Continuous Lignocellulosic Extraction Process with Solvent Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for extracting valuable substances or impurities from lignocellulosic materials are not efficient, cost-effective, or flexible, lacking a comprehensive method for continuous extraction that maximizes yield while minimizing solvent use and process steps.
Innovation Solution
A continuous process involving multiple stages of suspension extraction and pressing, where lignocellulosic material is conveyed into an extractor, formed into a suspension with a solvent, and then separated in a pressing device, with solvent being recycled and reused across stages to enhance extraction efficiency and reduce solvent consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction processes are used, then extraction of valuable substances from lignocellulosic material can be achieved, but the processes are not efficient, cost-effective, or flexible and require excessive solvent use and process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous extraction process where lignocellulosic material is continuously fed into an extractor, mixed with solvent to form a suspension, and processed through the system without interruption. The pressate (solvent containing extracted substances) is continuously circulated back to the extractor, maintaining continuous useful action. This continuous operation improves extraction efficiency while reducing solvent consumption compared to batch processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the pressate (solvent containing extracted substances) by circulating it back to the extractor. Instead of discarding the solvent after one use, it is recovered and reused multiple times, significantly reducing overall solvent consumption. The pressed lignocellulosic material is also recovered as a product with reduced moisture content.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional extraction processes are used, then extraction can be performed, but the number of process steps is excessive and the process lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated continuous process system. The extractor serves as both the mixing vessel and the extraction chamber. The pressing device simultaneously separates the pressate from the lignocellulosic material and prepares it for circulation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate process steps and equipment needed while improving process flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic continuous process where flow rates, mixing intensities, and circulation rates can be adjusted to optimize extraction for different lignocellulosic materials and desired products. The system can adapt to different operating conditions and material types, providing flexibility that batch processes cannot match.
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 process achieves high extraction yields with minimal solvent use, reducing the number of steps and solvent required, and facilitates convective material transport, leading to efficient extraction of valuable substances while maintaining the cellular structure of the lignocellulosic material.
Implementation Method 1
facilitates convective material transport, leading to efficient extraction of valuable substances
Implementation Method 2
facilitates convective material transport, leading to efficient extraction of valuable substances
Implementation Method 3
separating the solvent from the lignocellulosic material by pressing off the solvent from the lignocellulosic material in the pressing device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a process for continuous extraction of lignocellulosic material, the process comprising at least one stage comprising the steps of a) conveying the lignocellulosic material into an extractor, b) forming, in the extractor, a suspension of the lignocellulosic material and a solvent, c) extracting the lignocellulosic material in the extractor with the solvent, d) withdrawing part of the suspension from the extractor and conveying it to a pressing device at a flow rate {dot over (m)}4, e) separating the solvent from the lignocellulosic material by pressing off the solvent from the lignocellulosic material in the pressing device and conveying pressed-off solvent as a pressate to a pressate tank at a flow rate {dot over (m)}7, f) withdrawing pressed lignocellulosic material from the pressing device at a flow rate {dot over (m)}6, g) returning a first part of the pressate from the pressate tank at a flow rate {dot over (m)}8 into the extractor, h) withdrawing a second part of the pressate as an extract from the pressate tank at a flow rate {dot over (m)}9, i) Adding solvent to the lignocellulosic material in any one or more of steps a, b, c, d, e or g at a flow rate {dot over (m)}2.