Dynamic Interface for Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling mechanisms between Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) do not allow for direct transfer of supercritical solutions, requiring depressurization, dissolution, and repressurization steps, which hampers the dynamic coupling of these technologies.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic interface system that connects an extraction device with a chromatographic purification device, maintaining the supercritical state of extracts and allowing metered introduction into the chromatography device, utilizing a container with a piston, pressure, and temperature adjustment mechanisms to facilitate continuous operation between SFE and SFC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current coupling mechanisms are used between SFE and SFC, then the systems can operate independently, but direct transfer of supercritical solutions is not possible requiring depressurization-dissolution-repressurization steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the SFE and SFC systems into a unified continuous flow configuration where the extraction chamber directly connects to the chromatography column. The supercritical fluid stream flows continuously from extraction through separation without interruption, eliminating the need for separate depressurization and repressurization cycles that would otherwise be required when using independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a backpressure regulator as an intermediary component that maintains supercritical conditions throughout the continuous flow path. This regulator acts as a mediator that allows the system to transition from discrete batch operations to continuous flow while maintaining the necessary pressure conditions, enabling direct transfer without phase changes.
2Productivity
If depressurization-dissolution-repressurization steps are used, then transfer between SFE and SFC is possible, but process efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous flow of supercritical fluid from the extraction chamber through the chromatography column and to the detector. The mobile phase continuously carries extracted analytes through the separation medium without interruption, eliminating the cyclic depressurization and repressurization steps that would otherwise be required, thereby maintaining uninterrupted productive action throughout the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with appropriate pressure regulators and flow control mechanisms that maintain supercritical conditions throughout the entire flow path before analysis begins. This preliminary setup ensures that when extraction occurs, the supercritical fluid can flow directly into the chromatography column without requiring subsequent pressure adjustments, thus eliminating time-consuming intermediate steps.
3Extent of automation
If dynamic coupling is implemented between SFE and SFC, then continuous operation is achieved, but system control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors and flow meters that continuously monitor the supercritical fluid conditions throughout the system. This feedback information is used by control valves and pumps to automatically adjust flow rates and maintain optimal pressure conditions, enabling continuous automated operation without manual intervention despite the complexity of maintaining steady-state supercritical conditions throughout the coupled system.
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
Enables direct and continuous coupling of SFE and SFC, eliminating the need for intermediate steps, maintaining the supercritical state of extracts, and improving the efficiency of separation and purification processes, particularly in cannabis compound extraction and purification.
Implementation Method 1
A supercritical fluid is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist. It can diffuse into solids like a gas, and dissolve materials like a liquid.
Implementation Method 2
A supercritical fluid is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist.
Implementation Method 3
Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) is the process of separating one or more component (the extractant) from another (the matrix or mixture) using supercritical fluids, at certain temperatures and pressures, as the extracting solvent.
Implementation Method 4
Chromatography is the collective term for a set of laboratory techniques for the separation of mixtures. The mixture is dissolved in a fluid called the mobile phase, which carries it through a structure holding another material called the stationary phase. The various constituents of the mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to separate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a dynamic interface system between an extraction device and a chromatographic purification device for separating and purifying substance(s) from a mixture or matrix. One embodiment is the Supercritical Fluid Interface (“SFI”) between Supercritical Fluid Extraction (“SFE”), and Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (“SFC”). The SFI is capable of interfacing; gas, subcritical and supercritical fluid extraction methods and pair with gas, subcritical and supercritical fluid chromatography technologies that operate within the pressure and temperature parameters of the SFI. The SFI can operate up to 200 degrees celsius and 5000 psi. This interface technology allows for an inline oil extraction and chromatographic separation, the SFI can pair extraction and chromatography with the same solvent in different mobile phases, whereas the extraction can be performed using CO2 as a solvent in sub-critical phase and the SFI can receive the subcritical solution and then increase pressure and/or temperature to achieve supercritical state as required for injection into supercritical fluid chromatography technologies. The SFI coupling between SFE and SFC can to extract and refine cannabinoids from the cannabis industrious, hemp, plant and can also be applied to improve efficiency in an industry that extracts and refines oils, through chromatography, from organic materials using a gas, or sub/supercritical fluid as a solvent and mobile phase.