Supercritical Fluid Extraction Using Thermal Circulation Instead of Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional extraction techniques using mechanical pumps are noisy and prone to mechanical wear, limiting their effectiveness and durability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing supercritical fluids that operate without mechanical pumps, employing heating and cooling to circulate the fluid and perform extraction, separation, and collection, with controlled pressure and temperature changes to achieve quiet and efficient material extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical pumps are used to move fluid in traditional extraction techniques, then fluid circulation and material extraction can be achieved, but the system becomes noisy and mechanical parts are prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with a thermal-driven circulation system. The fluid is circulated through phase changes (liquid to gas to liquid) driven by heating and cooling zones, eliminating mechanical moving parts that cause noise and wear while maintaining extraction productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transitions of the fluid (liquid-gas-liquid) to drive circulation. Heating creates gas phase that rises and condenses, creating natural convection currents that move the fluid through the extraction system without mechanical pumps, thereby improving reliability while maintaining extraction efficiency
2Productivity
If mechanical pumps are used to move fluid in traditional extraction techniques, then fluid circulation can be maintained, but the system generates significant noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical pumps that generate noise by using thermal-driven phase change circulation. The noiseless operation is achieved through natural convection caused by heating and cooling zones that drive fluid movement without mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
Phase transitions (liquid to gas and back to liquid) create silent natural convection currents. The heating zone generates gas that rises and condenses in cooling zones, creating continuous silent circulation that maintains productivity without noise pollution
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 system reduces noise and mechanical wear, providing durable and efficient extraction of materials, particularly beneficial for applications like dry cleaning and industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
forming a supercritical phase of the fluid within the first vessel, removing material from the substrate using the supercritical phase of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
removing material from the substrate using the supercritical phase of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
reducing one or more of the temperature and the pressure within the separation vessel to below a critical point for the fluid to separate extracted material from the fluid within the separation vessel
Implementation Method 4
the method can use heating and cooling of the fluid to cause circulation of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of using a supercritical fluid are disclosed. Exemplary methods include using temperature and pressure variation (e.g., above or below supercritical conditions) to remove material from a substrate to form separated and to cause movement of fluid within the system.