Supercritical CO2 Extraction System for Hemp Oil Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing plant oils from biomass feedstocks like industrial hemp struggle to produce a clean organic stream free from waxes and terpenes, which is essential for pharmaceutical and neutraceutical applications.
Innovation Solution
A plant oil extraction system utilizing a continuous-flow process with supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, followed by membrane separation and OSN, to separate and purify CBD oil, ensuring the removal of waxes and terpenes, and achieving high purity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional extraction methods are used to obtain plant oils from biomass, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but the organic stream contains unwanted impurities such as waxes and terpenes
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction process is divided into multiple sequential stages: initial extraction with supercritical CO2, followed by selective winterization, then membrane filtration, and finally distillation. Each stage targets specific impurities (waxes, terpenes, chlorophyll) separately, achieving high purity through progressive refinement rather than attempting single-step removal of all contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
Food-grade filters and membranes are introduced as intermediary components between extraction and final product. These filters act as selective barriers that physically block wax and terpene molecules while allowing CBD and other desired compounds to pass through, providing a mechanical solution to chemical separation problems
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive purification steps are applied to remove waxes and terpenes, then purity of CBD oil is improved, but processing time and loss of valuable compounds increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts critical parameters including temperature (maintained between 38-45°C to prevent degradation), pressure (controlled during supercritical extraction and winterization), and flow rates through membranes. By optimizing these parameters within narrow ranges, the process achieves high purity while minimizing processing time and preventing loss of heat-sensitive CBD compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction and purification system operates continuously rather than in batch mode. Supercritical CO2 flows continuously through the biomass, and purified extract continuously passes through winterization and membrane filtration stages. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between batches and maintains consistent purification quality throughout the process
3Productivity
If high temperatures are used during extraction and purification, then extraction efficiency is improved, but degradation of sensitive compounds like CBD occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits phase transitions of CO2 and target compounds to achieve extraction without thermal degradation. Supercritical CO2 (achieved through pressure-induced phase change rather than heating) serves as the extraction medium. During winterization, controlled cooling causes waxes to crystallize and separate from the extract. These phase changes enable efficient separation at low temperatures, preserving CBD integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical and physical separation methods replace thermal processing steps. Supercritical fluid extraction replaces heat-based solvent extraction. Membrane filtration replaces heat-based distillation for initial separation. Winterization uses controlled cooling and crystallization instead of thermal precipitation. These mechanical/physical methods achieve separation efficiency without exposing compounds to degrading temperatures
4Manufacturing precision
If membrane filtration and OSN are used to separate crude oils from supercritical CO2, then removal of waxes and terpenes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane filtration system performs multiple purification functions simultaneously: it removes waxes, terpenes, and other impurities in a single pass through the membrane. The same membrane structure that provides physical filtration also acts as a selective barrier based on molecular size and polarity. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate treatment steps into one integrated component, making the increased complexity worthwhile
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 system effectively produces a clean organic stream with high purity CBD oil, capable of processing large volumes efficiently, minimizing heating effects and maintaining control over extraction time and temperature, while ensuring the removal of impurities like waxes and terpenes.
Implementation Method 1
A plant oil extraction system utilizing a continuous-flow process with supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
Implementation Method 2
extracting a product from the biomass by contacting the biomass in the extraction vessel with a solvent and carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
membrane separation and OSN, to separate and purify CBD oil
Implementation Method 4
The filtration module may include an OSN (organic solvent nanoseparation) in an integrated membrane separation process
Data Source
AI summary
A plant oil extraction device includes one or modules for extraction of a product, e.g., oil, from a plant biomass. Various embodiments of the plant oil extraction device are described that include one or more features for producing a clean organic stream, free from waxes and terpenes, from biomass feedstocks such as industrial hemp. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.