Liquefied Dimethyl Ether Extraction of Water-Soluble Compounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extraction methods using liquefied dimethyl ether fail to effectively extract plant-derived moisture and water-soluble compounds due to moisture saturation issues, leading to incomplete extraction and removal of water-soluble natural components.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of liquefied dimethyl ether with an auxiliary solvent at or below saturation levels to extract components from biological materials, followed by separation and evaporation to obtain an extract and extraction residue, ensuring the retention of water-soluble compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If liquefied dimethyl ether with saturation amount of moisture dissolved is used for extraction, then the extraction process can be performed, but moisture and water-soluble compounds in the plant material cannot be extracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction of moisture and water-soluble compoundsVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the moisture content parameter of the liquefied dimethyl ether from saturation amount to a controlled amount not exceeding saturation. By precisely controlling the moisture content parameter, the extraction solvent can dissolve and extract water-soluble compounds from plant material while maintaining extraction efficiency. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between extracting moisture/water-soluble compounds and maintaining reliable extraction performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the aqueous layer is removed after separation, then the dimethyl ether layer can be obtained, but water-soluble natural components are removed together with the aqueous layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater-soluble natural componentsVSAvoidwater-soluble compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the moisture content in the dimethyl ether before extraction begins. Instead of removing the aqueous layer after separation (which causes loss of water-soluble compounds), the method pre-adjusts the solvent's moisture content to an optimal level that enables direct extraction of water-soluble compounds into the dimethyl ether phase. This preliminary control prevents the need for aqueous layer removal and preserves water-soluble natural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If dimethyl ether layer is evaporated and dried, then the extract can be produced, but water-soluble natural components are removed and cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater-soluble natural componentsVSAvoidevaporation and drying process

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the extraction solvent from requiring complete evaporation and drying to allowing direct use or mild processing. By controlling the moisture content parameter and using liquefied dimethyl ether with specific properties, the method enables extraction of water-soluble compounds without subjecting the extract to high-temperature evaporation and drying that would remove water-soluble natural components. This parameter control eliminates the energy-intensive drying step while preserving valuable compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the efficient extraction and retention of biologically derived moisture and water-soluble compounds, preventing denaturation and maintaining the integrity of natural components in the extract and residue.

Implementation Method 1

extracting a component in the biological material using liquefied dimethyl ether for the biological material to obtain a liquefied dimethyl ether solution including the component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

volatilizing or separating the liquefied dimethyl ether from the solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11547953B2Method of producing extract and extraction residue of biological material, extract, and extraction residue

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A method of producing an extract of an animal-derived or plant-derived biological material includes: extracting a component in the biological material using liquefied dimethyl ether for the biological material to obtain a liquefied dimethyl ether solution including the component; separating the solution from the biological material; and volatilizing or separating the liquefied dimethyl ether from the solution.