Methods for energy efficient extraction using symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cannabis extraction methods, particularly those using supercritical CO2 and hydrocarbon solvents, are energy-intensive and environmentally impactful, requiring significant energy inputs for temperature and pressure control, which limits their efficiency and scalability in commercial production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange system that integrates a refrigeration circuit with a solvent extraction system to create a thermal gradient, optimizing solvent circulation and reducing energy consumption by recycling and recondensing solvents, thereby enhancing extraction efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional supercritical CO2 or hydrocarbon extraction methods are used, then extraction efficiency can be achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly due to required chilling and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration circuit and solvent extraction circuit into a single integrated system where the refrigerant serves dual purposes: cooling the extraction chamber and driving solvent circulation through phase change. This merging eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling systems, directly reducing energy consumption while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant in the integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cooling agent for the extraction chamber, a heating medium for solvent evaporation through heat exchange, and a driving force for solvent circulation via phase change. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed and lowers overall energy requirements.
2Temperature
If traditional extraction systems with separate heating and cooling systems are used, then temperature control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the refrigeration and extraction circuits into one system where the refrigerant loop serves both thermal regulation and solvent circulation functions. This consolidation reduces the number of independent systems from two (separate heating and cooling) to one integrated platform, simplifying device complexity while maintaining precise temperature control through the refrigerant's phase change mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If open-cycle or non-closed-loop extraction systems are used, then solvent recovery is simpler, but solvent loss and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop system continuously recycles the solvent through evaporation and condensation phases. The refrigerant condenses the evaporated solvent and returns it to the extraction chamber, creating a continuous recovery cycle that minimizes solvent loss while maintaining system simplicity through the integrated design.
4Speed
If high energy input methods are used for solvent circulation, then extraction speed increases, but environmental footprint and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the refrigerant's phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) as the driving force for solvent circulation. During evaporation, the refrigerant absorbs heat and creates a pressure differential that drives solvent movement; during condensation, it releases heat and returns solvent to the extraction chamber. This natural phase-change-driven circulation achieves rapid extraction speeds without requiring high-energy external pumps or heaters, thereby reducing environmental footprint and operational costs.
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 significantly reduces energy input requirements, improves extraction efficiency, and minimizes environmental footprint while maintaining high purity of cannabinoid and terpene concentrates, making it suitable for commercial cannabis extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration circuit capable of creating a thermal gradient to drive solvent within the extraction circuit
Implementation Method 2
symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator, thermally coupled to the solvent tank
Implementation Method 4
a condenser, thermally coupled to the collection tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses systems, devices, and methods for symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange, applicable to processes for extraction of compounds from biological materials, such as cannabis and other plants; said systems, devices, and methods incorporating a closed-cycle refrigeration circuit to provide energy savings and other improvements over existing single loop closed-cycle extraction processes.