Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction to Reduce Chlorophyll Co-Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from plant substrates, such as hydrocarbon and lipid-based extractions, face challenges including volatility, high start-up costs, difficulty in obtaining pure solvents, and safety concerns due to the risk of explosions and fires, especially in DIY settings.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-free processing method using 100% grain ethanol or a mixture of ethanol with another solvent, where the solvent is cooled to -30°C to -50°C, contacting the plant substrate for a specific time, followed by filtration, atmospheric evaporation, and solvent recovery to produce a clean extract devoid of plant lipids and chlorophyll.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrocarbon solvents (hexane, butane, propane) are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to volatility and explosion hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the extraction process to sub-zero conditions (-30°C to -50°C), which fundamentally alters the extraction mechanism. This temperature change allows the use of safer solvents like ethanol while maintaining extraction efficiency, as the cold temperature prevents solvent volatility and explosion risks while still enabling effective cannabinoid and terpene extraction from plant material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, hazardous hydrocarbon solvents with cheaper, safer alternatives like ethanol that can be used in food-grade environments. The solvent system is designed to be simpler and safer, eliminating the need for expensive explosion-proof equipment and specialized safety infrastructure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lipid-based solvents (canola oil, soybean oil) are used for extraction, then safety is improved, but product purity deteriorates due to co-extraction of plant lipids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sub-zero temperatures to change the physical state and solubility characteristics of different compounds. At these temperatures, the solvent selectively extracts cannabinoids and terpenes while leaving plant lipids and chlorophyll behind, achieving both safety and purity without requiring complex post-extraction purification steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a localized extraction environment with specific temperature conditions that enable selective extraction. The cold temperature creates different extraction properties for different plant constituents, allowing the solvent to target specific compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) while excluding others (lipids and chlorophyll)
3Productivity
If supercritical CO2 extraction is used, then extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive machinery and post-extraction purification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, expensive supercritical CO2 extraction equipment with simple, affordable cold extraction apparatus that can be operated in food-grade environments. The method uses basic refrigeration and filtration equipment rather than high-pressure systems, dramatically reducing device complexity and startup costs while maintaining extraction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a process where the cold temperature itself performs the separation function that would otherwise require complex machinery. The low temperature naturally causes plant lipids and chlorophyll to remain insoluble, eliminating the need for expensive post-extraction purification equipment and steps
4Speed
If room temperature extraction is performed, then extraction speed is improved, but product quality deteriorates due to co-extraction of chlorophyll and plant lipids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to sub-zero conditions, which fundamentally alters the extraction selectivity. At these temperatures, the solvent maintains fast extraction kinetics for target compounds while simultaneously preventing the co-extraction of chlorophyll and plant lipids, achieving both speed and quality
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 method provides a safer, more reliable, and cost-effective extraction process that yields high-quality cannabinoid and terpene extracts with minimal investment, reducing the risk of explosions and ensuring a cleaner product.
Implementation Method 1
lowering the temperature of the solvent below -1 C. Preferably to a range of -30 C to -50 C
Implementation Method 2
contacting the plant substrate for a period of time between 1 minute and 40 minutes
Implementation Method 3
a reduction step which can be accomplished via atmospheric evaporation of the solvent
Implementation Method 4
a solvent recovery step which can be accomplished via simple distillation or rotary evaporator apparatus
Implementation Method 5
a purging step under vacuum to remove remaining solvent from the extract
Data Source
AI summary
A system, machines and methods for extracting select moieties, flavonoids, and essential oils from plant material without co-extracting chlorophyll, lipids and other undesirable constituents from plants. Super-cooled extraction techniques are taught. Likewise, according to embodiments methods provides 100% grain ethyl alcohol extract with a concentration of chlorophyll that is below 1%.