Upward-Flow Extraction Cell for High-TDS Cold Beverage Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing edible extracts, such as coffee and tea, often require high temperatures and multiple extractions, leading to the extraction of undesirable compounds and resulting in beverages with low total dissolved solids (TDS) content, which affects flavor and aroma.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an extraction cell with a cylindrical design and upward flow filtration process, where the extraction medium flows at controlled temperatures (0-100°C) and pressures (0-16 bar) to achieve plug flow, allowing for efficient extraction of desirable compounds without over-extracting, resulting in high TDS content without the need for multiple extractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperatures are employed to increase extraction rate, then extraction time is reduced, but undesirable compounds are extracted and final beverage quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (near-boiling) to low (cold or ambient) while compensating with extended extraction time and pressure application. This parameter transformation allows achieving high extraction rates without extracting undesirable compounds that are typically extracted at high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or extended extraction time to compensate for the lower temperature. By maintaining prolonged contact between solvent and plant material, the system achieves thorough extraction of desirable compounds without the need for high temperatures that would extract harmful substances.
2Quantity of substance
If high temperatures are used to increase TDS content, then extraction speed improves, but multiple extractions are required which increases process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous extraction through prolonged contact time and pressure maintenance, allowing a single extraction process to achieve high TDS content. This eliminates the need for multiple sequential extractions, simplifying the overall process while maintaining high dissolved solids content in the final beverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low temperatures are used for extraction, then undesirable compounds are avoided, but TDS content decreases and flavor intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure to the solvent and plant material before and during the extraction process to enhance the extraction efficiency at low temperatures. This preliminary and continuous pressure application compensates for the reduced kinetic energy at cold temperatures, ensuring high TDS content is achieved without extracting temperature-sensitive undesirable compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic pressure to force the cold solvent through the plant material, increasing contact efficiency and extraction rate. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism compensates for the lower temperature by physically pressing the solvent into the plant matrix, achieving high TDS extraction without heat-induced harmful effects.
4Productivity
If multiple extractions are performed to increase yield, then TDS content improves, but process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single continuous extraction process with extended duration and pressure maintenance, achieving high yield in one pass. This eliminates the need for multiple sequential extractions, reducing total process time while maintaining or improving extraction yield through sustained solvent-plant material contact under pressure.
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 method produces extracts with high TDS content and intense flavor, achieving high yields in a single pass, reducing acidity and improving flavor profile compared to traditional hot extractions, suitable for various beverage preparations.
Implementation Method 1
extracting desirable compounds contained within a material of interest into an extraction medium
Implementation Method 2
The filter can separate the heterogeneous extraction slurry into its constituent components to yield a substantially homogeneous extract
Data Source
AI summary
An upward flow extraction method, apparatus, and extract are disclosed. The upward flow extraction method can comprise loading extraction material into an extraction cell having a bottom portion and a top portion; introducing a first aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell; expelling gas from the extraction cell through the top portion of the extraction cell; closing the top portion of the extraction cell and increasing the pressure in the extraction cell as extraction medium flows into the bottom portion of the extraction cell; stopping the flow of extraction medium into the extraction cell; steeping the extraction material in the extraction medium under pressure to produce an extract; and introducing a second aliquot of extraction medium through the bottom portion of the extraction cell to push extract through top portion of the extraction cell.