A condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine

By combining U-tube and coil condenser structures with intermediate partition design, fluid dynamics are optimized, solving the problems of low condensation efficiency and component loss, achieving efficient condensation and convenient cleaning, and improving the recovery rate of volatile oils and component protection.

CN224307847UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-02GUANGDONG EASHU PHARM CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGDONG EASHU PHARM CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-06-03
Publication Date
2026-06-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing condensation systems suffer from low condensation efficiency, significant component loss, and inconvenient cleaning, making it difficult to meet the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceuticals.

Method used

It adopts a combination structure of U-tube and coil condenser, combined with intermediate partition design to optimize fluid dynamics, extend the residence time of liquid vapor, and achieve convenient cleaning through oil separator.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improves the recovery rate of volatile oils, protects heat-sensitive components, reduces energy consumption, and meets the cleanliness requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceuticals.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine, comprising a first condenser, a coil-type condenser, and a second condenser. The first condenser is connected to a U-shaped tube, which in turn connects to the coil-type condenser, which in turn connects to the second condenser. A partition plate is installed inside the second condenser to create a meandering area for the flow of medicinal vapor and a water vapor channel for the flow of water vapor in the upper part of the second condenser's inner cavity. An extract collection area is formed in the lower part of the second condenser's inner cavity. This invention significantly reduces the temperature of the medicinal vapor, protects the heat-sensitive active ingredients of the volatile oil (extract), improves the quality of the extract, saves cooling energy, reduces the loss of volatile oil (extract) components, and enhances separation efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine extraction equipment technology, and in particular to a condensation system for traditional Chinese medicine extraction. Background Technology

[0002] Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are a class of volatile, oily liquids extracted from Chinese medicinal herbs, plants, or some animals. They can be distilled with steam and their chemical components are mainly terpenes, aromatic compounds, and their oxygenated derivatives (such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, etc.). They are important active ingredients in many Chinese medicines to exert their medicinal effects.

[0003] The Atractylodes lancea, Chrysanthemum indicum, and Citrus reticulata peel in the heat-clearing and dampness-removing granules contain abundant volatile oil components. The main active ingredients in these volatile oils include atractylin, atractylol, atractylone, chrysanthemin, chrysanthemin lactone, d-limonene, citral, and pinene. Volatile oils possess antibacterial and antioxidant pharmacological effects and have wide applications in the food and medical industries; however, the extraction and collection rates of volatile oils are relatively low.

[0004] Currently, the extraction of volatile oils usually involves setting up a dedicated condensation system to extract the volatile oil (extract) from the medicinal liquid vapor by condensing it, and then collecting the volatile oil (extract) in a concentrated manner.

[0005] In existing technologies, during the extraction of volatile oils (extracts), a condensation system is used to condense the liquid vapor into a liquid. Traditional condensation systems typically employ single-stage or multi-stage series condensers, which have the following problems:

[0006] 1. Low condensation efficiency: Insufficient condensation of the medicinal liquid vapor leads to excessively high vapor temperature (usually above 60℃), which may destroy the effective components of the heat-sensitive volatile oil (extract).

[0007] 2. Component loss: When the amount of water vapor in the medicinal liquid vapor is large, the cooling effect is poor, and the volatile oil (extract) components and extraction solvent carried in the medicinal liquid vapor are easily discharged with the water vapor, resulting in waste.

[0008] 3. Difficult to clean: The condensation system has a complex structure, making backwashing difficult and creating many unsanitary corners, which makes it difficult to meet the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Utility Model Content

[0009] This invention provides a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine, which solves the technical problems of low condensation efficiency, component loss and inconvenient cleaning of existing condensation systems.

[0010] The technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0011] One objective of this invention is to provide a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine, the condensation system comprising a first condenser, a coil condenser, and a second condenser;

[0012] Wherein, the first condenser is connected to a U-shaped tube, the U-shaped tube is connected to the coil-type condenser, and the coil-type condenser is connected to the second condenser;

[0013] The inner cavity of the second condenser is equipped with a middle partition plate so that the upper part of the inner cavity of the second condenser forms a meandering area for the flow of liquid vapor and a water vapor channel for the flow of water vapor.

[0014] An extract collection area is formed in the lower part of the inner cavity of the second condenser.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the first condenser includes a first air inlet and a first exhaust outlet; the coil-type condenser includes a second air inlet and a second exhaust outlet.

[0016] One end of the U-shaped tube is connected to the first exhaust port of the first condenser, and the other end of the U-shaped tube is connected to the second air inlet of the coil condenser.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the bending radius of the U-shaped tube to the diameter of the U-shaped tube is 2:1-3:1.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the bending radius of the U-shaped tube to the diameter of the U-shaped tube is 2.5:1.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a temperature sensor is provided at the second exhaust port of the coil condenser.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the second condenser includes an upper cover end cap, and the intermediate partition is fixed to the upper cover end cap;

[0021] The upper cover cap covers the second condenser, so that the middle partition plate extends from the top of the second condenser into the inner cavity of the second condenser;

[0022] Furthermore, the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition and the top of the second condenser is 1 / 3 of the height of the second condenser;

[0023] The distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition and the bottom of the second condenser is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the second condenser includes a third air inlet and a third air outlet;

[0025] The intermediate partition has an arc structure, which makes the detour area for the flow of liquid vapor U-shaped and the water vapor channel for the flow of water vapor U-shaped.

[0026] The recessed side of the intermediate partition faces the third air inlet of the second condenser, and the protruding side of the intermediate partition faces the third exhaust outlet of the second condenser.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the intermediate partition to the inner diameter of the second condenser is 1:1.2;

[0028] A silicone sealing strip is provided between the edge of the intermediate partition and the inner wall of the second condenser.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided at the third exhaust port of the second condenser.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the condensation system further includes an oil separator, which includes an oil separator cap and a cleaning fluid inlet.

[0031] The second condenser also includes an extract outlet, which is connected to the oil separator cover of the oil separator;

[0032] The cleaning fluid inlet of the oil separator is connected to a handwheel butterfly valve for backflushing the condensation system.

[0033] The above-described technical solution of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0034] This invention provides a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine. The ratio of the bending radius to the diameter of the U-shaped tube is 2:1-3:1. This ratio balances turning losses and friction losses, reducing the pressure drop of the medicinal vapor, optimizing fluid dynamics, minimizing the flow resistance of the medicinal vapor, preventing secondary volatilization of the effective components of the volatile oil (extract) caused by local turbulence, avoiding eddy currents, and ensuring that the medicinal vapor enters the coil condenser at an ideal velocity, maintaining a stable flow rate. Simultaneously, the U-shaped tube extends the residence time of the medicinal vapor, improving the primary condensation efficiency; furthermore, the liquid film formed at the bend of the U-shaped tube is uniform, avoiding local overheating, and significantly improving the recovery rate of volatile oil (extract) compared to straight tubes. Preferably, the ratio of the bending radius to the diameter of the U-shaped tube is 2.5:1, at which point the recovery rate of volatile oil (extract) is optimal.

[0035] This invention provides a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine. A U-shaped tube is connected to a first condenser. The first condenser and the U-shaped tube work together to perform primary condensation of the medicinal liquid vapor. The medicinal liquid vapor after primary condensation enters a coil condenser to reduce the temperature of the medicinal liquid vapor to 40-50℃, which significantly reduces the temperature of the medicinal liquid vapor, protects the heat-sensitive active ingredients of the volatile oil (extract), improves the quality of the extract, and saves cooling energy consumption.

[0036] This invention provides a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine. The inner cavity of the second condenser is equipped with a middle partition plate, so that the upper part of the inner cavity of the second condenser forms a meandering area for the flow of medicinal liquid vapor and a water vapor channel for the flow of water vapor. The lower part of the inner cavity of the second condenser forms an extract collection area, which effectively separates volatile oil (extract) from water vapor, reduces the loss of volatile oil (extract) components, and improves separation efficiency.

[0037] This invention provides a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine. The distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition and the top of the second condenser is 1 / 3 of the height of the second condenser, and the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition and the bottom of the second condenser is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser (i.e., the height of the extract collection area is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser). This ensures that water vapor is discharged in a timely manner through the water vapor channel and that the volatile oil (extract) is collected in the extract collection area in a timely manner.

[0038] This invention provides a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine. The ratio of the radius of curvature of the intermediate partition to the inner diameter of the second condenser is 1:1.2, which can effectively prevent the secondary entrainment of volatile oil (extract liquid) components in the medicinal liquid vapor caused by eddies.

[0039] This utility model provides a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine. The cleaning liquid inlet of the oil separator is connected to a handwheel butterfly valve for backwashing the condensation system, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and meeting the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for pharmaceuticals.

[0040] This invention provides a condensation system for the extraction of traditional Chinese medicine. By optimizing the condenser structure and pipeline design, it achieves efficient condensation, component retention, and convenient cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine according to this utility model.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the U-shaped tube of this utility model.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the second condenser of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a top view of the second condenser of this utility model (with the top cover removed).

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 1. First condenser; 101. First air inlet; 102. First exhaust port; 103. U-shaped pipe;

[0048] 2. Coil-type condenser; 201. Second air inlet; 202. Second exhaust outlet;

[0049] 3. Second condenser; 301. Top cover end cap; 302. Intermediate partition; 303. Third air inlet; 304. Third exhaust outlet; 305. Water vapor passage; 306. Detour area; 307. Extract collection area; 308. Extract outlet;

[0050] 4. Handwheel butterfly valve;

[0051] 5. Oil separator; 501. Oil separator cover; 502. Cleaning fluid inlet;

[0052] 6. First pipe; 7. Second pipe; 8. Third pipe; 9. Cooling water inlet pipe; 10. Cooling water outlet pipe; 11. Temperature sensor; 12. Pressure sensor; 13. Fourth pipe; 14. Fifth pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0055] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "back" used in this utility model are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0056] Combination Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of this utility model, a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine is provided. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine includes a first condenser 1, a coil condenser 2, a second condenser 3, an oil separator 5, and a handwheel butterfly valve 4.

[0057] The first condenser 1 includes a first air inlet 101 and a first exhaust outlet 102. The first air inlet 101 of the first condenser 1 is connected to the first pipe 6 for introducing liquid drug vapor.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first condenser 1 is connected to a U-shaped tube 103, the U-shaped tube 103 is connected to a coil-type condenser 2, and the coil-type condenser 2 is connected to a second condenser 3.

[0059] Specifically, the coil-type condenser 2 includes a second air inlet 201 and a second air outlet 202. One end of the U-shaped tube 103 is connected to the first air outlet 102 of the first condenser 1, and the other end of the U-shaped tube 103 is connected to the second air inlet 201 of the coil-type condenser 2 through the second pipe 7.

[0060] The second condenser 3 includes a third air inlet 303 and a third air outlet 304. The second air outlet 202 of the coil condenser 2 is connected to the third air inlet 303 of the second condenser 3 via a third pipe 8.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the bending radius of the U-shaped tube 103 to its diameter is 2:1-3:1. Preferably, the ratio of the bending radius of the U-shaped tube 103 to its diameter is 2.5:1.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, one side of the coil condenser 2 is connected to the cooling water inlet pipe 9 and the other side is connected to the cooling water outlet pipe 10, which is used to input cooling water into the coil condenser 2 to condense the liquid vapor in the coil condenser 2.

[0063] In this embodiment, the volume of the coil condenser 2 is 60L, and the temperature of the liquid vapor in the coil condenser 2 is reduced to 40-50℃ by cooling water circulation.

[0064] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 11 is installed at the second exhaust port 202 of the coil-type condenser 2, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0065] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an embodiment of this utility model, a middle partition plate 302 is arranged in the inner cavity of the second condenser 3, so that a meandering area 306 for the circulation of medicinal liquid vapor and a water vapor channel 305 for the circulation of water vapor are formed in the upper part of the inner cavity of the second condenser 3. An extract collection area 307 is formed in the lower part of the inner cavity of the second condenser 3.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the second condenser 3 includes an upper cover 301, and a middle partition 302 is fixed to the upper cover 301. The upper cover 301 covers the second condenser 3, so that the middle partition 302 extends from the top of the second condenser 3 into the inner cavity of the second condenser 3.

[0067] Furthermore, the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the top of the second condenser 3 is 1 / 3 of the height of the second condenser; the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the bottom of the second condenser 3 is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser 3.

[0068] For example, if the height of the second condenser 3 is h, then the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the top of the second condenser 3 is 1 / 3h, and the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the bottom of the second condenser 3 is 2 / 3h. Figure 3 As shown.

[0069] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4According to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate partition 302 has an arc-shaped structure, so that the meandering area 306 for the flow of liquid vapor is a U-shaped meandering area and the water vapor channel 305 for the flow of water vapor is a U-shaped water vapor channel; the concave side of the intermediate partition 302 faces the third air inlet 303 of the second condenser 3, and the convex side of the intermediate partition 3 faces the third exhaust port 304 of the second condenser 3.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the ratio of the radius of curvature of the intermediate partition 302 to the inner diameter of the second condenser 3 is 1:1.2. A silicone sealing strip (not shown in the figure) is provided between the edge of the intermediate partition 302 and the inner wall of the second condenser 3. The silicone sealing strip improves the airtightness between the edge of the intermediate partition 302 and the inner wall of the second condenser 3, preventing airflow infiltration.

[0071] Furthermore, a pressure sensor 12 is installed at the third exhaust port 304 of the second condenser 3, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the oil separator 5 includes an oil separator cover 501 and a cleaning fluid inlet 502, and the second condenser 3 also includes an extractant outlet 308.

[0073] The extract outlet 308 of the second condenser 3 is connected to the oil separator cover 501 of the oil separator 5. Specifically, the extract outlet 308 of the second condenser 3 is connected to the oil separator cover 501 of the oil separator 5 through the fourth pipe 13.

[0074] The cleaning fluid inlet 502 of the oil separator 5 is connected to a handwheel butterfly valve 4 for backflushing the condensation system. Specifically, the cleaning fluid inlet 502 of the oil separator 5 is connected to the fifth pipe 14, and the handwheel butterfly valve 4 is installed on the fifth pipe 502. Preferably, the handwheel butterfly valve 4 is a DN150 handwheel butterfly valve.

[0075] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 The working process of a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine according to this utility model will be described.

[0076] Introduce the medicinal vapor.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, close the handwheel butterfly valve 4, and introduce the liquid vapor into the first condenser 1 through the first pipe 6 and the first air inlet 101 of the first condenser 1.

[0078] It should be noted that the liquid vapor introduced into the first condenser 1 contains the volatile oil (extract) to be extracted and water vapor.

[0079] Primary condensation and deceleration of the liquid drug vapor.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liquid medicine vapor in the first condenser 1 enters the U-tube 103 through the first exhaust port 102 of the first condenser 1. The liquid medicine vapor is initially condensed by the first condenser 1 and the U-tube in cooperation, and the U-tube 103 slows down the flow rate of the liquid medicine vapor.

[0081] The ratio of the bending radius to the diameter of the U-shaped tube 103 in this invention is 2:1-3:1, preferably 2.5:1. This ratio range balances turning losses and friction losses, reduces the pressure drop of the liquid vapor, optimizes fluid dynamics, minimizes the flow resistance of the liquid vapor, prevents secondary volatilization of the effective components of the volatile oil (extract) caused by local turbulence, avoids eddy current generation, and ensures that the liquid vapor enters the coil condenser 2 at an ideal velocity, maintaining a stable flow rate. Simultaneously, the U-shaped tube 103 extends the residence time of the liquid vapor, improves the primary condensation efficiency, and the liquid film formed at the bend of the U-shaped tube 103 is uniform, avoiding local overheating. Compared with straight tubes, this significantly improves the recovery rate of volatile oil (extract).

[0082] Two coil-type condensers condense the liquid vapor.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid medicine vapor undergoes primary condensation and deceleration through the first condenser 1 and the U-tube in cooperation, and then enters the coil condenser 2 through the second pipe 7 and the second air inlet 201 of the coil condenser 2 for further condensation.

[0084] Cooling water flows into the coil condenser 2 through the cooling water inlet pipe 9 connected to one side, and flows out through the cooling water outlet pipe 10 connected to the other side of the coil condenser 2 to condense the liquid vapor inside the coil condenser 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, the volume of the coil condenser 2 is 60L, and the cooling water circulates at a flow rate of 0.5-1.2m / s to reduce the condensation temperature of the liquid vapor in the coil condenser 2 to 40-50℃.

[0086] Specifically, the PLC control system monitors the dynamic data from temperature sensor 11, thereby adjusting the flow rate of cooling water to reduce the condensation temperature of the chemical vapor in the coil condenser 2 to 40-50℃, achieving precise process control and energy-saving optimization. Typically, the condensation temperature of the chemical vapor in the coil condenser 2 is reduced to around 45℃.

[0087] Many active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (such as volatile oils, glycosides, and certain alkaloids) are easily decomposed at high temperatures. For example, menthol in peppermint oil will be significantly lost through volatilization above 60°C. A mild temperature of 40-50°C can preserve the activity of these ingredients to the maximum extent.

[0088] The condenser 2 of this invention lowers the temperature of the medicinal liquid vapor to 40-50℃, which can protect the heat-sensitive active ingredients of the volatile oil (extract). At the same time, lowering the temperature of the medicinal liquid vapor to 40-50℃ can improve the quality of the extract, avoid component denaturation or the formation of by-products caused by high temperature, maintain the natural color and odor of the volatile oil (extract), and reduce the dissolution of ineffective impurities.

[0089] The condensation temperature of the liquid vapor in the coil-type condenser 2 of this utility model is reduced to 40-50℃, which is lower than the traditional condensation temperature of 60-80℃. This can save cooling energy, reduce cooling water consumption and refrigeration equipment load, and reduce the risk of high-temperature operation.

[0090] This invention connects a first condenser 1 to a U-shaped tube 103. The first condenser 1 and the U-shaped tube 103 work together to perform primary condensation of the medicinal liquid vapor. The medicinal liquid vapor after primary condensation enters the coil condenser 2, which lowers the temperature of the medicinal liquid vapor to 40-50℃. This significantly reduces the temperature of the medicinal liquid vapor, protects the heat-sensitive active ingredients of the volatile oil (extract), improves the quality of the extract, and saves cooling energy consumption.

[0091] Separation of volatile oils (extract).

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, after the liquid vapor in the coil condenser 2 is cooled to 40-50℃, it enters the second condenser 3 through the second exhaust port 202 of the coil condenser 2, the third pipe 8, and the third air inlet 303 of the second condenser 3.

[0093] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inner cavity of the second condenser 3 is equipped with a middle partition plate 302, so that the upper part of the inner cavity of the second condenser 3 forms a meandering area 306 for the flow of liquid vapor and a water vapor channel 305 for the flow of water vapor.

[0094] Preferably, in this embodiment, the intermediate partition 302 has an arc-shaped structure, with the concave side of the intermediate partition 302 facing the third air inlet 303 of the second condenser 3, and the convex side of the intermediate partition 302 facing the third exhaust port 304 of the second condenser 3.

[0095] The distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the top of the second condenser 3 is 1 / 3 of the height of the second condenser, and the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the bottom of the second condenser 3 is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser 3, so that the lower part of the inner cavity of the second condenser 3 forms an extract collection area 307.

[0096] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the liquid vapor enters the second condenser 3 through the third air inlet 303 and is blocked by the middle partition 302. In the detour area 306, the liquid vapor undergoes a 180° flow direction change, which prolongs the path of the liquid vapor, improves the efficiency of droplet collision and coalescence, enhances gravity sedimentation, increases the gas-liquid contact time, effectively separates volatile oil (extract) and water vapor, and improves the separation efficiency of volatile oil (extract) and water vapor.

[0097] The uncondensed medicinal vapor in the water vapor channel 305 is liquefied a second time to achieve the effect of secondary condensation and reduce the loss of volatile oil (extract) components.

[0098] After separation, the volatile oil (extract) falls into the extract collection area 307 under the action of gravity sedimentation, and the separated water vapor is discharged from the second condenser 3 through the water vapor channel 305 and the third exhaust port 304 of the second condenser 3.

[0099] The volatile oil (extract) falling into the extract collection area 307 enters the oil separator 5 through the extract outlet 308, the fourth pipe 13, and the oil separator cover 501. Figure 1 As shown.

[0100] The distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the top of the second condenser 3 is 1 / 3 of the height of the second condenser 3, and the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition 302 and the bottom of the second condenser 3 is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser 3 (that is, the height of the extract collection area 307 is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser 3), ensuring that water vapor is discharged in time through the water vapor channel 305 and that the volatile oil (extract) is collected in time into the extract collection area 307.

[0101] The intermediate partition 302 of this utility model has an arc-shaped structure. The ratio of the radius of curvature of the intermediate partition 302 to the inner diameter of the second condenser 3 is 1:1.2, which can effectively avoid the secondary entrainment of volatile oil (extract) components in the liquid vapor caused by eddies.

[0102] During the above-mentioned volatile oil (extract) separation process, the pressure sensor 12 installed at the third exhaust port 304 of the second condenser 3 detects the exhaust back pressure of water vapor. If the pressure exceeds the threshold, the safety interlock is immediately triggered to avoid the risk of explosion caused by positive pressure accumulation.

[0103] The second condenser 3 of this invention maintains a temperature of 40-50°C in the upper meandering area 306 and water vapor channel 305, while the temperature in the extract collection area 307 drops rapidly to below 40°C, effectively protecting the active ingredients of the volatile oil (extract).

[0104] The upper part of the inner cavity of the second condenser 3 of this invention forms a meandering area 306 for the flow of medicinal liquid vapor and a water vapor channel 305 for the flow of water vapor, while the lower part of the inner cavity of the second condenser 3 forms an extract collection area 307. This effectively increases the heat exchange area within the same volume and improves the space utilization of the second condenser 3.

[0105] Backwash.

[0106] After the volatile oil (extract) is separated, the volatile oil (extract) in separator 5 is transferred to a container for holding the volatile oil (extract), thus completing the extraction of the volatile oil (extract). The condensation system is then backwashed.

[0107] Specifically, during backflushing, the handwheel butterfly valve 4 is opened, and the cleaning fluid is injected into the oil separator 5 at a certain pressure through the fifth pipe 14 and the cleaning fluid inlet 502 to backflush the condensation system.

[0108] Preferably, in this embodiment, the cleaning solution is a 0.5%-1.0% sodium hydroxide solution. The 0.5%-1.0% sodium hydroxide solution is injected into the oil separator 5 through the fifth pipe 14 and the cleaning solution inlet 502 at a pressure of 0.3 MPa to backwash the condensation system for 10-15 minutes, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the condensation system and meeting the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for pharmaceuticals.

[0109] The volatile oil (extract) of the medicinal materials (Codonopsis pilosula, Artemisia capillaris, Ilex chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes lancea, and Chrysanthemum indicum) of Qingre Qushi Granules were extracted using a condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine provided by this invention and a traditional condensation system (without using U-shaped tube 103, disc condenser 2, and intermediate partition 302 in the second condenser 3). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0110] Table 1. Comparison of volatile oil (extract) components between the condensation system of this invention and the traditional condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine.

[0111] Extract components Traditional condensing system This utility model condensation system Absolute increase value relative improvement chamomile alcohol 60.0% 81.3% +21.3% 35.5% citral 55.0% 73.0% +18.0% 32.7% Atractylodes lancea 68.0% 85.1% +17.1% 25.1%

[0112] As shown in Table 1, compared with the traditional condensation system, the condensation system of this invention increases the retention rate of the effective components of volatile oil (extract) by 35.5%, citral by 32.8%, and atractylodes by 25.1%.

[0113] Meanwhile, during the extraction process, the temperature of the medicinal vapor can be stabilized at 42-48℃, and the cleaning time can be shortened by 30%.

[0114] The following points need to be explained:

[0115] (1) The accompanying drawings of this utility model embodiment only involve the structure involved in this utility model embodiment. Other structures can refer to the general design.

[0116] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions is enlarged or reduced in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present invention, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to actual scale. It is understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being "on" or "below" another element, the element may be "directly" located "on" or "below" the other element or there may be intermediate elements.

[0117] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0118] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. The protection scope of this utility model shall be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A condensation system for extracting traditional Chinese medicine, characterized in that, The condensation system includes a first condenser, a coil condenser, and a second condenser. Wherein, the first condenser is connected to a U-shaped tube, the U-shaped tube is connected to the coil-type condenser, and the coil-type condenser is connected to the second condenser; The inner cavity of the second condenser is equipped with a middle partition plate so that the upper part of the inner cavity of the second condenser forms a meandering area for the flow of liquid vapor and a water vapor channel for the flow of water vapor. An extract collection area is formed in the lower part of the inner cavity of the second condenser.

2. The condensation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first condenser includes a first air inlet and a first exhaust outlet; the coil-type condenser includes a second air inlet and a second exhaust outlet. One end of the U-shaped tube is connected to the first exhaust port of the first condenser, and the other end of the U-shaped tube is connected to the second air inlet of the coil condenser.

3. The condensation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ratio of the bending radius of the U-shaped tube to the diameter of the U-shaped tube is 2:1-3:

1.

4. The condensation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ratio of the bending radius of the U-shaped tube to the diameter of the U-shaped tube is 2.5:

1.

5. The condensation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A temperature sensor is installed at the second exhaust port of the coil condenser.

6. The condensation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second condenser includes an upper cover end cap, and the intermediate partition plate is fixed to the upper cover end cap; The upper cover cap covers the second condenser, so that the middle partition plate extends from the top of the second condenser into the inner cavity of the second condenser; Furthermore, the distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition and the top of the second condenser is 1 / 3 of the height of the second condenser; The distance between the bottom of the intermediate partition and the bottom of the second condenser is 2 / 3 of the height of the second condenser.

7. The condensation system according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The second condenser includes a third air inlet and a third air outlet; The intermediate partition has an arc structure, which makes the detour area for the flow of liquid vapor U-shaped and the water vapor channel for the flow of water vapor U-shaped. The recessed side of the intermediate partition faces the third air inlet of the second condenser, and the protruding side of the intermediate partition faces the third exhaust outlet of the second condenser.

8. The condensation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ratio of the radius of curvature of the intermediate partition to the inner diameter of the second condenser is 1:1.2; A silicone sealing strip is provided between the edge of the intermediate partition and the inner wall of the second condenser.

9. The condensation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, A pressure sensor is installed at the third exhaust port of the second condenser.

10. The condensation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condensation system also includes an oil separator, which includes an oil separator cover and a cleaning fluid inlet. The second condenser also includes an extract outlet, which is connected to the oil separator cover of the oil separator; The cleaning fluid inlet of the oil separator is connected to a handwheel butterfly valve for backflushing the condensation system.