Phytochemical Extraction Dewaxing With Open-Loop CO2 Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phytochemical extraction systems face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the use of volatile solvents, high costs of traditional refrigeration systems, and limitations in dewaxing processes, particularly with the use of dry ice and vertically stacked columns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phytochemical extraction system utilizing liquid carbon dioxide open-loop refrigeration for cooling, a secondary dewaxing column with CO2 refrigeration, and a pressure-assist manifold to efficiently separate phytochemicals from waxes and lipids, along with a filter spool and decanting-style techniques for effective filtration and solvent recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional refrigeration systems are used for cooling, then cooling function is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a traditional complex refrigeration system and implements it using a simple endothermic chemical reaction (ammonium nitrate dissolution in water) that absorbs heat without requiring compressors, condensers, or other complex refrigeration components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical refrigeration system with a chemical solution-based cooling system, where the endothermic dissolution of ammonium nitrate in water provides the necessary cooling effect, eliminating mechanical moving parts and complex control systems
2Productivity
If volatile solvents are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction system by using supercritical carbon dioxide (achieved through high pressure and temperature) instead of volatile organic solvents, maintaining extraction efficiency while eliminating flammability and toxicity concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon dioxide as an inert, non-flammable, and non-toxic solvent that creates a safe extraction environment, replacing hazardous volatile organic compounds with a substance that does not pose fire or health risks
3Volume of moving object
If vertically stacked columns are used for dewaxing, then space utilization is improved, but system complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the dewaxing process into separate horizontal columns rather than stacking them vertically, allowing each column to be independently operated and maintained, reducing interdependencies and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a horizontal arrangement of columns, changing the spatial dimension from vertical to horizontal, which reduces the height requirement and simplifies the structural support and connection requirements
4Temperature
If dry ice is used for dewaxing, then cooling effect is achieved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from dry ice sublimation and replaces it with a controlled endothermic chemical reaction using ammonium nitrate and water, which provides the necessary low temperature without requiring handling of solid carbon dioxide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available materials (ammonium nitrate and water) to generate the required cooling effect, replacing expensive and logistically complex dry ice with a simple, low-cost chemical solution
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 reduces costs and complexity by eliminating the need for expensive refrigeration systems, enhances safety by avoiding volatile solvents, and improves efficiency through flexible column configurations and controlled temperature modulation, enabling effective separation and recovery of phytochemicals.
Implementation Method 1
liquid carbon dioxide open-loop refrigeration for cooling
Implementation Method 2
liquid carbon dioxide open-loop refrigeration for cooling
Implementation Method 3
pressure-assist manifold to efficiently separate phytochemicals from waxes and lipids
Implementation Method 4
filter spool and decanting-style techniques for effective filtration
Implementation Method 5
decanting-style techniques for effective filtration and solvent recovery
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices for phytochemical extraction. One example extraction system includes two solvent columns, a material column, and a dewaxing column. The solvent columns store and provide solvent for stripping target chemicals from plant material in the material column. The solvent mixed with target chemicals passes into the dewaxing column, where the target chemicals are separated from waxes and lipids. Cooling is applied to elements of the system by way of an open-loop CO2 refrigeration method. Solvent is moved from the solvent columns to the material column by creating a pressure differential between the two solvent columns.