Hydrocarbon Extraction Saturated Liquid-Vapor Mixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting oils from botanical materials using hydrocarbons face issues such as solvent channeling, high impurity content, and the need for external cooling agents like liquid nitrogen, which complicates the extraction process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a high-pressure hydrocarbon extraction system that creates a saturated liquid-vapor mixture of propane or butane, allowing for efficient solvent flow and minimizing impurities by eliminating solvent channeling and eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen through subcooling and auto-refrigeration, enabling continuous operation with reduced solvent volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional hydrocarbon extraction methods are used, then extraction can be performed, but solvent channeling occurs and impurity content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the hydrocarbon solvent by pressurizing it to supercritical or near-supercritical states, then rapidly expanding it through a valve to create a saturated liquid-vapor mixture. This parameter change transforms the solvent from a conventional liquid state to a two-phase state that prevents channeling and reduces impurity content while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the hydrocarbon solvent, transitioning it from liquid to vapor through pressure reduction and expansion. This phase transition creates a saturated liquid-vapor mixture that enhances solvent distribution throughout the botanical material, eliminating channeling and improving extraction quality.
2Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used for cooling, then extraction can proceed, but device complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service cooling where the expansion of the hydrocarbon solvent through the valve automatically produces the necessary cooling effect without requiring external cooling agents like liquid nitrogen. The solvent cools itself through the expansion process, eliminating the need for complex external cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen and external cooling systems by incorporating the cooling function directly into the solvent expansion process. This removal of unnecessary components simplifies the device and improves efficiency while maintaining effective cooling.
3Productivity
If high-pressure hydrocarbon extraction is used, then extraction efficiency increases, but pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by using the natural expansion of compressed gas through a valve to achieve pressure reduction and cooling. This pneumatic approach simplifies pressure control compared to complex hydraulic or mechanical systems, as it leverages the inherent properties of gas expansion to provide both pressure reduction and cooling effects simultaneously.
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 approach increases extraction efficiency, reduces impurity content, and allows for the production of high-quality botanical extracts with improved cannabinoid yields, such as Cannabidiol-Acid, while minimizing solvent usage and eliminating the need for nitrogen injection.
Implementation Method 1
the solvent is capable of dissolving cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic amides, and sterols to create a full-spectrum extract
Implementation Method 2
a heater for providing heat to the extraction basin in order to boil off the hydrocarbon solvent from the saturated liquid-vapor mixture
Implementation Method 3
a condenser for cooling the compressed hydrocarbon solvent
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for extraction of oils from botanical material using high-pressure hydrocarbons such as propane, or butane, or mixtures thereof are described. A high-pressure propane or butane saturated liquid/vapor mixture formed by pressure reduction through a valve placed before an extraction column, thereby serving as an expansion port was employed. The apparatus is capable of both continuous liquid extraction or batch-style liquid operation through the use of a manifold valve, which directs the solvent liquid/vapor in the system to either a supply tank or an extraction column.