Solvent System for Unsaponifiable Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional processes for extracting unsaponifiables from vegetable oils or plant materials using aliphatic solvents like hexane are inefficient due to toxicity, high energy requirements, and unsatisfactory yield, selectivity, and environmental concerns, necessitating a more effective and environmentally friendly method.
Innovation Solution
A solid/liquid extraction process using a solvent system comprising solvents with 5-8 carbon atoms and one or two oxygen atoms, such as methyl ketones, propionates, and propyl ethers, which are less toxic and allow for higher yields and selectivity of unsaponifiables, reducing the need for organic solvents and improving extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hexane is used as extraction solvent, then extraction efficiency is improved, but toxicity and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction solvent by replacing hexane (C6H14) with solvents containing oxygen atoms such as methyl isobutyl ketone, 2-heptanone, propionates, and propyl ethers. These alternative solvents maintain extraction efficiency while reducing toxicity and eliminating CMR classification, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors.
2Manufacturing precision
If fatty acid esters are used as extraction solvent, then extraction selectivity is improved, but energy consumption increases due to high boiling point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the extraction solvent by selecting compounds with boiling points between 70-150°C (such as methyl isobutyl ketone at 116°C, 2-heptanone at 149°C, and propyl ethers around 90-100°C). This parameter change maintains good extraction selectivity for unsaponifiables while significantly reducing the energy required for solvent removal through distillation compared to fatty acid esters with boiling points above 185°C.
3Speed
If conventional aliphatic solvents are used, then extraction speed is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful characteristic of using conventional aliphatic solvents into a benefit by deliberately selecting alternative solvents that contain oxygen atoms. This chemical modification transforms the solvent system from environmentally harmful (hexane, CMR class 3) to environmentally friendly, while the oxygen-containing functional groups (ketone, ester, ether) actually enhance or maintain extraction performance, thus converting a harmful practice into a beneficial one.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If solvent quantity is reduced for environmental reasons, then environmental impact is improved, but extraction yield deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent to include oxygen-containing compounds with optimal molecular weights and functional groups. These parameter changes increase the solvent's extraction capacity and affinity for unsaponifiables, enabling high extraction yields even when using reduced quantities of solvent. The oxygen-containing solvents provide better solubility parameters that enhance extraction efficiency per unit volume.
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 process achieves higher yields and selectivity of unsaponifiables while being more economical, environmentally friendly, and safer, with reduced solvent usage and toxicity, comparable or superior to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
solid/liquid extraction of at least one plant solid material or a microorganism by a first solvent system comprising a solvent content chosen from solvents comprising between 5 and 8 carbon atoms and one or two oxygen atoms
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the solid/liquid extraction of a natural extract contained in at least one solid plant matter or a microorganism, comprising at least the following steps: solid/liquid extraction of at least one solid plant matter or a microorganism by a first system of solvents comprising a solvent content selected from the solvents comprising between 5 and 8 carbon atoms and one or two oxygen atoms in the form of either an ether function, a ketone function, or an ester function, amounting to at least 50 volume % in relation to the total volume of the first solvent system; and collection of a natural extract, especially comprising or consisting of an oil or butter, especially enriched in unsaponifiables.