A water vapor distillation herbal extraction device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a steam distillation herbal extraction device and method, belonging to the field of essential oil preparation technology. It includes a water supply unit; a steam generating unit connected to the water supply unit; a double-layered insulated distillation tank with a steam inlet and a mixed steam outlet at the top, and multiple layers of perforated trays inside; a steam inlet connected to the steam generating unit via a pipeline; a steam inlet of the double-layered insulated distillation tank connected to the steam generating unit via a steam pipe; an extract discharge valve at the bottom of the double-layered insulated distillation tank; a condensation unit connected to the steam outlet of the double-layered insulated distillation tank; a semi-double-layered distillation collection tank with its inlet connected to the outlet of the condensation unit via a pipeline; and a cooling circulation unit connected to the semi-double-layered distillation collection tank. This invention significantly improves extraction efficiency, ensures distillate quality, reduces energy consumption and safety risks, and can simultaneously collect volatile distillate and water-soluble extract, achieving comprehensive resource utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of essential oil preparation technology, specifically relating to a steam distillation herbal extraction device and extraction method. Background Technology

[0002] Volatile essential oils and water-soluble active ingredients from plants are often extracted using steam distillation. Traditional steam distillation equipment generally suffers from the following technical drawbacks: First, the integrated design of steam generation and distillation tank means that the raw materials inside the tank are directly immersed in boiling water. Heat-sensitive active ingredients are prone to hydrolysis and oxidation under prolonged high-temperature conditions, which leads to a decline in extraction quality.

[0003] Secondly, the distillation tank lacks an effective insulation structure, and the steam dissipates heat and condenses in large quantities during transportation and distillation, resulting in high energy consumption and low steam utilization.

[0004] Third, the layout of the condensation and collection system is unreasonable, and the excessively long distillate delivery pipeline can easily cause secondary heating, making it easy for volatile substances to escape and be lost during the collection process.

[0005] Fourth, the cooling water circuit and steam circuit are intertwined, the pipelines are complicated, and the medium cross-flow is prone to occur, making equipment maintenance difficult and the operation stability poor.

[0006] Fifth, most existing equipment can only collect the condensed essential oil phase, and it is difficult to collect the water-soluble leachate in the tank at the same time, resulting in a low comprehensive utilization rate of raw materials.

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, there is an urgent need in the field for a steam distillation extraction device and method that can achieve independent steam supply, overhead distillation of raw materials, effective heat preservation, graded collection, and independent cooling circuit and steam circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus and method, which adopts the following technical solution: A steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus includes: Water supply unit, used to provide a water source; A steam generating unit, connected to the water supply unit, is used to heat water to generate saturated steam. A double-walled insulated distillation tank is provided. The top of the tank has a steam inlet and a mixed steam outlet. The interior is equipped with multiple layers of perforated trays for supporting plant materials. The steam inlet is connected to the steam generating unit via a pipeline. The steam inlet of the double-walled insulated distillation tank is also connected to the steam generating unit via a steam pipe, enabling independent external steam supply. The bottom of the tank is equipped with an extract discharge valve for discharging the water-soluble leachate formed by percolation of the plant materials. The condensation unit is connected to the steam outlet of the double-walled insulated distillation tank and is used to condense the mixed steam carrying the plant active ingredients into a liquid distillate. A semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the condensation unit via a pipeline, is used to receive and store liquid distillate; The cooling circulation unit is connected to the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank and is used to cool and keep the collected distillate warm.

[0009] Furthermore, the double-layer insulated distillation tank has a double-cylinder structure with an insulation interlayer between the inner and outer cylinders. The insulation interlayer is filled with insulation material and is not connected to the cooling water; it is only used for heat insulation.

[0010] Furthermore, the steam inlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank is located at the top of the double-layer insulated distillation tank, and saturated steam enters from the top and passes through the plant raw material layers on the multiple layers of the hollow tray from top to bottom.

[0011] Furthermore, the condensation unit is a sleeve condenser, which is mounted on the top of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank. The liquid outlet of the sleeve condenser is connected to the inner cavity of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, and the liquid distillate flows directly into the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank from the sleeve condenser by gravity. The steam inlet of the sleeve condenser is connected to the steam outlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank.

[0012] Furthermore, the upper half of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank is provided with a cooling jacket, and the lower half is a single-layer structure; the cooling jacket is connected to the cooling circulation unit and is used to introduce circulating cold water to keep the distillate collected in the tank at a low temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer wall of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank is provided with a first discharge pipe and a second discharge pipe. The first discharge pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank and is used to release the distilled product liquid. The second discharge pipe is connected to the cooling jacket and is used to discharge the hot water in the cooling jacket after heat exchange. A first discharge valve is installed on the first discharge pipe and a second discharge valve is installed on the second discharge pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the cooling circulation unit includes a cooling tower and a water tank; the outlet of the water tank is connected to the cooling jacket through a cooling water pipe, the inlet of the cooling tower is connected to the cooling jacket through a cooling water pipe, the outlet of the cooling tower is connected to the inlet of the water tank through a cooling water pipe, and the hot water discharged from the cooling jacket is cooled by the cooling tower and then flows back to the water tank, forming a closed-loop cooling water circulation system.

[0015] Furthermore, an extraction method using a steam distillation herbal extraction device, specifically the extraction method described in any of the above-mentioned claims, includes the following steps: S1. Place the plant materials on a multi-layered perforated tray inside a double-layered insulated distillation tank, so that the materials are suspended in the air. S2. Water vapor is generated by the steam generating unit. The water vapor is introduced from the top of the double-walled insulated distillation tank through the steam pipe. The water vapor passes through the plant raw material layer from top to bottom, carrying out the volatile effective components in the plant and forming mixed steam. S3. Mixed steam is discharged from the top of the double-walled insulated distillation tank and enters the condensation unit for cooling and liquefaction to obtain liquid distillate; S4. The liquid distillate flows directly from the top of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank into the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank for storage. At the same time, circulating cold water is introduced into the cooling jacket of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank to keep the distillate at a low temperature. S5. After distillation, collect the distilled product liquid from the first discharge pipe of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, and collect the water-soluble extract from the bottom outlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the circulating water in the cooling jacket described in S4 is heated by heat exchange and then transported to the cooling tower for cooling. The cooled water is then returned to the water tank for reuse.

[0017] Furthermore, the cooling tower and all cooling water pipelines are connected to the cooling jacket of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, but have no pipeline connection to the double-layer insulated distillation tank, and the steam circuit and cooling circuit are completely physically isolated.

[0018] Beneficial effects: (1) Improve extraction quality. The external independent steam supply combined with the structure design of the raw materials being suspended and not soaked in water avoids the continuous soaking of herbal raw materials in high-temperature boiling water, which greatly reduces the hydrolysis and oxidation loss of heat-sensitive active ingredients; the distillate is immediately kept at low temperature after collection, which effectively reduces the escape of volatile components and results in higher quality essential oils.

[0019] (2) Energy saving and consumption reduction. The double-layer insulated distillation tank is filled with insulation material, which greatly reduces heat loss of the tank body, reduces steam condensation loss, and lowers steam consumption for the same processing capacity; the cooling water is in a closed loop, and water resources are continuously recycled and reused, saving water.

[0020] (3) Stable and safe operation. The steam circuit and the cooling circuit are completely physically isolated. The cooling water is only connected to the jacket of the collection tank and has no pipeline connection with the distillation tank. This eliminates the potential for malfunctions such as cooling water leakage into the raw material layer and steam entering the cooling system, and significantly improves the safety of equipment operation.

[0021] (4) High utilization rate of raw materials. The device can simultaneously harvest two types of products—condensed distillate (volatile oil and aromatic aqueous solution) and water-soluble extract from the bottom of the distillation tank, realizing the separate collection of volatile components and water-soluble components, and fully exploring the comprehensive value of herbal raw materials.

[0022] (5) The structure is reasonable and easy to operate and maintain. The condenser is directly installed on the top of the collection tank, and the distillate is transported through a short path, which reduces pipeline residue and evaporation loss; each unit is modularly arranged and can be repaired separately without affecting each other; the dual valves discharge independently, and the sampling and discharge operations are simple, making it suitable for continuous batch production in small and medium-sized factories.

[0023] (6) Wide range of applications. It can be used for steam distillation extraction of peppermint, mugwort, cinnamon, rose and various aromatic Chinese herbal medicines. The equipment can be flexibly scaled up according to the production capacity. Various steam generation methods such as electric heating, gas heating and oil heating are available, making it highly versatile. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a steam distillation herbal extraction device according to the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a steam distillation herbal extraction device according to the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the double-layer insulated distillation tank of a steam distillation herbal extraction device according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank of a steam distillation herbal extraction device according to the present invention; The components include: 1. Water supply unit; 2. Steam generation unit; 3. Double-layer insulated distillation tank; 4. Sheathed condenser; 5. Semi-double-layer distillation collection tank; 6. Cooling tower; 7. Water tank; 8. Second discharge pipe; 9. First discharge pipe; 10. Hollowed-out tray; 11. Insulation jacket; 12. Cooling jacket. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 4 A steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus, comprising: Water supply unit 1 is used to provide a water source; Steam generating unit 2, connected to water supply unit 1, is used to heat water to generate saturated steam. The double-layer insulated distillation tank 3 has a steam inlet and a mixed steam outlet at the top, and multiple perforated trays 10 inside for placing plant materials in an elevated position. The steam inlet is connected to the steam generating unit 2 via a pipeline. The steam inlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3 is connected to the steam generating unit 2 via a steam pipe to achieve independent external steam supply. The bottom of the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3 is equipped with an extract discharge valve for discharging the water-soluble leachate formed by percolation of the plant materials. The condensation unit is connected to the steam outlet of the double-walled insulated distillation tank 3 and is used to condense the mixed steam carrying the plant active ingredients into liquid distillate. The semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 has its inlet connected to the outlet of the condensation unit via a pipeline, and is used to receive and store liquid distillate. The cooling circulation unit is connected to the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 and is used to cool and keep the collected distillate warm.

[0028] In this embodiment, the water supply unit 1 includes a water storage container, which is provided with a water replenishment inlet, a water supply outlet, and a water return inlet; the water supply outlet is connected to the steam generating unit 2 through a pipe, and the water return inlet is connected to the cooling circulation unit through a pipe; a booster pump and / or a water purification device are also provided on the pipeline between the water storage container and the steam generating unit 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the steam generating unit 2 is a steam supply device independently installed outside the distillation tank. It uses any one of electric heating, gas heating, oil heating or biomass heating to convert water into saturated steam and supplies steam independently to the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3 through a steam pipeline.

[0030] In this embodiment, the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3 has a double-layer cylindrical structure with an insulation interlayer 11 between the inner and outer cylinders. The insulation interlayer 11 is filled with insulation material and is not connected to the cooling water; it is only used for heat insulation.

[0031] In this embodiment, the steam inlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3 is located at the top of the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3. Saturated steam enters from the top and passes through the plant raw material layer on the multi-layer hollow tray 10 from top to bottom.

[0032] In this embodiment, the condensation unit is a sleeve condenser 4, which is mounted on the top of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5. The liquid outlet of the sleeve condenser 4 is connected to the inner cavity of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5. The liquid distillate flows directly from the sleeve condenser 4 into the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 by gravity. The steam inlet of the sleeve condenser 4 is connected to the steam outlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3.

[0033] In this embodiment, the upper half of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 is provided with a cooling jacket 12, and the lower half is a single-layer structure; the cooling jacket 12 is connected to the cooling circulation unit and is used to introduce circulating cold water to keep the distillate collected in the tank at a low temperature.

[0034] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 is provided with a first discharge pipe 9 and a second discharge pipe 8. The first discharge pipe 9 is connected to the inner cavity of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 and is used to release the distilled product liquid. The second discharge pipe 8 is connected to the cooling jacket 12 and is used to discharge the hot water of the cooling jacket after heat exchange. A first discharge valve is installed on the first discharge pipe 9 and a second discharge valve is installed on the second discharge pipe 8.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cooling circulation unit includes a cooling tower 6 and a water tank 7; the outlet of the water tank 7 is connected to the cooling jacket 12 through a cooling water pipe, the inlet of the cooling tower 6 is connected to the cooling jacket 12 through a cooling water pipe, and the outlet of the cooling tower 6 is connected to the inlet of the water tank 7 through a cooling water pipe. The hot water discharged from the cooling jacket 12 is cooled by the cooling tower 6 and then flows back to the water tank 7, forming a closed-loop cooling water circulation system.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] In this embodiment, the extraction method of a steam distillation herbal extraction device is the extraction method of the steam distillation herbal extraction device of Example 1. The extraction method includes the following steps: S1. Place the plant raw materials on the multi-layer hollowed-out tray 10 inside the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3, so that the raw materials are placed in the air. S2. Water vapor is generated by steam generating unit 2. The water vapor is introduced from the top of double-walled insulated distillation tank 3 through steam pipe. The water vapor passes through the plant raw material layer from top to bottom, carrying out the volatile effective components in the plant and forming mixed steam. S3. Mixed steam is discharged from the top of the double-walled insulated distillation tank 3 and enters the condensation unit for cooling and liquefaction to obtain liquid distillate; S4. The liquid distillate flows directly from the top of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 into the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 for storage. At the same time, circulating cold water is introduced into the cooling jacket 12 of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5 to keep the distillate at a low temperature. S5. After distillation, the distilled product liquid is collected from the first discharge pipe 9 of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5, and the water-soluble extract is collected from the bottom outlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the circulating water in the cooling jacket 12 in S4 is heated by heat exchange and then transported to the cooling tower 6 for cooling. The cooled water is then returned to the water tank for reuse.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cooling tower 6 and all cooling water pipelines are connected to the cooling jacket 12 of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank 5, and there are no pipeline connections to the double-layer insulated distillation tank 3. The steam circuit and the cooling circuit are completely physically isolated.

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam distillation herbal extraction device, characterized in that, include: Water supply unit, used to provide a water source; A steam generating unit, connected to the water supply unit, is used to heat water to generate saturated steam. A double-walled insulated distillation tank is provided. The top of the tank has a steam inlet and a mixed steam outlet. The interior is equipped with multiple layers of perforated trays for supporting plant materials. The steam inlet is connected to the steam generating unit via a pipeline. The steam inlet of the double-walled insulated distillation tank is also connected to the steam generating unit via a steam pipe, enabling independent external steam supply. The bottom of the tank is equipped with an extract discharge valve for discharging the water-soluble leachate formed by percolation of the plant materials. The condensation unit is connected to the steam outlet of the double-walled insulated distillation tank and is used to condense the mixed steam carrying the plant active ingredients into a liquid distillate. A semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the condensation unit via a pipeline, is used to receive and store liquid distillate; The cooling circulation unit is connected to the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank and is used to cool and keep the collected distillate warm.

2. The steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-layer insulated distillation tank has a double-layer cylindrical structure with an insulation interlayer between the inner and outer cylinders. The insulation interlayer is filled with insulation material and is not connected to the cooling water; it is only used for heat insulation.

3. The steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steam inlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank is located at the top of the double-layer insulated distillation tank. Saturated steam enters from the top and passes through the plant material layers on the multiple layers of the hollow tray from top to bottom.

4. The steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation unit is a sleeve condenser, which is mounted on the top of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank. The liquid outlet of the sleeve condenser is connected to the inner cavity of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank. The liquid distillate flows directly from the sleeve condenser into the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank by gravity. The steam inlet of the sleeve condenser is connected to the steam outlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank.

5. The steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper half of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank is provided with a cooling jacket, and the lower half is a single-layer structure; the cooling jacket is connected to the cooling circulation unit and is used to introduce circulating cold water to keep the distillate collected in the tank at a low temperature.

6. The steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer wall of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank is provided with a first discharge pipe and a second discharge pipe. The first discharge pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank and is used to release the distilled product liquid. The second discharge pipe is connected to the cooling jacket and is used to discharge the hot water in the cooling jacket after heat exchange. A first discharge valve is installed on the first discharge pipe and a second discharge valve is installed on the second discharge pipe.

7. The steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cooling circulation unit includes a cooling tower and a water tank; the outlet of the water tank is connected to the cooling jacket through a cooling water pipe, the inlet of the cooling tower is connected to the cooling jacket through a cooling water pipe, and the outlet of the cooling tower is connected to the inlet of the water tank through a cooling water pipe. The hot water discharged from the cooling jacket is cooled by the cooling tower and then flows back to the water tank, forming a closed-loop cooling water circulation system.

8. An extraction method for a steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus, characterized in that, An extraction method for a steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the extraction method comprising the following steps: S1. Place the plant materials on a multi-layered perforated tray inside a double-layered insulated distillation tank, so that the materials are suspended in the air. S2. Water vapor is generated by the steam generating unit. The water vapor is introduced from the top of the double-walled insulated distillation tank through the steam pipe. The water vapor passes through the plant raw material layer from top to bottom, carrying out the volatile effective components in the plant and forming mixed steam. S3. Mixed steam is discharged from the top of the double-walled insulated distillation tank and enters the condensation unit for cooling and liquefaction to obtain liquid distillate; S4. The liquid distillate flows directly from the top of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank into the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank for storage. At the same time, circulating cold water is introduced into the cooling jacket of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank to keep the distillate at a low temperature. S5. After distillation, collect the distilled product liquid from the first discharge pipe of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, and collect the water-soluble extract from the bottom outlet of the double-layer insulated distillation tank.

9. The extraction method of the steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The circulating water in the cooling jacket described in S4 is heated by heat exchange and then transported to the cooling tower for cooling. The cooled water is then returned to the water tank for reuse.

10. The extraction method of the steam distillation herbal extraction apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cooling tower and all cooling water pipelines are connected to the cooling jacket of the semi-double-layer distillation collection tank, but are not connected to the double-layer insulated distillation tank by any pipeline. The steam circuit and the cooling circuit are completely physically isolated.

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