Liquid CO2 Extractor With Passive Flow to Avoid Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant biomass extraction methods using mechanical pumps can lead to saturation of the extractant, compromising processing effectiveness and requiring complex apparatus designs.
Innovation Solution
A tabletop, closed-loop system utilizing liquid carbon dioxide as an extractant, facilitated by a thermoelectric chiller and passive flow, which avoids mechanical pumps and ensures efficient extraction without saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical pumps are used to circulate extractant, then flow control is improved, but extractant saturation and processing effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with a thermoelectric chiller system that uses thermal energy to drive fluid circulation. The chiller cools the extractant to create density-driven flow through the extraction chamber, eliminating mechanical moving parts that cause extractant saturation and maintaining continuous fresh extractant circulation for sustained processing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the extractant using a thermoelectric chiller, cooling it to increase density and initiate natural convection flow. This temperature-driven parameter change replaces mechanical pumping while ensuring continuous fresh extractant contact with biomass, preventing saturation and maintaining high processing effectiveness throughout operation.
2Speed
If mechanical pumps are used for extractant circulation, then flow rate is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical pumps with a thermoelectric chiller-based passive circulation system. The chiller cools the extractant to create density differences that drive natural convection flow through the extraction chamber, eliminating complex mechanical pumping components while maintaining effective flow rates through thermal-driven fluid dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service circulation where the cooled extractant naturally flows through the extraction chamber due to density-driven convection currents. The thermoelectric chiller creates the temperature gradient that automatically drives fluid movement without external mechanical intervention, simplifying the overall apparatus design while maintaining reliable flow rates.
3Quantity of substance
If mechanical pumps are used, then extractant circulation is improved, but extractant saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumping with a thermoelectric chiller system that cools the extractant to create continuous circulation through density-driven convection. This ensures fresh, unsaturated extractant constantly contacts the biomass, preventing the saturation that occurs with mechanical pump systems and maintaining high processing effectiveness throughout the extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature parameter of the extractant through cooling, the system creates continuous density-driven circulation that prevents extractant saturation. The cooled extractant maintains higher solubility and continuously renews contact with the biomass, ensuring sustained extraction effectiveness without the saturation problems associated with mechanical pump circulation.
4Device complexity
If a closed-loop system without pumps is used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with a thermoelectric chiller system that uses thermal energy to drive controlled fluid circulation. The chiller's temperature control capability provides precise flow rate regulation through density-driven convection, maintaining effective flow control while eliminating complex mechanical pumping components and simplifying the overall apparatus design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature parameter control via the thermoelectric chiller to regulate extractant flow rates. By adjusting the cooling temperature, the system precisely controls the density gradient and resulting convection current strength, achieving effective flow control in the pump-free closed-loop design and maintaining circulation speeds sufficient for high-quality extraction.
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 achieves effective and efficient extraction of plant components, such as essential oils, while maintaining high quality and selectivity, without the need for mechanical pumps, thus enhancing processing effectiveness and product refinement.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by a thermoelectric chiller
Implementation Method 2
utilizing liquid carbon dioxide as an extractant
Implementation Method 3
A tabletop, closed-loop system utilizing liquid carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a plant biomass extraction apparatus for production of liquid extract from plant biomass, using carbon dioxide, including one or more of: carbon dioxide chiller, extraction chamber, extract collection chamber, at least one valve, and fluid conveyance componentry, configured to define a closed loop for passive, pump-free extract production. Certain embodiments may avoid saturation of the extractant, and the resultant compromise of process effectiveness that may be seen in those apparatus relying on mechanical pump(s) for flow and/or may present a tabletop, closed loop liquid carbon dioxide extraction apparatus for the production of an extract from plant biomass or other matrix.