Separator Vessel and Piston Control for CO2 Extract Fractionation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for separating extracts from matrices using extractants are inefficient in fractionating and recovering specific components, particularly in achieving optimal solvent-to-feed ratios for botanical drug substances like cannabinoids from cannabis plants.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an extraction vessel with pistons and porous end assemblies, utilizing supercritical or subcritical fluids to selectively extract and fractionate extracts, with a programmable controller managing pressure, temperature, and flow rates to achieve efficient separation and recovery of botanical drug substances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional extraction systems are used to separate extracts from matrices, then extraction can be performed, but fractionation efficiency and recovery of specific components is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidfractionation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction system is divided into multiple independent extraction chambers, each capable of operating with different extractants and parameters. This segmentation allows simultaneous extraction of different components with optimized conditions for each, improving both overall productivity and the precision of separating specific target compounds from the matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different extraction chambers are configured with locally optimized conditions including specific extractants, temperatures, and pressures tailored to extract particular components. This local quality optimization enables precise fractionation of target compounds while maintaining high extraction efficiency for each specific component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If high solvent-to-feed ratios are used to improve extraction yield, then more extract can be obtained, but the process becomes less efficient and more costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextract yieldVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts extraction parameters including solvent-to-feed ratios, temperature, and pressure based on real-time monitoring of extraction efficiency. This allows optimization of each extraction cycle to achieve high yields with minimal solvent usage, improving overall productivity while maintaining quantity of extract obtained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor extraction progress and automatically adjust parameters such as solvent flow rates and extraction time. This feedback control ensures optimal solvent-to-feed ratios are maintained, preventing waste of solvent while maximizing extract yield and maintaining high extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple extraction steps are performed to achieve good fractionation, then separation quality improves, but process time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation qualityVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple extraction chambers operate in parallel, each performing a different extraction step simultaneously. This parallel segmentation achieves comprehensive fractionation and separation quality equivalent to sequential multi-step processes, but in a single time cycle, significantly reducing total process time while maintaining high separation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges multiple extraction operations into a single integrated system where different extractants and extraction conditions are applied simultaneously in different chambers. This combining of operations achieves thorough fractionation without the time penalty of sequential processing, maintaining separation quality while reducing overall process time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enables high-yield extraction of cannabinoids with minimal non-target compounds, achieving lower solvent-to-feed ratios and efficient fractionation of extracts, improving the recovery of desired botanical drug substances.

Implementation Method 1

a separator piston configured to sealably engage the separator vessel internal surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealable engagement:

Implementation Method 2

a porous end assembly having a porous body which defines a flow path from the extraction chamber to the exterior of the extraction vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorous flow: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS11235261B2Separator for fractional separation of supercritical carbon dioxide extracts

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 KIINJA CORP

AI summary

Generally, an extraction system useful in separating an extract from a matrix using one or more extractants. Specifically, an extractor including one or more of: an extraction vessel having an extractor vessel internal surface which defines an extraction chamber which communicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends, a first piston configured to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel first end or a second piston adapted to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel second end.