Cryogenic Auger Separation for Heat-Sensitive Plant Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for processing plant components, such as resin-containing indumentums, often result in the loss of delicate compounds due to heat, light, and oxygen sensitivity, leading to inefficiencies and degradation during mechanical separation.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic processing system utilizing a cryogenic fluid source, auger with a screw assembly, and a separation system with screen decks and agitators to mechanically separate feedstock while maintaining low temperatures, ensuring minimal chemical degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mechanical separation methods are used, then separation efficiency is improved, but delicate compounds are lost due to heat, light, and oxygen sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional temperature conditions to cryogenic temperatures (below -150°F or -100°C). This temperature parameter change fundamentally alters the properties of the feedstock, making it brittle and suitable for mechanical separation while preserving heat-sensitive compounds. The cryogenic environment eliminates thermal degradation pathways that cause compound loss in conventional processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by cooling the feedstock to cryogenic temperatures, inducing a transition from a flexible, organic state to a brittle, glass-like state. This phase change enables effective mechanical separation through freezing and embrittlement, allowing components to be separated without thermal degradation. The phase transition is reversible, allowing recovered materials to return to their original state.
2Quantity of substance
If solvent extraction is used, then compound extraction is improved, but heat and oxygen exposure causes compound degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cryogenic levels, replacing thermal extraction methods with cold-based mechanical separation. This parameter change eliminates the need for heat and oxygen exposure during extraction, preserving sensitive compounds while maintaining effective separation through embrittlement and mechanical breakdown at low temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes thermal/chemical extraction mechanisms with mechanical separation methods operating in a cryogenic environment. Instead of using heat and solvents to extract compounds, the system uses mechanical forces (impact, shear, compression) on cryogenically embrittled material to achieve separation, eliminating harmful thermal and oxidative effects.
3Productivity
If resin-containing indumentums are mechanically separated, then separation is achieved, but the fragile structures rupture and compounds are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cryogenically treating the feedstock before mechanical separation. The cryogenic pre-treatment embrittles the fragile resin-containing structures, making them suitable for mechanical separation. This preliminary cooling action prevents rupture during separation by transforming the material properties in advance, allowing intact recovery of valuable compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to cryogenic levels, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the feedstock. This parameter change transforms fragile, flexible structures into brittle, separable forms that can be mechanically divided without rupturing the enclosed compounds. The parameter change is reversible, allowing recovered materials to regain their original structural integrity.
4Productivity
If continuous processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but maintaining low temperatures throughout the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous processing system into distinct cryogenic zones and modules. Each segment (cooling section, separation chamber, collection area) is independently temperature-controlled, allowing continuous throughput while managing thermal complexity through modular design. This segmentation enables continuous processing without requiring the entire system to be uniformly cryogenic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining cryogenic conditions throughout the entire processing pathway without interruption. The system continuously introduces feedstock, applies cryogenic treatment, performs separation, and collects products all under controlled low-temperature conditions. This continuous cryogenic action eliminates thermal cycling and maintains compound stability throughout the entire process flow.
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 system efficiently separates desirable plant components with high efficiency and minimal chemical degradation, allowing for continuous processing and retention of valuable compounds.
Implementation Method 1
spraying the feedstock within the auger with cryogenic fluid... maintaining low temperatures, ensuring minimal chemical degradation
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic processing system includes a cryogenic fluid source, and an auger, which includes an auger vessel containing at least one screw assembly. The screw assembly includes a flighting and a hollow shaft radially inward of the flighting. The shaft is in fluid communication with the cryogenic fluid source and includes one or more nozzles for dispensing cryogenic fluid within the auger vessel.