Pressurized Upflow Extraction Cell for High-TDS Cold Extracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing edible extracts often require high temperatures and multiple extractions, leading to the extraction of undesirable compounds and resulting in weak, flavorless beverages with low total dissolved solids (TDS) content.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for preparing cold extracts using an extraction cell with a cylindrical design, where an extraction medium flows upwards to maintain plug flow and induce pressure, allowing for efficient extraction of desirable compounds without high temperatures or extreme pressures, utilizing a single pass through the extraction material to achieve high TDS content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high temperatures are employed to increase extraction rate, then extraction speed is improved, but undesirable compounds are extracted and beverage quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high to low (cold extraction), and compensates for the reduced extraction rate by extending extraction time and using pressure. This parameter transformation allows achieving high TDS extraction without extracting undesirable heat-sensitive compounds, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction speed and beverage quality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low temperatures are used for extraction, then beverage quality is improved, but TDS content decreases and extract strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressure as a hydraulic parameter to enhance cold extraction. By applying pressure to the extraction system, the solubility and mass transfer rate are improved, enabling high TDS content to be achieved at low temperatures without compromising extract strength, thus resolving the contradiction between beverage quality and TDS content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the extraction time in cold extraction processes to compensate for lower extraction rates. By maintaining continuous extraction action over longer periods, sufficient TDS content is accumulated while preserving beverage quality, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and extract strength.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple rounds of extraction are performed to increase yield, then TDS content is improved, but process complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure enhancement in cold extraction to achieve high TDS content in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple extraction rounds. The pressure-driven mass transfer accelerates solute dissolution rates, allowing complete extraction in one operation, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction yield and time consumption.
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 method produces high TDS content extracts with strong flavor profiles, achieving yields comparable to traditional methods without the drawbacks of high temperatures or multiple extractions, resulting in concentrated, bold-tasting beverages.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell... increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell
Implementation Method 2
steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract
Implementation Method 3
introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell
Data Source
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AI summary
An oriented flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The oriented flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a first portion and a second portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the second portion of the extraction cell; closing the second portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the first portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the first portion of the extraction cell to push extract through second portion of the extraction cell. In some embodiments, the first portion is a bottom portion and the second portion is a top portion of the extraction cell.