Rice Bran Oil and Wax Separation Using Supercritical CO2
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for large-scale rice bran oil production are hindered by high costs, low yields, and the complexity of separating rice bran oil from waxes, often resulting in toxic residues and undesirable components due to the use of solvents like hexane, and the dewaxing process adds to the overall cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method using supercritical CO2 to selectively separate rice bran oil and wax by adjusting pressure and temperature ranges, allowing for the precipitation of each component separately, utilizing the phase changes of CO2 to achieve high yields and avoid toxic residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent extraction using hexane is used, then extraction efficiency is improved, but toxic residues and flammability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the extraction medium by using supercritical CO2 instead of liquid hexane. By adjusting pressure (30-300 bar) and temperature (31-50°C) parameters, CO2 transitions to a supercritical state for extraction, then returns to gaseous state for easy separation, eliminating toxic residue problems while maintaining high extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces CO2 as an intermediary substance that facilitates oil extraction without contaminating the final product. CO2 acts as a temporary carrier that dissolves oil components during extraction, then releases them upon pressure reduction, leaving no harmful residues in the extracted oil
2Manufacturing precision
If dewaxing process is applied to separate waxes from oil, then product purity is improved, but process complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the extraction process into two distinct stages based on solubility differences: first extracting oil at lower pressure (30-300 bar), then extracting waxes at higher pressure (300-500 bar). This segmentation allows simultaneous separation of oil and wax components without requiring additional dewaxing equipment or complex processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses parameter changes (pressure and temperature adjustments) to selectively extract different components at different stages. By varying pressure from 30-300 bar for oil extraction to 300-500 bar for wax extraction, the process achieves component separation through controlled solubility changes rather than complex physical separation methods
3Productivity
If high pressure is used for extraction, then extraction yield is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic action by cycling CO2 through different pressure states: pressurizing to supercritical state for extraction, then rapidly depressurizing to gaseous state for separation. This periodic pressure cycling maximizes extraction yield during high-pressure phases while minimizing energy consumption during low-pressure separation phases
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits phase transitions of CO2 between supercritical and gaseous states to achieve extraction and separation. The phase transition occurs naturally with pressure changes, providing a mechanism to achieve high extraction yield at elevated pressures while requiring minimal energy for the separation phase when pressure is reduced
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 achieves high yields of pure rice bran oil and wax with reduced energy consumption, avoiding toxic residues and simplifying the extraction process, while maintaining the nutritional value of the components.
Implementation Method 1
percolating supercritical CO2 through the extraction vessel at an extraction pressure p1 within a range of 100 and 1000 bar and at an extraction temperature T1 within a range of 35° C. to 120° C. to obtain an extract comprising rice bran oil and rice bran wax solubilized in the supercritical CO2
Implementation Method 2
transferring the supercritical CO2 and the extract from step a) to a first separation vessel and precipitating a first product comprising rice bran oil from a remaining extract by reducing the extraction pressure p1 to a first separation pressure p2
Implementation Method 3
transferring supercritical CO2 and the remaining extract from step b) to a second separation vessel and reducing the first separation pressure p2 to a second separation pressure p3 to precipitate a second product comprising rice bran wax from a gaseous CO2
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the separate extraction of rice bran oil and rice bran wax using supercritical CO2 as extraction medium and including two separation steps involving different predetermined pressure and temperature conditions.