Solvent Extraction Using Pressure Differential and Jacketed Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent extraction processes for oils from plant and animal materials are not energy and cost efficient, especially when dealing with temperature-sensitive oils, and require further processing to remove entrained solvents.
Innovation Solution
A process using a condensation/storage vessel, reactor vessel, and vaporization/separation vessel with outer jackets for heating and cooling fluids to control pressure and temperature, allowing for the efficient extraction of oils with a normally gaseous solvent like propane, utilizing pressure differentials and vacuum techniques to separate and recycle the solvent, while maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction processes are used to extract oils from plant and animal materials, then oil extraction can be achieved, but the process is not energy and cost efficient and requires further processing to remove entrained solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the solvent between liquid and vapor states through controlled heating and cooling cycles. The solvent is heated to vaporize and extract oils, then cooled to condense and separate from the extracted material, eliminating the need for additional solvent removal processing and improving energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (temperature and pressure) of the solvent to control its phase state. By cycling between heated (vapor) and cooled (liquid) states, the process optimizes extraction efficiency while reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for further solvent removal
2Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction processes are used, then oil extraction can be achieved, but temperature-sensitive oils are damaged and further processing is required to remove entrained solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase transitions of the solvent rather than direct heating of the oil-bearing material. The solvent vapor extracts oils at controlled temperatures, and subsequent cooling condenses the solvent away from the extracted material, preserving temperature-sensitive oil components while maintaining extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent acts as an intermediary carrier that transfers oil from the material without direct thermal exposure. The solvent vapor extracts the oil and then condenses separately, allowing temperature-sensitive oils to be extracted without direct heat damage
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 process enhances oil extraction efficiency, reduces energy and costs, and effectively handles temperature-sensitive oils by repeatedly fluctuating pressure and using vacuum techniques to separate and recycle solvents, resulting in improved oil yield and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
raising the temperature and pressure within said condensation/storage vessel by flowing a heating fluid through the outer jacket of said condensation/storage vessel
Implementation Method 2
lowering the temperature and pressure of said reactor vessel by passing a cooling fluid through the outer jacket of said reactor vessel
Implementation Method 3
introducing an effective amount of normally gaseous solvent in its liquid state into said reactor vessel from the condensation/storage vessel by raising the temperature and pressure within said condensation/storage vessel and lowering the temperature and pressure of said reactor vessel so that the reactor vessel is at least 3 psi lower in pressure than the condensation/storage vessel
Implementation Method 4
creating a vacuum in said reactor vessel and venting at least a portion of any gaseous content to the atmosphere
Implementation Method 5
repeatedly fluctuating the pressure within said reactor vessel by alternating the flow of heating and cooling fluid through the outer jacket of said reactor vessel, which pressure will fluctuate in the range of about 100 psig to about 300 psig, thereby resulting in oil-extracted solids material and a liquid mixture comprised of extracted oil and solvent
Implementation Method 6
heating said vaporization/separation vessel to an effective temperature to vaporize substantially all of the normally gaseous solvent and allowing the vaporized normally gaseous solvent to flow upward into said condensation/storage vessel
Implementation Method 7
cooling said condensation/storage vessel, by passing a cooling fluid of sufficient temperature through the outer jacket of said condensation/storage vessel to cause the pressure within the condensation/storage vessel to be at least 10 psi lower than the pressure in said vaporization/separation vessel, thereby enhancing the transfer of vaporized normally gaseous solvent and to result in the conversion of the vaporized normally gaseous solvent to its liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
A process for extracting fats and oils from plant and animal matter using a normally gaseous solvent in its liquid state. Use is made of gravity flow and pressure differential from one vessel to another to transfer solvent from an upper vessel to a lower vessel. The vessels comprise an outer jacket to allow cooling and heating fluid to flow there-through to achieve better control of the pressure within each vessel.