Catalyzing pressure wave extraction method and apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-liquid extraction methods require complex equipment and high temperatures, leading to the destruction of heat-sensitive compounds and resulting in low-quality extracts with additional flavor enhancement costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single extraction column apparatus that uses a pressure vessel with controlled solvent flow and energy cycles to extract compounds efficiently, preserving heat-sensitive compounds by applying high temperatures briefly and cooling them immediately, thus avoiding prolonged exposure to heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperatures are used to extract compounds, then extraction efficiency is improved, but heat-sensitive compounds are destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using cyclic pressure waves that oscillate between high and low pressure states. During high-pressure phases, extraction efficiency is maximized; during low-pressure phases, heat-sensitive compounds are preserved by reducing thermal stress. This periodic cycling allows the system to achieve thorough extraction without continuous high-temperature exposure that would destroy delicate compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the skipping principle by rapidly cycling through pressure phases, spending minimal time at high temperatures. The quick transitions through the extraction process allow sufficient extraction to occur during brief high-pressure intervals while avoiding prolonged thermal exposure that would degrade heat-sensitive compounds. The system rushes through the potentially harmful high-temperature zone quickly.
2Reliability
If multiple tanks and complex tubing are used, then extraction process control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single extraction vessel. The same chamber performs heating, cooling, pressurization, and extraction operations that traditionally required separate tanks and complex interconnecting tubing. This consolidation maintains reliable process control through integrated pressure and temperature management while dramatically reducing equipment complexity and the number of connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction vessel is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the heating chamber, cooling chamber, pressurization chamber, and extraction chamber simultaneously. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized tanks while maintaining precise control over all extraction parameters through a unified system architecture.
3Productivity
If multiple extraction columns are used, then extraction completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pressure cycling within a single extraction column to achieve extraction completeness that would traditionally require multiple columns in series. The alternating high-pressure and low-pressure phases create dynamic fluid movement and compound release that thoroughly extracts all constituents, including those that would require sequential processing through multiple columns. This temporal multiplication replaces spatial multiplication.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves high-quality extraction with reduced equipment complexity and cost, preserving delicate compounds while maintaining flavor and aroma, and increasing extraction efficiency and yield.
Implementation Method 1
a solvent surface layer may be in contact with a bed of raw materials, such that a self-perpetuating energy cycle is formed when the solvent surface layer rises and hydraulic pressure results in a catalyzing energy to generate a self-perpetuating energy cycle to extract the raw materials
Implementation Method 2
there is also a need for an extraction apparatus and method that heats the raw materials to extract all the necessary compounds at sufficiently high temperatures, while simultaneously cooling the extracted effluent in order to preserve the extracted heat sensitive compounds from being destroyed or degraded by high temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials. One such apparatus may include an extraction column where it is a one column, one pass design capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressure. Additionally, the extraction column may also be capable of containing a self-perpetuating energy cycle used to achieve the required solubilization and mass transfer temperatures necessary for optimal extraction. The apparatus may also include a first opening and a second opening to control the flow of incoming solvent and filter extraneous sediment trapped within the fully extracted effluent. Additionally, the apparatus may be configured to create a self-perpetuating and self-sustaining energy cycle by manipulating the pressure and temperature generated within the apparatus. While the generated temperatures may help achieve a dynamic and efficient extraction process, a trailing cool layer of solvent is also present to effectively preserve the heat sensitive compounds extracted from the raw materials.