Terpene Extraction Apparatus with Water Vapor Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current terpene extraction methods lack efficient control mechanisms to ensure optimal extraction conditions, particularly in terms of water vapor content, which can lead to suboptimal yields and product quality.
Innovation Solution
A terpene extraction process involving a container with biomass, where a gas mixture is passed over the biomass to form a second gas mixture, and a vacuum pump is used to move this mixture into a condenser; the process measures and compares the water vapor content to a critical value, stopping when it falls below the predetermined level to maintain effective extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water vapor content is not monitored during extraction, then the extraction process can proceed continuously without interruption, but the yield and quality of terpenes deteriorate due to suboptimal extraction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor continuously measures water vapor content in the extraction chamber and automatically adjusts extraction parameters (temperature, gas flow rate, extraction time) to maintain optimal extraction conditions. This closed-loop control ensures high terpene yield and quality while preventing suboptimal extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment of extraction parameters with automated electronic sensors and control systems. The water vapor content sensor and microprocessor-based control system eliminate the need for manual intervention, enabling precise real-time control of extraction conditions to optimize both productivity and quality
2Productivity
If extraction continues without stopping, then productivity is maintained, but product quality deteriorates when water vapor content falls below critical levels
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors water vapor content and compares it against predetermined optimal ranges. When water vapor content falls below or exceeds critical thresholds, the system automatically adjusts extraction parameters or pauses extraction to maintain consistent product quality, ensuring reliable high-quality output throughout the extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of extraction parameters based on real-time water vapor content measurements. The system can modify temperature, gas flow rate, and extraction duration dynamically during the process to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring consistent product quality while maximizing overall productivity through adaptive control
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 ensures controlled extraction conditions, optimizing the yield and quality of terpenes by monitoring and managing water vapor content, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the terpene extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
using a vacuum pump to move the second gas mixture into a condenser
Implementation Method 2
using a vacuum pump to move the second gas mixture into a condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A terpene extraction process may include the steps of: (A) providing a container with a biomass containing extractable materials including both water and terpenes; (B) passing a first gas over the biomass; (C) moving at least a portion of the extractable materials from the biomass into the first gas to form a second gas; (D) moving the second gas into a cold trap assembly to cool the second gas; (E) measuring a water vapor content of the second gas; (F) comparing the water vapor content to a predetermined value; and (G) stopping the extraction process when the water vapor content is less than the predetermined value.