Closed Rotatable Extractor System for Solvent Vapor Atmosphere
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extraction methods for plant materials are inefficient, particularly for small-scale production, as they often require high energy, involve fragile and costly equipment, and pose safety hazards due to the use of steam distillation and water processing, while also being unsuitable for ambient temperature operations and solvent reuse.
Innovation Solution
A closed rotatable extraction system with flexible tubes and valves that maintains a solvent vapor atmosphere, allowing for efficient liquid and vapor transfer without mechanical devices, enabling extraction at near-ambient temperatures and reducing solvent usage and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam distillation is used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions of solvents between liquid and vapor states to achieve extraction and separation. The system utilizes the solvent's ability to transition phases naturally at near-ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for high-energy steam generation while maintaining effective extraction through controlled vaporization and condensation cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical heating systems (steam generators, heaters) with a passive phase transition-based system. The extraction process relies on the inherent phase change properties of solvents rather than externally applied thermal energy, significantly reducing energy consumption and eliminating safety hazards associated with steam generation
2Productivity
If steam distillation and water processing are used, then extraction is achieved, but safety hazards and processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a closed system atmosphere consisting primarily of solvent vapor, which is inherently safer and more controlled than steam or air environments. This inert vapor atmosphere eliminates safety hazards associated with high-temperature steam generation and reduces the risk of oxidation or unwanted reactions during the extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a closed, reusable extraction chamber that eliminates the need for disposable or frequently replaced components. The durable closed system design reduces long-term costs and eliminates safety hazards associated with repeated setup and teardown of extraction apparatus
3Productivity
If conventional extraction devices are used, then extraction is performed, but solvent recovery is difficult and equipment costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions to achieve automatic solvent recovery and reuse. The closed system allows solvent vapor to condense back into liquid form after extraction, enabling complete solvent recovery without loss. This eliminates the need for additional recovery equipment and prevents solvent waste while maintaining extraction performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines extraction, separation, and solvent recovery functions into a single integrated closed system. By merging these previously separate processes into one unified apparatus, the system eliminates solvent loss between stages and reduces equipment complexity while maintaining high extraction performance
4Speed
If high temperature processing is used, then extraction speed is improved, but natural essence retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to near-ambient conditions while maintaining effective extraction speed through the use of solvent vapor atmosphere and increased surface area contact. This parameter change preserves the natural essence and volatile compounds in the extract that would otherwise be degraded by high-temperature processing
5Ease of operation
If mechanical devices for transfer, heating, and cooling are used, then process control is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the system uses its own components and environmental conditions to perform transfer, heating, and cooling functions without external mechanical devices. The closed system utilizes pressure differentials, phase transitions, and gravity-driven flow to automate these processes, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
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 system allows for cost-effective, energy-efficient, and safe extraction of plant materials, retaining the natural essence of the extracts while minimizing solvent usage and equipment costs, and is suitable for small-scale production with various solvent types.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure in the system is less than or about equal to the solvent's vapor pressure at a temperature within the closed rotatable extraction system
Implementation Method 2
vapor passes out of the system through at least one valve in an open state and is connected to the solvent container such that the atmosphere remains the solvent vapor atmosphere during the distillation
Implementation Method 3
The vapor transfer is a distillation from the second tube containing extract solution to another tube within the system or to a solvent container outside of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A closed rotatable extraction system includes at least two tubes where one tube accepts an extractable material, and the system can be evacuated through a valve in the system. At least one conduit comprises at least one flexible hose, bent ridged pipe, t-pipe, curved pipe, or any combination thereof. At least one valve that when open allows evacuation of the system, and optionally for introduction of a solvent for extraction. When the at least one valve is closed a solvent vapor atmosphere is defined as almost exclusively or exclusively the solvent vapor and has a gas pressure that is about the solvents vapor pressure or less in the closed rotatable extraction system. The closed rotatable extraction system or a portion thereof can involve a first rotation orientation for liquid transfer and a second orientation for a vapor transfer.