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

Abstract

The invention discloses a solvent flow control system, method and application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction. The system comprises a passive regulation system and an active regulation system. The passive regulation system comprises a bin module and a pipeline module. The bin module comprises a primary bin, a secondary bin, a tertiary bin and a quaternary bin. The primary bin, the secondary bin, the tertiary bin and the quaternary bin are connected in sequence and control the flow of the solvent by changes in the internal air pressure. The pipeline module is used for the inflow of the solvent. The active regulation system comprises a liquid level sensor for monitoring the liquid level data of the solvent in the bin module and an air pressure regulation module for regulating the air pressure. The passive regulation system is used for passively realizing the supplementary inflow of the solvent when the solvent flows out. The active regulation system is used for real-time monitoring the liquid level data of the solvent and actively controlling the supplementary inflow and outflow of the solvent according to the monitored real-time liquid level data. The combination of the passive regulation and the active regulation improves the flow control process of the solvent.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The solvent extraction method for traditional Chinese medicine extracts is a method of dissolving the active ingredients from the medicinal material tissue by selecting a solvent that has a large solubility for the active ingredients and a small solubility for the ingredients that do not need to be extracted according to the solubility properties of various components in the solvent in traditional Chinese medicine. When the solvent is added to the raw material of traditional Chinese medicine, due to diffusion and osmosis, the solvent gradually penetrates through the cell wall into the cell, dissolves the soluble substances, and creates a concentration difference inside and outside the cell. Then, the concentrated solution inside the cell continuously diffuses outwards, and the solvent continuously enters the medicinal material tissue cells. After such multiple round trips, until the solution concentrations inside and outside the cell reach dynamic equilibrium, this saturated solution is filtered out, and new solvent is continuously added multiple times, then the required components can be dissolved out almost completely or mostly.

[0003] In the solvent extraction method for traditional Chinese medicine extracts, commonly used methods include maceration method, percolation method, decoction method, reflux extraction method, continuous extraction method, etc. The percolation method is a leaching method in which the powder of traditional Chinese medicine is packed in a percolator, and new solvent is continuously added to make it penetrate through the medicinal material and flow out the leaching solution from the lower part of the percolator from top to bottom. When the specific gravity of the dissolved components increases as the solvent penetrates into the medicinal powder and moves downward, the upper solution or dilute leaching solution replaces its position, creating a good concentration difference, so that diffusion can proceed better. However, in the percolation method, it is necessary to control the flow rate of the solvent, and new solvent is replenished from the surface of the medicine at any time during the percolation process until the active ingredients in the medicinal material are fully leached. The percolation method has a relatively high leaching efficiency, and the leaching solution is relatively clear. However, during the percolation process, it is necessary to maintain the amount of solvent in the percolator, and the solvent liquid level needs to be above the surface of the medicine. Therefore, it is necessary to design a solvent flow control system to control the solvent flow rate during the percolation process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems raised in the above background art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a solvent flow control system and method, as well as their application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction.

[0005] To achieve the above object, in the technical solution of the present invention, a solvent flow control system is provided, which includes a passive adjustment system and an active adjustment system. The passive adjustment system is used to passively achieve the supplementary inflow of the solvent when the solvent flows out; the active adjustment 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 passive adjustment system includes a bin module and a pipeline module. The bin module includes 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 respectively used for the storage, inflow, reaction, and outflow of the solvent. The first-stage bin, the second-stage bin, the third-stage bin, and the fourth-stage bin are sequentially connected, and the flow of the solvent is controlled by the change of the internal air pressure. The pipeline module is configured in the bin module, and the pipeline module is used for the inflow of the solvent. The active adjustment system includes a liquid level sensor and a pressure adjustment module. The liquid level sensor is configured in the bin module, and the liquid level sensor is used to monitor the liquid level data of the solvent inside the bin module in real time. The pressure adjustment module adjusts the internal air pressure of the bin 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 a bent pipe assembly. The connecting pipe is used to connect the first-stage bin and the second-stage bin; the bent pipe assembly includes a plurality of bent pipes and is used to connect the second-stage bin and the third-stage bin; the bent pipe has two end points and is respectively located inside the second-stage bin and the third-stage bin. The bending part of the bent pipe is located inside the second-stage bin and the position of the bending part is higher than the position of the end point of the bent pipe inside the second-stage bin; the connecting pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe, and the inner pipe is fixed inside the outer pipe. Further, the liquid level sensor is installed inside the third-stage bin to monitor the liquid level data inside the third-stage bin; the pressure adjustment module includes a plurality of air pipes and an air pump assembly. The plurality of air pipes are respectively connected to the first-stage bin, the third-stage bin, and the fourth-stage bin; the air pump assembly is connected to the air pipes, and the air pump assembly adjusts the internal air pressure of the first-stage bin, the third-stage bin, and the fourth-stage bin through the air pipes. Further, a bin door is provided on one side of the third-stage bin, and a constant pressure door is also provided on the bin door; a filter port is connected to the lower end of the third-stage bin, and the filter port communicates with the third-stage bin and the fourth-stage bin.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention also provides a solvent flow control method. The solvent flow control method includes the above solvent flow control system and specifically includes the following processes:

[0008] Passive regulation process of solvent flow rate: In the silo module, the air pressure in the third-level silo is lower than that in the second-level silo. The solvent flows from the first-level silo into the second-level silo and then into the third-level silo. The air pressure in the third-level silo is higher than that in the fourth-level silo. The solvent in the third-level silo simultaneously enters the fourth-level silo through the filter port. When the solvent in the third-level silo decreases, the air pressure inside the third-level silo further decreases, and the air pressure difference between the third-level silo and the second-level silo increases, causing the solvent in the second-level silo to further enter the third-level silo through the elbow assembly, thereby realizing the passive regulation process of the solvent flow rate in the silo module;

[0009] Active regulation process of solvent flow rate: In the silo module, the liquid level sensor is located in the third-level silo to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the third-level silo is lower than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulation module further adjusts and reduces the air pressure inside the third-level silo through the air pump assembly and the air pipe, increasing the air pressure difference between the third-level silo and the second-level silo while decreasing the air pressure difference between the third-level silo and the fourth-level silo, so as to increase the solvent inflow and reduce the solvent outflow; when the real-time liquid level data in the third-level silo is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulation module further adjusts and increases the air pressure inside the third-level silo through the air pump assembly and the air pipe, reducing the air pressure difference between the third-level silo and the second-level silo while increasing the air pressure difference between the third-level silo and the fourth-level silo, so as to reduce the solvent inflow and increase the solvent outflow, realizing the active regulation process of the solvent flow rate in the silo module.

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

[0011] In summary, the present invention provides a solvent flow rate control system and method, as well as its application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction. In the technical solution of the present invention, the solvent flow rate 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 improves the solvent flow rate control process;

[0012] Meanwhile, in the technical solution of the present invention, by using the silo module with a multi-cavity structure design and coordinating with the characteristics of the air pressure change in the silo during the solvent flow process, a method of controlling and regulating the solvent flow rate by air pressure is realized. Compared with the prior art where the flow rate is mostly controlled by mechanical structure valves, it is more flexible and efficient.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the subsequent specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

[0018] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of 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 of the application of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0020] Without loss of generality, embodiments of the present invention provide a solvent flow control system and method, and their application in traditional Chinese medicine extraction. Embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic flow chart of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 1 shown, a solvent flow control system in this embodiment includes a passive regulation system and an active regulation system; the passive regulation system is used to passively achieve 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 liquid level data. The combination of the passive regulation system and the active regulation system improves the solvent flow control process.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 2As shown in the figure, the passive regulation system includes a silo module and a pipeline module. The silo module includes a primary silo (A1), a secondary silo (A2), a tertiary silo (A3), and a quaternary silo (A4). Specifically, the primary silo (A1), secondary silo (A2), tertiary silo (A3), and quaternary silo (A4) are respectively used for the storage, inflow, reaction, and outflow of the solvent. The primary silo (A1), secondary silo (A2), tertiary silo (A3), and quaternary silo (A4) are connected in sequence, and the flow of the solvent is controlled by the change of the internal air pressure. Specifically, the flow rate of the solvent between different silos is achieved by adjusting the air pressure difference between different silos. The pipeline module is configured in the silo module and is used 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 silo module to monitor the liquid level data of the solvent inside the silo module in real time. Specifically, the liquid level sensor is installed inside the tertiary silo (A3). The air pressure regulation module adjusts the internal air pressure of the silo 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 silo module, the liquid level sensor is located in the tertiary silo (A3) to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary silo (A3) is lower than the standard liquid level range (the standard liquid level range is the liquid level requirement under different application scenarios. For example, when applied to the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine, the liquid level needs to be several centimeters above the surface of the medicinal materials), the air pressure regulation module further adjusts to reduce the internal air pressure of the tertiary silo (A3), increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary silo (A3) and the secondary silo (A2), and decreases the air pressure difference between the tertiary silo (A3) and the quaternary silo (A4) to increase the solvent inflow and reduce the solvent outflow. When the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary silo (A3) is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulation module further adjusts to increase the internal air pressure of the tertiary silo (A3), decreases the air pressure difference between the tertiary silo (A3) and the secondary silo (A2), and increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary silo (A3) and the quaternary silo (A4) to reduce the solvent inflow and increase the solvent outflow, realizing the active regulation process of the solvent flow rate in the silo module. This method of using air pressure to control and regulate the solvent flow rate is more flexible and efficient compared with the existing technology which mostly uses mechanical structure valve to control the flow rate.

[0023] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the application structure of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, the pipeline module includes a connecting pipe (B1) and an elbow assembly (B2). The connecting pipe (B1) connects the primary bin (A1) and the secondary bin (A2); the elbow assembly (B2) includes multiple elbows (B20), and the elbow assembly (B2) connects the secondary bin (A2) and the tertiary bin (A3); specifically, the elbow (B20) has two end points (B21) and is located inside the secondary bin (A2) and the tertiary bin (A3) respectively. The bending part of the elbow (B20) is located inside the secondary bin (A2) and the position of the bending part is higher than the position of the end point of the elbow (B20) inside the secondary bin (A2), preventing the solvent in the secondary bin (A2) from falling into the tertiary bin (A3) due to its own gravity. It is necessary to make the flow of the solvent in the secondary bin (A2) always be controlled by the air pressure difference between the secondary bin (A2) and the tertiary bin (A3); 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 using an inner pipe (B11) with a smaller cross-section is beneficial for the solvent in the primary bin (A1) to flow into the secondary bin (A2) under the drive of the air pressure difference when the solvent in the secondary bin (A2) is lacking.

[0024] Figure 5 is a partial application structure schematic diagram of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 5 shown, the air pressure regulation module includes multiple air pipes (C1) and an air pump assembly (not shown in the figure). The multiple air pipes (C1) are respectively connected to the primary bin (A1), the tertiary bin (A3), and the quaternary bin (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 primary bin (A1), the tertiary bin (A3), and the quaternary bin (A4) through the air pipes (C1). Usually, only the air pressure of the tertiary bin (A3) needs to be regulated. When it is not feasible to regulate the air pressure of the tertiary bin (A3) alone (such as too low or too high air pressure), the air pressure of the primary bin (A1) and the quaternary bin (A4) can be further regulated through the air pressure regulation module. It should be noted that in a solvent flow control system of this embodiment, a controller is also included. The controller is used to receive the real-time monitoring data of the liquid level sensor and control the drive of the air pressure regulation module to perform corresponding air pressure regulation; in addition, a bin door (A31) is provided on one side of the tertiary bin (A3), and a constant pressure door (A32) is also provided on the bin door (A31). Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the application of a solvent flow control system according to an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 6 shown, a filter port (A33) is also connected to the lower end of the tertiary bin (A3), and the filter port (A33) connects the tertiary bin (A3) and the quaternary bin (A4). Specifically, the bin door A31 is used to add reactants (such as medicinal materials in traditional Chinese medicine extraction) to the tertiary bin (A3), where the constant pressure door (A32) is used for pressure relief, and filter materials are 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, specifically including the following processes:

[0026] Passive solvent flow adjustment process: In the silo module, the air pressure in the third-stage silo (A3) is lower than that in the second-stage silo (A2). The solvent enters the third-stage silo (A3) from the first-stage silo (A1) through the second-stage silo (A2). The air pressure in the third-stage silo (A3) is higher than that in the fourth-stage silo (A4). The solvent in the third-stage silo (A3) simultaneously enters the fourth-stage silo (A4) through the filter port (A33). When the solvent in the third-stage silo (A3) decreases, the air pressure inside the third-stage silo (A3) further decreases, and the air pressure difference between the third-stage silo (A3) and the second-stage silo (A2) increases, causing the solvent in the second-stage silo (A2) to further enter the third-stage silo (A3) through the elbow assembly (B2), so as to realize the passive adjustment process of the solvent flow in the silo module;

[0027] Active solvent flow adjustment process: In the silo module, the liquid level sensor is located in the third-stage silo (A3) to monitor the liquid level data in real time. When the real-time liquid level data in the third-stage silo (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-stage silo (A3) through the air pump assembly and the air pipe (C1), increasing the air pressure difference between the third-stage silo (A3) and the second-stage silo (A2) and simultaneously reducing the air pressure difference between the third-stage silo (A3) and the fourth-stage silo (A4), so as to increase the solvent inflow and reduce the solvent outflow; when the real-time liquid level data in the third-stage silo (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-stage silo (A3) through the air pump assembly and the air pipe (C1), reducing the air pressure difference between the third-stage silo (A3) and the second-stage silo (A2) and simultaneously increasing the air pressure difference between the third-stage silo (A3) and the fourth-stage silo (A4), so as to reduce the solvent inflow and increase the solvent outflow, realizing the active adjustment process of the solvent flow in the silo module.

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

[0029] Specific examples are used in this article to elaborate on the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only used to help understand the methods and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art of this technology, without departing from the principles of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can still be made to the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope 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: A bin module, comprising 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 connected in sequence and control the flow of the solvent by changing the internal air pressure, wherein the air pressure of the tertiary bin is lower than that of the secondary bin and higher than that of the quaternary bin, and the solvent enters the tertiary bin from the primary bin via the secondary bin and enters the quaternary bin from the tertiary bin, and when the solvent in the tertiary bin is reduced, the air pressure in its internal space is reduced, resulting in an increase in the air pressure difference between the tertiary bin and the secondary bin, so that the solvent in the secondary bin further enters the tertiary bin; The pipeline module includes a bend assembly, which is configured on the bin module and used for solvent inflow, wherein the bend assembly includes a plurality of bends for connecting the secondary bin and the tertiary bin, wherein the bend has two end points and is respectively located inside the secondary bin and the tertiary bin, and the bend of the bend is located inside the secondary bin and the position of the bend is higher than the end point of the bend located in the secondary bin; The active adjustment system comprises: A liquid level sensor is configured in the third-level bin of the bin module to monitor the liquid level data 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. When the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary warehouse is lower than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further regulates and reduces the internal air pressure of the tertiary warehouse, increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary warehouse and the secondary warehouse, and reduces the air pressure difference between the tertiary warehouse and the quaternary warehouse, so as to increase the inflow of solvent and reduce the outflow of solvent; when the real-time liquid level data in the tertiary warehouse is higher than the standard liquid level range, the air pressure regulating module further regulates and increases the internal air pressure of the tertiary warehouse, reduces the air pressure difference between the tertiary warehouse and the secondary warehouse, and increases the air pressure difference between the tertiary warehouse and the quaternary warehouse, so as to reduce the inflow of solvent and increase the outflow of 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 also includes a connecting pipe for connecting the primary bin and the secondary 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 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. A solvent flow control method, comprising a solvent flow control system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, 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 through the second bin. The air pressure of the third bin is higher 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 through 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.

9. The solvent flow control method according to claim 8 is applied to the extraction process of traditional Chinese medicine.

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