Continuous Supercritical Extraction Apparatus with Piston Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supercritical fluid extraction technologies face inefficiencies due to batch operation requirements, pressure loss, and difficulties in extracting wet substances, leading to low extraction yields and waste of medium, especially in large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure extraction apparatus with a piston and control unit that enables continuous extraction by managing pressure and medium flow, allowing for efficient extraction of both dry and wet substances through a recycling system and guide cone for residue discharge, reducing pressure loss and improving yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If batch operation is used for supercritical extraction, then extraction can be performed with simple equipment, but pressurization and depressurization need to be performed repeatedly, causing time loss and medium waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous supercritical extraction by maintaining constant high pressure in the extraction chamber and continuously feeding material through a screw press mechanism. The extracted material is continuously discharged and separated, eliminating the repeated pressurization-depressurization cycles of batch operation. This continuous operation maintains productive action throughout the process, significantly improving extraction efficiency while avoiding medium waste.
2Productivity
If large scale chamber is used for extraction, then extraction capacity increases, but depressurization time increases and more medium is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a large-scale continuous extraction chamber that operates at constant high pressure without depressurization. Material is continuously fed and extracted, with the screw press mechanism continuously advancing and discharging extracted material. This eliminates the time-consuming depressurization step entirely, allowing the large chamber to maintain full productive capacity throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the depressurization function from the extraction process by separating the extraction chamber from the discharge mechanism. The screw press operates independently to advance and discharge material under constant pressure, removing the need to depressurize the entire large chamber for material removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wet substance is used for extraction, then extraction of fresh material is enabled, but liquid seal blocking occurs, causing poor extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional batch pressure-equalization mechanism with a mechanically-driven screw press system. The screw press actively advances and discharges wet material through mechanical force rather than relying on pressure equalization, preventing liquid seal blocking and ensuring reliable extraction of wet substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic mechanical action through the rotating screw press that continuously advances and displaces wet material. This dynamic mechanical propulsion overcomes the static liquid seal problem by actively pushing material through the extraction chamber, enabling reliable extraction of fresh wet materials.
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
The apparatus achieves high extraction yields and efficient medium recycling, enabling continuous operation with reduced pressure loss and improved discharge efficiency, particularly effective for wet substances, enhancing overall extraction efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
controls a medium to enter the extraction space through the first inlet till the medium reaches a supercritical point
Implementation Method 2
filling the chamber with a medium until the medium reach the supercritical state
Implementation Method 3
the piston discharges the extraction residue by moving up and down
Data Source
AI summary
A high pressure extraction apparatus and extracting method therefor are adapted to maintain a medium at the supercritical state to extract substance-to-be-extracted. The apparatus includes an extraction tank, a piston and a control unit. The control unit controls the piston to reciprocate in the extraction tank as well as controls the pressure of the extract space of the tank, feeding of the substance, discharge of extract, and discharge of leftover. Accordingly, the apparatus performs a continuous supercritical extraction.