentrated solution in the cells continues to diffuse outward, and the solvent continues to enter the cells of the medicinal material tissues. This process goes back and forth many times until the concentration of the solution inside and outside the cells reaches a dynamic equilibrium. The saturated solution is filtered out, and new solvents are added many times to dissolve the required components almost completely or mostly.

[0003] Among the solvent extraction methods for Chinese herbal medicine extracts, the commonly used methods include immersion method, percolation method, decoction method, reflux extraction method, continuous extraction method, etc. The percolation method is a leaching method in which Chinese herbal medicine powder is placed in a percolator, new solvent is continuously added to make it permeate through the medicinal materials, and the leachate flows out from the bottom of the percolator from top to bottom. When the solvent penetrates into the powder and the dissolved components increase in specific gravity and move downward, the upper solution or dilute leachate replaces its position, resulting in a good concentration difference, so that the diffusion energy can be carried out better, but in the percolation method, the flow rate of the solvent needs to be controlled, and new solvent is added from the medicinal surface at any time during the percolation process until the effective ingredients in the medicinal materials are fully leached. The percolation method has a high leaching efficiency and the leachate is relatively clear, but the amount of solvent in the percolator needs to be maintained during the percolation process, and the solvent liquid level needs to be above the medicinal surface. Therefore, it is necessary to design a solvent flow control system to control the solvent flow during the percolation process. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the problems raised in the above background technology, the object of the present invention is to provide a solvent flow control system and method, and application thereof in traditional Chinese medicine extraction.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, in the technical solution of the present invention, a solvent flow control system is provided, including a passive regulation system and an active regulation system, wherein the passive regulation system is used to passively realize the replenishment of the solvent when the solvent flows out; the active regulation system is used to monitor the liquid level data of the solvent in real time, and actively control the replenishment of the solvent inflow and outflow according to the monitored real-time liquid level data; the passive regulation system includes a warehouse module and a pipeline module, the warehouse module includes a primary warehouse, a secondary warehouse, a tertiary warehouse and a quaternary warehouse, and the primary warehouse, the secondary warehouse, the tertiary warehouse and the quaternary warehouse are respectively used for the storage of the solvent Storage, inflow, reaction and outflow, the first-level warehouse, the second-level warehouse, the third-level warehouse and the fourth-level warehouse are connected in sequence, and the flow of the solvent is controlled by the change of the internal air pressure; the pipeline module is arranged on the warehouse body module, and the pipeline module is used for the solvent to flow in; the active adjustment system includes a liquid level sensor and an air pressure adjustment module, the liquid level sensor is arranged on the warehouse body module, and the liquid level sensor is used to monitor the liquid level data of the solvent inside the warehouse body module in real time; the air pressure adjustment module adjusts the internal air pressure of the warehouse body module according to the liquid level data monitored by the liquid level sensor to further adjust the flow of the solvent.

[0006] In the technical solution of the present invention, the pipeline module includes a connecting pipe and an elbow assembly, the connecting pipe is used to connect the primary warehouse and the secondary warehouse; the elbow assembly includes a plurality of elbows, used to connect the secondary warehouse and the tertiary warehouse; the elbow has two end points and is respectively located inside the secondary warehouse and the tertiary warehouse, the bending part of the elbow is located inside the secondary warehouse and the position of the bending part is higher than the end point of the elbow located in the warehouse; the connecting pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe, the inner pipe is fixed inside the outer pipe; further, the liquid level A sensor is installed inside the tertiary warehouse to monitor the liquid level data inside the tertiary warehouse; the air pressure regulating module includes multiple air pipes and air pump assemblies, and the multiple air pipes are respectively connected to the primary warehouse, the tertiary warehouse and the quaternary warehouse; the air pump assembly is connected to the air pipe, and the air pump assembly regulates the internal air pressure of the primary warehouse, the tertiary warehouse and the quaternary warehouse through the air pipe; further, a warehouse door is provided on one side of the tertiary warehouse, and a constant pressure door is also provided on the warehouse door; the lower end of the tertiary warehouse is connected to a filter port, and the filter port is connected to the tertiary warehouse and the quaternary warehouse.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention also provides a solvent flow control method, which includes the above-mentioned solvent flow control system and specifically includes the following process:

[0008] Passive regulation process of solvent flow: In the bin module, the air pressure of the third bin is lower than that of the second bin, and the solvent enters the third bin from the first bin via the second bin. The air pressure of the third bin is lower than that of the fourth bin. The solvent in the third bin enters the fourth bin through the filter port at the same time. When the solvent in the third bin decreases, the air pressure in the inner space of the third bin further decreases, and the air pressure difference between the third bin and the second bin increases, so that the solvent in the second bin further enters the third bin from the elbow assembly, so as to realize the passive regulation process of the solvent flow in the bin module;

[0009] Active regulation process of solvent flow: In the bin body module, the liquid level sensor is located in the tertiary bin to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary bin is lower than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further adjusts and reduces the internal air pressure of the tertiary bin through the air pump assembly and the air pipe, increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the secondary bin, and reduces the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the fourth bin, so as to increase the inflow of solvent and reduce the outflow of solvent; when the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary bin is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further adjusts and increases the internal air pressure of the tertiary bin through the air pump assembly and the air pipe, reduces the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the secondary bin, and increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the fourth bin, so as to reduce the inflow of solvent and increase the outflow of solvent, thereby realizing the active regulation process of the solvent flow in the bin body module.

[0010] The present invention also includes the application of the solvent flow control system or the solvent flow control method in traditional Chinese medicine extraction.

[0011] In summary, the present invention provides a solvent flow control system and method, and its application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction. In the technical solution of the present invention, the solvent flow control system includes a passive regulation system and an active regulation system. The passive regulation system is used to passively realize the supplementary inflow of the solvent when the solvent flows out; the active regulation system is used to monitor the liquid level data of the solvent in real time, and actively control the supplementary inflow and outflow of the solvent according to the monitored real-time liquid level data; the combination of passive regulation and active regulation is used to improve the flow control process of the solvent;

[0012] At the same time, in the technical solution of the present invention, a warehouse module with a multi-cavity structure design is utilized, and the characteristics of warehouse air pressure changes during the solvent flow process are combined to realize a method of adjusting the solvent flow by air pressure control. Compared with the existing valve flow control method which is mostly a mechanical structure, this method is more flexible and efficient.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a flow chart of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an application of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Without loss of generality, an embodiment of the present invention provides a solvent flow control system and method, as well as its application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction. The embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a solvent flow control system of this embodiment includes a passive regulation system and an active regulation system; the passive regulation system is used to passively realize the supplementary inflow of solvent when the solvent flows out; the active regulation system is used to monitor the liquid level data of the solvent in real time, and actively control the supplementary inflow and outflow of the solvent according to the liquid level data, and the passive regulation system and the active regulation system are combined to improve the solvent flow control process.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the passive regulation system includes a bin module and a pipeline module, wherein the bin module includes a primary bin (A1), a secondary bin (A2), a tertiary bin (A3) and a quaternary bin (A4). Specifically, the primary bin (A1), the secondary bin (A2), the tertiary bin (A3) and the quaternary bin (A4) are used for storage, inflow, reaction and outflow of solvents, respectively. The primary bin (A1), the secondary bin (A2), the tertiary bin (A3) and the quaternary bin (A4) are connected in sequence, and the flow of solvents is controlled by changes in internal air pressure, specifically by adjusting the pressure between different bins. The pressure difference between the two is used to realize the flow rate of the solvent between different warehouses; wherein the pipeline module is configured in the warehouse module for the inflow of the solvent; the active regulation system includes a liquid level sensor (not shown in the figure) and an air pressure regulation module, the liquid level sensor is configured in the warehouse module, and monitors the liquid level data of the solvent inside the warehouse module in real time. Specifically, the liquid level sensor is installed inside the third warehouse (A3); the air pressure regulation module adjusts the internal air pressure of the warehouse module according to the liquid level data monitored by the liquid level sensor to further regulate the flow of the solvent. It can be understood that in the warehouse module In the process, the liquid level sensor is located in the third-level bin (A3) to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the third-level bin (A3) is lower than the standard liquid level range (the standard liquid level range is the liquid level requirement in different application scenarios, for example, when applied to Chinese medicinal material extraction, the liquid level needs to be several centimeters above the medicinal material surface), the air pressure regulating module further adjusts and reduces the internal air pressure of the third-level bin (A3), increases the air pressure difference between the third-level bin (A3) and the second-level bin (A2), and reduces the air pressure difference between the third-level bin (A3) and the fourth-level bin (A4), so as to increase the inflow of solvent and reduce the flow of solvent. When the real-time liquid level data in the third-level bin (A3) is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further adjusts and increases the internal air pressure of the third-level bin (A3), reduces the air pressure difference between the third-level bin (A3) and the second-level bin (A2), and increases the air pressure difference between the third-level bin (A3) and the fourth-level bin (A4), so as to reduce the inflow of solvent and increase the outflow of solvent, thereby realizing the active regulation process of the flow of solvent in the bin module. Compared with the flow control method of valves with mechanical structures in the prior art, the method of regulating the solvent flow by air pressure control is more flexible and efficient.

[0023] Figure 3 and Figure 4 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the pipeline module includes a connecting pipe (B1) and a bend pipe assembly (B2), the connecting pipe (B1) connects the primary bin (A1) and the secondary bin (A2); the bend pipe assembly (B2) includes a plurality of bend pipes (B20), and the bend pipe assembly (B2) connects the secondary bin (A2) and the tertiary bin (A3); specifically, the bend pipe (B20) has two end points (B21) and is located inside the secondary bin (A2) and the tertiary bin (A3), respectively; the bend of the bend pipe (B20) is located inside the secondary bin (A2) and the position of the bend is higher than the end point of the bend pipe (B20) located inside the bin. The connecting pipe (B1) includes an outer pipe (B10) and an inner pipe (B11), and the inner pipe (B11) is fixed inside the outer pipe (B10). Similarly, the structural design of the inner pipe (B11) with a smaller cross-section is conducive to the solvent in the first chamber (A1) flowing into the second chamber (A2) under the drive of the pressure difference when the solvent in the second chamber (A2) is lacking.

[0024] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a partial application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the air pressure regulating module includes a plurality of air pipes (C1) and an air pump assembly (not shown in the figure), wherein the plurality of air pipes (C1) are respectively connected to the first-stage chamber (A1), the third-stage chamber (A3) and the fourth-stage chamber (A4); the air pump assembly is used to connect the air pipes (C1), and the air pump assembly is used to regulate the internal air pressure of the first-stage chamber (A1), the third-stage chamber (A3) and the fourth-stage chamber (A4) through the air pipes (C1), wherein usually only the air pressure of the third-stage chamber (A3) needs to be regulated, and when the air pressure of the third-stage chamber (A3) is regulated alone, When regulation is not feasible (for example, the air pressure is too low or too high), the air pressure of the first-stage bin (A1) and the fourth-stage bin (A4) can be further regulated by the air pressure regulating module. It should be noted that in a solvent flow control system of this embodiment, a controller is also included, and the controller is used to receive real-time monitoring data of the liquid level sensor and control the driving air pressure regulating module to perform corresponding air pressure regulation; in addition, a bin door (A31) is provided on one side of the third-stage bin (A3), and a constant pressure door (A32) is also provided on the bin door (A31). Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the lower end of the tertiary bin (A3) is also connected to a filter port (A33), and the filter port (A33) is connected to the tertiary bin (A3) and the quaternary bin (A4). Specifically, the bin door A31 is used to add reactants (such as medicinal materials in Chinese medicinal material extraction) to the tertiary bin (A3), wherein the constant pressure door (A32) is used to relieve pressure, and filter material is placed in the filter port (A33) according to the usage scenario.

[0025] This embodiment also provides a solvent flow control method, including the above-mentioned solvent flow control system, which specifically includes the following process:

[0026] Passive regulation process of solvent flow: in the bin module, the air pressure of the tertiary bin (A3) is lower than that of the secondary bin (A2), the solvent enters the tertiary bin (A3) from the primary bin (A1) through the secondary bin (A2), the air pressure of the tertiary bin (A3) is lower than that of the fourth bin (A4), the solvent in the tertiary bin (A3) enters the fourth bin (A4) through the filter port (A33) at the same time, when the solvent in the tertiary bin (A3) decreases, the air pressure in the internal space of the tertiary bin (A3) is further reduced, the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin (A3) and the secondary bin (A2) increases, so that the solvent in the secondary bin (A2) further enters the tertiary bin (A3) through the elbow assembly (B2), so as to realize the passive regulation process of the solvent flow in the bin module;

[0027] Active adjustment process of solvent flow: In the bin module, the liquid level sensor is located in the third bin (A3) to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the third bin (A3) is lower than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure adjustment module further adjusts and reduces the internal air pressure of the third bin (A3) through the air pump assembly and the air pipe (C1), increases the air pressure difference between the third bin (A3) and the second bin (A2), and reduces the air pressure difference between the third bin (A3) and the fourth bin (A4), so as to increase the inflow of solvent and reduce the outflow of solvent; when the real-time liquid level data in the third bin (A3) is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure adjustment module further adjusts and increases the internal air pressure of the third bin (A3) through the air pump assembly and the air pipe (C1), reduces the air pressure difference between the third bin (A3) and the second bin (A2), and increases the air pressure difference between the third bin (A3) and the fourth bin (A4), so as to reduce the inflow of solvent and increase the outflow of solvent, thereby realizing the active adjustment process of the solvent flow in the bin module.

[0028] This embodiment also includes the application of the above-mentioned solvent flow control system or the above-mentioned solvent flow control method in the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine.

[0029] The principles and implementation methods of the present invention are described in this article using specific examples. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. Solvent flow control system, characterized in that: include: Passive regulation system, passively realizing the replenishment of solvent inflow when the solvent flows out; Active adjustment system, real-time monitoring of solvent level data, and active control of solvent replenishment inflow and outflow based on the level data; The passive adjustment system comprises: The bin module includes a primary bin, a secondary bin, a tertiary bin and a quaternary bin, wherein the primary bin, the secondary bin, the tertiary bin and the quaternary bin are sequentially connected and the flow of the solvent is controlled by the change of the internal air pressure; A pipeline module, configured on the bin module, for the solvent to flow in; The active adjustment system comprises: A liquid level sensor is disposed in the bin module and monitors the liquid level data of the solvent inside the bin module in real time; The air pressure regulating module regulates the internal air pressure of the warehouse module according to the liquid level data monitored by the liquid level sensor to further regulate the flow of the solvent.

2. The solvent flow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary chamber, secondary chamber, tertiary chamber and quaternary chamber are respectively used for storage, inflow, reaction and outflow of solvents.

3. The solvent flow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipeline module includes: A connecting pipe connecting the primary bin and the secondary bin; A bent pipe assembly, comprising a plurality of bent pipes, connecting the secondary bin and the tertiary bin; The bent pipe has two endpoints which are respectively located inside the secondary bin and the tertiary bin. The bending part of the bent pipe is located inside the secondary bin and the position of the bending part is higher than the end point of the bent pipe in the bin.

4. The solvent flow control system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting pipe comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe, and the inner pipe is fixed inside the outer pipe.

5. The solvent flow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid level sensor is installed inside the tertiary bin.

6. The solvent flow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air pressure regulating module comprises: A plurality of air pipes are respectively connected to the first-stage chamber, the third-stage chamber and the fourth-stage chamber; An air pump assembly is connected to the air pipe and adjusts the internal air pressure of the first-stage chamber, the third-stage chamber and the fourth-stage chamber through the air pipe.

7. The solvent flow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A warehouse door is provided on one side of the third-level warehouse, and a constant pressure door is also provided on the warehouse door.

8. The solvent flow control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the third-level bin is connected with a filter port, and the filter port is connected with the third-level bin and the fourth-level bin.

9. A solvent flow control method, comprising a solvent flow control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The process includes the following: Passive regulation process of solvent flow: In the bin module, the air pressure of the third bin is lower than that of the second bin, and the solvent enters the third bin from the first bin via the second bin. The air pressure of the third bin is lower than that of the fourth bin. The solvent in the third bin enters the fourth bin through the filter port at the same time. When the solvent in the third bin decreases, the air pressure in the inner space of the third bin further decreases, and the air pressure difference between the third bin and the second bin increases, so that the solvent in the second bin further enters the third bin from the elbow assembly, so as to realize the passive regulation process of the solvent flow in the bin module; Active regulation process of solvent flow: In the bin body module, the liquid level sensor is located in the tertiary bin to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary bin is lower than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further adjusts and reduces the internal air pressure of the tertiary bin through the air pump assembly and the air pipe, increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the secondary bin, and reduces the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the fourth bin, so as to increase the inflow of solvent and reduce the outflow of solvent; when the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary bin is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further adjusts and increases the internal air pressure of the tertiary bin through the air pump assembly and the air pipe, reduces the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the secondary bin, and increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the fourth bin, so as to reduce the inflow of solvent and increase the outflow of solvent, thereby realizing the active regulation process of the solvent flow in the bin body module.

10. Use of the solvent flow control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the solvent flow control method according to claim 9 in traditional Chinese medicine extraction.

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