CO2-Cooled Phytochemical Extraction for Safer Dewaxing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phytochemical extraction systems face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the use of volatile solvents, high costs of traditional refrigeration systems, and limitations in dewaxing processes, particularly with vertical column designs and dry ice cooling.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phytochemical extraction system utilizing liquid carbon dioxide open-loop refrigeration for cooling, a secondary dewaxing column with CO2 refrigeration, and a pressure-assist manifold to efficiently separate phytochemicals from waxes and lipids, along with a filter spool and decanting-style techniques for effective filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional refrigeration systems are used for cooling in phytochemical extraction, then cooling function is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a traditional complex refrigeration system and implements it using a simple endothermic chemical reaction between ammonium nitrate and water. This removes the need for compressors, condensers, and other complex refrigeration components, achieving the required cooling temperature through a chemical heat absorption process instead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical refrigeration system with a chemical system based on endothermic dissolution. Instead of using mechanical compression and phase change of refrigerants, the system uses the chemical reaction of ammonium nitrate dissolving in water to absorb heat and provide cooling, substituting a mechanical approach with a chemical one.
2Productivity
If volatile solvents are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction system by using supercritical carbon dioxide instead of volatile organic solvents. By adjusting pressure and temperature to achieve supercritical state, CO2 provides effective extraction while eliminating the safety hazards associated with flammable and toxic volatile solvents. The supercritical state allows CO2 to penetrate plant material effectively like a liquid while maintaining the safety advantages of a gas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon dioxide to create an inert extraction environment that eliminates safety hazards. CO2 is non-flammable, non-toxic, and chemically inert under extraction conditions, providing a safe atmosphere that prevents fires, explosions, and toxic exposure while still enabling efficient phytochemical extraction from plant material.
3Volume of moving object
If vertical column designs are used for dewaxing, then space efficiency is improved, but process flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction system into multiple independent columns (extraction column, dewaxing column, concentration column) that can be configured in different arrangements. Each column is a self-contained unit with specific functionality, allowing them to be arranged vertically, horizontally, or in combination based on space availability and process requirements, thus providing flexibility while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the system to transition between vertical and horizontal configurations by treating the column arrangement as a multi-dimensional design problem. Columns can be stacked vertically to save floor space or arranged horizontally to facilitate access and operation, providing adaptability to different spatial constraints and operational preferences without compromising the dewaxing process effectiveness.
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 reduces costs and complexity by eliminating the need for expensive refrigeration systems, enhances safety by avoiding volatile solvents, and improves the efficiency of phytochemical extraction and dewaxing processes, allowing for flexible column configurations and precise temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
liquid carbon dioxide open-loop refrigeration for cooling
Implementation Method 2
pressure-assist manifold to efficiently separate phytochemicals from waxes and lipids
Implementation Method 3
filter spool and decanting-style techniques for effective filtration
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for phytochemical extraction. One example extraction system includes two solvent columns, a material column, and a dewaxing column. The solvent columns store and provide solvent for stripping target chemicals from plant material in the material column. The solvent mixed with target chemicals passes into the dewaxing column, where the target chemicals are separated from waxes and lipids. Cooling is applied to elements of the system by way of an open-loop CO2 refrigeration method. Solvent is moved from the solvent columns to the material column by creating a pressure differential between the two solvent columns.