Supercritical CO2 Extraction Without Mechanical Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supercritical carbon dioxide extraction methods using mechanical pumps are costly, require high maintenance, and are inefficient due to 'channeling' and residue issues, necessitating a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach.
Innovation Solution
A method that controls CO2 density using a temperature differential between the liquid CO2 supply and the extraction vessel, eliminating the need for mechanical pumps, allowing for efficient extraction of plant components by achieving desired CO2 density and phase changes without mechanical pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical pumps are used to force liquid CO2 into the extraction vessel to achieve desired density, then CO2 density control is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with a thermal field-based density control system. By heating the CO2 supply line and controlling the temperature differential between the supply and extraction vessel, the system achieves precise CO2 density control without mechanical moving parts. The thermal energy substitution eliminates pumps, valves, and associated mechanical complexity while maintaining extraction precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical pressure (pump-driven) to thermal parameters (temperature differential). By controlling the temperature of the CO2 supply relative to the extraction vessel temperature, the system dynamically adjusts CO2 density through thermal expansion and contraction, achieving the same density control function without mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If mechanical pumps are used to force CO2 through plant material at high rates, then extraction speed is improved, but channeling occurs reducing extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic extraction cycles with distinct phases: CO2 loading, extraction, depressurization, and system preparation. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain high productivity through continuous cycling while ensuring optimal extraction efficiency during each phase. The rhythmic operation prevents channeling by allowing proper saturation and equilibration during each cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous extraction productivity through automated cyclic operation. While individual extraction vessels undergo periodic cycles, multiple vessels in sequence or parallel maintain continuous productive action. The system continuously loads CO2, extracts, and prepares vessels in an unbroken sequence, eliminating idle time while maintaining extraction quality.
3Device complexity
If CO2 is supplied from a full tank at ambient temperature, then system simplicity is improved, but CO2 density is insufficient for efficient extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the CO2 supply from ambient to elevated temperatures. By heating the CO2 in the supply line to a temperature higher than the extraction vessel, the system creates a temperature differential that drives CO2 flow and enables precise density control. This parameter change transforms the supply from a passive ambient-temperature source to an actively controlled thermal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary heating of the CO2 in the supply line before it enters the extraction vessel. This preliminary thermal preparation ensures the CO2 is at the correct temperature and density conditions required for efficient extraction. The pre-heating action occurs in advance, allowing the system to deliver CO2 at optimal parameters without complex real-time adjustments during extraction.
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 method reduces upfront and ongoing costs, enhances extraction efficiency by ensuring optimal CO2 density for solute encapsulation, and reduces maintenance, while being environmentally friendly by avoiding residues and pump malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
heating the extraction vessel to achieve supercritical-phase CO2 at desired predetermined pressure and temperature
Implementation Method 2
cooling the component-impregnated supercritical-phase CO2 so that the component impregnated supercritical-phase CO2 in the extraction vessel changes to component-impregnated liquid-phase CO2
Implementation Method 3
decreasing the density of the liquid-phase CO2 to convert the liquid-phase CO2 into gaseous-phase CO2, thereby allowing the one or more components to be separated from the CO2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of using CO2 in an extraction process without the use of mechanical pumps to control CO2 density. In particular, the invention relates to a process for extraction of one or more components from a plant material by manipulation of density of CO2 in the extraction vessel via creating a temperature differential between the liquid CO2 supply and the extraction vessel.