Solvent Extraction Pressure Control and Heat Pump Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solvent extraction and recovery systems face challenges such as solvent residue in end products, high energy costs due to tightly controlled temperature and pressure requirements, and solute deposition issues, particularly with viscous solutes, which lead to operational inefficiencies and machinery fouling.
Innovation Solution
The system increases the pressure of the solvent/solute mixture above saturation conditions to reduce solute precipitation, isolates process conditions for efficient separation, and uses a heat pump with a conventional refrigerant to maintain efficient energy transfer, allowing ambient temperature variations and reducing design and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If supercritical carbon dioxide is used for extraction, then solvent residue in end products is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to high pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the solvent/solute mixture to above saturation conditions but below critical pressure, avoiding the need for high-pressure supercritical conditions while maintaining extraction effectiveness and reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the extraction process from the phase change process, allowing extraction to occur at moderate pressures while phase change and separation occur at different pressure conditions, reducing overall energy requirements
2Productivity
If tightly controlled temperature and pressure values are maintained throughout the process, then extraction efficiency is improved, but design and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into distinct zones: an extraction chamber where ambient temperature variations are permitted, and a separation system where precise temperature and pressure control is maintained, reducing overall system complexity while preserving extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system are assigned different control requirements: the extraction chamber allows ambient temperature fluctuations while the separation section maintains controlled conditions, optimizing both efficiency and cost
3Reliability
If additional energy is introduced into the extraction chamber, then solvent recovery efficiency is improved, but energy savings from heat pump are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the heat pump to recover energy from the solvent vapor condensation process and automatically applies this energy to the extraction chamber, making the system self-sufficient and maximizing energy savings while maintaining recovery efficiency
4Productivity
If viscous solute is processed, then extraction completeness is improved, but solute deposition in machinery increases causing fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the pressure of the solvent/solute mixture to above saturation conditions, which maintains the solute in solution during transfer and prevents premature precipitation and deposition in the vaporizer and separator, allowing complete processing of viscous solutes without fouling
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies pressure increase before the phase change occurs, preventing solute precipitation in advance and avoiding fouling problems that would otherwise require cleaning and maintenance
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 minimizes solute precipitation, extends machinery longevity, reduces energy consumption, and lowers costs by allowing ambient temperature fluctuations in the extraction process while maintaining efficient separation and solvent recovery.
Implementation Method 1
A solute is extracted from a sample in an extraction chamber using a dense gas solvent, thereby creating a solvent/solute mixture
Implementation Method 2
A first pump device is fluidly coupled with an output of the extraction chamber and is operable to output a pressure that is higher than the first pressure
Implementation Method 3
A solvent vaporization chamber is fluidly coupled with an output of the first pump
Implementation Method 4
A separator is fluidly coupled with the solvent vaporization chamber and separates the dense gas solvent from the solute
Implementation Method 5
A first solvent condensation chamber fluidly is coupled with an output of the separator
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving dense gas solvent extraction of a solute and recovery of the solvent are provided. A pressure of the solvent/solute mixture obtained from an extraction chamber is increased, e.g. with a pump, thereby providing the mixture above saturation conditions. The increased pressure provides greater solubility of the solute and less solvent being vaporized in a heat exchanger. A buildup of solute in the system is reduced, thus improving system longevity. Also, process conditions of the separation process are isolated from those of the extraction process. Accordingly, the process conditions for the separating process are maintained while the process conditions of the extraction chamber vary with ambient temperature, thus saving cost and energy. This isolation also provides an ability to use, in the gas recovery cycle, a heat pump that can be used for many applications and environmental conditions while still using a conventional refrigerant.