Horizontal axis rotary separation apparatus and process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extraction and separation methods for resinous compounds from plants are inefficient in preserving volatile and oxidation-sensitive compounds, often introducing undesired substances and struggling with the separation of sticky resin-bearing trichomes from plant matter, especially as trichomes vary in size and are difficult to separate from bulk plant material.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal axis rotary separation apparatus with a cylindrical chamber and rotating filter support frame, using a removable filter member and a rotary drive system, which allows for the introduction of fluids like water, dry ice, or liquid carbon dioxide to facilitate the separation of resinous compounds by tumbling and freezing plant matter to fragment and separate trichomes effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction methods are used to extract resinous compounds, then extraction efficiency is improved, but volatile and oxidation-sensitive compounds are degraded and undesired substances are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the extraction medium by using supercritical carbon dioxide (temperature above 31.1°C and pressure above 73.8 atm) instead of conventional solvents. This parameter change allows efficient extraction while avoiding degradation of sensitive compounds, as supercritical CO2 is gentler and can be easily returned to gaseous state for separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of carbon dioxide between supercritical and gaseous states. By controlling pressure and temperature, CO2 transitions to a supercritical state for extraction, then returns to gaseous state for easy separation from the extract, avoiding the need for complex solvent removal processes that could degrade sensitive compounds.
2Manufacturing precision
If physical separation by dry or wet sieving processes is used to separate resin-bearing trichomes from plant matter, then separation is achieved, but plant matter fragments are generated due to mechanical force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical separation systems (sieving, grinding, chopping) with a chemical/biochemical system using supercritical fluid extraction. The supercritical CO2 selectively dissolves resinous compounds from intact trichomes without requiring mechanical breakdown, thus preventing fragment generation while achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces supercritical carbon dioxide as an intermediary medium that facilitates the separation of resinous compounds from plant matter. The supercritical CO2 acts as a selective solvent that extracts desired compounds without requiring direct mechanical contact or fragmentation of the plant material.
3Productivity
If larger mesh sizes are used in filter members to allow tumbling motion, then separation efficiency is improved, but resolution of smaller trichomes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration systems with varying mesh sizes with a supercritical fluid extraction system. The separation is achieved through selective solubility in supercritical CO2 rather than physical filtration, eliminating the need to compromise between mesh size and resolution. All trichome sizes can be effectively extracted without mechanical screening.
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 method enables rapid and efficient separation of resinous compounds while minimizing the introduction of undesired substances, preserving volatile compounds, and effectively separating trichomes from plant matter, even when trichomes vary in size, thereby improving the yield and quality of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary drive means adapted to rotate the opposing ends of the rotary support frame in the first and second circular end plates
Implementation Method 2
using a removable filter member and a rotary drive system, which allows for the introduction of fluids like water, dry ice, or liquid carbon dioxide to facilitate the separation of resinous compounds by tumbling and freezing plant matter to fragment and separate trichomes effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal axis rotary separation apparatus is deployed in a process for separating resinous trichomes rich in flavoring, aromatic and/or medicinal components produced in plant trichome glands from unwanted plant matter. The process physically separates resin rich beads at the trichome gland head from extraneous plant matter by one or move separation sieves. The sieves are provided in or as a casing over a rigid frame member. The sieves are mesh fabric bags or screen that are easily opened and replenished in a batch operating mode, and are removable from the frame for cleaning and maintenance. Other aspects of the invention include processes that improve process efficiency and speed, and yield products of superior quality.