Parallel Extraction System with Solvent Reclamation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extraction systems are inefficient as they typically extract solute from a single container, leading to bottlenecks, and lack the capability for a closed-loop solvent reclamation and cooling, resulting in wastefulness and lower quality end products.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes multiple detachable canisters for parallel extraction, a closed-loop solvent reclamation process, and a heating element to separate solute and solvent, with a condensing system to cool and collect reclaimed solvent, allowing for efficient reuse and higher purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction systems extract solute from a single container, then the extraction process is simple to operate, but productivity is low due to bottlenecks requiring sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the extraction process into multiple independent stations (first extraction station, second extraction station, etc.), each capable of processing separate containers simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple source materials without requiring a single complex processing line, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-container sequential processing to multi-container parallel processing by adding spatial dimensionality. Multiple extraction stations are arranged to process containers simultaneously, effectively moving from one-dimensional sequential operation to two-dimensional parallel operation, which resolves the bottleneck without significantly increasing operational complexity.
2Loss of substance
If conventional systems do not include solvent reclamation, then the system design is simpler, but substance loss occurs as solvent cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a solvent reclamation system that captures solvent vapor from the extraction process, condenses it back to liquid form, and returns it to the solvent reservoir. This closes the material loop, preventing solvent loss and enabling continuous reuse without significantly complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclamation system creates a feedback loop where used solvent is recovered, purified through condensation, and fed back into the extraction process. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures sustained solvent availability and minimizes substance loss while maintaining a manageable system configuration.
3Volume of stationary object
If solvent is not cooled to liquid state before collection, then the collection process is simpler, but storage efficiency is reduced due to gas phase occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a cooling system that condenses solvent vapor from gas phase to liquid phase before collection and storage. This phase transition dramatically increases storage density, allowing efficient solvent recovery and reuse while the cooling mechanism remains integrated into the existing extraction infrastructure.
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
Enables simultaneous extraction from multiple containers, efficient solvent reclamation, and improved product quality by allowing parallel processing and reusing solvent, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element thermally coupled with the extract container for heating the extract container to a distilling temperature, the distilling temperature being at least a boiling point of the solvent, but below a boiling point of the essential oil, thereby separating, in the extract container, the extraction solution into a post-extraction portion of the essential oil and at least a post-extraction portion of the solvent
Implementation Method 2
there exists a need for extraction systems that cool reclaimed solvent to a liquid state prior to collecting the solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for extracting solute from a source material are shown and described. Each of the systems includes: a solvent source container configured to store a cooled solvent, a canister configured to contain the source material and receive solvent to produce an extract solution, and one or more extract containers in communication configured to receive and distill the extract solution, the solvent source container being configured to receive a post-extraction portion of the solvent. In some examples, the one or more extract containers are first and second extract containers that are each selectively coupleable to the canister and are selectively removable for storage of the extract mixture or the solute. In some other examples, the system further includes a cooling mechanism coupled to the solvent source container for cooling the recycled solvent within the solvent collection container.