Electrostatic Cannabinoid Extraction for Uniform Residence Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction methods for cannabinoids like THC from cannabis plants are inconsistent due to varying exposure of plant material to water vapor, leading to uneven extraction times and quantities, and lack of precise control over residence time.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a static charging unit to adhere cannabis particles to a plate with an opposite charge, ensuring uniform distribution and controlled residence time, combined with heating and condensation processes to enhance extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batch mode steam distillation is used with variable plant material loading, then the extraction process is simpler to operate, but the extraction uniformity and residence time control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical batch processing system with an electrostatic field-based particle control system. By applying electrostatic charging to particles and using electric fields to control their movement and residence time in the extraction chamber, the system achieves precise residence time control and uniform extraction while maintaining operational simplicity through automated field control rather than manual mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of particles by electrostatic charging, transforming them from neutral to charged entities. This parameter change enables new control mechanisms where residence time and extraction uniformity can be precisely adjusted by modifying electric field parameters (voltage, field strength, duration) rather than relying on mechanical loading variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If plant material is loosely loaded in the chamber, then the ease of loading is improved, but the extraction consistency and residence time control worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical loading control with electrostatic field control. Particles are introduced into the chamber in a loose manner for ease of loading, but once inside, electrostatic fields precisely control their distribution and residence time, ensuring extraction consistency regardless of the initial loose loading state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary electrostatic charging to particles before or during their introduction into the extraction chamber. This preliminary action ensures that particles are immediately subject to controlled electrostatic forces upon entry, maintaining consistent extraction performance even when loaded loosely without requiring precise mechanical arrangement.
3Loss of time
If fixed chamber loading is used, then the residence time control is improved, but the adaptability to different plant material types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through adjustable electrostatic fields that can be modified in real-time based on the specific plant material being processed. Unlike fixed mechanical chambers, the electric field parameters (strength, duration, distribution) can be dynamically adjusted to optimize residence time and extraction efficiency for different material types while maintaining precise temporal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic field system serves multiple functions: it controls particle movement, regulates residence time, ensures uniform distribution, and can be adjusted for different material types. This multi-functionality allows a single chamber design to handle various plant materials with different properties while maintaining consistent residence time control through electrical parameter adjustments.
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
Achieves a more reliable and uniform extraction of cannabinoids by ensuring even distribution and controlled residence time, improving extraction efficiency and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a static charging unit (6), wherein the static charging unit (6) is adapted to statically charge the mixture of substances (4)
Implementation Method 2
the plate (7) having a charge opposite to the static charge of the mixture of substances (4), such that the statically charged mixture of substances (4), or at least components thereof, adheres or is adherable to the plate (7)
Implementation Method 3
The chamber (8) and/or the plate (7) can be heated. The device (1) may have a heating unit for this purpose.
Implementation Method 4
Water vapor is then fed into the bubble, preferably at a temperature of 180° C., which dissolves the essential oil from the plant material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for extracting one or more constituents, in particular THC and/or cannabinoids, from a mixture of substances, the device having a chamber, a plate accommodated in the chamber, at least one nozzle for feeding the mixture of substances into the chamber and a static charging unit, wherein the static charging unit is arranged to statically charge the mixture of substances, wherein the plate has a charge opposite to the static charge of the mixture of substances, so that the statically charged mixture of substances, or at least components thereof, adheres or is adherable to the plate. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.