Solid/Liquid Extraction Using Fluorinated Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting unsaponifiables from vegetable oils using aliphatic solvents like hexane are inefficient, toxic, and pose handling risks, with unsatisfactory yields and selectivity, and require multiple steps, whereas there is a need for a more economical, direct, and environmentally friendly process that uses less toxic solvents with comparable or superior performance.
Innovation Solution
The process employs a solvent system comprising fluorinated aromatic solvents, tert-butyl ethers, and silicon-containing solvents such as trifluorotoluene, hexafluorobenzene, and hexamethyldisiloxane, which allows for the extraction of oils with high unsaponifiable content, using a combination of solid/liquid extraction and subsequent hydro-alcoholic solution transformation to separate unsaponifiable fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional aliphatic solvents like hexane are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but toxicity and handling dangers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction solvent from conventional aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane) to fluorinated aromatic solvents (trifluorotoluene, hexafluorobenzene) and tert-butyl ethers. This parameter change maintains extraction efficiency while eliminating CMR classification and reducing toxicity, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solvents that can be easily removed and do not require complex recovery systems. The fluorinated aromatic solvents and tert-butyl ethers have favorable evaporation characteristics, allowing simple removal without sophisticated equipment, thus reducing both toxicity exposure and operational complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple extraction steps are used to improve selectivity, then extraction quality improves, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorinated aromatic solvents and tert-butyl ethers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they extract oils efficiently, selectively solubilize unsaponifiable matter, and can be easily removed. This multi-functionality achieves high extraction quality in a single step, eliminating the need for multiple sequential operations and reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses these specialized solvents as intermediary substances that facilitate the selective extraction of unsaponifiable fractions. The solvents act as mediators between the solid vegetable material and the target compounds, enabling selective extraction without requiring complex multi-step purification sequences.
3Speed
If conventional solvents are used, then extraction speed is maintained, but environmental friendliness and safety decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameters to fluorinated aromatic compounds and tert-butyl ethers that maintain appropriate boiling points and extraction kinetics for fast extraction, while being non-CMR classified and environmentally friendlier. This parameter substitution resolves the contradiction between extraction speed and environmental safety.
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 results in a more economical, direct, and environmentally friendly method that achieves yields and selectivity comparable or superior to conventional processes, while minimizing toxicity and solvent usage, and produces oils or unsaponifiable fractions with high unsaponifiable content, free from CMR-classified solvents.
Implementation Method 1
solid/liquid extraction of at least one solid plant material or microorganism by a first solvent system comprising a solvent content selected from the following
Implementation Method 2
extraction of the hydro-alcoholic solution in which the fatty fraction is separated from the unsaponifiable fraction by liquid/liquid extraction or by distillation
Implementation Method 3
extraction of the hydro-alcoholic solution in which the fatty fraction is separated from the unsaponifiable fraction by liquid/liquid extraction or by distillation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solid/liquid extraction process for an oil or butter, particularly one having a high unsaponifiable content, contained in at least one solid plant material or microorganism, comprising at least the following steps: - solid/liquid extraction of at least one solid plant material or microorganism by a first solvent system comprising a solvent content selected from fluorinated aromatic solvents, in particular trifluorotoluene (BTF) and hexafluorobenzene (BHF), tert-butyl ethers, in particular 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropane, also called ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), solvents comprising at least one silicon atom, in particular hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) and tetramethylsilane (TMS), methyl tetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), and mixtures thereof, of at least 50% by volume relative to the total volume of the solvent system,and - possibly recovery of a fraction comprising the oil or butter, in particular enriched in unsaponifiable matter, an oil, butter or unsaponifiable fraction obtained by said process and compositions comprising said oil or fraction.