Guayule Extraction Process Segmentation for High Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art processes for extracting rubber and resin from guayule plants face challenges such as low quality and yield of extracted products, incomplete recovery of resin, contamination issues, and unsuitable bagasse for further utilization, particularly when extracting in a single step using solvents or basic aqueous solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step process involving harvesting, defoliation, controlled preservation, immersion in a basic aqueous solution, grinding, filtration to separate latex, subsequent extraction of resin and rubber using solvent systems, and final removal of solvents to achieve high molecular weight rubber and efficient recovery of all components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-step extraction process using solvents or basic aqueous solutions is used, then the extraction process is simple and fast, but the yield and quality of extracted rubber and resin are low, and contamination issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is divided into multiple sequential steps: (1) treatment with basic aqueous solution to extract latex, (2) treatment with polar organic solvent to extract resin, and (3) treatment with nonpolar organic solvent to extract rubber. Each step targets a specific component, allowing for high-quality extraction of individual products while maintaining overall process efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a single-step extraction process is used, then the process complexity is low, but the recovery of resin is incomplete and contamination issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
Different extraction conditions are applied at different stages of the process. The first step uses a basic aqueous solution (pH 9-12) optimized for latex extraction, the second step uses a polar organic solvent optimized for resin extraction, and the third step uses a nonpolar organic solvent optimized for rubber extraction. Each stage is locally optimized for its specific target component, ensuring complete recovery and high purity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If residual moisture in plant material is reduced below specific values, then the storage stability is improved, but the molecular weight of extracted rubber decreases and extraction efficiency drops
Solution Approach 1:
The plant material is pretreated with a basic aqueous solution before the main extraction steps. This preliminary treatment stabilizes the rubber polymers and prevents degradation during subsequent processing, allowing the material to be stored and processed later while maintaining high molecular weight and extraction efficiency.
4Productivity
If extraction is performed with basic aqueous solution, then latex is effectively extracted, but resin and rubber remain in the bagasse causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process continues through multiple sequential steps rather than stopping after latex extraction. The same bagasse residue is further treated with polar organic solvent to extract resin, then with nonpolar organic solvent to extract rubber. This continuous extraction approach ensures that all valuable components are recovered, preventing contamination in the final latex product.
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 process achieves high yields and quality of latex, rubber, and resin with reduced polydispersity, enabling the production of non-allergenic articles and utilizing bagasse for additional applications, while minimizing residual solvent content in the final products.
Implementation Method 1
immersing said defoliated plants in a basic aqueous solution comprising a stabilising system
Implementation Method 2
immersing said first bagasse in a polar organic solvent to extract resin therefrom
Implementation Method 3
immersing said second bagasse in a nonpolar organic solvent to extract rubber therefrom
Implementation Method 4
comprising a stabilising system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the industrial sector of extracting and processing natural rubber, and other components, from plant material. In particular, the invention relates to a process for extracting latex, resin and rubber from guayule and/or guayule-type plants, which comprises harvest, preservation, mechanical and chemical treatment of the plant parts, which is applicable both in the laboratory and on an industrial scale and is characterised by significantly high yields and high quality of the extracted products.