Portable Subcritical Fluid Extraction Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction devices using supercritical fluids require high pressure and low temperature conditions, leading to high costs and making them non-portable due to the need for cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable extraction device utilizing a subcritical fluid that operates at relatively low pressure, comprising an extractor, evaporator, temperature adjusting element, pump, and condenser, allowing for efficient extraction and separation of constituents without the need for high-pressure equipment or cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supercritical fluid extraction is used, then extraction efficiency is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase due to high pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from supercritical conditions (high pressure above critical pressure) to subcritical conditions (pressure below critical pressure but above vapor pressure). This allows the extraction fluid to remain in liquid state with good solubility power while avoiding the need for high-pressure equipment, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses volatile solvents that can be easily evaporated and discarded after extraction. The solvent is applied in liquid form for extraction, then completely evaporated in the evaporation chamber, leaving no residue and eliminating the need for complex solvent recovery systems, thereby reducing equipment complexity
2Device complexity
If subcritical fluid extraction is used, then equipment cost is reduced, but temperature control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from a complex cooling system and replaces it with a simple heating and evaporation approach. The volatile solvent naturally evaporates at low temperatures, and the evaporation process itself provides the separation mechanism, eliminating the need for complex temperature control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems with thermal evaporation processes. The volatile solvent's natural evaporation characteristics are utilized to achieve separation without requiring complex mechanical temperature control equipment, thus simplifying the overall system
3Object-affected harmful factors
If volatile solvents are used, then safety is improved, but temperature control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase transition of volatile solvents from liquid to vapor. The solvent is applied in liquid form for extraction, then heated to evaporate completely in the evaporation chamber. This phase transition provides both safety (volatile solvents are less hazardous) and separation (vapor leaves behind extracted compounds), while the evaporation process itself serves as the temperature control mechanism
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 device enables efficient extraction of constituents under low pressure conditions, reducing operational costs and allowing for portability, while maintaining effective separation processes.
Implementation Method 1
the constituent in the substance will be dissolved into the extraction fluid under a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
heats the extraction fluid including the constituent so as to gasify the extraction fluid and therefore separate the constituent from the gasified extraction fluid
Implementation Method 3
liquefies the extraction fluid, and transmits the liquefied extraction fluid to the extractor via second pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a portable extraction device for extracting at least one constituent from a substance by an extraction fluid. The extraction device comprises at least one pump, an extractor, an evaporator, and a condenser. The substance and the extraction fluid are placed and mixed in the extractor. The extraction fluid is a subcritical fluid. The constituent in the substance will be dissolved in the extraction fluid under a predetermined pressure and temperature. The evaporator receives the extraction fluid including the constituent from the extractor, and heats the extraction fluid including the constituent to gasify the extraction fluid and separate the constituent from the gasified extraction fluid. The condenser receives the gasified extraction fluid via a first pipe, liquefies the gasified extraction fluid, and transmits the liquefied extraction fluid to the extractor via a second pipe. The extractor, the evaporator, and the condenser are operated under constant pressure.