Subcritical Fluid Extraction Apparatus with Closed-Loop Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction methods require high capital investment due to the need for pressurized equipment to operate with supercritical fluids, which are costly and inefficient, especially when extracting substances that can only be processed under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
An extraction apparatus and method utilizing a subcritical fluid, such as tetrafluoroethane, that operates at relatively low pressures, allowing for efficient extraction without the need to change pressure during the process, using a system comprising an extractor, evaporator, separator, and condenser to dissolve, gasify, and recycle the extraction fluid, maintaining a closed loop and constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supercritical fluids are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but equipment cost and pressure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from supercritical conditions (high pressure and temperature) to subcritical conditions (lower pressure and temperature). This parameter change maintains the fluid's extraction capabilities while significantly reducing the pressure requirements from above 7.3MPa to around 0.6MPa, thereby reducing equipment cost and complexity without substantially compromising extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the extraction fluid between liquid and vapor states to achieve extraction and separation. By controlling temperature and pressure to maintain subcritical conditions, the fluid can be condensed into a liquid for extraction, then vaporized for separation and recycling, eliminating the need for expensive high-pressure equipment while maintaining effective extraction
2Productivity
If supercritical fluids are used for extraction, then extraction capability is improved, but operational complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces operational complexity by changing from supercritical to subcritical parameters. This eliminates the need for complex high-pressure safety systems, pressure relief valves, and specialized containment equipment. The lower operating pressure simplifies the overall system design and reduces safety risks while maintaining effective extraction capability through controlled phase transitions
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is changed during extraction process, then separation efficiency is improved, but process complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves separation efficiency without pressure changes by utilizing phase transitions. The extraction fluid is vaporized to separate the extracted constituents from the liquid phase, then condensed back to liquid for recycling. This phase transition-based separation maintains high separation efficiency while avoiding the energy consumption and process complexity associated with pressure cycling in supercritical extraction systems
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
Enables cost-effective extraction of substances by using subcritical fluids, reducing equipment costs and maintaining efficient extraction processes without the need for high-pressure operations, ensuring nearly complete separation of constituents and efficient recycling of the extraction fluid.
Implementation Method 1
mixing the substance and an extraction fluid constituted by a subcritical fluid and dissolving at least one constituent in the extraction fluid
Implementation Method 2
heating the extraction fluid and the constituent dissolved in the extraction fluid to gasify the extraction fluid
Implementation Method 3
liquefying the gasified extraction fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an extraction apparatus for extracting at least one constituent in a substance. The extraction apparatus comprises an extractor, an extraction separator and an extraction condenser. The extractor is used to mix the substance and an extraction fluid, wherein the extraction fluid is a subcritical fluid. The extraction separator is connected to the extractor for receiving and heating the extraction fluid to gasify the extraction fluid and to separate the constituent and the gasified extraction fluid. The extraction condenser is connected to the extraction separator and the extractor for receiving and liquefying the gasified extraction fluid from the extraction separator and sending the liquefied extraction fluid to the extractor.