The present disclosure generally relates to carbon dioxide (CO2) based extraction systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a discrete extract collection system for use in a CO2 based extraction system.
CO2 based extraction systems, such as for example, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) systems utilizing CO2 in the extraction fluid, extract chemical compounds using supercritical or near supercritical CO2 instead of an organic solvent. The supercritical fluid state occurs when a fluid is above its critical temperature and critical pressure, when it is between the typical gas and liquid state. Manipulating the temperature and pressure of the fluid can solubilize the material of interest and selectively extract it. Typically in SFE systems, extracts are collected in a liquid form using a cyclone separator which is periodically tapped by an operator during the extraction process via a valve at the bottom of the cyclone, allowing the fluid to flow freely from the valve. When the collected material is too viscous, or in a solid form, it does not flow freely from a valve and can stick to the sides of the container and contaminate future collections.
Collecting extracts from CO2-based extraction systems raises a number of challenges, especially when dealing with a viscous or solid extracts. Technology for collecting viscous or solid extracts in an efficient and clean manner would be beneficial and highly desirable.
In general, certain embodiments of the present technology feature a device configured to enable discrete collection of extracts from a CO2-based extract collection container. In certain embodiments, this device is a removable liner that is sized to fit within the extract collection container and cover all or a portion of the interior surface of the collection container. In some embodiments, the removable liner is secured to the interior surface of the collection container using a pressure-fit ring, magnetic force, a clamping mechanism, or using a fluid inlet tube of the extract collection container. During operation of the CO2-based extraction system, an extract can be collected within the removable liner so that once the fractionation process is complete; the extract can be collected from the container by simply taking the removable liner out from the collection container. In this way, a higher percentage of extract can be collected because little or no extract remains behind on the interior walls of the collection container. This increases yield, and also prevents contamination between different fractionation processes using the same collection container.
In one aspect, the present technology relates to a method of extracting solid materials from liquid, gas or liquid-gas solutions. The method includes securing a first removable liner within an extract collection container of a CO2-based extraction system having a fluid stream inlet and a fluid stream outlet and closing a cap of the extract collection container. The method also includes collecting a first solid material in the first removable liner by passing a first solution through the fluid stream inlet of the extract collection container. The method also includes depressurizing the extract collection container and removing the removable liner from the extract collection container, and replacing and securing a second removable liner within the extract collection container. In a non-limiting example, the method can also include collecting a second solid material in the second removable liner by passing a second solution through the fluid stream inlet of the extract collection container. In some embodiments, carryover of the first solid material into the second solid material may be less than 10%, or at least 10% less compared to carryover of the first solid material into the second solid material from a hydrocyclone separator without removable liners. In another non-limiting example, passing the first solution through the fluid stream inlet generates an internal spiraling fluid flow to cause at least a partial material separation process. In another non-limiting example, securing the first removable liner within the extract collection container includes securing the removable liner to a cylindrical section detachably connected to an open end of the extract collection container. In another non-limiting example, securing the removable liner to the cylindrical section includes securing the removable liner to inlet tubing that circumferentially lines an internal surface of the cylindrical section. In another non-limiting example, securing the first removable liner within the extract collection container includes positioning an inserted ring on a portion of an open end of the removable liner or using magnetic force to secure the open end of the removable liner to a portion of the extract collection container.
In another aspect, the present technology relates to a CO2-based extraction system. The system includes an extraction vessel configured to generate an extract fluid flow including a mixture of an extract and CO2. The system also includes an extract collection container having a fluid stream inlet and a fluid stream outlet, wherein the fluid stream inlet is configured to direct the extract fluid flow into the extract collection container and generate an internal spiraling fluid flow to cause at least a partial material separation process of the extract from the CO2. The system also includes a removable liner disposed within the extract collection container and covering at least a portion of an inner surface of the extract collection container, wherein the removable liner is configured to collect the extract and is sized to fit within the extract collection container. In a non-limiting example, the fluid stream inlet is a tangential inlet. In another non-limiting example, the removable liner symmetrically covers the between 10% and 100% of the inner surface of the extract collection container. In another non-limiting example, the system also includes a cylindrical section detachably connected to an open end of the extract collection container, and wherein the removable liner is connected to the cylindrical section. In another non-limiting example, the fluid stream inlet includes inlet tubing that circumferentially lines an internal surface of the cylindrical section, and the removable liner is connected to the inlet tubing. In another non-limiting example, the system also includes an inserted ring configured to cover a portion of an open end of the removable liner. In another non-limiting example, the extract collection container is a cone-shaped vessel.
In another aspect, the present technology relates to a hydrocyclone separator. The hydrocyclone separator includes a truncated cone-shaped vessel including a fluid stream inlet and a fluid stream outlet configured to generate an internal spiraling fluid flow in operation to cause at least a partial material separation process, and a truncated end. The hydrocyclone separator also includes a cone-shaped collector including an open end detachably connected to the truncated end of the truncated cone-shaped vessel. The hydrocyclone separator also includes a removable liner disposed within the cone-shaped collector and covering at least a portion of an inner surface of the cone-shaped collector, wherein the liner is configured to collect solid material. In a non-limiting example, the fluid stream inlet is a tangential inlet. In another non-limiting example, the cone-shaped collector defines between 10% and 50% of a conical inner surface of the hydrocyclone separator. In another non-limiting example, the truncated cone-shaped vessel includes a first flange at or near the truncated end, the cone-shaped collector includes a second flange at or near the open end, and a portion of the removable liner is secured between the first flange and the second flange. In another non-limiting example, a conical angle of the truncated cone-shaped vessel and a conical angle of the cone-shaped collector are substantially the same.
The above aspects of the technology provide numerous advantages. For example, systems and methods of the present technology allows for convenient and efficient collection of extracts from an extract collection container without leaving substantial residue behind. In particular, various extracts can be collected in removable liners such that a first extract does not substantially contaminate a second extract that is collected within the same extract collection container, but using a new removable liner. Further, by collecting in a removable liner, 100% or nearly all of the extract can be collected and transferred, thereby increasing yield by reducing loss.
It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.
One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the drawings primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances, various aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g., functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).
The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.
Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, methodologies, devices, and systems for CO2-based extraction. It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.
As used herein, the term “includes” means includes but is not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to. The term “based on” means based at least in part on.
During CO2-based extraction, an extract is separated from CO2 (i.e., an extraction fluid) within an extract collection container, and the separated extract can be removed from the collection container. In some embodiments, a series of pressurized vessels can be used to separate the different components that are being extracted from a matrix. It may be difficult to collect a viscous or solid extract from the extract collection container, in some embodiments, because the extract can remain on the interior surface of the extract collection container. That is, particles or a residue of the extracted sample may remain on the container. As a result, a subsequent extraction or a second or different sample can be contaminated. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a removable liner can be placed within the extract collection container such that the extract is collected within the removable liner, which can be removed or collected at discrete times. In a non-limiting example, nearly 100% of the extract can be collected with minimal residue left behind in the extract collection container. In some embodiments, the removable liner can be hung from an extract fluid inlet tube or attached to an internal sidewall of the extract collection container.
In step 103, an extract collection container cap is closed, and in step 105 an extract is collected within the removable liner from a fractionation process. The solid or viscous extract material can be collected within the removable liner by passing a fluid mixture of CO2 and the extract through a fluid stream inlet in the extract collection container. In a non-limiting example, passing the mixture through the fluid stream inlet generates an internal spiraling fluid flow within the extract collection container and causes at least a partial material separation process.
In step 107, the extract collection container is depressurized and the removable liner is removed. As discussed above, nearly 100% of the desired extract can be collected within the removable liner, in some embodiments. In a non-limiting example, once the removable liner has been removed from the extract collection container, the extract within the liner can be frozen in order to more easily remove the extract from the liner. For example, freezing the extract can reduce its viscosity and make it easier to remove from the liner. Once removed from the liner, the extract can be placed in another container for post processing, in some embodiments.
In step 109, a new removable liner is secured within the extract collection container in order to perform another round of extraction. As discussed above, the new removable liner can be secured to the extract collection container using, for example, a pressure fit ring or clamp and using bottom loading or top loading techniques. In some embodiments, the a second solid or viscous extract material can be collected in the new removable liner by passing a second fluid solution of CO2 and the second extract through the fluid stream inlet of the extract collection container, as discussed above. In a non-limiting example, the carryover of the first extract material into the second extract material is less than 10%, and the carryover of the first solid material into the second solid material is at least 10% less compared to a system without removable liners. The use of a removable liner that separates solid and viscous extracts from the collection container and prevents extracts from attaching to the internal surfaces of the collection container can provide this increased purity of extract and reduced carryover or contamination between fractionation runs.
In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where a particular example embodiment includes a plurality of system elements, device components or method steps, those elements, components or steps can be replaced with a single element, component or step. Likewise, a single element, component or step can be replaced with a plurality of elements, components or steps that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while example embodiments have been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the disclosure.
In describing certain examples, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in some instances where a particular example embodiment includes a plurality of system elements, device components or method steps, those elements, components or steps may be replaced with a single element, component or step. Likewise, a single element, component or step may be replaced with a plurality of elements, components or steps that serve the same purpose. Moreover, while example embodiments have been shown and described with references to particular embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various substitutions and alterations in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Further still, other aspects, functions and advantages are also within the scope of the disclosure.
While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be examples and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methodologies, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methodologies are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.
Also, the technology described herein may be embodied as a method, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/643,668 filed on Mar. 15, 2018 and titled DISCRETE EXTRACT COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR CO2-BASED FLUID EXTRACTION, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62643668 | Mar 2018 | US |