Subcritical Extraction Plant Using Radial Flow and Rapid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subcritical water reactors for solid-liquid extraction suffer from long heating and cooling times, non-homogeneous extraction efficiency due to temperature and pressure gradients, and significant degradation of active ingredients due to prolonged evaporation, necessitating a faster and more efficient extraction process that preserves the integrity of the extracted compounds.
Innovation Solution
A plant and method utilizing a radial flow of subcritical liquid through baskets containing organic and/or inorganic matrices, combined with a controlled expansion section to rapidly concentrate and cool the extract, ensuring homogeneous extraction and minimizing degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional heating and cooling methods are used in subcritical water reactors, then the extraction process can be performed, but the heating and cooling times are excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water between liquid and vapor states to achieve rapid heating and cooling. During extraction, water is heated to subcritical temperatures (above boiling point but below critical point) where it exists as a two-phase mixture, enabling fast heat transfer. After extraction, the system rapidly cools the water by removing heat, causing phase transition back to liquid state, thus achieving both extraction and temperature control in minimal time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature and pressure parameters of water dynamically during the process. By controlling water to remain in subcritical conditions (temperature above boiling point but below critical temperature of 374°C, pressure above atmospheric but below critical pressure of 218 atm), the system achieves optimal extraction efficiency while maintaining fast response times through parameter optimization rather than conventional slow heating/cooling.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction methods are used, then extraction can be performed, but temperature and pressure gradients cause non-homogeneous extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotential conditions by maintaining uniform temperature and pressure throughout the extraction medium. By heating water to subcritical conditions where it forms a two-phase mixture with uniform distribution, and by ensuring consistent pressure throughout the extraction vessel, the system eliminates temperature and pressure gradients that would otherwise cause non-homogeneous extraction. This results in uniform extraction efficiency across all parts of the matrix.
3Quantity of substance
If prolonged evaporation is used to concentrate the extract, then the extract can be obtained, but significant degradation of thermolabile active ingredients occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent avoids prolonged thermal evaporation by utilizing phase transition of water during the extraction process itself. The subcritical water (above boiling point but below critical temperature) naturally concentrates the extract through controlled phase change from liquid to vapor and back, achieving concentration without subjecting thermolabile compounds to extended high-temperature exposure that would cause degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature prolonged evaporation to subcritical temperature range with rapid phase transition. By maintaining temperature above boiling point for efficient extraction but below critical temperature (374°C) and controlling the duration through rapid cooling capability, the system achieves extract concentration while preserving thermolabile active ingredients that would otherwise degrade.
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 faster extraction with higher yields and preserves the integrity of thermolabile compounds by optimizing extraction homogeneity and reducing temperature through radial flow and immediate evaporation, while maintaining eco-compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid... is brought to a subcritical condition... by increasing the temperature above the boiling point
Implementation Method 2
the liquid... enters and moves radially inside the tank where the matrices are placed... moves from an entry point towards the external wall of the tank
Implementation Method 3
there is a subsequent section of controlled expansion... The combination of the extractive system... with the above described so-called expansion bubble system... guarantees a rapid concentration of the extract and an almost immediate decrease in temperature
Implementation Method 4
section of controlled expansion placed in fluid communication... with the high pressure section... guarantees a rapid concentration of the extract and an almost immediate decrease in temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a plant, and related method, for carrying out a solid/liquid extraction process with a solvent that passes through an organic and/or inorganic matrix, the plant comprising: - At least one high pressure section configured to bring the liquid into a subcritical condition, said high pressure section comprising: - a) At least one tank (S301, S401) forming a containment volume (31) for the containment of one or more baskets (10) each adapted to contain the matrix to be extracted; - b) One or more of said baskets (10); - c) A delivery duct (32) entering the containment volume (31) of the tank to lead the liquid into the said tank and an outlet duct (33) to conduct the liquid leaving said tank; - And wherein at least the part of the delivery duct arranged in the containment volume (31) of said tank (S301, S401) and the said one or more baskets have a distribution of holes in such a way that at least a part of the liquid entering the containment volume (31) spreads radially into the containment volume, hitting and passing through said baskets radially through the distribution of holes in said baskets.