Poly-Grain Grind Matrix for Uniform Extraction Column Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-liquid extraction methods fail to effectively prevent channeling of solvents in extraction columns, leading to uneven extraction of raw materials, resulting in poor quality of extracted compounds due to improper packing and lack of control over extraction process parameters.
Innovation Solution
A compact and efficient extraction apparatus with a matrix of raw materials of varying particle sizes, where the particles nest to minimize interstitial spacing, and a method involving grinding raw materials to specific sizes for effective packing and controlling the extraction process through pressurized solvent flow, along with a filtration system to ensure high extraction efficiency and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If raw materials are improperly packed within the extraction column, then the solvent flows through channels of least resistance, but this results in uneven extraction with over-extraction in some areas and under-extraction in other areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution of raw materials within specific ranges (e.g., 0.5-2mm for coffee grounds). By adjusting this physical parameter, the material forms a more uniform packed bed that prevents channeling while maintaining adequate solvent flow, thereby achieving both high extraction efficiency and uniform extraction across all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by ensuring that different regions of the extraction column receive uniform solvent distribution. Through proper particle size control and packing, the packed bed structure creates consistent flow paths throughout the entire column, eliminating localized over-extraction and under-extraction zones and achieving homogeneous extraction quality across all regions.
2Ease of operation
If the solvent flows through channels of least resistance, then the flow path is determined by packing defects, but this causes poor quality effluent with failed extraction of volatiles, solids, and constituents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the raw materials by controlling particle size within specific ranges and using multi-size distributions. This creates a packed bed structure that guides solvent flow through the entire material matrix rather than allowing channeling, ensuring reliable extraction of volatiles, solids, and constituents while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses properly sized and distributed raw material particles as an intermediary structure between the solvent and the extraction targets. This intermediate packed bed acts as a flow distributor that forces solvent to contact all material uniformly, preventing direct channeling and ensuring complete extraction of all constituents.
3Manufacturing precision
If raw materials are ground to pre-selected particle sizes, then particles nest against each other to lessen interstitial spacing, but this requires additional grinding and preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific particle size ranges (e.g., 0.5-2mm) and using multi-size distributions. This controlled parameter approach allows particles to nest efficiently, reducing interstitial spacing and preventing channeling. The solution balances the need for precision with practical processing by specifying achievable size ranges rather than requiring ultra-fine uniformity.
4Productivity
If the matrix of raw materials is properly packed, then the extraction process can be coordinated in strength, intensity, and duration, but this requires precise control of packing density and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls extraction parameters by defining specific particle size ranges that naturally pack to optimal densities. By controlling the physical parameters of the material beforehand, the system achieves coordinated extraction in strength, intensity, and duration without requiring complex real-time control of packing operations, making the process both productive and operationally simple.
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 solution ensures uniform extraction of volatiles, solids, and constituents from raw materials, maintaining the quality and flavor of the extracted compounds by preventing channeling and optimizing the extraction process, achieving a more concentrated extract in less time compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
compounds of a solid mixture, such as compounds in a matrix or bed of raw materials, are isolated by dissolving the desired compounds in an added solvent
Implementation Method 2
distributing a flow of pressurized solvent at the base of the extraction vessel to extract the ground raw materials
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials, also referred to as a poly-grain grind matrix. In some embodiments, the matrix of raw materials may form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. Additionally, the varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.