Reconfigurable Liquid Extraction System for Multiple Product Grades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for producing liquid extracts from solid raw materials typically only produce a single product at a time, limiting the potential for multiple product grades from a single source.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a primary and secondary extraction pathway, with a displaceable fluidic pathway segment and a movable solid body, to produce multiple liquid extracts from a solid raw material by adjusting the fluidic configuration and using mechanical compression to extract additional products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single extraction pathway is used, then the system is simple to operate, but only one liquid extract can be produced at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction pathway is divided into multiple segments (first fluidic pathway segment, second fluidic pathway segment, displaceable fluidic pathway segment) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different extraction modes (primary and secondary pathways) to produce multiple liquid extracts from a single system, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The displaceable fluidic pathway segment can be moved between different positions to dynamically reconfigure the extraction pathway. When positioned in the first position, it enables primary extraction; when positioned in the second position, it enables secondary extraction with the movable solid body. This dynamic reconfiguration allows multiple products from a single system without permanent complex infrastructure.
2Productivity
If only primary extraction is performed, then the process is simple, but additional products cannot be obtained from the same raw material
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous useful action by sequentially executing primary extraction followed by secondary extraction without interrupting the overall production flow. The displaceable fluidic pathway segment enables transition between extraction stages, allowing the system to continuously produce multiple liquid extracts (first and second liquid extracts) from the same raw material bed, maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
After primary extraction, the raw material would normally be discarded or require separate processing. However, the system recovers additional value by performing secondary extraction on the same raw material using the displaceable fluidic pathway segment and movable solid body, producing a second liquid extract. This recovers additional products from material that would otherwise be underutilized.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable solid body is introduced for compression, then additional liquid extract can be produced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable solid body serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to displace the fluidic pathway segment, it compresses the raw material for secondary extraction, and it can be repositioned to enable or disable different extraction modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, making the added complexity more manageable while providing versatile extraction capabilities.
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 the continuous production of multiple grades of liquid extracts and a solid dry product from a single system, improving operational efficiency and economic viability by maximizing product diversity and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
extending a solid body to make contact with the portion of displaced raw material such that the solid body compresses the portion of displaced raw material to produce a compressed raw material and a second liquid extract
Implementation Method 2
establishing a flow of a solvent through a bed of the solid raw material within a primary extraction pathway to produce a first liquid extract
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally related to systems and methods for producing liquid extracts from a solid raw material, as well as related equipment. Certain aspects are related to the production of multiple liquid extract products using a single system by adjusting one or more displaceable fluidic pathway segments within the system to switch between first and second (or more) extraction configurations. In certain embodiments, a first liquid extract can be produced when the displaceable fluidic pathway segment is in a first configuration, and a second liquid extract (different from the first liquid extract) can be produced when the displaceable fluidic pathway segment in in a second configuration (different from the first configuration).