Hand-Sealed Extraction Vessel for 5,000 psi Supercritical CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercritical fluid extraction vessels face challenges in scaling production safely and efficiently due to high pressure requirements, leading to increased labor and manufacturing costs, as well as safety and liability concerns, while existing designs often compromise vessel integrity with multiple welds and complex operation procedures.
Innovation Solution
The design of an extraction vessel with a reaction chamber featuring external ACME threading and inset grooves, a water jacket for separate pressurization and temperature control, and a closure mechanism with a gasket, plug, and cap ring for hand closure, allowing for safe and efficient operation and manufacturing of larger capacity vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple welds are used in reaction chamber design, then vessel capacity and strength are improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reaction chamber segments into a single welded structure, merging several components into one integrated vessel. This reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps while maintaining the required strength through strategic welding at critical joints, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity without compromising structural integrity.
2Reliability
If traditional closure mechanisms are used, then sealing capability is improved, but operation complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a closure plate with gasket for sealing, a separate locking mechanism with set screws, and an integrated pressure relief valve. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying operation while maintaining reliable sealing through the gasketed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve is integrated into the closure mechanism itself, allowing it to automatically release pressure when thresholds are exceeded without requiring external intervention. This self-service feature enhances safety and reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need for separate pressure monitoring and manual relief systems.
3Productivity
If larger vessel capacity is implemented, then production efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs and shipping difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction chamber is designed as a segmented structure that can be manufactured in smaller sections and then welded together to form larger capacity vessels. This modular approach allows manufacturers to produce vessels of various sizes using standardized components, reducing overall manufacturing costs and facilitating easier shipping of individual segments that can be assembled on-site or in controlled environments.
4Productivity
If high pressure operation is maintained, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety risks and liability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel incorporates pre-designed pressure relief valves and burst disks that are set to activate at predetermined pressure thresholds. These safety features are installed and configured before operation, automatically preventing pressure from reaching dangerous levels. This preliminary action approach allows the system to operate at high pressures for efficient extraction while having built-in protective measures already in place to mitigate safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasketed sealing interface acts as an intermediary between the high-pressure internal environment and the external atmosphere. The elastomeric gasket provides a compliant sealing surface that can accommodate slight variations in chamber dimensions while maintaining secure sealing at high pressures, thereby enabling efficient extraction operations without compromising safety through proper sealing.
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 solution enables the safe and cost-efficient operation of high-pressure extraction vessels with reduced labor costs and enhanced safety, allowing for larger capacities and easier manufacturing while maintaining vessel integrity, thus addressing the challenges of scaling supercritical fluid extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a water jacket affixed to the reaction chamber capable of separate pressurization and temperature maintenance
Implementation Method 2
the near-liquid density of supercritical fluid increases the interactions between the substrate and the carbon dioxide, and the gas-like properties of the supercritical carbon dioxide allow for mass transfer capabilities. The oil content can then dissolve into the liquid carbon dioxide.
Implementation Method 3
the carbon dioxide is brought back to a lower pressure and evaporates into a gaseous state, leaving an extracted oil product
Implementation Method 4
Supercritical fluid extraction separates an extractant from a matrix using ahyper supercritical fluid as a solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods to extract a desired product from organic matter using supercritical fluid extraction processes are described herein. The extraction vessel generally includes a reaction chamber, a water jacket affixed to the reaction chamber capable of separate pressurization, and a closure mechanism with a gasket, a plug, and a cap ring with ACME threading. The extraction vessel may be sealed by hand closure without a need for additional tools to create a seal able to withstand pressures up to 5,000 psi.