Multiple-Stream Pressurized Low Polarity Water Extraction for Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass extraction methods using organic solvents are toxic and inefficient, while pressurized low polarity water systems are limited by sequential processing, restricting the volume of plant material that can be processed within an 8-hour shift.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-stream pressurized low polarity water extraction apparatus with four or more reaction columns, each connected to independent water supply circuits, allowing concurrent processing through four separate water flows for faster and more efficient extraction of phytochemicals from biomass feedstocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential processing is used in pressurized low polarity water extraction systems, then processing time per batch is reduced, but the volume of plant material that can be processed within an 8-hour shift is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the extraction process into multiple independent processing streams by providing four or more reaction columns, each with independent water supply circuits. This allows simultaneous processing of multiple batches in parallel, transforming a single sequential stream into multiple concurrent streams, thereby increasing overall productivity without extending the time each individual batch spends in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension sequential processing approach to a multi-dimensional parallel processing architecture. By adding the dimension of multiple reaction columns operating simultaneously with independent water supply circuits, the system processes multiple batches concurrently, effectively multiplying throughput while maintaining efficient processing time per batch.
2Productivity
If multiple reaction columns with independent water supply circuits are used, then concurrent processing capability is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply circuits are designed to serve multiple reaction columns simultaneously, with each circuit capable of supplying pressurized low polarity water to any of the four or more columns. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve parallel processing capability while avoiding the need for completely separate dedicated circuits for each column, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
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 enables the concurrent processing of multiple batches of biomass, significantly increasing the volume of plant material that can be processed within an 8-hour shift, enhancing efficiency and reducing processing time.
Implementation Method 1
heated pressurized water to temperatures above its boiling point results in alteration of its key properties such as pH and polarity and decreases its dielectric constant to values that approximate those of solvents such as those exemplified by ethanol and methanol
Implementation Method 2
hot-water systems tend to be less efficient than organic solvent-based systems and are able to only extract a portion of the potentially available phytochemicals from plant biomass
Implementation Method 3
heating water under pressure to temperatures above its boiling point results in alteration of its key properties such as pH and polarity and decreases its dielectric constant to values that approximate those of solvents such as those exemplified by ethanol and methanol
Implementation Method 4
pressurized low polarity water (PLPW; also commonly referred to as superheated water, subcritical water, pressurized hot water, compressed hot water)
Implementation Method 5
Such hydrothermal processes cause the catalytic action of hydronium ions from water ionization that occurs during controlled and concurrently increased temperatures and pressures over selected time periods to produce in situ acids such as acetic acid generated from acetyl groups in the plant biomass, that will hydrolyse the polysaccharides and lignins comprising the biomass
Implementation Method 6
acetic acid generated from acetyl groups in the plant biomass, that will hydrolyse the polysaccharides and lignins comprising the biomass thereby releasing and further breaking down biomass into its constituent components
Implementation Method 7
The PLPW system disclosed in CA 2,836,200 provided a number of extraction chambers interconnected to PLPW equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for extraction and recovery of components from biomass feedstocks with pressurized low polarity water. The apparatus is configured with four or more reaction columns, wherein each column is in separate communication with a supply of hot water, a first supply of pressurized heated water, a second supply of pressurized heated water, and a supply of pressurized cooling water. Components may be extracted concurrently from two or more batches of the biomass by, first placing the two batches of biomass into two selected columns, separately flooding the two columns with pressurized water, heating the columns and their contents to the point where the water becomes pressurized low polarity (PLP) water, recovering the PLP water comprising the extracted components from the two selected columns, cooling the columns with PLP water, and removing the spent biomass material from the columns.