CO2 Extraction Recirculation with Sorbent Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting valuable compounds from materials are costly, complex, and often damage the material, particularly when using supercritical CO2, due to high pressure requirements and energy consumption, leading to inefficient removal of contaminants and structural integrity issues in materials like cork and plant-based products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving recirculation of carbon dioxide at controlled pressure and temperature, combined with a sorbent like activated carbon or clay minerals, to selectively extract compounds without significant pressure drops or energy fluctuations, allowing for efficient removal of contaminants while maintaining the material's integrity and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supercritical CO2 extraction is used to remove contaminants from materials, then extraction efficiency is improved, but equipment cost and operating cost increase due to high pressure requirements and large volumes needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high (supercritical conditions) to moderate levels, and introduces a co-solvent to enhance extraction efficiency without requiring high pressure equipment, thus reducing equipment cost while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a co-solvent as an intermediary substance that works together with CO2 to enhance extraction efficiency, allowing effective contaminant removal at lower pressures and reducing the need for large CO2 volumes
2Productivity
If compression-decompression cycles are applied to extract compounds, then extraction is achieved, but the material structural integrity deteriorates due to continuous drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous recirculation of CO2 at constant pressure without compression-decompression cycles, enabling continuous extraction while preventing material drying and structural damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prevents material drying by maintaining constant pressure and using recirculation, cushioning against the harmful effects of pressure drops that would otherwise cause structural integrity loss
3Productivity
If high pressure recirculation is used to improve extraction, then extraction efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the pressure parameter from high to moderate levels and uses recirculation to maintain extraction efficiency, significantly reducing the energy required for compression while keeping productivity high
4Productivity
If additional equipment is added to remove large molecules from extraction fluid, then contaminant removal is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts only the desired compounds while leaving large molecules in the solid phase through moderate pressure extraction, eliminating the need for additional separation equipment and reducing device complexity
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 approach enables cost-effective extraction of compounds with minimal impact on nutritional and flavor aspects, achieving low residual levels of harmful substances, making the extracted materials suitable for pharmaceutical or food applications with reduced equipment complexity and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
contacting carbon dioxide with the material to dissolve an amount of the at least one extract compound from the material into the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
contacting the carbon dioxide comprising the at least dissolved extract compound with a sorbent to sorb the at least one extract compound onto the sorbent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for extraction of at least one extract compound from a material, comprising:a. contacting carbon dioxide with the material to dissolve an amount of the at least one extract compound from the material into the carbon dioxide;b. contacting the carbon dioxide comprising the at least dissolved extract compound with a sorbent to sorb the at least one extract compound onto the sorbent and for regenerating the carbon dioxide;c. recirculating the regenerated carbon dioxide; andd. repeating said recirculating at a constant density of said carbon dioxide of between 100 and 1000 kg/m3, and repeating said recirculating for at least 10 cycles.