Flow governor and limiter disc assembly in an extraction column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-liquid extraction technologies fail to simultaneously control the rate of solvent entering and effluent leaving the extraction column, leading to uneven extraction and pressure imbalances, which can result in poor extraction efficiency and damage to heat-sensitive compounds.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective extraction apparatus with a flow governor assembly and limiter disc system that regulates solvent flow and effluent exit, preventing turbulent solvent surges and maintaining hydraulic pressure, while a trailing cool layer preserves heat-sensitive compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent flow rate is increased to improve extraction efficiency, then productivity increases, but turbulent surges occur causing uneven extraction and poor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The flow governor incorporates a porous disc with controlled porosity that allows solvent to pass through while filtering out turbulent fluctuations. The porous structure dissipates kinetic energy of the incoming solvent surge, converting it into a steady, uniform flow that maintains high extraction efficiency without creating turbulent channels in the coffee bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow governor assembly acts as an intermediary device between the solvent inlet and the coffee bed. It mediates the high-velocity incoming solvent by spreading it uniformly across the coffee surface through a flat well configuration, preventing direct impact and turbulent channeling while maintaining the necessary flow rate for efficient extraction.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure is increased to maintain flow control, then extraction quality improves, but heat-sensitive compounds may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flow governor system changes the pressure distribution parameters from concentrated high-pressure zones to distributed low-pressure zones. By spreading the solvent flow uniformly across the coffee bed, the system achieves effective extraction pressure without creating localized high-pressure spots that could generate excessive heat and damage sensitive compounds.
3Manufacturing precision
If flow control devices are added to regulate solvent and effluent, then extraction uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow governor assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes solvent uniformly, filters turbulent fluctuations, creates a flat well for even flow, and prevents channeling. This multi-functional design achieves excellent extraction uniformity without requiring multiple separate control devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous disc provides passive flow regulation through its inherent physical structure rather than requiring active control mechanisms. The porosity naturally dampens pressure fluctuations and distributes flow uniformly without motors, sensors, or complex electronics, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise flow control.
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 solution ensures efficient and even extraction of compounds, maximizing extraction efficiency and preserving delicate flavors and aromas by controlling solvent flow and pressure, resulting in a more concentrated extract with reduced processing time and improved quality.
Implementation Method 1
the flow governor assembly includes at least a first disc configured to contain and buffer a flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column
Implementation Method 2
the flow governor assembly may include at least a first disc with a first set of perforations so that portions of the solvent pass through the first disc in order to reconstruct the flow of solvent into a non-turbulent surge with a flat surface layer
Implementation Method 3
The limiter disc may be configured to act as a barrier to keep the packed raw materials within the extraction column, while simultaneously allowing the effluent extracted from the raw materials to flow through and exit the extraction column
Implementation Method 4
a trailing cool layer preserves heat-sensitive compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A flow limiter system is provided for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column. The flow limiter system may include a flow governor assembly which contains and buffers a flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column to prevent the flow of pressurized solvent from drilling into the raw materials packed within the extraction column. The flow governor assembly may further include a first disc with a first set of perforations to direct the surge of solvent through the first disc to transform the turbulent surge of solvent into a column of non-turbulent solvent with a flat surface layer that rises up the extraction column evenly and collectively. Additionally, the flow limiter system may also include a limiter disc including a second set of perforations to allow the extracted effluent to flow through the set of perforations and exit the extraction column.