High-Pressure Extractor With Pistons for Selective Botanical Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extraction systems face challenges in efficiently separating extracts from matrices using extractants, particularly in achieving optimal solvating power and selectivity, especially when dealing with botanical drug substances like cannabinoids from cannabis plant material.
Innovation Solution
The extraction system employs an extraction vessel with a cylindrical design and porous end assemblies, utilizing supercritical or subcritical fluids to create specific conditions for efficient extraction, with pistons and actuators managing fluid flow and pressure to achieve desired extraction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supercritical or subcritical fluids are used for extraction, then solvating power and selectivity are improved, but equipment complexity and pressure control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes changes in pressure and temperature parameters to transition extractants between subcritical and supercritical states, thereby adjusting solvating power and selectivity. The extractor is designed to maintain controlled pressure conditions within the range of 0.5 to 20.0 MPa, allowing efficient extraction while managing equipment complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
2Productivity
If high pressure is applied to achieve optimal extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits phase transitions of the extractant between liquid, supercritical, and subcritical states to achieve efficient extraction at moderate pressures. By controlling pressure and temperature to induce phase transitions, the system achieves high extraction efficiency without requiring excessively high pressures, thereby reducing energy consumption and safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction process employs periodic cycles of pressurization and depressurization, along with alternating extraction and regeneration phases. This periodic action allows the system to achieve cumulative extraction efficiency while recovering energy during pressure cycling, reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-pressure operation.
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 system allows for selective extraction of botanical drug substances with high yields, achieving lower solvent-to-feed ratios and maintaining control over temperature and pressure to optimize extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
separating an extract from a matrix using one or more extractants
Implementation Method 2
utilizing supercritical or subcritical fluids to create specific conditions for efficient extraction
Implementation Method 3
High pressure extraction of a matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, an extraction system useful in separating an extract from a matrix using one or more extractants. Specifically, an extractor including one or more of: an extraction vessel having an extractor vessel internal surface which defines an extraction chamber which communicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends, a first piston configured to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel first end or a second piston adapted to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel second end.