Systems, devices, and methods for symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cannabis extraction methods, such as supercritical CO2 and hydrocarbon extraction, are energy-intensive and environmentally impactful, requiring significant inputs for chilling and heating, which increases costs and environmental footprint.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange system that integrates a refrigeration circuit with a solvent extraction circuit to create a thermal gradient, optimizing solvent circulation and reducing energy consumption by using a closed-loop refrigeration system with components like evaporators, compressors, and condensers to drive solvent extraction efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional chilling and heating methods are used in solvent extraction, then extraction efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chilling circuit and heating circuit into a single integrated heat exchange system where the condenser of one circuit serves as the evaporator of the other, and vice versa. This merging allows thermal energy to be transferred between circuits, enabling the system to maintain extraction efficiency while significantly reducing external energy input requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature and pressure parameters between the chilling and heating circuits to optimize heat exchange efficiency. By varying operational parameters such as condenser temperature, evaporator pressure, and refrigerant flow rates, the system adapts to different extraction requirements while minimizing energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If integrated heat exchange system is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange components serve dual functions: the condenser of the chilling circuit acts as the evaporator of the heating circuit, and the evaporator of the chilling circuit serves as the condenser of the heating circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant acts as an intermediary medium that transfers thermal energy between the chilling and heating circuits. By using the refrigerant as the mediator for heat exchange, the system avoids the need for direct thermal contact between different fluid streams, simplifying the overall system design while achieving efficient energy transfer.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If closed-cycle refrigeration system is used, then environmental impact is reduced through solvent recycling, but initial energy input for system operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-cycle system recovers and recycles the refrigerant-solvent mixture through condensation and evaporation processes. Instead of discarding the refrigerant after each cycle, the system condenses it back to liquid form and reuses it, significantly reducing environmental impact and waste while the integrated heat exchange minimizes the energy required for this recovery process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of refrigerant emission into a benefit by using the refrigerant's phase change properties to drive the heat exchange process. The refrigerant that would otherwise be wasted is instead utilized as the working fluid for thermal energy transfer, turning a potential environmental problem into the mechanism for energy efficiency.
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 approach significantly reduces energy input, enhances extraction efficiency, and minimizes environmental impact by recycling solvents and reducing waste, while maintaining high purity and potency of cannabis extracts.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator, thermally coupled to the solvent tank
Implementation Method 2
a compressor
Implementation Method 3
a condenser, thermally coupled to the collection tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses systems, devices, and methods for symphasic closed-cycle heat exchange, applicable to processes for extraction of compounds from biological materials, such as cannabis and other plants; said systems, devices, and methods incorporating a closed-cycle refrigeration circuit to provide energy savings and other improvements over existing single loop closed-cycle extraction processes.