Plant Oil Extraction System with Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plant oil extraction methods are complex and costly, requiring solvent mixing and high temperatures, making them unsuitable for non-industrial settings like cosmetics laboratories or consumer use, and there is a need for a simpler, more efficient process that maintains the solvent at a cooler temperature for optimal extraction.
Innovation Solution
A plant oil extraction system comprising an extraction vessel, a separator vessel, and an expansion filter, using hydrocarbon solvents with a computer-based temperature control assembly to regulate the solvent temperature between 25-degrees Fahrenheit and 30-degrees Fahrenheit, optimizing oil extraction efficiency and solvent recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperatures are used in extraction, then oil extraction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and solvent denaturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature to lower temperature range (25-30°F for solvent, extraction temperature maintained below solvent boiling point), achieving optimal extraction efficiency while reducing energy consumption and preventing solvent denaturation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of hydrocarbon solvent from liquid to gas state during extraction, then condenses it back to liquid for recovery and recycling, enabling efficient extraction at lower temperatures with complete solvent recovery
2Productivity
If complex solvent mixing processes are used, then extraction efficiency is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex solvent mixing step from the traditional extraction process, using a single hydrocarbon solvent that naturally achieves optimal extraction efficiency without requiring mixing with other solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocarbon solvent performs multiple functions automatically: it extracts oil from plant material, then through phase transition and condensation, purifies itself and is recovered for recycling, eliminating the need for complex external processing
3Productivity
If traditional extraction methods are used, then oil extraction is achieved, but solvent recovery and recycling are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition of the hydrocarbon solvent from liquid to gas during extraction, then condenses the gas back to liquid in a condenser, achieving complete solvent recovery and enabling continuous recycling with minimal loss
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the solvent after extraction, the patent recovers it through condensation of vapor and implements a recycling system that returns the condensed solvent to the extraction vessel for continuous use
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 enables efficient and cost-effective plant oil extraction in non-industrial settings by maintaining a cooler solvent temperature, enhancing oil recovery and reducing energy consumption while minimizing solvent exposure and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A cooling device is operationally connected to the extraction vessel and the computer-based temperature control assembly, allowing cooling of the liquid solvent admitted into the extractor vessel to a temperature between 25-degrees Fahrenheit and 30-degrees Fahrenheit
Implementation Method 2
A separator thermal jacket envelopes the separator vessel and receives heating medium therein, which causes vaporization of the solvent during the plant oil separation process
Implementation Method 3
A solvent expansion filter is mounted downstream of the separator vessel, filtering the solvent before it is re-circulated in the system. An upright stand supports the extraction vessel, the separator vessel, and the expansion filter vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand, a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel, and an expansion filter vessel mounted downstream from the separator vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A computer-based temperature control assembly having a cooling device and a jacketed injection coil regulates temperature of the solvent delivered to the extraction assembly. A thermal jacket is mounted on each of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel, with the thermal jackets supplying heat and cold to the interior of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel and helping evaporate and condense the solvent.