U.S. patent application number 11/218513 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for supercritical fractionating apparatus and process.
Invention is credited to Ming-Chi Chung, Shane-Rong Sheu, Hui-Chuan Tang, Chih-Ho Tsai.
Application Number | 20070051130 11/218513 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37828805 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070051130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chung; Ming-Chi ; et
al. |
March 8, 2007 |
Supercritical fractionating apparatus and process
Abstract
The present invention provides a super fractionating apparatus
and process, consisting of a fractionation column having an
adsorbent body that assists in the fractionation process, and
further includes a carbon dioxide supply unit, a carbon dioxide
flow pipe, a raw material supply unit and a raw material flow pipe.
The carbon dioxide flow pipe connects to the carbon dioxide supply
unit and the fractionating column, and a pressure unit and a
temperature control unit are configured on the carbon dioxide flow
pipe. The raw material flow pipe connects to the raw material
supply unit and the fractionating column, and a pressure unit is
configured on the raw material flow pipe. The fractionating column
having the adsorbent body disposed therein causes turbulence in the
fluid within the fractionating column, thereby increasing
fractionation efficiency and assisting in stabilizing the extracts,
which facilitates collection thereof.
Inventors: |
Chung; Ming-Chi; (Taipei,
TW) ; Sheu; Shane-Rong; (Taipei, TW) ; Tang;
Hui-Chuan; (Dashe Township, TW) ; Tsai; Chih-Ho;
(Zihguan Township, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Far East College
P.O. Box No. 6-57
Junghe, Taipei
235
TW
|
Family ID: |
37828805 |
Appl. No.: |
11/218513 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/617 ;
62/928 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 11/0219 20130101;
B01D 11/0203 20130101; B01D 11/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/617 ;
062/928 |
International
Class: |
F25J 3/00 20060101
F25J003/00 |
Claims
1. A super fractionating apparatus comprising: a carbon dioxide
supply unit used to supply carbon dioxide gas; a carbon dioxide
flow pipe that connects to the carbon dioxide supply unit, a
pressure unit and a temperature control unit are configured on the
carbon dioxide flow pipe, and the carbon dioxide flow pipe further
connects to a fractionation column; a raw material supply Unit used
to hold raw material containing added dissolvent; a raw material
flow pipe that connects to the raw material supply unit, a pressure
unit is configured on the raw material flow pipe, and the raw
material flow pipe further connects to the fractionation column;
the fractionation column with an adsorbent body having large
surface area disposed therein used to slow down the flow speed of
the carbon dioxide and adsorb extracts; the fractionation column
further comprises an extract flow pipe and a raffinate flow
pipe.
2. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the adsorbent body within the fractionation column comprises a
plurality of independent bodies.
3. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the plurality of independent bodies are granulated bodies.
4. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the plurality of independent bodies are strip-form bodies.
5. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the plurality of independent bodies are sheet-form bodies.
6. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the adsorbent body within the fractionation column is a porous
body.
7. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the adsorbent body within the fractionation column is a body having
a plurality of branches.
8. The super fractionating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the adsorbent body within the fractionation column is a
continuously curved body.
9. A super fractionating process comprising steps: (a) supplying of
supercritical carbon dioxide to a fractionation column (b)
channeling of pressurized liquid state raw material into the
fractionation column; (c) fractionating of specific components from
the raw material within the fractionation column; (d) adsorbing of
extracts by the adsorbent body within the fractionation column; (e)
collecting of the extracts; (f) channeling out of supercritical
raffinate from the fractionation column.
10. The super fractionating process according to claim 9, wherein
the adsorbent body within the fractionation column has a large
surface area that effectively increases adsorption of the extracts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] (a) Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a supercritical
fractionating apparatus and process, and more particularly to a
supercritical fractionating apparatus and process that uses a
supercritical fluid to fractionate out specific substances from
liquid state raw material. Moreover, the present invention uses an
adsorbent body disposed within a fractionation column to adsorb the
aforementioned specific substances, thereby increasing
fractionation efficiency and stabilizing the extracts.
[0003] (b) Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The conventional manufacturing process using supercritical
fluid to extract substances from raw material first packs the solid
raw material into a fractionation column in batches, and
pressurized carbon dioxide is then channeled into the fractionation
column. When the carbon dioxide enters a supercritical state it
removes specific substances from the raw material, thereby enabling
certain specific components to be separated and fractionated, out
from the raw material. After collecting the extracts and removing
the carbon dioxide raffinate after completing fractionation, the
entire batch of raw material is poured out, thereby emptying the
fractionation column.
[0005] The aforementioned method using supercritical fluid to
extract specific substances from raw material primarily extracts
certain specific components. Hence, in general, after completing
the extraction process, it is necessary to empty the raw material
from the fractionation column to facilitate repacking of solid raw
material and proceeding with the next batch extraction. However,
during the operating process, repeated packing and removing of raw
material greatly increases operating time and reduces extraction
efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention resolves the problems of conventional
extraction apparatuses that require interrupting the extraction
operating process to replace raw material.
[0007] The present invention also resolves the problem of
conventional extraction apparatuses that are unable to adequately
retain the extracts.
[0008] The present invention relates to a super fractionating
apparatus comprising:
[0009] a carbon dioxide supply unit used to supply carbon dioxide
gas;
[0010] a carbon dioxide flow pipe that connects to the
aforementioned carbon dioxide supply unit, a pressure unit and a
temperature control unit are configured on the carbon dioxide flow
pipe, and the carbon dioxide flow pipe further connects to a
fractionation column;
[0011] a raw material supply unit used to hold raw material
containing added dissolvent; and the raw material in a liquid state
is then channeled into the fractionation column;
[0012] a raw material flow pipe that connects to the aforementioned
raw material supply unit, a pressure Unit is configured on the raw
material flow pipe, and the raw material flow pipe further connects
to the fractionation column;
[0013] the fractionation column with an adsorbent body having large
surface area disposed therein used to slow down the flow speed of
the carbon dioxide and adsorb the extracts; the fractionation
column further includes an extract flow pipe and a raffinate flow
pipe.
[0014] The aforementioned extract flow pipe is further configured
with a valve.
[0015] The aforementioned adsorbent body disposed within the
aforementioned fractionation column can comprise a plurality of
independent bodies such as granulated bodies, strip-form bodies,
sheet-form bodies, and so on.
[0016] The aforementioned adsorbent body disposed within the
aforementioned fractionation column can be a porous body.
[0017] The aforementioned adsorbent body disposed within the
aforementioned fractionation column can be a body having a
plurality of branches.
[0018] The aforementioned adsorbent body disposed within the
aforementioned fractionation column can be a continuously curved
body.
[0019] The aforementioned fractionation column comprises a
supercritical fractionating apparatus having an adsorbent body
disposed therein. A liquid state raw material is retained within
the fractionation column for a fixed period of time, the retaining
time being that required to fractionate specific components,
whereafter the liquid state raw material and carbon dioxide are
rapidly removed from the fractionation column. Hence, the
fractionation column can be quickly emptied ready for fractionating
the next batch of raw material.
[0020] The present invention further relates to a supercritical
fractionating process having the following steps:
[0021] (A) The fractionation column is provided with supercritical
carbon dioxide;
[0022] (B) Pressurized liquid state raw material is channeled into
the fractionation column;
[0023] (C) Specific components are fractionated from the raw
material Within the fractionation column;
[0024] (D) The adsorbent body within the fractionation column
adsorbs the extracts;
[0025] (E) The extracts are collected;
[0026] (F) Supercritical raffinate is channeled out the
fractionation column.
[0027] The adsorbent body of the aforementioned fractionation
column has a large surface area that effectively increases
adsorption of the extracts.
[0028] The present invention is able to achieve the following
functions:
[0029] 1. The adsorbent body having large surface area disposed
within the fractionation column according to the present invention
slows down the flow speed of the carbon dioxide within the
fractionation column. Moreover, a distinct turbulent flow
phenomenon in the pressurized carbon dioxide occurs after being
channeled into the fractionation column, which increases the
opportunity for ample mixing of the carbon dioxide and the raw
material to be fractionated, thereby improving fractionation
efficiency.
[0030] 2. The adsorbent body disposed within the fractionation
column according to the present invention increases surface area
for adsorption of the extracts within the fractionation column,
which assists in stabilizing the extracts and facilitates
collection thereof.
[0031] To enable a further understanding of said objectives and the
technological methods of the invention herein, brief description of
the drawings is provided below followed by detailed description of
the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a fractionating apparatus
according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a structural view of a fractionation column,
depicting temperature control adopted according to the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of an
adsorbent body within the fractionation column according to the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of an
adsorbent body within the fractionation column according to the
present invention.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of an
adsorbent body within the fractionation column according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, which shows the present invention
comprising a carbon dioxide supply unit (1), a carbon dioxide flow
pipe (2), a raw material supply unit (3), a raw material flow pipe
(4) and a fractionation column (5); wherein:
[0038] The carbon dioxide supply unit (1) is used to supply carbon
dioxide gas, and serves as a gas storage tank.
[0039] The carbon dioxide flow pipe (2) connects to the
aforementioned carbon dioxide supply unit (1), and a pressure unit
(21) and a temperature control unit (22) are configured on the
carbon dioxide flow pipe (2). Temperature and pressure of the
carbon dioxide are controlled while being channeled through the
carbon dioxide flow pipe (2). The carbon dioxide flow pipe (2) is
further connects to the fractionation column (5).
[0040] The raw material supply unit (3) is used to hold the raw
material containing added dissolvent, which causes the raw material
to form a liquid state.
[0041] One end of the raw material flow pipe (4) connects to the
aforementioned raw material supply unit (3). A material feed
pressure unit (41) and a material feed rate control valve (42) are
configured on the raw material flow pipe (4). Another end of the
raw material flow pipe (4) connects to the fractionation column
(5).
[0042] Interior of the fractionation column (5) comprises an
adsorbent body (51) having large surface area, which can consist of
a plurality of independent bodies such as granulated bodies,
strip-form bodies, sheet-form bodies, and so on. The adsorbent body
(51) used in an embodiment of the present invention consists of a
plurality of glass beads. An extract flow pipe (52) connects to a
bottom portion of the fractionation column (5), and a valve (53) is
configured at a front end of an outlet of the extract flow pipe
(52). The extract flow pipe (52) then further connects to a storage
tank (54). A raffinate flow pipe (55) is configured at a top end of
the fractionation column (5).
[0043] When operating the fractionating apparatus, material feed
rate control valves (23) (42) of the carbon dioxide flow pipe (2)
and the raw material flow pipe (4) respectively are open. The
carbon dioxide supply unit (1) supplies carbon dioxide that is
pressurized and temperature controlled by passing through the
pressure unit (21) and the temperature control unit (22) of the
carbon dioxide flow pipe (2) respectively, and then channeled into
the fractionation column (5), wherein the carbon dioxide enters a
supercritical state under specific pressure and temperature
conditions. The raw material supply unit (3) supplies raw material
in a liquid state, which is pressurized by passing through the
pressure unit (41), and then delivered to the fractionation column
(5). The aforementioned carbon dioxide in supercritical state
fractionates specific components from the liquid state raw
material.
[0044] The adsorbent body (51) disposed within the fractionation
column (5) slows down the flow speed of the carbon dioxide within
the fractionation column (5). Moreover, a distinct turbulent flow
phenomenon in the pressurized carbon dioxide occurs after being
channeled into the fractionation column (5), which increases the
opportunity for ample mixing of the carbon dioxide and the raw
material to be fractionated, thereby enhancing fractionation
efficiency. Furthermore, the adsorbent body (51) Within the
fractionation column (5) increases surface area for adsorption of
the extracts within the fractionation column (5), thereby providing
a more stable supercritical fractionating environment.
[0045] The fractionated extracts collect at the bottom of the
fractionation column (5), and the valve (53) controls channeling
the extracts out to the exterior storage tank (54), wherein the
extracts are stored. The raffinate formed from a mixture of the
carbon dioxide and the post-fractionation raw material flows out
from the raffinate flow pipe (55) at the top of the fractionation
column (5).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, which depicts temperature control means
adopted during the operation process of the aforementioned
fractionation column (5), wherein a temperature control piping (7)
winds round and is thereby configured on an inner circumferential
edge of the fractionation column (5) [the adsorbent body (51) is
omitted in FIG. 2]. An inlet (71) of the temperature control piping
(7) is defined at a lower end of the fractionation column (5), and
the temperature control piping (7) then winds round the inner
circumference of the fractionation column (5) to reach the top
portion of the fractionation column (5) where an outlet (72) is
defined at an upper end of the temperature control piping (7),
[0047] A temperature regulating liquid is fed into the inlet (71)
of the temperature control piping (7), wherein it winds round
within the fractionation column (5) and carries out heat exchange
before being channeled out the outlet (72), thereby effectively
controlling work temperature of the fractionation column (5), which
is controlled between 30.degree. C..about.60.degree. C. according
to properties of the extracts required.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, which shows a second embodiment of the
present invention incorporating an adsorbent body (51A) within the
fractionation column (5) that is designed as a single porous body
or as a plurality of porous bodies.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, which shows a third embodiment of the
present invention incorporating an adsorbent body (51B) within the
fractionation column (5) that is designed as a single body or a
multiple of bodies having a plurality of branches. The adsorbent
body (51B) depicted in FIG. 4 is designed from a single body having
a plurality of braches.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, which shows a fourth embodiment of the
present invention incorporating an adsorbent body (51C) within the
fractionation column (5) that is designed as a single continuously
curved body or as a multiple of continuously curved bodies. The
curve is of spiral form, circumrotating form or wave form. The
adsorbent body (51C) depicted in FIG. 5 is designed from a single
continuously curved body of circumrotating form.
[0051] It is of course to be understood that the embodiments
described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the
invention and that a wide variety of modifications thereto may be
effected by persons skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following
claims.
* * * * *