Plant active ingredient low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of plant active ingredient low-temperature freeze-drying extraction devices, the plant active ingredient low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device includes: solvent treatment conveying module, environmental control module, extraction reaction module, filtration collection module and control module;The output end of solvent treatment conveying module and the output end of environmental control module are respectively connected with the input end pipeline of extraction reaction module;The output end pipeline of extraction reaction module is connected with the input end of filtration collection module;Extraction reaction module includes extraction tank;Filtration collection module includes membrane filter, ultrasonic transducer and product collection bottle, membrane filter is integrated at the output end of extraction tank bottom;Ultrasonic transducer is coupled in membrane filter shell bottom.Plant active ingredient low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device carries out extraction in extraction tank directly after freeze-drying broken wall material, extraction liquid directly through bottom membrane filter enters product collection bottle, effectively prevent degradation in transfer process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of extraction system technology, and in particular to a low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients. Background Technology

[0002] Plant active ingredients, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and volatile oils, are widely found in traditional Chinese medicine, functional foods, and cosmetic raw materials. Most of these ingredients possess significant biological activity, but they also exhibit characteristics such as easy oxidation, high heat sensitivity, and chemical instability. Therefore, maximizing the preservation of their activity during extraction and preparation is a key challenge in this field. Currently, conventional processes for extracting active ingredients from plant materials typically involve two independent steps: pretreatment and extraction separation. In the pretreatment stage, freeze-drying technology is often used to facilitate subsequent extraction and maintain component stability. This technology rapidly freezes fresh or washed plant materials at low temperatures (usually below -30°C), and then allows the ice crystals to sublimate directly under vacuum, thereby removing moisture. This method effectively preserves the cellular structure and active ingredients of the material, yielding porous, loosely packed freeze-dried materials. However, existing freeze-drying equipment is limited in function, and the freeze-dried material needs to be manually transferred to subsequent extraction equipment. This transfer process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but more importantly, it exposes the material to the air environment, leading to degradation or inactivation of components sensitive to oxygen, moisture, and light.

[0003] Furthermore, in the subsequent processing of the extract, centrifugation or conventional filtration are commonly used for solid-liquid separation. These methods also require removing the extract from the extraction tank, posing a risk of secondary exposure. Especially for extracts containing colloids or small particles, the filter membrane is easily clogged, leading to filtration interruptions and requiring frequent cleaning or replacement of the filter membrane, severely impacting production efficiency and continuity. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients to address the technical problem of poor extraction effect of existing low-temperature freeze-drying extraction systems for plant active ingredients.

[0005] A low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients includes a solvent processing and delivery module, an environmental control module, an extraction reaction module, a filtration and collection module, and a control module. The output ends of the solvent processing and delivery module and the environmental control module are respectively connected to the input end of the extraction reaction module via pipelines. The output end of the extraction reaction module is connected to the input end of the filtration and collection module via pipelines. The control module is electrically connected to the solvent processing and delivery module, the environmental control module, the extraction reaction module, and the filtration and collection module.

[0006] The extraction reaction module includes an extraction tank. The input end of the extraction tank is connected by pipes to the output end of the solvent processing and delivery module and the output end of the environmental control module. The output end of the extraction tank is connected by pipes to the input end of the filtration and collection module.

[0007] The filtration and collection module includes a membrane filter, an ultrasonic transducer, and a product collection bottle. The membrane filter is integrated at the output end of the bottom of the extraction tank, and the output end pipe of the membrane filter is connected to the input end of the product collection bottle. The ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the bottom of the membrane filter housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the solvent processing and delivery module includes a jacketed circulator, a solvent storage tank, and a metering pump. The solvent storage tank is equipped with an insulated jacket, and the jacketed circulator is connected to the insulated jacket pipeline of the solvent storage tank. The output pipeline of the solvent storage tank is connected to the input end of the metering pump, and the output pipeline of the metering pump is connected to the input end of the extraction tank.

[0009] In one embodiment, the metering pump described above is a peristaltic pump with low pulsation and corrosion resistance.

[0010] In one embodiment, the solvent in the solvent handling and delivery module described above is made of stainless steel 316L pipe or PTFE pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, the valve body used in the solvent processing and delivery module described above is one of a high-vacuum ball valve and a diaphragm valve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the extraction tank is provided with an insulation jacket, and the jacket circulator is connected to the insulation jacket pipe of the extraction tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, the environmental control module includes an inert gas cylinder and a vacuum pump, with the output of the inert gas cylinder and the output of the vacuum pump connected to the input of the extraction tank via a three-way valve.

[0014] In one embodiment, the aforementioned three-way valve is connected to the input end of the extraction tank via a gas pressure reducing valve and a flow meter.

[0015] In one embodiment, the extraction reaction module further includes a stirring system, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor. The stirring system uses a magnetic stir bar and is located at the bottom of the extraction tank; the temperature sensor is located inside the extraction tank; and the pressure sensor is installed on the top cover of the extraction tank.

[0016] In one embodiment, a distributor is provided inside the top of the extraction tank, and the distributor is connected to the output end of the solvent processing and delivery module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the above-described filter collection module further includes a back pressure valve disposed between the membrane filter and the product collection bottle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control module includes a PLC and a touch screen HMI. The PLC is connected to the jacket circulator, metering pump, ultrasonic transducer, vacuum pump, inert gas cylinder, temperature sensor, and pressure sensor, respectively. The touch screen HMI serves as the human-machine interface port of the PLC and is electrically connected to the PLC.

[0019] The aforementioned low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients directly extracts the freeze-dried and cell-wall-broken material in the extraction tank. The extract directly enters the product collection bottle through the membrane filter at the bottom. The material is always in a closed, inert gas environment that can be adjusted by the environmental control module, effectively preventing the degradation of light-, heat-, and oxygen-sensitive components (such as polyphenols, volatile oils, and terpenes) during the transfer process. It eliminates adhesion losses from the freeze-drying tray to the extractor and then from the extractor to the filter, improving product yield and facilitating cleaning and product variety changes. The ultrasonic transducer is directly coupled to the bottom of the membrane filter housing, causing it to continuously generate high-frequency mechanical vibrations during the filtration process. This breaks down and peels off gel-like or particulate impurities that clog the membrane pores and surface, keeping the filtration rate high throughout the process. This avoids the forced interruption of traditional filtration due to clogging, reduces the need for chemical cleaning and physical scraping of the filter membrane, and extends the service life of expensive filter membranes. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a plant active ingredient low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this utility model. However, this utility model can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 2This utility model discloses a low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients. The device includes a solvent treatment and delivery module 1, an environmental control module 2, an extraction reaction module 3, a filtration and collection module 4, and a control module 5. The output ends of the solvent treatment and delivery module 1 and the environmental control module 2 are respectively connected to the input end of the extraction reaction module 3 via pipelines. The output end of the extraction reaction module 3 is connected to the input end of the filtration and collection module 4 via pipelines, thus forming the basic system structure of the extraction device. The control module 5 is electrically connected to the solvent treatment and delivery module 1, the environmental control module 2, the extraction reaction module 3, and the filtration and collection module 4, thereby realizing intelligent control of the extraction device. Specifically, the extraction reaction module 3 includes an extraction tank 31. The input end of the extraction tank 31 is connected to the output end of the solvent processing and delivery module 1 and the output end of the environmental control module 2 via pipelines. The output end of the extraction tank 31 is connected to the input end of the filtration and collection module 4 via pipelines. Thus, after the freeze-dried plant material to be extracted is put into the extraction tank 31, the solvent processing and delivery module 1 can deliver the low-temperature solvent to the extraction tank 31, while the environmental control module 2 can control the gas atmosphere and vacuum degree inside the extraction tank 31 in real time, so as to carry out the low-temperature extraction process under the preset temperature, pressure and gas environment conditions. Specifically, the filtration and collection module 4 includes a membrane filter 41, an ultrasonic transducer 42, and a product collection bottle 43. The membrane filter 41 is integrated at the output end of the bottom of the extraction tank 31, and the output pipe of the membrane filter 41 is connected to the input end of the product collection bottle 43. The outer shell of the membrane filter 41 is made of stainless steel and contains a pre-sized flat microporous filter membrane. The ultrasonic transducer 42 is coupled to the bottom of the membrane filter 41 shell. Thus, the plant extract extracted by the extraction tank 31 is filtered through the membrane filter 41 and collected into the product collection bottle 43, while the ultrasonic transducer 42 can continuously provide high-frequency mechanical vibration to the membrane filter 41, thereby greatly enhancing the anti-clogging function of the membrane filter 41. Based on the above scheme, the low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients of this utility model directly extracts the freeze-dried and cell-wall-broken material in the extraction tank 31. The extract directly enters the product collection bottle 43 through the membrane filter 41 at the bottom. The material is always in a closed, inert gas environment that can be adjusted by the environmental control module 2, which effectively prevents the degradation of light-, heat-, and oxygen-sensitive components (such as polyphenols, volatile oils, and terpenes) during the transfer process, eliminates adhesion loss from the freeze-drying tray to the extractor and then from the extractor to the filter, improves the product yield, and facilitates cleaning and product variety change. The ultrasonic transducer 42 is directly coupled to the bottom of the membrane filter 41 housing, so that it continuously generates high-frequency mechanical vibration during the filtration process. This can break down and peel off gel-like or particulate impurities that block the membrane pores and surface, keeping the filtration rate at a high level throughout the process. This avoids the situation where traditional filtration is forced to stop due to clogging, reduces the chemical cleaning and physical scraping of the filter membrane, and extends the service life of expensive filter membranes.

[0028] Furthermore, the solvent processing and delivery module 1 includes a jacketed circulator 11, a solvent storage tank 12, and a metering pump 13. The solvent storage tank 12 is equipped with an insulation jacket, and the jacketed circulator 11 is connected to the insulation jacket pipeline of the solvent storage tank 12. The output pipeline of the solvent storage tank 12 is connected to the input end of the metering pump 13. The output pipeline of the metering pump 13 is connected to the input end of the extraction tank 31. Thus, the jacketed circulator 11 can circulate and deliver a coolant at a preset temperature to the insulation jacket of the solvent storage tank 12 to maintain the low temperature environment of the solvent storage tank 12. The solvent storage tank 12 stores the solvent for extraction, and the solvent for extraction can be quantitatively delivered to the extraction tank 31 by the metering pump 13.

[0029] Specifically, in one embodiment, the metering pump 13 is a peristaltic pump with low pulsation and corrosion resistance, thereby achieving fluid isolation, no pollution, easy cleaning and solvent replacement, and suitable for laboratory applications with multiple varieties and small batches; in one embodiment, the solvent in the solvent handling and delivery module 1 is made of stainless steel 316L pipe or PTFE pipe, thus having good chemical inertness and low temperature toughness; in one embodiment, the valve body used in the solvent handling and delivery module 1 is one of a high vacuum ball valve and a diaphragm valve, and the sealing material of all parts in contact with the solvent is PTFE or Viton.

[0030] Furthermore, the extraction tank 31 is equipped with an insulation jacket, and the jacket circulator 11 is connected to the insulation jacket pipe of the extraction tank 31, so that the jacket circulator 11 can provide the extraction tank 31 with a low temperature environment at a preset temperature.

[0031] Furthermore, the environmental control module 2 includes an inert gas cylinder 21 and a vacuum pump 22. The output end of the inert gas cylinder 21 and the output end of the vacuum pump 22 are connected to the input end of the extraction tank 31 through a three-way valve to realize real-time control of the gas environment and pressure inside the extraction tank 31.

[0032] Specifically, in one embodiment, the three-way valve is connected to the input end of the extraction tank 31 via a gas pressure reducing valve and a flow meter, thereby precisely controlling the inlet pressure and flow rate of the inert gas.

[0033] Furthermore, the extraction reaction module 3 also includes a stirring system 32, a temperature sensor 33, and a pressure sensor 34. The stirring system 32 uses a magnetic stir bar set at the bottom of the extraction tank 31 to magnetically stir the material inside the extraction tank 31. The temperature sensor 33 is set inside the extraction tank 31 to monitor the temperature of the liquid in real time. The pressure sensor 34 is installed on the top cover of the extraction tank 31 to monitor the pressure inside the tank.

[0034] Specifically, in one embodiment, a distributor 35 is provided inside the top of the extraction tank 31. The distributor 35 is connected to the output end of the solvent processing and conveying module 1, so that the solvent can be sprayed evenly on the freeze-dried material to improve the wetting efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, the filtration and collection module 4 also includes a back pressure valve 44, which is disposed between the membrane filter 41 and the product collection bottle 43 to maintain system pressure during the extraction stage and to regulate the filtration pressure difference during the filtration stage.

[0036] Furthermore, the control module 5 includes a PLC and a touch screen HMI 51. The PLC is connected to the jacket circulator 11, metering pump 13, ultrasonic transducer 42, vacuum pump 22, inert gas cylinder 21, temperature sensor 33 and pressure sensor 34 respectively, so as to perform intelligent control of the entire extraction device; the touch screen HMI is electrically connected to the PLC as the human-machine interface port of the PLC.

[0037] In summary, the low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients disclosed in this invention directly extracts the freeze-dried and cell-wall-broken material in the extraction tank. The extract directly enters the product collection bottle through the membrane filter at the bottom. The material is always in a closed, inert gas environment that can be adjusted by the environmental control module, effectively preventing the degradation of light-, heat-, and oxygen-sensitive components (such as polyphenols, volatile oils, and terpenes) during the transfer process. It eliminates adhesion losses from the freeze-drying tray to the extractor and then from the extractor to the filter, improving product yield and facilitating cleaning and product variety changes. The ultrasonic transducer is directly coupled to the bottom of the membrane filter housing, causing it to continuously generate high-frequency mechanical vibrations during the filtration process. This breaks down and peels off gel-like or particulate impurities that clog the membrane pores and surface, keeping the filtration rate high throughout the process. This avoids the forced interruption of traditional filtration due to clogging, reduces the need for chemical cleaning and physical scraping of the filter membrane, and extends the service life of expensive filter membranes.

[0038] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0039] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A low-temperature freeze-drying extraction device for plant active ingredients, characterized in that, include: The system includes a solvent handling and delivery module, an environmental control module, an extraction reaction module, a filtration and collection module, and a control module. The output terminals of the solvent handling and delivery module and the environmental control module are respectively connected to the input terminal of the extraction reaction module via pipelines. The output terminal of the extraction reaction module is connected to the input terminal of the filtration and collection module via pipelines. The control module is electrically connected to the solvent handling and delivery module, the environmental control module, the extraction reaction module, and the filtration and collection module. The extraction reaction module includes an extraction tank. The input end of the extraction tank is connected by pipes to the output end of the solvent processing and delivery module and the output end of the environmental control module. The output end of the extraction tank is connected by pipes to the input end of the filtration and collection module. The filtration and collection module includes a membrane filter, an ultrasonic transducer, and a product collection bottle. The membrane filter is integrated at the output end of the bottom of the extraction tank, and the output end pipe of the membrane filter is connected to the input end of the product collection bottle. The ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the bottom of the membrane filter housing.

2. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solvent handling and delivery module includes a jacketed circulator, a solvent storage tank, and a metering pump. The solvent storage tank is equipped with an insulated jacket, and the jacketed circulator is connected to the insulated jacket pipeline of the solvent storage tank. The output pipeline of the solvent storage tank is connected to the input end of the metering pump. The output pipeline of the metering pump is connected to the input end of the extraction tank.

3. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metering pump is a peristaltic pump with low pulsation and corrosion resistance.

4. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solvent in the solvent handling and delivery module is made of 316L stainless steel or PTFE tubing.

5. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve body used in the solvent handling and delivery module is either a high-vacuum ball valve or a diaphragm valve.

6. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extraction tank is equipped with an insulation jacket, and the jacket circulator is connected to the insulation jacket pipeline of the extraction tank.

7. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 6, characterized in that, The environmental control module includes an inert gas cylinder and a vacuum pump. The output of the inert gas cylinder and the output of the vacuum pump are connected to the input of the extraction tank through a three-way valve.

8. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 7, characterized in that... The filter collection module also includes a back pressure valve, which is located between the membrane filter and the product collection bottle.

9. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 8, characterized in that, The extraction reaction module also includes a stirring system, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor. The stirring system uses a magnetic stir bar and is located at the bottom of the extraction tank; the temperature sensor is located inside the extraction tank; and the pressure sensor is installed on the top cover of the extraction tank.

10. The low-temperature freeze-drying extraction apparatus for plant active ingredients according to claim 9, characterized in that, A distributor is installed at the top of the extraction tank, and the distributor is connected to the output of the solvent processing and delivery module.

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