U.S. patent application number 15/785362 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-12 for extraction devices, systems, and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is CONNOISSEUR HOLDINGS, LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew Jones.
Application Number | 20180099017 15/785362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55807313 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180099017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Andrew |
April 12, 2018 |
EXTRACTION DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
Abstract
Extraction devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. Example
devices have a solvent chamber, a plant material chamber, a
collection chamber, and a solvent return that create a sealed,
closed-cycle extraction and/or solvent purification process. Any
extractable plant material can be used in the disclosed devices,
methods, and systems although in some examples some form of the
cannabis plant is used.
Inventors: |
Jones; Andrew; (Tigard,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CONNOISSEUR HOLDINGS, LLC |
Portland |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55807313 |
Appl. No.: |
15/785362 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15601974 |
May 22, 2017 |
9789147 |
|
|
15785362 |
|
|
|
|
15090426 |
Apr 4, 2016 |
9655937 |
|
|
15601974 |
|
|
|
|
14794665 |
Jul 8, 2015 |
9327210 |
|
|
15090426 |
|
|
|
|
62080889 |
Nov 17, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 11/0215 20130101;
A61K 2236/00 20130101; B01D 11/0219 20130101; B01D 11/0292
20130101; B01D 11/0207 20130101; B01D 11/0288 20130101; C11B 1/10
20130101; B01D 11/0296 20130101; A61K 36/185 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 36/185 20060101
A61K036/185; B01D 11/02 20060101 B01D011/02; C11B 1/10 20060101
C11B001/10 |
Claims
1. A cannabinoid extraction device, comprising: a solvent chamber
having a solvent chamber return inlet, the solvent chamber
structured to store a solvent having a stored solvent volume; a
solvent chamber-cannabinoid containing plant material chamber
interface having a first side and an opposing second side, the
first surface attached to the solvent chamber and structured to
receive solvent released from the solvent chamber; a cannabinoid
containing plant material chamber attached to the second side of
the solvent chamber-cannabinoid containing plant material chamber
interface, the cannabinoid containing plant material chamber in
fluid communication with the solvent chamber and structured to
receive the solvent released from the solvent chamber, the
cannabinoid containing plant material chamber structured to house
cannabinoid containing plant material and to expose the received
solvent to the cannabinoid containing plant material to produce a
cannabinoid containing solvent-extract solution; a cannabinoid
containing plant material chamber-collection chamber interface
having a first side and an opposing second side, the first side
attached to the cannabinoid containing plant material chamber and
structured to receive the solvent-extract solution from the plant
material chamber; a collection chamber attached to the second side
of the cannabinoid containing plant material chamber-collection
chamber interface, the collection chamber in fluid communication
with the cannabinoid containing plant material chamber and
structured to receive the cannabinoid containing solvent-extract
solution from the cannabinoid containing plant material chamber,
the cannabinoid containing solvent-extract solution including at
least a cannabinoid produced from the exposure of the solvent to
the cannabinoid containing plant material; a collection
chamber-solvent return interface having a first side and a second
side, the first side of the collection chamber-solvent return
connector attached to the collection chamber and structured to
receive the solvent in a gaseous form; and a solvent return
attached between the second side of the collection chamber-solvent
return interface and the solvent chamber return inlet, the solvent
return structured to provide fluid communication between the
collection chamber and the solvent chamber and to provide a pathway
for the gaseous solvent to return to the solvent chamber, wherein
the solvent return comprises flow control features including at
least one of a flow regulating valve, a purge valve, or a
combination thereof; and wherein the solvent chamber, the
cannabinoid containing plant material chamber, the collection
chamber, and the solvent return form a sealed, closed-cycle fluid
pathway.
2. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, wherein the
cannabinoid containing plant material chamber is disposed
vertically below the solvent chamber and the collection chamber is
disposed vertically below the cannabinoid containing plant material
chamber.
3. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further comprising
a solvent chamber housing that surrounds sidewalls of the solvent
chamber and is spaced apart from the sidewalls of the solvent
chamber.
4. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 3, wherein the
solvent chamber housing also extends across a bottom surface of the
solvent chamber and is spaced apart the bottom surface of the
solvent chamber.
5. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 3, further comprising
a cold bath housed in the solvent chamber housing, and wherein the
cold bath causes the solvent chamber to become colder than the
collection chamber, which creates a temperature gradient between
the solvent chamber and the collection chamber, and wherein a
temperature of the cold bath is below a boiling point of the
solvent.
6. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 3, further comprising
a cold bath housed in the solvent chamber housing, and wherein the
cold bath includes dry ice pellets and ethyl-alcohol.
7. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 3, further comprising
at least one drain in the solvent chamber housing.
8. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further comprising
a solvent port providing a fluid pathway to the solvent
chamber.
9. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further comprising
a cannabinoid containing plant material chamber jacket that
surrounds at least a portion of the cannabinoid containing plant
material chamber.
10. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further
comprising a collection chamber housing that surrounds sidewalls of
the collection chamber and is spaced apart from the sidewalls of
the collection chamber.
11. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 10, wherein the
collection chamber housing also extends across a bottom surface of
the collection chamber and spaces apart the bottom surface from the
collection chamber housing.
12. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 10, further
comprising at least one drain in the collection chamber
housing.
13. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, wherein the
solvent return is rigid or partially rigid.
14. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further
comprising a control valve positioned to regulate flow of the
gaseous solvent from the collection chamber into the solvent
return.
15. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further
comprising a purge valve structured to selectively release at least
one of oxygen and other fluids or gases from the solvent return at
a predetermined threshold pressure.
16. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, wherein one or
more of the solvent chamber, the cannabinoid containing plant
material chamber, and the collection chamber have one or more of a
view port, an internal pressure gauge, a thermometer, and a volume
indicator.
17. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, wherein solvent
chamber-cannabinoid containing plant material chamber interface
includes at least one sanitary fitting, and wherein one or more of
the solvent chamber, the cannabinoid containing plant material
chamber, the collection chamber, and the solvent return include
stainless steel.
18. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further
comprising a condensing coil positioned between the solvent return
and the solvent chamber return port, the condensing coil configured
to cool the solvent as the solvent travels through the condensing
coil, and further positioned to dispense the cooled solvent in the
solvent chamber through the solvent chamber return port.
19. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, wherein the
solvent chamber stores the solvent and the solvent is one or more
of butane, a hydrocarbon-based solvent other than butane, a
refrigerant-based solvent, and an alcohol-based solvent.
20. The cannabinoid extraction device of claim 1, further
comprising a refinement chamber attached between the cannabinoid
containing plant material chamber and the collection chamber, the
refinement chamber configured to receive the cannabinoid containing
solvent-extract solution from the cannabinoid containing plant
material chamber, expose the cannabinoid containing solvent-extract
solution to a refinement solvent to produce a refined cannabinoid
containing solvent-extract solution, and dispense the refined
cannabinoid containing solvent-extract solution to the collection
chamber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/601,974, filed May 22, 2017, which is set to issue as U.S.
Pat. No. 9,789,147 on Oct. 17, 2017, which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/090,426, filed Apr. 4, 2016,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,937, issued on May 23, 2017, which is a
divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/794,665, filed
Jul. 8, 2015, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,327,210, issued on May 3,
2016, which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application
62/080,889, filed Nov. 17, 2014, the contents of which are all
incorporated herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Man has been extracting valuable compounds from plants
throughout human time. These extracts range from medicine to
poisons, perfumes to flavorings and many others. In today's modern
economy, plant extracts are still highly sought and valuable
commodities.
[0003] One of the main extraction methods existing today is
solvent-based extraction in which the plant material containing the
extractable compounds is bathed or washed in a solvent. The solvent
uptakes the extractable compounds from the plant material and
combines the plant material in a solution with the solvent. The
compound solution is then purified to remove the solvent and
recover the desired extracted compound(s). Often, the purification
process involves heating the solution to "boil off" or volatilize
the solvent from the solution, leaving the extracted compound(s)
behind. Such extraction methods usually use a solvent having a
lower boiling point than that of the products so that the solvent
can be boiled off without removing or damaging the extracted
compound(s).
[0004] Typically, the solvents used in such extraction processes
are hydrocarbon-based or an alcohol, both of which have low boiling
points, but can be explosive or flammable when volatilized. The
explosive and flammable nature of the hydrocarbon-based extract
processes has led to many injuries and significant property damage
as users try to perform these extraction processes.
[0005] Additionally, because the hydrocarbon solvents are easy to
boil away, the solvents are oftentimes lost as a vapor to the
atmosphere during the extraction and purification processes. The
loss of the solvent makes the processes expensive to perform
because additional solvent must be added for each new extraction
process, which requires a large butane supply.
[0006] Some of the main solvent-based plant extract processes
include those used to extract essential oils, Napetalactone (the
main component of catnip) and various pharmaceutical compounds.
Also, the rise of medical marijuana and the legalization of
cannabis and cannabis-based products has made cannabis plant
extracts a legal and marketable pharmaceutical and recreational
commodity. One of the major extracts desired from cannabis plants
is hash oil. Hash oil is concentrated cannabinoids that are
extracted from the cannabis plant. The main psychoactive component
of marijuana is a cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol, better
known as THC. Cannabinoids are a class of compounds that act on the
cannabinoid receptors of the brain. The interaction of the
cannabinoids with the receptors is what causes a user to experience
mood-enhancing effects. Marijuana contains a variety of
cannabinoids, THC and cannabidiol (CBD) being the major
constituents, among many others.
[0007] The process of extracting hash oil from cannabis plant
material often involves running butane, a hydrocarbon-based
solvent, through the plant material or soaking the plant material
in butane to wash out the cannabinoids. The cannabinoid-rich
solvent solution is then purified, often by heating it, which
volatilizes the butane and leaves behind the cannabinoid extract.
During the volatilization process, the butane solvent is converted
into a gaseous form that is then highly flammable and potentially
explosive, which presents a significant danger to personal safety
and to any surrounding property.
[0008] Currently, to assist with recovery of the solvent from the
solvent-extract solution, many cannabinoid extract producers use a
pump, often a refrigerant recovery pump, to move the vapors from
the extract container to a solvent storage container. The pump
compresses the gaseous solvent vapors back into a liquid phase.
Often these pumps have a mechanical pumping means, are electrically
powered and are generally not food safe. Further, the use of such
pumps can be dangerous as the pumps are not designed to handle a
flammable hydrocarbon. Solvent vapors can leak from the pump and
mix with the surrounding environment where they risk being sparked
from either the operation of the pump itself or from other external
sources. Additionally, any extract process using the recovered
solvent risk being contaminated by pump lubricants or adverse
chemical reactions with the pump construction.
[0009] Therefore, there exists a need for solvent-based extraction
processes that can be performed safely without endangering
operators and property. Additionally, there exists a need for a
clean solvent conservation process to reduce the cost and increase
the efficiency of the extraction process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is an example extraction device in accordance with
aspects of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a variation of the example extraction device
shown in FIG. 1A.
[0012] FIG. 2A is another example extraction device according to
aspects of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a variation of the example extraction device
shown in FIG. 2A.
[0014] FIG. 3 is still another example extraction device according
to aspects of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is yet another example extraction device according to
aspects of the disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0016] The disclosed extraction device has three chambers, the
first is a solvent reservoir; the second is an extraction chamber,
which holds the material containing the desired extractable
material; and the third is a collection reservoir. Solvent flows
from the solvent reservoir into the extraction chamber where the
solvent is exposed to and washes through the material, dissolving
and carrying away the extractables from the plant material. The
solvent-extractables mixture is then collected in the collection
reservoir.
[0017] The extraction process conducted in the extraction device
can be powered by a thermal gradient/heat engine using the phase
changing properties of the solvent. In the device disclosed herein,
the solvent is maintained in a low-energy, liquid state in the
solvent-reservoir. The solvent flows from the solvent reservoir
through the extraction chamber that houses the plant material. The
contact of the solvent with the plant material extracts
compounds/products from the plant material. The solvent-extract
solution flows into the collection reservoir which is then warmed
to a temperature at which the solvent enters a gaseous phase which
causes the gaseous solvent to be released from the extracted
compounds.
[0018] By heating the collection reservoir to a temperature that
volatilizes the solvent, the solvent transforms to a gaseous phase
and separates from the solvent-extract solution leaving the extract
behind. The remaining extract solution may then be further refined
if desired. As the collection reservoir is heated, the gaseous
solvent is drawn through a solvent return channel into the solvent
reservoir, which can be chilled either continuously or at specific
times during the extraction process, such as when the gaseous
solvent is released into the return. The gaseous solvent is pulled
up the return channel due to the thermal gradient that is created
between the chilled solvent reservoir and the heated collection
tank.
[0019] In the gaseous state, the solvent expands, which creates a
pressure in the collection tank that forces the gaseous solvent
through the solvent return channel. The solvent return channel
terminates in the chilled solvent reservoir where the gaseous
solvent condenses into a liquid at the chilled temperature. The
condensation of the gaseous solvent reduces the volume of the
solvent and thus generates a partial negative pressure which
further draws gaseous solvent from the collection reservoir. The
condensed solvent may then be recirculated through the device, or
collected and stored for use in later extraction processes.
[0020] To extract oils, plant material is placed in the extraction
chamber. Solvent is then allowed to flow from the solvent storage
chamber through a valve and into the extraction chamber where the
solvent washes over the plant material, extracting oils from the
material as it percolates through. The oil-solvent solution flows
from the extraction chamber into the collection chamber through a
separate valve. In the collection chamber, the solvent is separated
from the extracted oils and is then returned to the storage chamber
through the solvent return chamber. The process is entirely sealed
within the extraction device and is driven by gravity and the
thermal gradient created by heating and/or chilling the various
chambers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Extraction Devices
[0021] The disclosed extraction devices allow users to extract
compounds from plant material using a solvent. The process occurs
in a sealed, closed-cycle environment, which allows the user to
recover the solvent and limits the likelihood of contamination of
the final product. Plant material is placed within an extraction
chamber, which is then sealed within the device. The solvent is
released from the solvent chamber into the extraction chamber where
it is left to extract compounds from the plant material. After the
extraction process is completed, the solvent, which now carries the
extracted compounds in solution, is drained into a collection
reservoir. The collection reservoir is heated to volatilize the
solvent, which separates the solvent from the extracted
compounds.
[0022] As the collection reservoir is heated, the solvent reservoir
of the solvent chamber can also be chilled, which creates a
temperature gradient between the solvent reservoir and the
collection reservoir. Due to the temperature gradient between the
collection reservoir and the solvent reservoir, solvent vapors are
drawn through a solvent return that connects the collection
reservoir and the solvent reservoir. The solvent vapors re-condense
in the chilled solvent reservoir due to the low temperature. The
recovered liquid solvent may then be stored for later extractions
or may be reused in a continuous extraction or solvent purification
process. The closed nature of this process helps to maintain the
purity of the solvent and the extracted compounds.
[0023] If a user desires, the solvent may be allowed to run through
the plant material continuously. By chilling solvent reservoir and
heating the collection reservoir, the solvent may be recirculated
through the device in a continuous manner while running through the
material and extracting compounds. The compounds concentrate in the
collection reservoir since the solvent is constantly volatilized
within the heated collection reservoir. Once the user determines
the extraction process is completed, the solvent can be collected
in the solvent reservoir and stored for later uses, if desired.
[0024] FIG. 1A is a side profile view of an example extraction
device 100. The device 100 is composed of three vertically stacked
chambers: a solvent chamber 110, an extraction chamber 130 and a
collection chamber 150. The chambers are linked by connectors 120
and 140, with a solvent return 180 linking the solvent chamber 110
with the collection chamber 150.
[0025] The solvent chamber 110 features an enclosed solvent
reservoir 112 that is surrounded by an outer wall 114 separated
from the solvent reservoir 112 by a gap 113. The outer wall 114
wraps around the shared base 115, upon which the solvent reservoir
112 is also centered and disposed. The shared base 115 may feature
a drain 117 through which the user may drain or dispense contents
from the gap, as desired.
[0026] The gap 113 allows the solvent reservoir 112 to be
surrounded by a fluid bath (not shown) contained between the outer
wall 114 and the exterior surface of the solvent reservoir 112. The
fluid bath allows a user to adjust and/or regulate the temperature
of the solvent reservoir 112 and thus the contents stored within.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, a solvent is stored within the
solvent reservoir 112 and is maintained or is cooled to a cool, low
energy state by a surrounding cooling bath. Although not shown in
FIG. 1A, the solvent reservoir 112 can be raised by spacers to
allow the cooling bath to contact its bottom surface and expose
greater surface area of the solvent reservoir 112 to the cooling
bath.
[0027] The cooling bath can be contained in the gap 113 of the
extraction device 100 shown in FIG. 1A. The cooling bath can be
composed of a mixture of dry ice (solid state CO.sub.2) pellets and
ethyl-alcohol (ethanol). This combination maintains the solvent
reservoir at a temperature ranging from approximately -17.degree.
C. to -78.degree. C., which is sufficient to maintain the solvent
in a liquid phase. In an example, the solvent is butane, which has
a boiling point ranging from -1.degree. C. to 1.degree. C.
Additionally, maintaining the solvent reservoir at such a low
temperature creates a large temperature differential between the
solvent reservoir and the collection reservoir that drives the heat
engine powering the device by re-condensing the returning gaseous
solvent back into a liquid. Other suitable cooling bath mixtures
may be used, as long as the bath maintains the solvent reservoir
below the solvent boiling point. It is also desirable to maintain
the solvent reservoir at as low a temperature as possible as the
efficiency of the system is driven, in part, by the magnitude of
the temperature gradient that exists between the chilled solvent
reservoir, and the heated collection reservoir.
[0028] The side walls of the solvent reservoir 112, the outer wall
114 and the base 115 are constructed of food grade stainless steel,
but also may be constructed of other suitable medical and/or food
grade materials in other examples. Other such suitable materials
include those that are non-reactive with the chosen solvent and
those having thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity allows
the solvent reservoir 112, and the contents held within, to be
thermally adjusted by the surrounding bath, a high thermal
conductivity hastening the transfer of thermal energy from the
surrounding fluid bath to the solvent reservoir 112 and contents
within. Further, each part, the solvent reservoir 112, outer wall
114 and the base 115, may be constructed of the same or different
materials.
[0029] Any impurities in the solvent affect the properties of the
solvent and may reduce its capacity to extract compounds and/or
reduce the thermal capacity, thereby decreasing device and process
efficiency. Additionally, any impurities in the solvent may be
transferred into the extracted compounds where they may reduce the
efficacy, change the quality or cause harm to users of the final
product and/or require additional or costly post-extraction
processes to remove the entrapped impurities. To further aid in the
avoidance of potential impurities, medical and/or food grade
materials and design techniques are used throughout the device.
[0030] A safety vent, not shown in the figures, may be disposed
atop the solvent reservoir 112. The safety vent allows built-up,
gaseous solvent to be safely removed from the solvent reservoir 112
to reduce the risk of system over-pressure incidents. The vent
extends from the upper surface of the solvent reservoir 112 to at
least the upper plane of the outer tank 114 to ensure that if the
solvent reservoir 112 is submerged in a cooling bath, the outlet of
the vent remains open and unblocked. The safety vent is a pipe
attached to the solvent reservoir 112 and in fluid communication
with the tank interior. Positioned within the safety vent is a
diaphragm calibrated to a pre-set pressure. If the interior
pressure of the solvent reservoir 112 exceeds the pre-set pressure,
the diaphragm opens, venting stored solvent vapors and decreasing
the internal pressure of the solvent reservoir 112. Once the
internal pressure has fallen to a safe level, below the diaphragm
pre-set trigger pressure, the diaphragm closes and reseals the
solvent reservoir 112. The one-way nature of the safety vent
prevents any outside gas from entering the device. Such
contamination could decrease the efficiency of the device and/or
contaminate the product.
[0031] A view port 118 is disposed on the upper surface of the
solvent reservoir 112, as shown in FIG. 1A. The view port 118 is
constructed of a transparent material set into a metal housing. The
view port 118 is releasably mounted to a protrusion from the
solvent reservoir 112 by a threaded connection, but may be
permanently affixed in other examples. A seal may be disposed
between the view port 118 and the solvent reservoir 112 to prevent
solvent vapors from leaking out of the solvent reservoir 112 and to
prevent contamination of the solvent by the outside environment.
The view port 118, if releasably connected, may be removed when
access to the interior of the solvent reservoir 112 interior is
necessary, such as for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
Alternatively, the view port 118 may extend through a side wall of
the solvent reservoir 112 and the outer wall 114. Further, the view
port 118 may feature a light to illuminate the interior of the
solvent reservoir 112, which could include LED lighting, for
example. The lighting source may be located on an interior side of
view port 118 where it is exposed to the interior of the solvent
reservoir 112. Alternatively, the lighting source may be located in
a manner that isolates the source from the interior of the device
100 and/or the exterior environment surrounding the device 100.
[0032] The interior of the solvent reservoir 112 can feature
markings to assist a user in measuring the quantity and/or quality
of the interior contents. The markings can be viewable to a user
through the view port 118. In other embodiments of the device 100,
the interior markings may be absent as desired or required by the
user, use and/or design of the device 100. Also, a temperature
gauge, like a thermometer, and/or a pressure gauge can also be
included to measure the respective temperature and/or pressure in
the solvent reservoir or any other chamber or reservoir described
herein.
[0033] A solvent inlet 116 extends from the surface of the solvent
reservoir 112 and is the entry point for contents, such as a
solvent, to be introduced into the solvent reservoir 112. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1A, the solvent inlet 116 is a valve to which an
external solvent source can be connected. Opening the solvent inlet
116 allows the solvent to flow from the external source into the
solvent reservoir 112. The user can assess and observe the fill
progress through the view port 118. Once the desired fill level is
achieved, the solvent inlet 116 is closed and the external solvent
source disconnected.
[0034] Alternatively, the solvent inlet 116 can be a spring-loaded
inlet valve, similar to those found in butane lighters and
refillable air cylinders. An external solvent source (not shown)
containing the solvent or other substance to be introduced into the
solvent reservoir 112 is connected to the solvent inlet using an
appropriate connector. The solvent then flows through the solvent
inlet 116 and collects within the solvent reservoir 112. Once the
solvent reservoir is filled to a level desired by a user, the
external solvent source is disconnected, at which time the solvent
inlet 116 is sealed by the internal spring. Using such a valve
minimizes or prevents contaminants from the external environment
from entering the device 100 through the solvent inlet 116.
Contamination of the device 100 by the external environment can
adversely affect the solvent and/or the product.
[0035] The solvent return 180 connects to the solvent reservoir 112
via an inlet 186. The connection between the solvent return 180 and
the solvent reservoir 112 can be releasable or permanent. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the connection is a permanent weld
affixing the solvent return 180 to the solvent chamber 110.
[0036] The other end of the solvent return 180 is welded to the top
of a sanitary cap 146. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the solvent
return 180 is a rigid structure running between the solvent chamber
110 and the top of fitting 146, allowing fluid communication
between the solvent reservoir 112 and the collection reservoir 152.
A rigid solvent return 180 can provide structural support and
elevate the solvent chamber 110 when the device 100 is
assembled.
[0037] The solvent chamber 110 is connected to the extraction
chamber 130 via a connector 120. The connector 120 features a valve
122 to regulate the flow of the solvent as it exits the solvent
chamber 110. The valve 122 is affixed to a threaded extension
extending from the shared base 115. Alternatively, the valve 122
can be connected using a compression fitting or directly welded to
the shared base 115. The extension is in fluid communication with
the solvent reservoir 112. The valve 122 can be controlled manually
by a user or electronically controlled by a user or controller. The
valve 122 may be variably controlled so that the rate of solvent
flowing through it may be varied by a user or other control means.
Additionally, there may be a view port disposed about the connector
120 or valve 122 that allows a user to observe the flow of solvent
from the solvent chamber 110.
[0038] The connector 120 is further affixed to a sanitary cap 124.
The sanitary cap 124 is a flat disk, having a chamfered
circumference and has a threaded extension to which the valve 122
of the connector 120 is secured. Alternatively, the valve 122 can
be connected using a compression fitting or directly welded to the
sanitary cap 124. A seal can be disposed on the side opposite the
threaded extension and interfaces with a mating surface of a top
sanitary ferrule 134 of the extraction chamber 130. The top
sanitary ferrule 134 of the extraction chamber 130 and the sanitary
cap 124 of the connector 120 are joined by a sanitary connection
such as a single pin-hinged clamp. The sanitary connector affixes
and compresses the chamfered perimeters of the sanitary cap 124 and
the top sanitary ferrule 134 of the extraction chamber 130 to form
a seal. Other suitable releasable connections may be used to join
the chambers 110 and 130, such as threaded connections.
[0039] The extraction chamber 130 of the device 100 as shown in
FIG. 1 includes the top sanitary ferrule 134 discussed above, a
plant material chamber 132, a bottom sanitary ferrule 136, an outer
wall 138 spaced a distance 139 about the plant material chamber
132, a circular base 137 and a drain 158. The plant material
chamber 132 is disposed between the top sanitary ferrule 134 and
the bottom sanitary ferrule 136. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
1A, the plant material chamber 132 is constructed of food-grade
stainless steel, as are the other components of the extraction
chamber 130. The plant material chamber 132 can feature view ports
to allow a user to observe the extraction process. As with the
solvent chamber, the plant material chamber can also include a
thermometer or other temperature gauge and a pressure gauge to
measure the temperature and the pressure of the plant material
chamber.
[0040] Alternatively, the plant material chamber 132 can be
constructed of glass. The transparent nature of a glass plant
material chamber 132 allows a user to observe the extraction
process. The chamber 132 may also be constructed of other suitable
transparent material. Such suitable materials include those that do
not adversely react with the solvent, extract and/or plant
materials.
[0041] The top sanitary ferrule 134 and bottom sanitary ferrule 136
of the extraction chamber 130 are constructed of food-grade
stainless steel and are disposed atop and below the plant material
chamber 132. The top sanitary ferrule 134 is affixed to or can be
an integrated part of the plant material chamber 132. The bottom
sanitary ferrule 136 is affixed to the base of and is in fluid
communication with the plant material chamber 132. Both the top
sanitary ferrule 134 and bottom sanitary ferrule 136 can have an
open geometry. That is, the inner diameters of the top and bottom
sanitary ferrule 134, 136 are substantially the same dimensions as
the inner diameter of the plant material chamber 132. This allows
the user easier access to the interior of the plant material
chamber 132.
[0042] In the example embodiment in which the plant material
chamber 132 is constructed of glass, the plant material chamber 132
is a glass tube, the top and bottom sanitary ferrules 134, 136
providing the top and base for the chamber 132. The top sanitary
ferrule 134 and bottom sanitary ferrule 136 can have an interior
lip on which seals can be disposed. The upper and lower
circumference of the glass plant material chamber 132 rests on the
seals respectively. Alternatively, the top 134 and bottom 136 may
feature seals about their interior surface, the seals contacting
the outer periphery of the glass plant material chamber 132,
preventing the interior of the chamber from external environmental
intrusion.
[0043] In the glass plant material chamber embodiment, a support
structure can extend between the top sanitary ferrule 134 and the
bottom sanitary ferrule 136, locking the two pieces together with
the glass plant material chamber in between. The support structure
can be composed of threaded rods with nuts disposed on either side
of the top sanitary ferrule 134 and the bottom sanitary ferrule
136. The user tightens the nuts about the top sanitary ferrule 134
and bottom sanitary ferrule 136 to constrain the glass plant
material chamber between them.
[0044] The outer wall 138 is separated from the plant material
chamber 132 by a gap distance 139 about the periphery of the plant
material chamber 132. The circular base 137 is connected to the
outer wall 138 and disposed about the perimeter of the plant
material chamber 132 to form a tank as defined by the gap 139. The
gap 139 can be filled with a temperature regulating bath, such as a
cooling bath as described above in regards to the solvent chamber,
or by a heating/warming bath and can be selectively heated/cooled
to help control the temperature gradient between the solvent
chamber and the collection chamber. For example, a user can fill
the gap 139 surrounding the plant material with a warming bath
after the extraction process within the plant material chamber 132
is complete. By warming the chamber 132, any remaining solvent
within the chamber 132 can be volatilized and then recovered and
used for future extraction processes.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the gap 139 is filled
with a pre-warmed fluid or mixture after the extraction process is
completed. The temperature of the fluid or mixture can be
pre-selected by the user to optimize solvent recovery. Once the
solvent has been sufficiently recovered, the surrounding bath can
be drained through a drain 135. If a steady high temperature bath
is required, the drain 135 can be partially open to drain away
cooler fluid as the gap 139 is replenished with hot fluid.
[0046] Alternative methods of heating the plant material chamber
132 can be used, such as resistive heating elements, thermoelectric
heaters and other heating sources. As with the temperature bath
discussed above, the heating sources can be temperature controlled
to achieve a desired temperature within the plant material chamber
132, if necessary or desired.
[0047] The bottom sanitary ferrule 136 is attached to the connector
140 in a manner similar to the top sanitary ferrule 134 connection
to the connector 120. The connector 140 is affixed to a top
sanitary cap 144 to which the bottom sanitary ferrule 136 of the
extraction chamber 130 is connected by a sanitary connection. The
top sanitary cap 144 features a seal disposed about the inner
perimeter of the cap 144 and contacts a surface of the bottom
sanitary ferrule 136, such that when the sanitary connection, such
as a single pin-hinged clamp, is engaged, the chamfered bottom
sanitary ferrule 136 and chamfered top sanitary cap 144 compress
the seal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the seal on the top
sanitary cap 144 features a mesh filter disposed across the inner
diameter of the top sanitary cap 144. The filter prevents plant
material from the plant material chamber 132 from traveling through
the connector 140.
[0048] The connector 140 has a top sanitary cap 144, discussed
previously, a bottom sanitary cap 146 and a valve 142. The valve
142 is attached to a threaded extension of the top sanitary cap
144. Alternatively, the valve 142 can be connected using a
compression fitting or directly welded to the top sanitary cap 144.
The threaded extension of the top sanitary cap 144 is in fluid
communication with the interior of the plant material chamber 132.
The valve 142 can be manually controlled by a user or can be
electronically controlled by a user or controller. Additionally,
there may be a view port disposed about the connector 140 or valve
142 that allows a user to observe the flow of solvent-extract
solution from the extraction chamber 130. The bottom sanitary cap
146 is connected to the valve 142 in a similar manner as the top
sanitary cap 144. The bottom sanitary cap 146 includes a threaded
extension to which the valve 142 is affixed and the threaded
extension is in fluid communication with the collection chamber
150. Alternatively, the valve 142 can be connected using a
compression fitting or directly welded to the bottom sanitary cap
146.
[0049] The collection chamber 150 shown in FIG. 1A features a
collection reservoir 152, an outer wall 154, a sanitary ferrule
156, a base 160, spacers 162, a pressure indicator 170 and a
solvent return outlet 184. The collection reservoir 152 is a tank
of a similar construction as the solvent reservoir 112. The
collection reservoir 152 collects the solvent-extract solution from
the extraction chamber 130. The collection reservoir 152 is
elevated from the base 160 by spacers 162 although in alternative
examples the collection reservoir 152 sits directly on the base
160. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, a fluid bath is disposed
about the reservoir 152 and is contained by the outer wall 154. The
spacers 162 allow the bath to contact more surface area of the
collection reservoir 152.
[0050] The sanitary ferrule 156 is connected to a top plate 157 of
the collection reservoir 152, as shown in the embodiment of FIG.
1A. The sanitary ferrule 156 can be removably connected, such as by
a threaded connection or other removable attachment options, to the
top plate 157. The top plate 157 can also be removably connected to
the collection reservoir 152 or permanently attached by welding or
other permanent attachment options. Alternatively, the sanitary
ferrule 156 can be integrated with the top plate 157 to form a
single piece that is removably attached to the collection reservoir
152. The sanitary ferrule 156 is in fluid communication with the
collection reservoir 152 of the collection chamber 150. Further, a
view port can be disposed on the sanitary ferrule 156, top plate
157 or in any other location such that a user may observe the
contents of the reservoir 152.
[0051] A drain outlet 158 is disposed on the outer wall 154 and is
in fluid communication with the gap surrounding the collection
reservoir 152. The fluid bath surrounding the collection reservoir
152 can be drained through the drain outlet 158 after the
extraction process is completed.
[0052] A pressure indicator 170 is in fluid communication with the
interior of the collection reservoir 152 and allows a user to
observe and monitor the interior pressure. The pressure indicator
can indicate a positive pressure, a negative pressure or
combination thereof. The pressure indicator 170 is disposed on a
sidewall of the reservoir 152 but may be disposed elsewhere as
required or desired.
[0053] The solvent return 180 is connected to the outlet 184 and is
disposed on the sanitary ferrule 156 of the collection reservoir
152. The solvent return 180 is in fluid communication with the
collection reservoir 152 when the sanitary ferrule 156 is in place
and allows gaseous solvent to travel from the collection reservoir
152 to the solvent reservoir 112. The solvent return 180 may be
permanently or releasably connected to the sanitary ferrule 156. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the solvent return 180 is welded
to the sanitary ferrule 156.
[0054] The solvent return 180 is a food-grade stainless steel
conduit that fluidly links the collection chamber 150 with the
solvent storage chamber 110. The solvent return 180 provides the
path for the gaseous solvent to return to the solvent chamber and
re-condense to its liquid form, thus providing a fully-sealed
extraction system. The solvent return 180 has a valve 182 to
regulate the flow of gaseous solvent from the collection reservoir
152 to the solvent reservoir 112. The valve 182 is in-line with the
solvent return 180 and is connected via releasable threaded
connections. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the solvent return 180
is welded to the solvent storage chamber 110 and the sanitary
ferrule 156 of the collection reservoir 152. While the valve is
disposed in the solvent return 180, the solvent chamber 110 and the
sanitary ferrule 156 of the collection reservoir 152 are
effectively a single unit linked by a rigid form of the solvent
return 180. By separating the solvent return 180 at the valve 182,
the two sections, the solvent chamber 110 and the sanitary ferrule
156 may be disjoined from one another. The rigid solvent return 180
provides structural support for the vertically stacked chambers and
a rigid, parallel return path to fully seal the extraction
system.
[0055] Alternatively, in example devices that are self-supporting
or are supported externally, the solvent return 180 can be a
flexible or semi-rigid connection. Such connections can include a
hose, flexible piping, high pressure flexible line or other
suitable connection option.
[0056] A purge valve 188 is included on the solvent return 180. The
purge valve 188 is disposed on the solvent return 180 such that it
is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection
reservoir 152, regardless of the position of the valve 182 on the
solvent return 180. The purge valve 188 allows the user to purge or
decrease the amount of oxygen within the device 100 before starting
an extraction process and/or loading the solvent. When using a
combustible or flammable solvent, the purging of oxygen from the
system assists in lowering the risk of solvent ignition. The valve
188 may be a one- or two-way valve or may be actuated by a user or
other control means. The purge of oxygen or other atmosphere within
the device may be accomplished by introducing a secondary, inert
gas that displaces the existing gas within the device 100 through
the valve 188. Alternatively, a vacuum can be created within the
device, the evacuated air being drawn through the valve 188 by a
mechanical means. By creating a vacuum or low pressure within the
device, the amount of oxygen within the device is preferably below
the level required for ignition and/or combustion of the
solvent.
[0057] Additionally, the purge valve 188 can act as a pressure
relief valve for the collection reservoir 152. The purge valve 188
is in fluid communication with the interior of the collection
reservoir 152, opening the purge valve 188 can vent stored pressure
from within the interior of the collection reservoir 152 as
necessary.
[0058] FIG. 1B is an alternative embodiment of the device 100 of
FIG. 1A. The device 100, as shown in FIG. 1B, includes a view port
145 disposed on the bottom sanitary cap 146 of the connector 140.
The view port 145 allows the user to view the interior of the
collection reservoir 152. A light source, such as LEDs, can be
disposed about the interior, or exterior, of the view port 145 and
light the interior of the collection reservoir 152 for improved
user viewing. The collection reservoir 152 can feature internal
markings similar to those of the solvent reservoir 112, assisting
the user in measuring the filled volume of the collection reservoir
152 through the view port 145.
[0059] FIG. 2A is another embodiment of the extraction device 200
that is composed of three different sections, a solvent chamber
210, an extraction chamber 230 and a collection chamber 250, which
are connected by connectors, 220 and 240, and a return 280. The
solvent chamber 210 includes a solvent reservoir 212 surrounded by
an outer wall 214 and separated by a gap 213. The outer wall 214
and solvent reservoir 212 are attached to a shared base 215. The
shared base 215 includes a drain 217 through which the contents of
the gap 213 can be drained.
[0060] The solvent reservoir 212 has a removable cap, 218a or 218b
that a user can remove for improved access to the interior of the
reservoir 212. Alternatively, the solvent reservoir 212 is not
required to have a cap and can be completely enclosed, which may be
desirable to prevent contamination of the solvent by an external
environment.
[0061] The gap 213 allows the solvent reservoir 212 to be
surrounded by a fluid bath. As discussed with the previous
embodiments, the fluid bath is a cold bath that can be composed of
many different materials and mixtures. The low temperature of the
solvent chamber 210 and the heated collection chamber 230 create a
temperature gradient that drives the solvent recovery process.
[0062] Additionally, a splashguard 219 is included about the inner
periphery of the outer wall 214. The splashguard 219 is affixed to
the outer wall 214 and extends over the gap and partially covers
the periphery of the solvent reservoir 212. Alternatively, the
splashguard 219 can be a removable element that interfaces with the
outer wall 214 for support.
[0063] The solvent reservoir 212, the outer wall 214 and the base
215 are made of food-grade stainless steel, a non-reactive material
that will not contaminate the solvent or finished product.
Alternative materials can be used for the construction of the
various components to preserve the quality of the extract and
solvent.
[0064] The solvent reservoir 212 includes a view port, 218a or
218b, through which the user can observe the interior of the
reservoir 212. As previously discussed, the view port, 218a or
218b, include a transparent top portion through which the user can
observe the interior of the solvent reservoir 212. Additionally,
lights, such as LEDs, can be disposed about the interior periphery,
or exterior, of the view port 218a or 218b to assist the user with
observations.
[0065] In the example device 200 shown in FIG. 2A, either of the
elements 218a and 218b can be a cap and/or a view port. That is,
218a can be a view port and 218b can be a solid cap, or vice versa.
Alternatively, both 218a and 218b can be view ports, with one or
both removably connected to the solvent reservoir 212.
[0066] A pressure gauge 211 and a solvent inlet 216 are in fluid
communication with the interior of the solvent reservoir 212. The
pressure gauge 211 allows the user to determine an interior
pressure of the reservoir 212. The user can respond to pressure
indications as necessary, such as by venting stored pressure within
the solvent reservoir 212 to prevent an over-pressurization event
which could lead to catastrophic failure of the device. The
interior pressure of the solvent reservoir 212 can be vented
through the solvent inlet 216 by actuation of the valve. The
actuation of the valve can be done by a user or remotely by a
manual or automatic actuator. Additionally, the pressure gauge can
be configured to automatically actuate the valve at a given
pressure to prevent an undue accumulation of pressure or
volatilized solvent.
[0067] Solvent from the solvent reservoir 212 flows into the
extraction chamber 230 through the connector 220. The connector 220
includes a sanitary valve 222 that is disposed between and in fluid
communication with the solvent chamber 210 and the extraction
chamber 230. The sanitary valve is held between the two chambers
using a compression fitting. Alternatively, the sanitary valve 222
can be directly welded to one or both of the solvent chamber 210
and the extraction chamber 230.
[0068] The connector 220 further includes a sanitary cap 224 to
which the valve 222 is also connected. The sanitary cap 224 and the
sanitary ferrule 234 form a sanitary connection between the
connector 220 and the extraction chamber 230 when a compression
clamp, such as a single pin-hinged clamp is locked about the
chamfered circumference of the two pieces 224 and 234.
[0069] A solvent return 228 is also included on the sanitary cap
224. The solvent return is in fluid communication with the plant
material chamber 232 of the extraction chamber 230 and the solvent
reservoir 212. As the remaining solvent within the plant material
chamber 232 is volatilized after the extraction process, the
solvent vapors travel through the solvent return 228 and
recondenses in the chilled solvent reservoir 212. The solvent
return 228 enters the solvent reservoir 212 and extends past the
level of the solvent within. In doing so, the solvent within the
reservoir 212 cannot travel back down the return 228 and into the
extraction chamber 230. A valve 226 is disposed on the solvent
return 228 to allow the user to regulate the flow of the
volatilized solvent from the extraction chamber 230.
[0070] The extraction chamber 230 includes a plant material chamber
232, an outer wall 238, a circular base 237, a top sanitary ferrule
234 and a bottom sanitary ferrule 236. As discussed previously, the
components of the extraction chamber 230 are constructed from
food-grade stainless steel using food-grade manufacturing
techniques and processes.
[0071] The plant material chamber 232 is topped with a removable or
integrated top sanitary ferrule 234 that is a portion of the
sanitary connection between the extraction chamber 230 and
connector 220. The top sanitary ferrule 234 has an open diameter
approximately equal to that of the inner diameter of the plant
material chamber 232 to allow the user easier access to the
interior of the plant material chamber 232. The extract containing
plant material is placed in the plant material chamber 232.
[0072] A circular base 237 is disposed about the periphery of the
plant material chamber 232 and spaces the outer wall 238 a distance
239 from the said periphery. The circular base 237 provides the
base for the tank formed by the outer wall 238 and gap 239. The gap
239 can be filled with a temperature bath, preferably a warm or hot
water bath, after the extraction process is completed. The
temperature bath heats the plant material chamber 232, which
volatilizes the remaining solvent that then flows through the
solvent return 228 back into the solvent reservoir 212.
[0073] The outer wall 238 includes openings 233a and 233b through
which the temperature bath can be added and circulated about the
plant material chamber 232. The temperature bath can flow in
through the opening 233a, filling the gap 239 from the bottom up.
At the top, the temperature bath flows out through the opening
233b, which allows for a steady replenishment of pre-heated
temperature bath to be circulated about the plant material chamber
232. The temperature bath exiting the opening 233b is at a lower
temperature, as it has transferred thermal energy to the plant
material chamber 232, then the pre-heated temperature bath entering
the gap 239 through the opening 233a. The temperature bath
circulating within the gap 239 can have a pre-selected and/or
controllable temperature, which can be controllable by a user or
electronic controller, in order to achieve maximal efficiency of
solvent recovery.
[0074] The bottom sanitary ferrule 236 can be attached or
integrated to the base of the plant material chamber 232. The
bottom sanitary ferrule 236 interfaces with a sanitary cap 244 of
the connector 240 to form a sanitary connection between the
extraction chamber 230 and the connector 240.
[0075] The base of the plant material chamber 232 and/or the
sanitary ferrule 236 can include a filter that prevents plant
material from entering the connector 240 but allows the
extract-rich solvent solution to pass through. Additionally, the
filter can be a filter that removes or limits the amount of
undesirable compounds that pass from the extraction chamber 230
into the collection chamber 250.
[0076] The connector 240 includes a sanitary valve 242 disposed
between a sanitary cap 244 and a bottom sanitary cap 246. The
connector 240 facilitates and regulates fluid communication between
the extraction chamber 230 and the collection chamber 250.
[0077] The collection chamber 250 includes a collection reservoir
252, an outer tank 254 and a shared top 257. A sanitary ferrule 256
is affixed or integrated with the shared top 257. The sanitary
ferrule 256 interfaces with the lower sanitary cap 246 of the
connector 240 to form a sanitary connection between the extraction
chamber and the connector 240.
[0078] The collection reservoir 252 is affixed or integrated with
the shared top 257. This arrangement allows the suspension of the
collection reservoir 252 within the outer tank 254. The outer tank
254 is filled with a temperature bath that surrounds the collection
reservoir 252 and assists with the separation of the extract from
the solvent and the recovery of the solvent. Preferably, the
temperature bath is a warm or hot water bath that transfers
sufficient thermal energy into the solvent-extract solution within
the collection reservoir 252 to volatilize the solvent.
Volatilizing the solvent separates the solvent from the
solvent-extract solution and the solvent vapors rise through the
solvent return 280 to be recovered in the solvent reservoir
212.
[0079] The outer tank 254 includes an inlet 258a through which the
temperature bath can be introduced into the outer tank 254. The
inlet 258a can also function as a drain to drain the bath contained
by the outer tank 254 after a refinement or extraction process is
completed.
[0080] The outer tank 254 includes an outlet 258b, through which
the temperature bath exits the outer tank 254 as additional
temperature bath is introduced though the inlet 258a. As newly
heated temperature bath is introduced through the inlet 258a,
temperature bath can be displaced through the outlet 258b. The
outlet 258b can be connected to the inlet 233a of the outer wall
238 of the extraction chamber 230. In this arrangement, the
temperature bath is circulated about the collection reservoir 252
before being displace to circulate about the plant material chamber
232.
[0081] The collection reservoir 252 includes an inclined floor 253
that can be added to or integrated with the reservoir 252. The
inclined floor 253 directs the extract solution to the outlet 255
through which the extract solution can be removed from the
collection reservoir 252.
[0082] Alternatively, the collection reservoir 252 can be
constructed to have a sloping floor itself. Such a design removes
the need for an inclined floor 253 within the reservoir 252. The
inclined floor 253 or the alternative embodiment of a collection
chamber with an integrated slopped floor can have an adjustable
incline in some examples that can be adjusted manually or
automatically.
[0083] A pressure gauge 270 is in fluid communication with the
interior of the collection reservoir 252 and indicates the stored
pressure to a user. The pressure indicator 270 can indicate a
positive pressure, a negative pressure or a combination thereof. As
the solvent-extract solution is heated and the solvent is
vaporized, the pressure within the solvent reservoir 252 rises if
the solvent vapors are constrained. The pressure gauge allows the
user to measure the interior pressure of the reservoir 252 so that
the user can take appropriate safety action should the internal
pressure of the collection chamber approach a critical level.
Venting the constrained pressure can prevent catastrophic failure
of the device 200.
[0084] A solvent return 280 fluidly connects the collection
reservoir 252 and the solvent reservoir 212. The return 280 assists
the recovery of the solvent after the extraction process is
completed. As the solvent within the collection reservoir 252 is
heated and volatilized, the volatilized solvent flows up the return
280 and into the chilled solvent reservoir 212 where it recondenses
back into liquid solvent. The return 280 includes a sanitary
ferrule 284 extending from the collection reservoir 252 a length of
conduit 283 and a sanitary valve 282. The length of conduit 283 is
connected to the sanitary ferrule 284 by a sanitary connection and
extends vertically to the valve 282, which is connected by a
sanitary connection 288.
[0085] The sanitary valve 282 regulates and controls the flow of
volatilized solvent from the collection reservoir 252 to the
solvent reservoir 212. The return 280 extends from the sanitary
valve 282 and into the solvent reservoir 212 with an outlet 286
located above the level of the solvent. As the vapors flow through
the outlet 286 and recondense into liquid solvent, the elevated
position of the outlet 286 prevents liquid solvent from flowing
back down the return 280.
[0086] The vertical nature of the solvent return 280 shrinks the
overall footprint of the device 200.
[0087] FIG. 2B is an embodiment of an extraction device 200 similar
to the device of FIG. 2A with some modifications and additions.
[0088] The solvent chamber 210 of the device 200 of FIG. 2B has a
single view port 218 through which the user can observe and monitor
the interior of the solvent reservoir 212.
[0089] The return 280 of the device 200 of FIG. 2B is similar in
nature to the solvent return 180 of the device 100 of FIGS. 1A and
1B. The return 280 is in fluid communication with the collection
chamber 250 through the sanitary ferrule 284. The return 280
includes a sanitary valve 282 disposed along its length. The
sanitary valve 282 regulates and controls the flow of the
volatilized solvent from the collection reservoir 252 into the
solvent reservoir 212. The return 280 terminates at the top of the
solvent reservoir 212 at an outlet 286.
[0090] An oxygen purge element 285, like that of 188 of FIGS. 1A
and 1B, is connected to and in fluid communication with the
collection reservoir 252. The oxygen purge element 285 assists the
user in purging the device of oxygen and other unwanted gases prior
to an extraction process occurring.
[0091] The return 280 also features an outlet and valve 287. The
outlet and valve 287 allows access to the device 200 interior from
the outside. Evacuation of or creation of a vacuum within the
device 200 can be done through the outlet and valve 287. A vacuum
pump, a venturi pump or other evacuation device can be connected to
the outlet and valve 287 to evacuate or create a vacuum within the
device 200.
[0092] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the extraction device.
The device 300 of FIG. 3 is designed for larger, commercial
extraction batches although it can also accommodate smaller
batches, as desired. The device 300 generally functions similarly
to the devices 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B with the addition of a
condensing coil 315 to the solvent chamber 310. After an extraction
has been performed, the user heats the collection reservoir 352
which volatilizes the solvent, separating it from the extracts. The
gaseous solvent travels through the solvent return 380 and into the
condensing coil 315. The condensing coil 315 sits in the outer tank
314 to which a cold bath has been added. As the gaseous solvent
flows through the cool condensing coil 315 it recondenses into a
liquid phase that flows into the solvent reservoir 312. The
condensing coil 315 provides increased surface area for the thermal
energy transfer from the gaseous solvent to the surrounding cool
bath.
[0093] The condensing coil 315 of the device of FIG. 3 is disposed
in the solvent chamber 310. The condensing coil 315 is connected to
and located above the solvent reservoir 312 and connected to the
solvent return 380 at the inlet 386. The condensing coil 315 is
constructed of material having a high thermal conductivity, such as
a metal or other suitable material. It is desirable that the coil
is highly thermally conductive to more quickly and efficiently
condense the returning gaseous solvent back into a liquid
phase.
[0094] The outer tank 314 of the solvent chamber 310 extends
vertically past the solvent reservoir 312 and around condensing
coil 315, which completely submerges the condensing coil 315 in the
surrounding cold bath. Gaseous solvent, from the heated collection
reservoir 352, enters the condensing coil 315 from the return 380
through the inlet 386. In the condensing coil 315, thermal energy
from the gaseous solvent is transferred to the surrounding cool
bath. The large surface area of the condensing coil 315, in contact
with the cool bath, increases the conductive heat transfer which
speeds condensation of the gaseous solvent vapor into liquid
solvent. The condensed solvent then flows through the remainder of
the condensing coil 315 where it discharges into the solvent
reservoir 312.
[0095] A solvent inlet 316 is connected to the solvent reservoir
312 of the extraction device 300 of FIG. 3. The solvent inlet 316
is functionally similar to the solvent inlet 116 of the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
the solvent inlet 316 rises higher from the top surface of the
solvent reservoir 312 to ensure that it rises above the level of
the cold bath contained within the outer tank 314. Additionally,
the solvent inlet 316 may function as a valve to release gas that
may be trapped within the device 300.
[0096] The solvent reservoir 312 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3
is constructed in a similar manner and geometry as the solvent
reservoir 112 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. As detailed
above, the solvent reservoir 312 has thin walls that allow for
rapid thermal energy transfer across their cross-section, the rapid
flow of thermal energy ensuring that the solvent contained within
the solvent reservoir 312 maintains a sufficiently low energy state
such that the solvent is kept in a liquid phase.
[0097] A view port 319 is disposed on the solvent reservoir 312,
extending through the outer tank 314 to the exterior of the device
300. The view port 319 is similar to the view port 118 of the
device 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The view port 319 is constructed of
a transparent material set into a metal housing and can include
lighting elements, such as LEDs, used to illuminate the interior of
the solvent reservoir 312. A user can observe the interior of the
solvent reservoir 312 through the view port 319 to assess the
amount of solvent within the tank and monitor the solvent recovery
process.
[0098] The outer tank 314 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is
constructed in a similar manner, geometry and materials as the
outer tank 114 detailed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. The
sidewalls of the outer tank 314 are necessarily higher than the
tank 114, in order to contain the cold bath around not only the
solvent reservoir 312 but the condensing coil 315 as well.
[0099] The cold bath contained within the outer tank 314 should be
of a sufficiently low temperature to recondense the returning
gaseous solvent. The solvent used in the embodiment of FIG. 3 is
butane, which has a boiling point of -1.degree. C. The surrounding
bath needs to be able to chill the gaseous solvent in solvent
reservoir 312 and condensing coil 315 to a temperature at least
below the solvent boiling point in order to recondense the solvent
into a liquid phase. The dry ice and ethanol bath used in the
embodiment of FIG. 3 has a temperature of approximately -78.degree.
C. This significant temperature difference from the boiling point
assists in recondensing the majority of the gaseous solvent to a
liquid solvent. Additionally, the large temperature variation
between the solvent reservoir 312 and the collection reservoir 352
helps drive the recycling of the solvent from the collection
reservoir 352 and back into the solvent reservoir 312.
[0100] Alternatively, a bath of dry ice pellets, ethanol and
ethylene glycol may be used. This alternate bath has a similar
temperature but the temperature may be controlled by varying the
ratio of ethylene glycol and ethanol. The addition of the ethylene
glycol raises the temperature of the bath but still maintains it at
a level to recondense the gaseous solvent to its liquid state. The
alternate bath also has the added benefit of maintaining its low
temperature for a longer period of time. The ethylene glycol has a
freezing point of -13.degree. C., which is higher than that of the
dry ice. The ethylene glycol and ethanol form a gel-like substance
when mixed with the dry ice, this gel-like substance can maintain a
lower bath temperature for a longer period of time than the ethanol
and dry ice bath. The cold bath increases the temperature
differential between the collection tank and the solvent tank,
which improves the overall efficiency of the extraction
process.
[0101] The solvent storage chamber 310 is connected to the
extraction chamber 330 via a connector 320. The connector 220 has a
valve 322 and a transparent section 324 disposed therein. The valve
322 functions similarly to the valve 122 of the embodiment detailed
in FIGS. 1A-1B, controlling and regulating the flow of the solvent
from the solvent reservoir 312 into the extraction chamber 330. The
addition of the transparent section 324 to the connector 320 allows
a user to view the flow of solvent from the solvent reservoir 312
through the connector 320. A user viewing the flow can determine if
a greater or lesser flow rate is desirable and can adjust the valve
322, manually or electronically, as needed. The solvent storage
chamber 310 and the extraction chamber 330 may be permanently or
releasably connected to the connector 320. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 3, both chambers 310 and 330 are releasably connected to
the connector 320 using a sanitary connection.
[0102] The extraction chamber 330, as shown in the embodiment
detailed in FIG. 3, features the plant material chamber 332 having
a top 334 and a bottom 336. The plant material chamber 332 is
surrounded by an outer tank or jacket 333 that contains a warm or
hot bath. The jacket 333 may be a second flexible or rigid tank
that surrounds the plant material chamber 332 or both may be
integrated into a single unit. As shown in the embodiment of FIG.
3, the plant material chamber 332 features a double-wall
construction, similar to that found on insulated double-wall
coolers. The inner walls of the chamber 332 house the plant
material and the outer walls form the jacket 333. In this manner,
the chamber 332 is attached and disposed in the center of the
surrounding jacket 333.
[0103] A source of a warm/hot bath is connected to the jacket 333
through ports 335 and 337. The source of the warm/hot bath may be
controlled to an exact temperature, a temperature range, or just
generally warm/hot, depending on the temperature gradient that is
desired. The warm/hot bath, typically heated water, flows from a
source (not shown) through port 337, where it rises and surrounds
the chamber 332 before exiting through port 335. In the embodiment
shown, the chamber 332 is constructed from a material capable of
rapid thermal energy transfer across the sidewalls of the chamber
332. The rapid thermal energy transfer allows the heat from the
surrounding warm/hot bath to penetrate the chamber walls and warm
the material and solvent/solvent-extract solution contained.
[0104] The plant material stored within the plant material chamber
332 is warmed to assist in recovery of the solvent trapped within
the plant material after the extraction process has completed. By
encircling the chamber 332 with the hot/warm jacket 333, the
temperature of the material in the chamber 332 can be raised
sufficiently high, after the extraction process, to volatilize
remaining solvent. This gaseous solvent can then be recovered for
later use and/or storage.
[0105] The plant material chamber 332, as shown in the embodiment
of FIG. 3, has solid sidewalls. View ports 339a and 339b are
disposed about the periphery of the plant material chamber 332 to
allow the user to view and observe the interior of the plant
material chamber 332. The view ports 339a and 339b extend from the
chamber 332 through the surrounding bath and jacket 333. The view
port 339a is located at an upper portion of the plant material
chamber 332 and the view port 339b is located at a lower
portion.
[0106] The view ports 339a and 339b allow the device 300 user to
monitor and observe the majority of the interior of the plant
material chamber 332. Additionally, as in the solvent reservoir
312, the plant material chamber may feature internal markings
indicating the quantity of plant material, solvent and/or other
material stored within the plant material chamber 332. Further,
additional view ports may be installed on the plant material
chamber 332 as necessary or as desired. The view ports 339a, 339b
and/or additional view ports may feature integrated light sources,
such as LEDs or other suitable lighting devices that illuminate the
plant material chamber 332 interior. Alternatively, the plant
material chamber 332 may be constructed of a thermally conductive
transparent material that would allow a user to view the internal
contents of the plant material chamber 332 through the surrounding
hot/warm bath in the jacket 333.
[0107] The top 334 and/or bottom 336 of the plant material chamber
332 may be releasably or permanently affixed to the chamber 332. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the top 334 and/or bottom 336 is
releasably affixed to the plant material chamber 332 using a
sanitary connection such as a hinged clamp. In the embodiment of
FIG. 3, a user may access the interior of the plant material
chamber 332 through the top 334 and/or the bottom 336, both of
which are open ring-like structures. The extraction chamber 330 may
be removed from the device 300, the top 334 or bottom 336 may then
be removed from the chamber 332 to allow a user greater access to
the interior of the chamber 332. Access to the chamber is required
for the user to place the material containing the extractable
compound(s) within it. The plant material chamber 332 with the top
334 and bottom 336 in place are sealed and house the material,
solvent, and solvent-extract solution. Alternatively, instead of
having a removable top 334 or bottom 336, a sealable access may be
disposed on one or both surfaces. The access provides a way for a
user to access the interior of the plant material chamber 332, such
as by an access door, for example.
[0108] The plant material chamber 332 or the bottom 336 can include
a filter that prevents solid material housed within the extraction
chamber 332 from passing through the connector 340 and entering the
collection reservoir 352. Alternatively, the filter may be disposed
in an intervening structure between the extraction chamber 330 and
the collection chamber 350. The filter could include a mesh screen,
a paper filter or a semi-permeable membrane through with the
solvent-extract solution may pass.
[0109] The extraction chamber 330 is connected to the collection
chamber 350 via a connector 340. The extraction chamber 330 may be
permanently or releasably connected to the connector 340. The
connector 340 has a valve 342 and a transparent section 344
disposed therein. The valve 342 functions similarly to the valve
122 of the embodiments detailed in FIGS. 1A-1B, regulating and
controlling the flow of the solvent-extract solution from the plant
material chamber 332 into the collection chamber 350. The addition
of the transparent section 344 to the connector 340 allows a user
to view the flow of the solvent-extract solution from the plant
material chamber 332 through the connector 340. A user viewing the
flow can determine if a greater or lesser flow rate is desirable
and can adjust the valve 342, manually or electronically, as
needed. The extraction chamber 330 and the collection chamber 350
may be permanently or releasably connected to the connector 340. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, both chambers 330 and 350 are
releasably connected to the connector 340 by a sanitary
connection.
[0110] The collection chamber 350 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3
has a collection reservoir 352, a hot/warm bath jacket 354 having
ports 353 and 355, an access 357, the access having a view port,
and a solvent return outlet 384.
[0111] As with the collection reservoir 152 of the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the collection reservoir 352 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is constructed having similar geometry
and material properties. As with the previous embodiment, the
collection reservoir 352 is surrounded by a hot bath. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the collection reservoir 352 is
surrounded by a jacket 354, which contains the hot bath around the
reservoir 352. The jacket 354 and the reservoir 352 are a single
unit, constructed as a double-wall vessel, similar in manner to
that found in insulated double-wall coolers. The inner walls of the
unit form the reservoir 352 and the outer walls form the jacket
354. The space between the walls houses the hot/warm bath. The
jacket 354 features ports 353 and 355, through which the hot/warm
bath is introduced, discharged and/or recirculated. The ports 353
and 355 are connected to a hot/warm bath source that heats a
medium. In this embodiment, the medium is water that is then pumped
or fed through one of the ports.
[0112] The heated medium fills the space between the jacket 354 and
the collection reservoir 352. The heated medium may be sealed in
the jacket 354 until the extraction is done, then drained through a
port. Alternatively, the heated medium can be continuously
introduced through a port and discharged continuously through the
other port, ensuring that a fresh supply of heated medium surrounds
the collection reservoir 352 and ensuring the collection reservoir
352 and the solvent-extract solution stored within is kept at an
ideal temperature or range of temperatures. The source of the
hot/warm bath may be connected to the discharge port such that the
hot/warm bath is constantly recirculating through the jacket 354,
returning to the source to be reheated and recirculated. This is
the method used in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, which may
include an internal heater disposed within the jacket 354 that
further heats or maintains the temperature of the surrounding
hot/warm bath, as necessary.
[0113] In another embodiment, the heated medium may be pumped into
the jacket 354 and left there, a separate heater disposed within
the jacket maintaining the desired temperature of the medium. In
another embodiment, the jacket 354 may be filled with a medium that
may be heated by an internal or external source. The jacket can be
filled with the heated medium prior to or during an extraction
cycle. Once the extraction cycle(s) is completed, the medium is
allowed to cool and is then reheated during the next extraction
cycle(s). The medium may be sealed within the jacket 354
permanently and heated as necessary, or may be replaceable or
replenished as needed through port(s) disposed on the jacket that
allow for changing the medium or adding additional medium.
[0114] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the connector 340 extends
through the top surface of the collection reservoir 352. The
connector 340 extends into the interior of the collection reservoir
352, with the end of the connector 340 located at a point below the
outlet 384. The extension of the connector 340 helps to prevent
solvent-extract solution from being drawn through the outlet 384
and helps prevent solvent vapor from traveling into the plant
material chamber 332. Since the system is sealed, as the solvent is
dispensed from the solvent reservoir 312, the return 380 can act as
a siphon if the valve 382 is open. The siphon effect could
potentially draw the solvent-extract solution through the outlet
384 and up the return 380. Also, the solvent vapor is light-weight
and has a tendency to rise to the top of the reservoir 352. By
terminating the connector 340 below the outlet 384, solvent vapor
is less likely to travel back through the connector 340. This is
especially true when the level of the solvent-extract solution is
above the termination point of the connector 340. This forms a
liquid barrier to the solvent vapors traveling back through the
connector 340 and up the various sections and connections of the
device 300.
[0115] The access 357 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 allows a
user to access the contents of the collection reservoir 352. The
access 357 is sealed by a cap that prevents contaminants from
entering the solvent-extract or extract solution stored within the
collection reservoir 352. Other suitable releasable options for
sealing the access 357 exist and may be used. The cap sealing the
access 357 may also feature a view port to allow the user to
observe and/or monitor the contents and activity within the
reservoir 352. Further, this view port may feature the lighting
feature as discussed above to further enhance a user's view into
the reservoir. Additionally, the interior of the collection
reservoir 352 may feature markings or indications to indicate the
fill level or other features of the solution or materials within
the collection reservoir 352.
[0116] A pressure indicator, such as the pressure gauge 170 of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, may be disposed on the collection
chamber 350 although it is not shown in FIG. 3. The indicator may
be disposed on the upper surface of the reservoir 352 or on the cap
that seals the access 357. Alternatively, the indicator may be
disposed on the jacket 354 may be in fluid communication with the
collection reservoir 352 in order to sense and display the internal
pressure of the device 300. Further embodiments include an
electronic pressure sensor that transmits and indicates a pressure
on a display located externally of the device.
[0117] The solvent return 380 is a path for the solvent vapors to
travel from the reservoir 352 to the condensing coil 315. As the
solvent extract solution is heated in the reservoir tank 352, the
solvent volatilizes into a gaseous phase. In the gaseous phase, the
solvent can flow through the outlet 384, through the return 380 and
into the condensing coil 315 through the inlet 386. The return 380
has a valve 382 and a transparent section 383 disposed therein. The
valve 382 regulates the flow of solvent vapors through the return
380. The valve 382 may be controlled manually or electronically by
a user or a controller. The transparent section 383 allows a user
to observe the flow of the solvent vapors through the return 380,
which may be desirable or necessary in order to determine the
regulation of the vapor through the valve 382.
[0118] The solvent return may also include an oxygen purge element.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the purge is a valve 388
disposed on the return 380. The valve 388 allows the user to purge
or decrease the amount of oxygen within the device 300 before
starting an extraction process and/or loading the solvent. When
using a combustible or flammable solvent, the purging of oxygen
from the system assists in lowering the risk of solvent ignition.
The valve 388 may be a one-way valve or may be actuated by a user
or other control means. The purge of oxygen or other atmosphere
within the device may be accomplished by introducing a secondary,
inert gas that displaces the existing gas within the device 300
through the valve 388. Alternatively, a vacuum can be created
within the device, the evacuated air being drawn through the valve
388 by a mechanical means. By creating a vacuum or low pressure
within the device, the amount of oxygen within the device is
preferably below the level required for ignition and/or combustion
of the solvent.
[0119] Additionally, the return 380 as shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 3 also includes a support 387 that contacts the base/ground
360. The support 387 is a stand that stabilizes the return 380. The
return 380 may be connected to sections of the device to provide
additional stability and structure to the device as necessary. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the return 380 is connected to the
solvent storage chamber 310 to assist with stabilizing that
section. The return 380 of this embodiment is therefore made of a
structural material such as metallic pipe or other suitable
material that can withstand the forces required to provide support
to the device 300.
[0120] The embodiment of the device 300 of FIG. 3 may be scaled
larger or smaller as necessary depending on the size of the
extraction batches a user intends to run. All the sections can be
made requisitely smaller or larger depending on the anticipated
user needs. The materials used for constructing the device 300
should be at least non-reactive with the solvent, plant material
and the extracted compounds. Preferably, the materials used are of
food and/or medical grade quality, but other suitable materials can
be used. Additionally, sanitary connections are preferably used
throughout the device 300 for all releasable connections. However,
other suitable releasable connections can be used, such as threaded
connections.
[0121] The chambers 310, 330 and 350, the connectors 320 and 340
and the return 380 of the device 300 of FIG. 3 are releasably
connected using various releasable fittings and connection means.
This allows the various sections to be removed, stored, serviced,
replaced, sold separately, maintained and cleaned individually as
necessary.
[0122] A pump may be used to extract, move and recompress the
gaseous solvent from the collection reservoir 352 into the solvent
reservoir 312. The pump would need to be suitable for moving the
gaseous solvent, i.e., fire rated to minimize the potential for
explosions and food safe so as to not contaminate the recovered
solvent. For example, the extraction systems can include a
hydrocarbon-rated pump that does not exceed 100 psi and can be
placed in-line with the return and/or could access any of the
device chamber(s) to aid in the extraction process. The pump could
be added to the disclosed system or could replace the return 380
and minimize or eliminate the need for the baths and the condensing
coil 315.
[0123] The pump creates low pressure in the collection reservoir
causing the solvent to boil off from the solvent-extract solution
due to the low vapor pressure within the collection reservoir 352.
The gaseous solvent would then be pumped into the solvent reservoir
312 under pressure. The increased pressure would cause the gaseous
solvent to recondense into a liquid phase. Alternatively, the cold
bath about the solvent reservoir 312 could be used to assist in the
recondensing of the gaseous solvent, lessening the pressure
required from the pump. A hot/warm bath may also be utilized to
assist with the separation of the solvent from the solvent-extract
solution.
[0124] FIG. 4 is a further embodiment of an extraction device 400,
the device 400 including a refinement chamber 460 disposed between
the extraction chamber 430 and the collection chamber 450.
[0125] The device 400 includes a solvent chamber 410, a connector
420, an extraction chamber 430, a connector 440, a refinement
chamber 460, a collection chamber 450 and a solvent return 480. The
device 400 of FIG. 4 is substantially the device 200 of FIG. 2A
with the addition of the refinement chamber 460.
[0126] A solvent chamber 410 includes a solvent reservoir 412, an
outer wall 414 spaced a distance 413 from the reservoir 412, a
shared base 415 and a view port 418. Optionally, the solvent
chamber can include a pressure gauge 411 and a solvent inlet (not
shown). The pressure gauge 411 can indicate a positive pressure, a
negative pressure or a combination thereof.
[0127] The solvent reservoir 412 contains the liquid solvent and is
surrounded by an outer wall 414 spaced a gap 413 away. The gap 413
can be filled with a temperature bath to heat or preferably cool
the solvent reservoir 412 to assist with the recovery of the
solvent used during the extraction process. A drain 417 is included
on the shared base 415 to assist with draining the temperature bath
from between the outer wall 414 and the solvent reservoir 412.
[0128] The solvent reservoir is connected to and in fluid
communication with the connector 420. The connector 420 includes a
sanitary valve 422 and a sanitary cap 424. As in the device 200 of
FIG. 2A, a solvent return 228 can be affixed to the sanitary cap
424. The solvent return allowing fluid communication between the
solvent reservoir 412 and the plant material chamber 432.
[0129] The extraction chamber 430 includes a plant material chamber
432, surrounded by an outer wall 438 set a distance 439 from the
chamber 432 and a shared base 437. The plant material chamber 432
includes an affixed or integrated top sanitary ferrule 434. The
sanitary ferrule 434 interfaces with the sanitary cap 424 to form a
sanitary connection when the chamfered circumferences of each are
compressed using a clamp such as a single pin-hinged clamp.
[0130] The gap 439 between the outer wall 438 and the plant
material chamber 432 can be filled with a temperature bath.
Preferably the gap 439 is filled with a hot or warm water bath
after the extraction is complete. The heating of the
solvent-ladened plant material within the plant material chamber
432 volatilizes the entrapped solvent so that it may be recovered
for later extraction processes. A drain outlet 435 is included to
drain the temperature bath from the gap 439.
[0131] A bottom sanitary ferrule 436 is affixed or integrated to
the shared base 437. The bottom sanitary ferrule 436 can include a
filter designed to exclude or prevent plant material from the plant
material chamber 432 from traveling through the remainder of the
device 400.
[0132] A connector 440 connects and facilitates fluid communication
between the extraction chamber 430 and the refinement chamber 460.
The connector 440 includes a sanitary valve 442, a top sanitary cap
444 and a bottom sanitary cap 446. The top sanitary cap 444
interfaces with the bottom sanitary ferrule 436 to form a sanitary
connection that can be clamped together about the periphery of the
chamfered circumferences of the pieces 444 and 436.
[0133] The bottom sanitary cap 446 of the connector 440 interfaces
with the top sanitary ferrule 466 of the refinement chamber 460. As
discussed above, the interfacing of the sanitary cap 440 and
sanitary ferrule 446 forms a sanitary connection linking the
connector 440 and the refinement chamber 460.
[0134] The refinement chamber 460 includes a refinement reservoir
462, an outer wall 464 spaced a distance 463 about the reservoir
462, a top 465 and a base 467, and bottom sanitary ferrule 468.
[0135] The gap 463 is preferably filled with a cold temperature
bath. The extract-rich solvent solution is transferred from the
extraction chamber 430 through the connector 440 and into the
refinement chamber 460. The cold refinement chamber solidifies
impurities such as waxes that were extracted from the plant
material, the solidified impurities can then be filtered from the
extract. The cold temperature can also thicken the heavier or
denser extracted oils, which may not be desirable in the final
product. These thickened oils can also be filtered from the extract
solution. Additionally, the extract-rich solvent solution can sit
in residence for a set amount of time within the refinement
reservoir 462. The residence time within the reservoir 462 can
allow impurities to settle out from the solution, the refined
solution can then be transferred into the collection chamber
450.
[0136] A filter can be placed within the bottom sanitary ferrule
468. The filter can be designed to remove solids, such as waxes,
and/or filter heavier oil components from the extract-rich solvent
solution. The waxes and/or oils can be recovered from the filter
and used in other commercial products or processes.
[0137] Once the extract-rich solvent solution is sufficiently
refined in the refinement chamber 460, the solution is transferred
into the collection chamber 450 through the sanitary ferrule 456
disposed atop the collection reservoir 452.
[0138] The collection chamber 450 includes a collection reservoir
452, an outer tank 454 and an extract outlet 455. A hot or warm
temperature bath is constrained about the collection reservoir 452
by the outer tank 454, heating the extract-rich solvent solution
within the reservoir 452. The solvent is volatilized and travels
through the solvent return 480 into the solvent reservoir 412 where
it recondensed into liquid solvent that can be used for other
extractions.
[0139] An inclined floor 453 can be included in the collection
reservoir 452 to assist with the collection of the extract through
the outlet 455. The inclined floor 453 can be placed in or
integrated with the collection reservoir 452. Alternatively, the
collection reservoir 452 can be constructed with a sloped base.
[0140] A drain outlet 458 is disposed on the outer tank 454 to
assist with draining the enclosed temperature bath.
[0141] A pressure indicator 470, similar to the pressure indicator
170 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, is in fluid communication with the interior
of the collection reservoir 452. The pressure indicator 470 allows
a user to observe and monitor the interior pressure of the
collection reservoir 452.
[0142] The solvent return 480 is connected to the collection
reservoir 452 at an inlet 484. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,
the solvent return 480 is substantially the same as the solvent
return 280 of FIG. 2A. The solvent return 480 includes a conduit
extension piece 483 that is inserted in the return 480, lengthening
the return 480 to account for the addition of the refinement
chamber 460. The conduit extension piece 483 is connected to the
main conduit 485 using a sanitary connection 487.
[0143] The various connections, 487 and 488, along the length of
the solvent return 480 are accomplished using suitable sanitary
connections. The use of sanitary connections throughout the device
400 assists in ensuring the purity of the extract.
[0144] The solvent return 480 includes a sanitary valve 482 that is
used to control and regulate the flow of the volatilized solvent
through the return 480.
[0145] The solvent return includes an outlet 486 that terminates in
the solvent reservoir 412. The outlet 486 is positioned above the
level of the liquid solvent within the reservoir 412. As the
volatilized solvent exits the outlet 486, it is recondensed into
liquid solvent. The elevated position of the outlet assists in
preventing liquid solvent from flowing back down the return
480.
Extraction Process
[0146] The devices 100 and 200, disclosed above, are designed to
perform closed-system plant extraction process and are discussed
now using the device shown in FIG. 1 as an example. Plant material
is placed in the device, which is then sealed. The extraction and
recovery processes are then run, resulting in end products of
recovered solvent and extracted plant compounds.
[0147] Prior to operating the device 100 or adding solvent to the
solvent reservoir 112, any oxygen within the device 100 should be
minimized or removed. This can be done by pulling a vacuum within
the device through an external port such as valve 188. A user can
check the pressure gauge 170 to observe when the device 100 has
been evacuated. The devices can also include a vacuum gauge, not
shown, in some examples to measure the vacuum level within the
device. Alternative oxygen removal options can be used, such as the
use of oxygen scavenging chemicals or sacrificial oxygen removal
elements disposed within the device 100.
[0148] The solvent is disposed within the solvent reservoir 112,
where it is maintained in a liquid phase due to the vapor pressure
created by the solvent. Alternatively, the reservoir 112 may be
chilled to assist in keeping the solvent in a liquid phase. Solvent
is then released from the solvent reservoir 112 by the valve 120,
the solvent then flows into the extraction chamber 132.
[0149] In the extraction chamber 132, the solvent contacts the
material having extractable compound(s). The solvent flows over the
material picking up and washing away the extractable compound(s),
the solvent and extractables forming a solvent-extract solution.
The residence time of the solvent on the material may be adjusted
by varying the entry and exit flow rates of the valves 120 and 140
leading into and out of the extraction chamber 132.
[0150] The solvent-extract solution enters the collection reservoir
152 through the valve 140. Once the extraction is completed, the
collection reservoir 152 is surrounded by a hot bath that heats the
solvent-extract solution within the reservoir. It is desirable that
the temperature of the bath is high enough to volatilize the
solvent relatively easily, but low enough so as to not affect the
extract(s).
[0151] Alternatively, during the extraction process, the collection
reservoir 152 can be heated and the solvent reservoir 112 cooled.
The solvent is dispensed from the solvent reservoir 112 and flows
through the plant material in the plant material chamber 132. The
solvent-extract solution then flows into the collection reservoir
152 where the solvent volatilizes. The gaseous solvent travels
through the solvent return 180 and recondenses in the solvent
reservoir 112. From there, the solvent may be recirculated through
the extraction device 100 repeatedly. This alternative process
performs a continuous recirculating extraction loop across the
contained material.
[0152] As the solvent is heated by the hot bath, it undergoes a
phase change from a liquid to a gas. In the gaseous phase, the
solvent can flow through the outlet 184, up the solvent return 180,
into the inlet 186 and finally recondenses in the cold solvent
reservoir 112. The recycling of the solvent conserves the solvent
for repeated cycles during the extraction process or for later use.
By relying on the phase change properties of the solvent, no pumps
or other mechanisms are required to move solvent through the device
although a food-safe pump could be included as discussed above. As
discussed above, a pump, rated for the solvent used and made of
food safe materials, could be added to the device 100 to assist
with and/or move the solvent from the collection reservoir 152 to
the solvent reservoir 112.
[0153] Since the solvent is driven off of the solvent-extract
solution due to heating of the solution within the collection
reservoir 152, the remaining extract is left partially or
completely purified. Once the extraction process is completed and
all of the solvent-extract solution has collected in the collection
reservoir 152, the hot bath is maintained to further volatilize the
solvent. The solvent vapors are drawn up the solvent return 180,
leaving behind purified product in the collection reservoir 152.
The product may need further refining which can be performed by
various means.
Extraction of Canabinoids
[0154] The device may be used to extract cannabinoids from
marijuana plant material to form an oil or extract solution rich in
cannabinoids, for example. The extraction process described below
uses the device embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, however, it is
understood that the process can be performed using other
embodiments of the device as described herein. Other plant
materials can be used with the disclosed extraction devices as
well.
[0155] A user first removes or minimizes any oxygen within the
device 200 or solvent reservoir 212 by evacuating the device 200 or
solvent reservoir 212. The device 200 or solvent reservoir 212 can
be evacuated by a vacuum or venturi pump that is connected to an
external valve of the device, such as valves 285 or 287. Oxygen and
other gases should be removed from the device 200 or solvent
reservoir 212 for safety and efficiency. The removal of the oxygen
will reduce the likelihood of combustion or explosion of the butane
as the device 200 or solvent reservoir 212 is filled. Remaining
oxygen and other gasses will also displace the butane as it is
introduced to the device, which can cause the device 200 or solvent
reservoir 212 to fill improperly or inefficiently.
[0156] The user then adds solvent to the solvent reservoir 212 of
the solvent chamber 210. For the process described here, the
solvent used is butane, preferably a food-grade, refined version of
n-butane or isobutane.
[0157] To load the plant material into the plant material chamber
232, the user unclamps the sanitary connections between the
sanitary cap 224 and top sanitary ferrule 234 and the bottom
sanitary ferrule 236 and sanitary cap 244. The extraction chamber
230 can then be removed from the device 200. With the inner cavity
of the plant material chamber 232 exposed, the user begins loading
the material inside. The use of an extraction process allows
cannabinoids to be obtained from parts of the plant often discarded
such as the leaves and stems as well as the traditional buds. The
plant material is packed into the plant material chamber 232 and
the extraction chamber 230 is remounted into the device 200. The
extraction chamber 230 is secured within the device 200 by clamping
the sanitary cap 224 and top sanitary ferrule 234 and clamping the
bottom sanitary ferrule 236 and sanitary cap 244. When clamping the
bottom sanitary ferrule 236 and sanitary cap 244, the filter gasket
can be inserted either between the two or within the plant material
chamber 232.
[0158] Once the extraction chamber 230 is replaced within the
device 200, the device 200 will need to be evacuated to remove
oxygen. If the device 200 was previously evacuated before adding
the solvent, the removal of the extraction chamber 230 will have
exposed the interior of the device 200 to oxygen once again. The
device 200 can be evacuated through one of the external valves,
such as valve 285 or 287, by connecting a vacuum pump, venturi
pump, or other suitable evacuation device. Once the device 200 has
been suitably evacuated, this can be confirmed by the pressure
indicator 270, the extraction process can begin.
[0159] To initiate the extraction process, the valve 220 is opened
to allow the butane to flow from the solvent reservoir 212 and into
the plant material chamber 232. Once the butane has flowed from the
solvent reservoir 212 and into the plant material chamber 232, the
valve 222 is left open to account for liquid expansion of the
butane solvent. The butane then sits on the plant material
extracting the cannabinoids. After a set amount of time or once the
user observes the extraction process is complete through a view
port, the solvent-extract solution is released from the plant
material chamber 232 through the valve 240 and into the collection
reservoir 252.
[0160] Once the extraction process has been completed and most of
the solvent-extract solution has drained into the collection
reservoir 252, the valve 222 is closed and a hot/warm bath is
applied to the plant material chamber 232 using the jacket 233. A
bath source is connected to the inlet 237 and the outlet 235. The
source could be simply a hot water tap or a water heating and
recirculation unit. If using a hot water tap, the tap is connected
via a line to the inlet 237 and the outlet is connected to a line
that runs to a drain. If using a heating/recirculating unit, the
inlet and outlet are run to the unit so that the hot/warm bath may
be continuously heated and distributed through the jacket 233. The
hot/warm bath about the plant material chamber 232 volatilizes
remaining solvent so that it may be recovered through the
collection reservoir 252.
[0161] The hot/warm bath source is connected to jacket 254 of the
collection chamber 250. The source of the bath may be the same or
different than the source of the bath used in the extraction
chamber. It may be desirable for the bath surrounding the
collection chamber 250 to be a higher temperature than the
temperature of the bath surrounding the extraction section in order
to volatilize the butane faster and/or more efficiently.
[0162] Alternatively, the baths of the extraction chamber 230 and
the collection chamber 250 may share the same source, a
heating/recirculating unit, the source heating water to a
temperature desired for the collection chamber 250. The bath has an
initial temperature when it enters the jacket 254 of the collection
chamber 250 through the inlet 258a. The water then fills and
surrounds the reservoir 252, imparting thermal energy to the
reservoir 252 and the chamber 250. The water finally exits the port
258b at a second temperature. The upper jacket outlet 258b of the
collection chamber 250 is connected to the jacket inlet 233a of the
extraction chamber 230. The bath could flow from the jacket of the
collection chamber 250 into the jacket of the extraction chamber
230 at the second temperature. The bath then circulates through the
gap 239 of the extraction chamber 230, imparting thermal energy to
the extraction chamber 230, the plant material chamber 232 and the
enclosed plant material, before exiting through port 233b. After
exiting port 233b, the bath can be returned to a
heating/recirculation unit, where the water is reheated and again
pumped through the jackets 254 and gap 239. Alternatively, the bath
can be discarded after exiting port 233b, with new, heated bath
fluid introduced through the inlet 258a.
[0163] Once a user has observed or believes the majority of the
trapped solvent in the plant material chamber has been volatilized
and has flowed into the collection reservoir 252, the valve 222 is
closed. The solvent-extract solution, now in the collection
reservoir 252, is warmed by the surrounding hot/warm bath contained
in the jacket 254. As the solution heats, the butane boils and
undergoes a phase change into a gaseous state. The butane gas then
flows to the outlet, sanitary ferrule 284 and into the solvent
return 280, through which it rises. The gas exits the solvent
return 280 through the outlet 286, directly into the solvent
reservoir 212, to be recovered. Alternatively, the solvent can
return through a condensing coil 315, as shown in FIG. 3, to be
cooled for recovery. As the gas flows through the coil, the
surrounding cold bath, contained by the outer tank 214, causes the
butane gas to condense back into a liquid phase. The mostly liquid
butane re-enters the solvent reservoir 212, where it can then be
held for later extraction use or fed back through the device
200.
[0164] The extraction process using the device 200 may be a
circulatory process in which the butane flows through the cascaded
sections as a liquid and returns to the top as a gas where it
recondenses back into a liquid. Such a process conserves the butane
solvent and allows for the recovery of it for use in later
extractions or for other purposes.
[0165] As the hot/warm bath is being applied to the solvent-extract
solution in the reservoir 252, the user is chilling the solvent
reservoir 212 and condensing coil 315. The solvent reservoir 212
and condensing coil 315 are chilled by a surrounding cold bath
composed of liquid alcohol and dry ice pellets. This cooling of the
solvent reservoir 212 and condensing coil 315 assists in drawing
the gaseous solvent through the solvent return 280 so that it may
be condensed and stored within the solvent reservoir 212.
[0166] The extract remaining in the collection reservoir 252 is
rich in cannabinoid extracts and may be further refined externally
or internally of the device as necessary or desired. External
refinement may include placing the solution under a vacuum to
further remove any remaining butane. Other refinement techniques
exist and are known and may be used to refine the extracted
material.
[0167] Other plant material may be used to extract other desired
compounds, such as but not limited to, essential oils.
[0168] Additionally, to perform the extraction, other solvents may
be used, such as other hydrocarbons, refrigerants such as R-134a,
and alcohols, as long as they are in ratios that do not exceed the
operational pressure specifications of the device as set forth by
the manufacturer. The selected solvent should extract the desired
compounds from the material and have a boiling point below that of
the extracted material so that the solvent may be separated by
heating the resulting solvent-extract solution. The properties of
the selected solvent determine the temperature gradient required to
cycle the solvent through the device. The temperature gradient sets
the temperatures of the cool and hot/warm baths.
Purification of Butane
[0169] The device may also be used to refine butane to a higher
purity without the plant material present. The butane is disposed
in the device as in the other examples, in the solvent storage tank
212. The butane is then dispersed through the plant material
chamber 230 and into the collection reservoir 252 even though no
plant material extraction occurs during the butane purification
process. Alternatively, a direct connection between the solvent
storage chamber 210 and the collection chamber 250 may be used in
this case, thus bypassing the need to insert the extraction chamber
230 into the device 200. Once the butane has collected in the
collection reservoir 252, it is heated and volatilized by the
surrounding hot/warm bath. Simultaneously, the user chills the
solvent storage chamber 210 using a cold bath. The now gaseous
butane flows from the collection reservoir 252, through the return
280 and into the solvent storage section 210. As the gaseous
solvent contacts the now-chilled solvent storage chamber 210, it
begins to condense in the coil 215. The resulting purified liquid
solvent is then captured in the solvent storage tank 212.
[0170] Butane, as with many substances, has a specific boiling
point. In the case of butane, the boiling point is a range of
.about.2.degree. C. Having such a narrow boiling point, it is
possible, through careful temperature control of the bath
surrounding the collection reservoir 252, to hold the butane at the
critical boiling temperature, thus ensuring that the emanating
gaseous vapors are predominately gaseous butane. By circulating the
butane through the device repeatedly, the butane refines and
becomes purer. The remaining materials left in the collection
reservoir 252 after the purification has completed are
miscellaneous hydrocarbons and other pollutants that were left in
the butane during the manufacturing process. The user is left with
high-purity liquid butane in the inner tank 212. This purified
butane can then be used to run extraction processes or can be sold
commercially.
[0171] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the
following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their
specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed
function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of
such features, be used for realizing the invention in diverse forms
thereof.
* * * * *