U.S. patent application number 16/460847 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-26 for pressure gradient profiling in an extraction column.
This patent application is currently assigned to California Extraction Ventures, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is California Extraction Ventures, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stephen Corey.
Application Number | 20190388800 16/460847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56924005 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190388800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Corey; Stephen |
December 26, 2019 |
PRESSURE GRADIENT PROFILING IN AN EXTRACTION COLUMN
Abstract
A method and apparatus for extracting compounds from raw
materials with an extraction column is provided. The control and
manipulation of pressure exerted and contained within the
extraction vessel or column may be vital in obtaining a certain
flavor profile or intensity of the effluent extracted from the raw
materials. As such, the method may include directing a flow of
pressurized solvent into a base of the extraction column and
utilizing the flow of pressurized solvent to create a pressure
gradient applied to the raw materials. The method may further
include compressing the raw materials with hydraulic compression.
As the raw materials become further compressed, frictional heating
may result allowing most, if not all, of the volatile aromatic heat
sensitive compounds and constituencies to be extracted depending on
the pressure strength applied to the raw materials. As such,
manipulating the pressure gradients for each extraction process
allows for distinct and specific flavor profiles to be extracted
from the raw materials.
Inventors: |
Corey; Stephen; (Newport
Beach, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
California Extraction Ventures, Inc. |
Newport Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
California Extraction Ventures,
Inc.
Newport Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
56924005 |
Appl. No.: |
16/460847 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15072343 |
Mar 16, 2016 |
10335712 |
|
|
16460847 |
|
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62134497 |
Mar 17, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23F 5/262 20130101;
C02F 1/4695 20130101; A47J 31/34 20130101; B01D 11/0219 20130101;
A47J 31/36 20130101; A47J 31/4407 20130101; B01D 11/0292 20130101;
F15D 1/025 20130101; B01D 2313/243 20130101; C02F 1/46 20130101;
B01D 11/02 20130101; C02F 2103/02 20130101; B01D 11/0207 20130101;
A23F 5/26 20130101; A23F 5/267 20130101; B01D 2311/2696 20130101;
A47J 31/24 20130101; B01D 2313/22 20130101; B01D 3/008 20130101;
B01D 11/0253 20130101; B01D 24/10 20130101; B01D 61/48 20130101;
F15D 1/02 20130101; A47J 31/4478 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 11/02 20060101
B01D011/02; A23F 5/26 20060101 A23F005/26; A47J 31/44 20060101
A47J031/44; A47J 31/24 20060101 A47J031/24; F15D 1/02 20060101
F15D001/02; B01D 3/00 20060101 B01D003/00; A47J 31/34 20060101
A47J031/34; B01D 61/48 20060101 B01D061/48; B01D 24/10 20060101
B01D024/10; A47J 31/36 20060101 A47J031/36 |
Claims
1. An extraction column comprising: a body comprising a pressure
vessel capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures; a
selected raw material packed within the extraction column; and a
pressure gradient exerted on the raw materials as a pressurized
solvent flows into a base of the extraction column and through the
raw materials.
2. The extraction column of claim 1, wherein the pressurized
solvent ranges from 0 to 20 PSI with a temperature range from
105.degree. to 115.degree. Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent
heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate
an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a smooth flavor
profile.
3. The extraction column of claim 1, wherein the pressurized
solvent ranges from 20 to 40 PSI with a temperature range from
125.degree. to 140.degree. Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent
heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate
an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a smooth and
sweet flavor profile.
4. The extraction column of claim 1, wherein the pressurized
solvent ranges from 40 to 70 PSI with a temperature range from
140.degree. to 160.degree. Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent
heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate
an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a rich and full
bodied flavor profile.
5. The extraction column of claim 1, wherein the pressurized
solvent ranges from 70 to 90 PSI with a temperature range of
150.degree. to 170.degree. Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent
heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate
an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a rich and full
bodied flavor profile full of sweet volatile compounds.
6. The extraction column of claim 1, wherein the pressurized
solvent ranges from 90 to 120 PSI with a temperature range of
165.degree. to 180.degree. Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent
heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate
an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a dark roast and
smoky flavor profile.
7. The extraction column of claim 1, wherein the pressurized
solvent ranges from 120 to 240 PSI with a temperature range of
177.degree. to 190.degree. Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent
heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate
an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a dark roast and
smoky flavor profile.
8. A method of extracting a compound from a raw material using an
extraction column comprising: directing a flow of pressurized
solvent into a base of the extraction column; utilizing the flow of
pressurized solvent to create a pressure gradient applied to a raw
material packed within the extraction column; compressing the raw
materials with a hydraulic compression of the pressurized solvent;
and obtaining an extracted effluent from the compressed raw
materials having different flavor profiles based on an intensity of
the pressure gradient exerted on the raw materials.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein compressing the raw materials
with hydraulic compression of the pressurized solvent causes
off-gassing of thermally heated carbon dioxide, which expands and
further compresses the raw materials.
10. The method of claim 7, further comprising expanding gasses
within the extraction column due to frictional heating generated
from compressing the raw materials, such that a temperature spike
between 20.degree.-40.degree. Fahrenheit is generated.
11. A method of claim 8, further comprising drawing out a volatile
aromatic heat sensitive compounds and constituents from the raw
materials when the extraction column approaches a critical thermal
zone from a thermal heat generated from the off-gassing of carbon
dioxide that causes the further compression of the raw materials;
wherein the critical thermal zone results when temperatures
increase between 20.degree.-40.degree. Fahrenheit so that the raw
materials become completely saturated and at equilibrium with an
extraction solvent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/072,343, filed Mar. 16, 2016, which claims the benefit
of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/134,497 filed on Mar. 17, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosed technology generally relates to the extraction
of compounds from selected raw materials. More specifically, the
present disclosure is directed towards extracting raw materials
using a pressure gradient to control and manipulate flavor profiles
of the effluent extracted from the raw materials.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Solid-liquid extraction is a process where compounds of a
solid mixture, such as compounds in a matrix or bed of raw
materials, are isolated by dissolving the desired compounds in an
added solvent, where the extract is then further separated from the
raw materials. As such, the process of solid-liquid extraction is
often extensively utilized in a wide range of industries to extract
desired bioactive and non-bioactive compounds for consumption.
Examples of such compounds for consumption may be found in the
following, but are not limited to, coffee beans, tea leaves,
botanical herbs, spices, nutraceuticals, organic substances, and
the like.
[0004] During the solid-liquid extraction process, the control and
manipulation of pressure exerted and contained within the
extraction vessel or column may be vital in obtaining a certain
flavor profile or intensity of the effluent extracted from the raw
materials. However, current technology pertaining to the
solid-liquid extractions fail to provide a device or method that
allows for controlling pressure within the extraction column that
is driven and controlled by the accumulated energy already
generated within the extraction column. It is based on these energy
creators within the extraction column that may allow for generating
a wide variety of pressures to be utilized to produce a desired
flavor profile extracted from the raw materials.
Brief Summary of Embodiments
[0005] In view of the above drawbacks, there exists a long felt
need for a simplified, yet effective extraction apparatus that is
more cost effective, efficient, and compact in space. Furthermore,
there is also a need for an extraction apparatus that includes a
way of manipulating pressure and creating a pressure gradient so
that a wide variety of pressures can be used to develop a specific
flavor profile from the raw materials.
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a method for
extracting a compound from a material that includes directing a
flow of pressurized solvent into a base of the extraction column.
The process may then proceed to directing a flow of pressurized
solvent into a base of the extraction column, such that flow of
pressurized solvent may create a pressure gradient to be applied to
the raw materials packed within the extraction column. The process
may then proceed to compressing the raw materials with hydraulic
compression from the pressurized solvent. Furthermore, the process
may then proceed to obtaining an extracted effluent from the
compressed raw materials.
[0007] Other embodiments may include an extraction column including
a body that includes a pressure vessel capable of withstanding high
temperatures or pressures. The extraction column may also include
selected raw materials that are packed within the extraction
column. Additionally, some embodiments may include a pressure
gradient exerted on the raw materials as a pressurized solvent
enters into the base of the extraction column and through the raw
materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In view of the above drawbacks, there exists a long felt
need for a simplified, yet effective extraction apparatus that is
more cost effective, efficient, and compact in space. Furthermore,
there is also a need for raw materials to be effectively packed
into an extraction column in order to obtain an efficient
extraction that allows all of the volatiles, solids, and
constituents within the raw materials to be properly extracted.
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a matrix of
raw materials packed within an extraction vessel that includes raw
materials ground into a particle of distinct and varying sizes. In
some instances, the particles may be ground to a pre-selected
particle size allowing the particles to form a network as the
particles nest against each other to lessen the amount the
interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials. The matrix
of raw material packed within the extraction vessel may be utilized
to not only coordinate the strength, intensity, and duration of the
extraction process, but the matrix of raw materials may also aid in
filtering the raw material particles from the extracted effluent as
the effluent flows through the matrix of raw materials and proceeds
to exit the extraction column.
[0010] Other embodiments may include a method for extracting a
compound from the raw materials packed into an extraction column.
Such embodiments may include grinding the raw materials such that
the particles from the ground raw materials comprise of
pre-selected particle sizes. In some instances, the pre-selected
particle sizes of the raw materials form a network as the particles
nest against each other to the lessen the amount of interstitial
spacing within a matrix of raw materials within an extraction
vessel. Additionally, the method may also include packing the
ground raw materials into the extraction vessel. Furthermore, some
embodiments may also include distributing a flow of pressurized
solvent at the base of the extraction vessel to extract the ground
raw materials. Such a method not only aids in controlling the
strength, intensity, and duration of the extraction process, but
may also even aid in filtering the raw material particles from the
extracted effluent as the effluent flows through the matrix of raw
materials and proceeds to exit the extraction column.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or
more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to
the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of
illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments
of the disclosed technology. These drawings are provided to
facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed technology
and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or
applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease
of illustration, these drawings are not necessarily made to
scale.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a single extraction
column, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a removable pressure
cap of the extraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0014] FIG. 2B illustrates a removable pressure cap of the
extraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a filtration core
assembly to be placed within the outlet vessel flange of the
extraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a locking
mechanism configured to securely seal a removable end cap onto the
extraction column, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a locking
mechanism in a locked position to securely seal the removable
pressure cap onto the extraction column, consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an
extraction column at the beginning stage of the extraction process,
consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0019] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an
extraction column at a more mature stage along the extraction
process, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0020] FIG. 5C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an
extraction column towards the completion of the extraction process,
consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0021] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a cross-sectional side view of the
rising flow of solvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as
the extraction process progresses, consistent with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a flow governor
assembly in an extraction column, consistent with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a limiter disc,
consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0024] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a cross-sectional side view
comparison of an extraction column with and without a flow governor
assembly and a limiter disc, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0025] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate three different pressure gradients
in three different extraction columns that result in three
different flavor profiles of the effluent extracted from the raw
materials, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0026] FIG. 11A illustrates a grind sample of raw materials under
magnification, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0027] FIG. 11B illustrates a grind sample of raw materials under
magnification during hydraulic compression, consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0028] FIG. 12A illustrates a grind sample of raw materials under
magnification, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
[0029] FIG. 12B illustrates a grind sample of raw materials under
magnification during hydraulic compression, consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates a water treatment system to restructure
solvent for an extraction process, consistent with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0031] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the different carrying capacities
of various solvents used to extract the raw materials with the
extraction process, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0032] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the disclosed technology to the precise form disclosed. It should
be understood that the disclosed technology can be practiced with
modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be
limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The following description is non-limiting and is made merely
for the purpose of describing the general principles of the
disclosed embodiments. Numerous specific details are set forth to
provide a full understanding of various aspects of the subject
disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled
in the art that various aspects of the subject disclosure may be
practiced without some of these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown
in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject
disclosure.
[0034] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide an extraction
column configured to extract compounds from raw materials, such as
coffee beans, tea leaves, botanical herbs, spices, nutraceuticals,
organic substances, and the like. The disclosed extraction column
is configured to contain and catalyze critical energy creators
within the extraction column in order to generate sufficient
mechanical and thermal energy to extract the necessary compounds
from the desired raw materials. Both the mechanical and thermal
energy elicited from catalyzed energy creators are manipulated and
reapplied within the extraction to create a self-perpetuating and
self-sustaining extraction process. The release and re-use of the
generated mechanical and thermal energy not only yields the
maximization of extraction efficiency, but also allows for a very
high energy and dynamic extraction to take place so that a more
concentrated extract is obtained at a fraction of the extraction
time when compared to current industry standards.
[0035] Additionally, the embodiments of the extraction column may
be further configured to provide a trailing cool layer of solvent
so that the extracted heat sensitive and fragile compounds are not
degraded or damaged by the release of thermal energy within the
extraction column. The trailing cool layer of solvent thus fully
and effectively preserves the complex and aromatic flavor compounds
contained within the extracted effluent.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a single extraction
column 100, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. In some
embodiments, the extraction column 100 may be configured in various
shapes and sizes in order to accommodate the various extraction
types and configuration of the extraction column 100. By way of
example, the extraction column 100 may include an aspect ratio with
a range of 5:1-9:1. In the instance that the extraction column is
circular, the radius of the extraction column 100 may further
include a range of 1.5-8 inches. By way of example only, where the
extraction column 100 is configured to be placed on a bench top,
the radius of the extraction column 100 may include a range of
1.5-4 inches, while as an extraction column 100 configured for
purposes of commercial use may include a radius with a range of 4-8
inches.
[0037] As further illustrated, a removable outlet pressure cap 102
is configured to cover the opening near the outlet vessel flange
111 to adequately seal the opening of the extraction column 100. In
some embodiments, the removable outlet pressure cap 102 includes a
clamp head receptacle 104 that is configured to securely receive a
corresponding clamp lock head 106 of the locking mechanism 110.
More specifically, the locking mechanism 110 may be mounted onto
the sides of the extraction column 100 by being attached onto
corresponding clamp lock mount receptacles 112 affixed to the sides
of the extraction column 100.
[0038] Additionally, the clamp lock head 106 may be further
configured to effectively ensure that the outlet pressure cap 102
seals the extraction column 100, even when the extraction column
100 contains high amounts of heat and pressure during the
extraction process. By way of example only, the extraction column
100 may be configured to withstand pressure up to 350 pounds per
square inch (hereinafter "PSI"), and as such, the clamp head lock
106 may also be configured to withstands up to 350 PSI.
[0039] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 110 includes a
clamp body with octagonal opposing cogs 114, thus allowing the
clamp lock head 106 to pivot in an upward and downward motion,
further allowing the clamp lock head 106 to be placed in and out of
the corresponding clamp head receptacle 104. Additionally, the
locking mechanism 110 may further include clamp lever 116 attached
to the octagonal opposing cogs 114. In some embodiments, the clamp
levers 116 are configured to aid in pivoting the clamp lock head
106 in the desired upward and downward motion. By way of example
only, the clamp lock head 106 may be placed in an open position by
pushing the clamp levers 116 away from the extraction column 100,
thus allowing the clamp lock head 106 to move freely and to
disengage from the clamp head receptacle 104. In another example,
the clamp lock head 106 may be placed in a locked position to
effectively seal the extraction column 100 by pushing the clamp
levers 116 towards the mid-section of the extraction column 100. By
doing so, the clamp lock head 106 is securely engaged within the
clamp head receptacle 104. However, it should be noted that a wide
variety of high-strength locking clamps or lock seals may be used
to seal the removable outlet pressure cap 102 to the opening end of
the extraction column 100.
[0040] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, an O-ring 118 may be
placed in between the removable outlet pressure cap 102 and a
filtration core assembly 120 configured to be placed within the
opening of the outlet vessel flange 111 of the extraction column
100. In some embodiments, the removable outlet pressure cap 102 is
configured to include an inner indent (not shown here) that allows
the O-ring 118 to be securely seated within the removable outlet
pressure cap 102. Accordingly, the O-ring 118 may ensure proper
pressure sealing when the removable outlet pressure cap 102 covers
the opening end of the extraction column 100 as the extraction
process is underway. In some embodiments, the O-ring 118 may
include materials made of PTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM rubber,
silicon, or fluorocarbon. The selected material for the O-ring 118
may take into consideration the chemical compatibility, application
temperature, sealing pressure, durometer, and perimeter size of the
area to be sealed.
[0041] Additionally, the filtration core assembly 120 may be
configured to filter any extraneous raw material sediment or
particles trapped within the fully extracted effluent, further
ensuring that the extracted effluent is free from fine particles or
sediment bleeding contamination. By way of example only, the
filtration core assembly 120 may include a limiter disc 122 that
makes contact with the completely extracted effluent that is ready
to be filtered and separated from the extracted raw materials
packed within the extraction column 100. The limiter disc 122 is
the first barrier of the filtration core assembly 120. Furthermore,
the limiter disc 122 may further act as an outlet retainer holding
the packed raw materials in place so that that raw materials do not
freely travel through the filtration core assembly 120.
Additionally, the limiter disc 122 may limit the flow of effluent
leaving the extraction column 100 relative to the incoming flow of
solvent entering the extraction column 100. In such a case, the
limiter disc 122 may be configured to allow half the amount of
effluent to leave the extraction column relative to the amount of
solvent entering the extraction column 100. This then creates a
flow differential and a pressure differential within the extraction
column 100. However, it should be noted that a wide range of
operating ratios of the flow of effluent leaving the extraction
column relative to the flow of incoming solvent entering the
extraction column 100 may be present, such as 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, and
6:1 ratio by way of example only.
[0042] The limiter disc 122 may include a semi-permeable disk
configured to include material made of reinforced steel, or other
materials as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art upon studying the present disclosure. Additionally, the limiter
disc 122 may include a specification of 1/4'' 316 L, or a size that
neatly fits within the perimeter of the extraction column 100.
[0043] Next, the filtration core assembly 120 may also include a
first filter disc 124 that works as a primary filter that seeks to
prevent any raw materials or particles from coming further within
the filtration core assembly 120. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the first filter disc 124 may be configured to include
material made of reinforced steel, such as 316 L stainless steel
mesh, or any other material appreciated by one of ordinary skill in
the art upon studying the present disclosure. Additionally, the
first filter disc 124 may further include a cross-weave
anti-extrusion 25 micron mesh capable of capturing particles as
small as 25 micrometers.
[0044] Next, the filtration core assembly 120 may include a second
filter disc 126 that is placed behind the first filter disc 124.
The second filter disc 126 may be configured to further prevent any
fine particles or sediment from coming further within the
filtration core assembly 120, thus further ensuring that the fully
extracted effluent is free from any particle contamination as the
extracted effluent passes through the filtration core assembly 120.
The second filter disc 126 may be configured to include a
hydrophilic membrane disc with a 10 micron mesh capable of
capturing particles as small as 10 micrometers.
[0045] In further embodiments, the filtration core assembly 120
includes a third filter disc 128 that follows behind the second
filter disc 126. The third filter disc 128 is placed within the
filtration core assembly 120 to aid in further preventing fine
particles or sediment from coming further within the filtration
core assembly 120. The third filter disc 128 may be configured to
include a poly-weave nylon fiber, or other material appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art upon studying the present
disclosure. Additionally, the third filter disc 128 may include a 5
micron mesh configured to capture particles as small as 5
micrometers. However, it should be noted that the coarseness or the
fineness of the filter micron sizes are interchangeable depending
on solvent quality flowing through the filtration core assembly 120
and the type of raw materials to be extracted.
[0046] Additionally, a first separator seal 132 may be placed in
between the second filter disc 126 and the third filter disc 128 to
help increase the flow of extracted effluent through the filtration
core assembly 120 and prevent the load up of any fine particles or
sediments from the raw materials captured by the filter discs. By
way of example only, the first separator seal 132 may include
materials made of PTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM rubber, silicon, and
fluorocarbon. The selected material may take into consideration the
chemical compatibility, application temperature, sealing pressure,
durometer, and perimeter size of the area to be sealed.
[0047] However, it should be noted that while there are multiple
filters within the filtration core assembly 120 to filter the fine
particles or sediments from the extracted effluent, the bulk and
majority of the filtration may be performed by the raw materials
themselves. By way of example only, the main purpose of the
filtration core assembly 120 is simply configured to capture any
solid material not filtered by the raw materials. As such, in some
instances, due to the quasi-interlocking network of the poly-grain,
the filtering capability of the raw materials themselves may be
able to capture 99.9%-99.999% of all the particles and sediments
therein. As such, the filtration core system 120 is then configured
to filter the remaining 0.1%-0.001% percent of any remaining
particles or sediments still remaining in the extracted effluent.
This particular phenomenon of the raw materials being able to act
as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process is
due to the particular way the raw materials or coffee grounds are
packed into the extraction column, otherwise known as a poly-grain
grind matrix. The poly-grain grind matrix is a matrix of varying
sizes of the raw materials specifically chosen to form a matrix
that is designed to nest together to form a specific
quasi-interlocking pattern, thus allowing the poly-grain grind
matrix to capture or trap the raw material particles or fine
granules such that the filtration core system 120 only catches the
small amount of particles that get past the poly-grain grind
matrix.
[0048] This phenomenon of the poly-grain grind matrix being able to
act as its own best filtering agent is due to the way the raw
materials are nested together to form a specific pattern, otherwise
known as a "quasi-fit." Such a quasi-interlocking pattern allows
the grounds to sit against one another in such a way that allows a
good degree of interstitial spaces of the raw materials to be
removed when the raw materials are packed and compressed. However,
not all of the interstitial spacing is removed in order to allow
the raw materials to swell and solvent to pass through, which will
be explained in greater detail below.
[0049] Referring back to FIG. 1, the filtration core assembly 120
may include a quad mesh disc 130 placed immediately behind the
third filter disc 128, or the filtration core assembly 120. In
accordance with some embodiments, the quad mesh disc 130 may be
further configured to help ensure that the raw material is
prevented from exiting the extraction column 100. Additionally, the
quad mesh disc 130 may also help ensure that the bendable and
malleable filter discs 128, 126, 124 beneath the quad mesh disc 130
are prevented from extruding and remain properly aligned. The quad
mesh disc 130 may be made of 316 L stainless steel. However, it
should be noted that the quad mesh may consist of another size or
material as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon
studying the present disclosure.
[0050] Furthermore, a second separator seal 134 may also be placed
in between the third filter 128 and the quad mesh disc 130 to
further help increase the flow of extracted effluent and prevent
any load up of any remaining fine particles or sediments that have
managed to pass through the filters 124, 126, 128 of the filtration
core assembly 120. By way of example only, the first separator seal
132 may include materials made of PTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM
rubber, silicon, and fluorocarbon. The selected material may take
into consideration the chemical compatibility, application
temperature, sealing pressure, durometer, and perimeter size of the
area to be sealed.
[0051] In accordance to some of the embodiments, the extraction
column 100 includes a flow governor assembly 136 configured to
receive an inflow of solvent selected to extract the raw materials
of interest. The flow governor assembly 136 may further be
configured to control the rate of solvent flow as the solvent
enters the base of the extraction column 100 via the connector feed
138. The connector feed 138 may attach to a solvent source (not
shown here) and help guide a flow of solvent into the extraction
column 100. By way of example only, the solvent source may include
a water treatment system configured to restructure water or water
quality. In other instances, solvent source may also include a city
water line or even a solvent tank.
[0052] Additionally, the flow governor assembly 136 may prevent the
formation of any concentrated surge of solvent from entering the
base of the extraction column 100. In the instance that the
formation of such concentrated surge of solvent or turbulence is
not prevented, the incoming flow of solvent will likely cause
drilling or the formation of holes within the bed of raw materials,
otherwise known as center holing. The occurrence of such center
holing may cause an uneven and poor extraction of the raw materials
as the uncontrolled surges of solvent seek to travel along the
point of least resistance (also known as channeling) such as up the
sides of the extraction column 100. Accordingly, the flow governor
assembly 136 may include at least a first disc 140 and a second
disc 142 to allow the incoming flow of pressurized solvent to
spread out evenly before making contact with the bed of raw
materials packed at the base of the extraction column 100. The
evenly formed well of fluid then becomes surge-less and
non-turbulent with a flat, linear solvent surface layer, otherwise
known as a solvent flat-well. The solvent flat-well is a smooth,
even, and non-turbulent well of rising solvent with a perfectly
flat and linear surface layer, which has the capacity to contact
and connect with the base of the coffee grounds simultaneously
across all of its surface area and continue to rise through the
coffee grounds in the same manner. Only in such a way can there be
an even distribution of the maximum amount of hydraulic force
throughout the entire extraction process. Accordingly, the flow
governor assembly 136 provides a predictable flow control of
solvent with each extraction.
[0053] Additionally, the first disc 140 and the second disc 142 of
the flow governor assembly 136 may be configured to include
perforations and slits on the disc, such that depending on the
number and size of perforations and slits present, the rate of the
flow of the solvent entering the base of the extraction column 100
may be controlled. By way of example only, the flow governor
assembly 136 may be configured such that the incoming flow of
solvent entering the extraction column 100 via the flow governor
assembly 136 is twice the rate as the flow of extracted effluent
leaving the extraction column 100. In some embodiments, the flow
ratio is configured 2:1, such that the incoming flow of solvent is
twice the rate as the flow extracted effluent leaving the
extraction column 100. However, the ratio may be configured so as
to accommodate various ranges, such as 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, or even 6:1
depending on the type of raw material to be extracted, the selected
solvent, and the pressure setting or the amount of energy to be
contained within the extraction column 100.
[0054] Furthermore, in order to further securely place the flow
governor assembly 136 within the inlet vessel flange 144 of the
extraction column 100, a removable inlet pressure cap 146 may be
utilized to effectively seal and cover the opening near the inlet
vessel flange 144. In one embodiment, the removable inlet pressure
cap 146 makes contact with the inlet vessel flange 144, allowing
the flow governor assembly 136 to be securely seated within the
extraction column 100. In further embodiments, a locking mechanism
148 is attached to the corresponding clamp lock mount receptacles
150 affixed to the sides of the extraction column 100. Accordingly,
the removable inlet pressure cap 146 may include a clamp head
receptacle (not shown here, but identical to the one shown on the
removable outlet pressure cap 102) configured to receive the clamp
head lock 152. As discussed above with respect to the locking
mechanism 110, the exact lock configuration may be used to securely
seal the removable inlet pressure cap 146 to the extraction column
100. By way of example, a range from two to six locking mechanisms
148 may be attached to the sides of the extraction column 100 near
the inlet vessel flange 144. However, it should be noted that a
wide variety of high-strength locking clamps or lock seals may be
used to securely attach the removable inlet pressure cap 146 to the
opening end of the extraction column 100.
[0055] Additionally, a first solvent diffuse O-ring 154 may be
included to be seated in between the removable inlet pressure cap
146 and the flow governor assembly 136. Additionally, a second
solvent diffuse O-ring 156 may be seated in between the inner
indent of the inlet vessel flange 144 and the second disc 142 of
the flow governor assembly 136. The solvent diffuse O-rings 154,
156 may aid in ensuring a properly sealed environment. The solvent
diffuse O-rings 154, 156 may include several different materials,
such as PTFE, Buna, Neoprene, EPDM rubber, silicon, and
fluorocarbon. The selected material for the solvent diffuse O-ring
may take into consideration the chemical compatibility, application
temperature, sealing pressure, durometer, and perimeter size of the
area to be sealed.
[0056] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a removable pressure
cap 200 of the extraction column, consistent with embodiments
disclosed herein. FIG. 2A will generally be described in
conjunction with FIG. 2B, which further illustrates an assembled
removable pressure cap 200. As illustrated, the removable pressure
cap 200 includes both an outer ridge slot 220 and an inner ridge
slot and detent 215 that seats the corresponding O-rings 205,210
securely within the removable pressure cap 200. As such, the
placement of the O-rings 205,210 into the corresponding outer ridge
slot 220 and the corresponding inner ridge slot and detent 215
further ensures that the removable pressure cap 200 is properly
sealed onto either the opening at the inlet vessel flange (not
shown here) or the opening at the outlet vessel flange (not shown
here). Additionally, the inner ridge slot and detent 215 may
provide a floor to receive a filtration core assembly (not shown
here) at the inlet vessel flange (not shown here) of the extraction
column or a quad mesh disc (not shown here) at the outlet vessel
flange (not shown here) of the extraction column.
[0057] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a filtration core
assembly 325 to be placed within the outlet vessel flange 340 of
the extraction column 330, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein. The outlet vessel flange 340 may further include an outer
ridge 320 and an inner ridge 315. The inner ridge 315 may seat a
corresponding O ring 335 securely within the outlet vessel flange
340. Additionally, the inner ridge 315 may further support the
filtration core assembly 325 so that all the 7 pieces of the
exemplary filtration core assembly is securely seated within the
inner ridge 315. In some embodiments, the filtration core assembly
325 may be seated on the corresponding O ring 335, thus preventing
the filtration core assembly from being worn down when in direct
contact with the inner ridge 315. In other instances, the O-ring
335 may further allow an effective seal to form between the
extraction column 330 and the removable end cap (not shown here).
Furthermore, the inner ridge 315 and the outer ridge 320 may fit
into the corresponding slots on a removable pressure cap (not shown
here), thus further allowing a secure seal between the removable
pressure cap and the outlet vessel flange 340. Accordingly, the
inlet vessel flange (not shown here), may also have similar outer
and inner slots so that the corresponding removable pressure cap
(not shown here) may also be securely sealed with the corresponding
inlet vessel flange (not shown here).
[0058] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a lock assembly
400a configured to securely attach to a removable pressure cap 405
of the extraction column (not shown here), consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 4A will generally be described
in conjunction with FIG. 4B, which further illustrates the lock
assembly 400b in a locked position so that the removable pressure
cap 405 is securely sealed onto the extraction column 440. It
should be noted that FIGS. 4A and 4B is a generalized depiction of
the lock assembly 400 that can be configured to clamp onto both the
removable outlet pressure cap and the removable inlet pressure cap
at the opposing respective ends of the extraction column 440, such
as the near the inlet vessel flange and the outlet vessel flange,
as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0059] As further illustrated, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a top view of
the removable end cap 405 with clamp head receptacles 410
configured to receive a corresponding clamp lock head 420. In some
embodiments, the clamp lock head 420 may have a clamp body
configured with octagonal opposing cogs 415, thus allowing the
clamp lock head 420 to pivot in an upward and downward motion. The
pivoting motion of the clamp lock head 420 may allow the clamp lock
head 420 to be placed in and out of the corresponding clamp head
receptacles 410.
[0060] Additionally, the locking mechanisms 400a,b in FIGS. 4A and
4B may further include a clamp lever 430 attached to the octagonal
opposing cogs 415, so as to control the pivoting motion of the
clamp head lock 420. By way of example only, pushing the clamp
lever 430 towards the mid-section of the extraction column 440 may
allow the clamp lock head 420 to be in a closed position, thus
allowing the removable pressure cap 405 to be tightly clamped
within the corresponding clamp head receptacle 410, thus further
securely attaching and sealing the removable pressure cap 405 to
the pressure column 440. By way of another example, pulling the
clamp lever 430 away from the extraction column 440 may allow the
clamp lock head 420 to be in an open position, thus freely allowing
the clamp head lock 420 to disengage and be removed from the
corresponding clamp head receptacle 410.
[0061] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-section side view of an
extraction column 500 at the beginning stage of the extraction
process, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 5A will
generally be described in conjunction with FIGS. 5B and 5C in order
to further illustrate the various progressive occurrences taking
place inside the extraction column 500 as the extraction process
proceeds to completion. As illustrated, FIG. 5A depicts the raw
materials 505 packed into the extraction column to be extracted via
solid-liquid extraction. In this particular instance, by way of
example only, the raw materials to be extracted include coffee
grounds 505. However, it should be noted that the raw materials are
not limited to coffee grounds 505, and instead, may contain a wide
variety of other raw materials, such as tea leaves, botanical
herbs, spices, cocoa, fruits, nutraceuticals, organic substances,
and the like.
[0062] In some embodiments, the coffee grounds 505 may first be
hand packed within the extraction column 500, which may consist of
initially filling no more than 25-30% of the extraction column 500.
The remaining open space of the extraction column 500 may then be
further packed with the remaining coffee grounds 505 using a
tamper. Because certain liquid fluids, such as water,
characteristically goes from a region of high pressure to a region
of low pressure, it is important that the column of packed coffee
grounds 505 is evenly packed in order to ensure that the solvent
evenly rises and evenly permeates throughout the packed coffee
grounds 505.
[0063] Once the coffee grounds 505 are properly packed, the inlet
connector feed 540 located at the base of the extraction column 500
channels the inflow of solvent, which may be pressurized, towards
the base of the extraction column 500. In accordance with some of
the embodiments, as the solvent enters into the base of the
extraction column 500, the solvent first comes in contact with the
flow governor assembly 545. The flow governor assembly 545 is
configured to take the incoming high pressure solvent flow from the
connector feed 540 and prevent the formation of any turbulence or
solvent surging, especially since solvent naturally seeks a route
of least resistance within the packed coffee grounds 505. By
preventing the formation of any turbulence or surge points, an
incomplete and poor extraction is avoided.
[0064] More specifically, as the incoming flow of solvent enters
the base of the extraction column 500, the solvent may first come
in contact with the first contact surface 535 of the flow governor
assembly 545. The first contact surface 535 helps break up and
distribute the incoming flow of solvent and contain any surging or
turbulence to the upstream portion of the flow governor assembly.
Once the incoming flow of solvent passes through the first contact
surface 535, the solvent may then proceed to enter the regulator
disc 530 of the flow governor assembly 545, which includes
precisely spaced and carefully measured slits to allow the incoming
flow of solvent to pass through. As the flow of solvent passes
through the regulator disc 530, the solvent is divided and
redistributed so that the solvent is evenly dispersed and
regulated. In some embodiments, the regulator disc 530 is a
perforated 316 L stainless steel disc. Additionally, other
materials may be used as would be appreciated by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon studying the present disclosure.
[0065] Finally, the newly evenly dispersed solvent leaving the
regulator disc 530 of flow governor 545 then proceeds to flow
through a quad mesh disc 525 of the flow governor assembly 545,
thus completing the calming and even redistribution of the incoming
flow of pressurized solvent from the connector feed 540. As the
solvent proceeds to flow through the quad mesh disc 525, the column
of solvent 510 forms an even, flat solvent surface layer, otherwise
known as a solvent flat-well. The solvent flat-well is a
non-turbulent solvent surface well with a flat, linear surface
layer that rises to meet the exposed surface area at the base of
the bed of coffee grounds 505. Because the solvent flat-well is a
rising well of non-turbulent solvent with a flat, linear surface
layer, the solvent flat-well makes contact at the exposed base of
the coffee grounds 505 across all 360.degree. of the circumference
of the coffee grounds 505 simultaneously, even as the solvent rises
through the bed of coffee grounds 505 during the extraction
process. The need for a solvent flat-well is absolutely critical
for maximum hydraulic authority and preventing any form of
channeling that may result in the boring of holes within the base
or bed of packed coffee grounds 505, otherwise known as center
holing. In the instance of channeling or the occurrence of center
holing, an uneven distribution of hydraulic pressurization occurs,
and thus weakening the hydraulic action and resulting in a poor
extraction process.
[0066] Additionally, the area where the solvent flat-well first
makes contact with the exposed surface of the dry coffee grounds
505 is known as the boundary layer 520. The boundary layer 520 is
the dividing line between the leading edge of the rising solvent
and the dry packed coffee grounds 505. With the formation of the
solvent flat-well, the boundary layer strikes the entire base of
the packed coffee grounds 505 simultaneously and evenly as the
solvent flat-well and the boundary layer 520 proceeds to move up
the extraction column 500. Consequently, the areas nearest boundary
layer 520 are the area with the tightest hydraulic packing, then
decreasing outward with the square of the distance. This is
especially true since the boundary layer 520 is where packing of
the coffee grounds 505 initially begins. However, because FIG. 5A
illustrates only the very beginning stages of the extraction
process, hydraulic compression of the coffee grounds 505 has only
just begun to form at the boundary layer 520.
[0067] As the hydraulic pressure slowly increases near the boundary
layer 520, a reactive layer 515 begins to form as more hydraulic
pressure is applied at the boundary layer 520. Because the boundary
layer 520 is the first point of extraction, not only is the
boundary layer 520 and the reactive layer 515 the areas that are
most reactive areas due to the frictional effects and thermal
energy present at such areas, but the boundary layer 520 is where
the pressure wave beings to form. which then spreads the generated
energy to the reactive layer 515.
[0068] The pressure wave is an area where energy creators are
catalyzed so that the energy generated is released and re-used to
achieve a complete and efficient extraction. The pressure wave
consists of a primary pressure wave and a secondary pressure wave.
The primary pressure wave is a steady, slow moving pressurized
front at the leading edge of the solvent flat-well, otherwise
referred to as the boundary layer 520. The primary pressure wave
both begins the wetting process and pressurization of the reactive
layer 515 that triggers the release of carbon dioxide 555 and other
trace gases. Such release of carbon dioxide 555 and other trace
gases begins the swelling of the coffee grounds 505 and creates a
coefficient of friction which holds the coffee grounds 505 against
the walls of the extraction column 500. At the same time, the
pressure wave builds a supply of potential energy in the solvent
flat-well, while raising the level of static friction at the
boundary layer 520 and the reactive layer 515, which aids in the
holding of the coffee grounds 505 against the walls of the
extraction column 500.
[0069] However, when hydraulic force in the solvent flat-well
builds the reserve of potential energy underneath the base of the
coffee grounds 505, the hydraulic force soon exceeds the static
friction at the boundary layer 520 and the reactive layer 515. This
critical tipping point, is called the skip trigger. It is where the
hydraulic force exceeds the coefficient of friction locking the
coffee grounds 505 in place against the extraction column 500,
which now causes the coffee grounds 505 from the boundary layer 520
to the base of the bed coffee grounds 500 to skip or jump upward,
which by way of example only, may range anywhere from 1 mm to 1
inch depending on the raw materials to be extracted and the size of
the extraction column 500. As the coffee grounds 505 jump upward,
the coffee grounds 505 proceed to reengage with the sides of the
extraction column as static friction once again locks the coffee
grounds 505 back in place. As the coffee grounds 505 reengage with
the sides of the extraction column, the secondary pressure wave
driven by inertia, continues to drive the solvent upward, further
causing the solvent to slam into the base of the coffee grounds
505. This is further illustrated in FIG. 5A, which depicts a small,
but growing reactive layer 515 due to the solvent driving into the
coffee grounds 505. A more detailed description and application of
the primary and secondary pressure wave with respect to the
extraction column 500 is presented below. Additionally, the energy
creators catalyzed during this process are naturally forming or
occurring events whereby when force is applied, energy is released.
Examples of such catalyzing energy creators are, but not limited to
the following: static friction, dry friction, skin friction, fluid
friction, potential energy, kinetic energy, mechanical energy, and
mechanical wave energy and the water hammer effect.
[0070] More specifically, static friction is friction between two
or more solid objects that are not moving relative to each other,
such as the friction between the coffee grounds 505 and the
interior walls or sides of the extraction column 500 at and beneath
the boundary layer 520 at the beginning of the extraction process.
The equation for static friction is the following:
F.sub.s=.mu..sub.sF.sub.n, where F.sub.s is static friction,
.mu..sub.s is coefficient of static friction, and F.sub.n is normal
force.
[0071] Dry friction resists relative lateral motion of two solid
surfaces that are in contact. The equation for dry friction is the
following: F.sub.f.ltoreq..mu.F.sub.n, where F.sub.f is the force
of friction exerted by each surface, .mu. is the coefficient of
friction, and F.sub.n is the normal force exerted perpendicular to
each surface. Furthermore, skin friction is the friction between a
fluid and the surface of a solid, such as raw materials to be
extracted, moving through or between a moving fluid. The equation
for skin friction is the following:
Re = VL v , ##EQU00001##
where V is flow velocity, L is flow traveling distance, and v is
fluid kinematic viscosity.
[0072] In regards to potential energy, potential energy is the
energy which results from position or configuration, such that the
object may have a capacity for doing work as a result of its
position in a gravitation field. The equation for potential energy
is the following:
k = - F r L - L o , ##EQU00002##
where k is Hook's Law, L is deformed length, L.sub.o is the
un-deformed length, and F.sub.r is the restoring force. Kinetic
energy on the other hand, is the energy of an object due its
motion. Kinetic energy may be represented by the following:
K . E . = 1 2 mv 2 , ##EQU00003##
where K.E. is kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity. The
total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of the kinetic
energy and potential energy. As such, the formula for mechanical
energy is represented as the following: E.sub.mechanical=U+K.
[0073] Lastly, mechanical wave energy is a wave that is produced
with the oscillation of matter, and therefore transfers energy
through a medium as a result. As such, mechanical wave energy may
be present within the dry bed of coffee grounds 505 that as the
coffee grounds become compressed. The mechanical wave energy
formula is the following: v=.lamda.f, where v is velocity of the
wave, .lamda. is the wavelength, and f is the wave frequency.
[0074] Referring back to when the extraction first begins as
illustrated in FIG. 5A, there is minimal reactivity in the reactive
layer 515 as a result of minimal hydraulic forces present thus far.
However, as the reaction proceeds generally, the further
compression of the coffee grounds 505 begins to catalyze energy
creators using both mechanical and frictional forces that is then
converted to thermal energy. This then sets into motion the process
of generating a self-sustaining and self-perpetuating thermal
reaction, otherwise known as the catalyzing pressure wave cycle.
More specifically, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle is a
carefully calculated and controlled moving front of pressurized
solvent, which forms at the leading edge of the solvent flat-well,
and may take two forms--a primary pressure wave and a secondary
pressure wave. The primary pressure wave is a steady-state, slow
moving pressurized front at the leading edge of the solvent
flat-well. As it slowly progresses up through the extraction column
500, the primary pressure wave begins the wetting and saturating of
the coffee grounds 505 to begin the catalyzation of the natural
energy creators found within the extraction process of solid-liquid
extractions. To catalyze such an extraction process, a measured and
steady application of hydraulic pressure is required, which
simultaneously builds potential energy in the solvent well, and
also builds sliding, fluid, and static friction at the boundary
layer. The secondary pressure wave follows the primary pressure
wave, which will be explained in greater detail below.
[0075] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an
extraction column 500 at a more mature stage of the extraction
process as hydraulic compression continues to build within the
extraction column 500, as consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein. As illustrated, hydraulic packing has begun to compress the
entire bed of coffee grounds 505 upward, as further indicated by
the rising solvent column 510, which also includes the lower
portion of the already saturated coffee grounds 505 extending from
the base of the bed of coffee grounds 505 to the boundary layer
520. The darker shading of the coffee grounds 505 is also
indicative of greater compression, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.
Particularly, the thicker and darker shading at the reactive layer
515 is also a clear indicator that greater hydraulic packing and
compression has occurred relative to the beginning stage of the
extraction process, as compared to FIG. 5A. Additionally, it is at
the boundary layer 520 and the reactive layer 515 where the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle begins the self-sustaining thermal
reaction, as described in further detail below.
[0076] As greater hydraulic compression is applied to the coffee
grounds 505, out-gassing may occur at areas where there is the
greatest amount of pressure, such as the boundary layer 520 and the
reactive layer 515. As the leading edge of the solvent flat-well
515 first penetrates the coffee grounds 505 at the boundary layer
520, small amounts of carbon dioxide 555 gas off. While traditional
extraction methods simply release the generated carbon dioxide 555
out of the extraction column 500, this is a tremendous waste of
potential energy that can be re-used or recycled to generate
another form of useful energy, such as mechanical, frictional or
thermal energy. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure
contain and catalyze the generated carbon dioxide 555 within the
sealed extraction column 500, aiding in the process of closing off
the interstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways in
the coffee bed while raising the surrounding thermal temperatures.
This further aids in compressing the coffee grounds 505 so that the
extraction process may proceed. Additionally, the carbon dioxide
555 initially released through the forced off-gassing from
hydraulic compression is further catalyzed from the frictional
heating. As with the other various forms of energy released from
the afore-mentioned energy creators, energy within the reactive
layer 515 is converted to heat energy through the process of
thermodynamics, which then causes the off-gassing of carbon dioxide
555 to expand. The expanding carbon dioxide 555 compresses the
surrounding coffee grounds 505 much more effectively.
[0077] As the generated thermal heat causes the carbon dioxide 555
to expand outward aggressively, the coffee grounds 505 are pushed
and compressed in all directions. More specifically, the
compression from the carbon dioxide 555 closes off a greater number
of interstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways,
and particularly causes the coffee grounds 505 to be pressed more
tightly against the sides of the extraction vessel 500, as
indicated by the arrows 555 in FIGS. 5B and 5C. As this lateral
expansion builds and pushes, the coefficient of friction between
the coffee grounds 505 in the reactive layer 515 and areas nearest
the boundary layer 520 and the sides of the extraction vessel 500
drastically increases, thereby locking the coffee grounds 505 near
the reactive layer 515 and the areas nearest the boundary layer 520
against the sides of the extraction column 500. As the compressed
coffee grounds 505 are forced against the sides of the extraction
column 500, static friction holds the coffee grounds in place while
simultaneously releasing thermal energy at the reactive layer 515,
further resulting in the building of a stronger coefficient of
friction.
[0078] Even as the steady pressure of hydraulics is applied, the
coefficient of friction holds the bed of coffee grounds 505 in
place, which then further increases the potential energy buildup in
the solvent flat-well while increasing static friction and thermal
heating in the reactive zone 515. This further increases back
pressure and resistance, which subsequently causes hydraulic
pressure to increase in the solvent flat-well until it exceeds the
coefficient of friction formed between the compressed coffee
grounds 505 and the extraction column 500. This is further
evidenced by the thicker and darker shading in the reactive layer
515.
[0079] Soon, the potential energy in the solvent flat-well and at
the boundary layer 520 overcomes the coefficient of friction
between the coffee grounds 505 and the sides of the extraction
column 500 nearest the boundary layer 520, otherwise known as a
skip trigger. In other words, the skip trigger is the tipping point
where hydraulic force from underneath the solvent flat-well exceeds
the coefficient of friction locking the coffee grounds 505 against
the sides of the extraction column 500. When this tipping point is
reached and the coefficient of friction is exceeded, the locked
column of packed coffee grounds 505 being held against the sides of
the extraction column near the reactive zone 515 and everything
extending beneath it is released. This causes the coffee grounds
505 near the reactive zone and everything extended beneath it to
jump upward with explosive force, which can be heard audibly and
felt to the touch. As a result, large and sudden bursts of energy
in the form of kinetic energy, mechanical energy, mechanical wave
energy, fluid friction, sliding friction, and dry friction is
immediately catalyzed and released.
[0080] Consequently, while the coffee grounds 505 reengage the
sides of the extraction column 500 after a skip trigger event, the
boundary layer 520 does not stop, which results in the secondary
pressure wave. This is due to the inertia built within the moving
solvent flat-well propelled by the hydraulic force behind it. Such
hydraulic force, or power at the leading edge of the boundary layer
520, slams hard and deep into the already tightly compressed coffee
grounds 505. This rapid impact of solvent suddenly slamming into
the coffee grounds 505 is also known as the water hammer effect
resulting from the secondary pressure wave.
[0081] The energy released from the water hammer effect is
tremendous. As a result, short, but immense bursts of thermal
energy are released, both into the boundary layer 520, and the
reactive layer 515 due to the following: dry friction as the coffee
grounds 505 move closer and rub against each other, fluid friction
as a result of the column of solvent 510 pushing through the coffee
grounds 505, and sliding friction as a result of the hydraulic
force pushing the boundary layer 510 and the coffee grounds 505
upward. Additionally, mechanical energy as the coffee grounds 505
are moved around, and mechanical wave energy as oscillations may be
present within the dry bed of compressed coffee grounds 505.
[0082] With the solvent deeply penetrating into the coffee grounds
505, immense bursts of thermal energy as a result of the water
hammer effect from the secondary pressure wave, are released from
the bed of coffee grounds 505, as further illustrated by the larger
arrows in FIG. 5C, as compared to FIG. 5B. As a result of the
immense frictional heating, the gases in the reactive layer 515
expand outward, decreasing with the square of the distance. This
helps in compressing the coffee grounds 505 in the reactive zone
515, which also decreases outward with the square of the distance,
and further prepares the raw material for a subsequent catalyzation
cycle, which will always be stronger than the preceding one until
the catalyzing pressure wave cycle plateaus, which will be
explained in more detail below.
[0083] More specifically, as further illustrated in FIG. 5C, the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle is nearing the plateauing stage.
With both the primary and secondary pressure waves peaking, massive
amounts of wetted and frictionally heated coffee grounds 505 are
beginning to swell and reach saturation, thus allowing the coffee
grounds 505 to be ripe for extracting. As the secondary pressure
wave slams into the wetted bed of swollen coffee grounds 505 in the
reactive layer 515, most of the interstitial spaces and low
resistance migration travel ways are now closed. As a result, the
solvent from the secondary pressure wave is driven directly into
the coffee grounds 505. This immediately causes the coffee grounds
505 to become super-saturated as the pressure inside the coffee
grounds 505 now equalizes with the ambient pressure outside the
coffee grounds 505, which indicates that the coffee grounds 505
have reached equilibrium and are now fully extractable.
[0084] By way of example only, the secondary pressure of the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle is where the skip trigger event and
the immediately following water hammer effect continues over and
over again at the reactive layer 515, wherein each successive cycle
is stronger than the last. During each cycle, the necessary
environment is created within the extraction process, such that
more energy is generated than required to continuously perpetuate
the succeeding cycle, thereby causing each cycle to be stronger
than the last. Temperatures are generated naturally by the
catalyzing energy creators within the extraction process, which
utilizes the process of thermodynamics to achieve the proper
solubilization and mass transfer temperature ranges. By way of
example only, the solubilization and mass transfer temperatures may
be in the range of 196.degree. to 204.degree. Fahrenheit. The
solubilization and mass transfer window is when there is sufficient
energy within the critical thermal zone generated from the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle, and it is within this
solubilization and mass transfer window where all the volatiles,
solids, and constituents of the raw materials are extracted.
[0085] When the solubilization and mass transfer temperature window
is achieved, a full and complete extraction will now take place as
the boundary layer 520 proceeds to move up the extraction column
500. It should be noted that this intended thermal spike at the
solubilization and mass transfer window only lasts long enough to
heat-charge the coffee grounds 505, open the cell walls, and drive
the solvent into the bed of coffee grounds 505 so that the raw
materials first catalyze, then achieve a state of equilibrium with
the solvent. By doing so, the extraction process is able to draw
out all of the available soluble solids, volatile aromatic
compounds, and constituents during this solubilization and mass
transfer temperature window.
[0086] Furthermore, the primary pressure wave of the catalyzing
pressure wave cycle may continue to move up the column, prime the
raw material, build the necessary static friction at the boundary
layer, and build the necessary potential energy in the solvent
flat-well to achieve the skip trigger event that brings about the
secondary pressure wave of the successive water hammer effect over
and over again until the catalyzing pressure wave cycle plateaus.
By way of example only, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle may
plateau when the rise of the hydraulic pressure in the extraction
column 500 equals a predetermined or preset pressure range as set
by the pressure regulator, pump controller and/or the inlet valves
outside the extraction column 500. When the boundary layer 510
equals the predetermined pressure range, the catalyzing pressure
wave cycle then stabilizes and does not get stronger and instead,
maintains the same pressure throughout the duration of the
extraction.
[0087] This further means that when the predetermined pressure is
achieved within the extraction column 500, the heaviest pressure
wave activity is now occurring at the reactive layer 515, where the
greatest reactivity, greatest water hammer affect, and total energy
is being released. By way of example, the overall energy, which is
repeatedly catalyzed and released, may include, but is not limited
to the following: potential energy, kinetic energy, sliding
friction, fluid friction, inertial impact energy, mechanical
energy, and mechanical wave energy and the water hammer affect.
This is further illustrated in FIG. 5C, where the darker coloration
of the coffee grinds 505 indicates heaviest expansion, compression,
and hydraulic compression with respect to the more beginning stages
of the extraction process, with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0088] However, while the ideal temperature for extraction is
within the high temperature range of the raw material's
solubilization and mass temperature range, this same temperature
range that does the best extracting, may also do the most damage.
This is true when the raw materials are exposed to such high
temperatures for an extended amount of time, which results in most,
if not all, of the delicate volatile aromatics, compounds, and
constituents to be degraded or destroyed. Conversely, the current
extraction process and extraction column 500 utilizes the high
temperature range of the raw material's solubilization and mass
temperature window for only a few fractions of a second before the
heat begins dissipating, which allows sufficient time to promulgate
extraction. However, because this temperature window lasts only for
a few fractions of a second, there is insufficient amount of time
to do any damage to the coffee grounds 505.
[0089] As a result, in accordance with some embodiments, the
extraction column 500 is configured to include a trailing cool wave
550 that follows immediately behind the boundary layer 520 in order
to further avoid excessive and prolonged heating in the reactive
zone as extractive heat temperatures begin dissipating. This is a
critical component of the extraction technology because the cool
wave 550 immediately cools the delicate compounds and constituents
immediately extracted in the solubilization and mass temperature
range at the boundary layer 520. As stated above, allowing the
extraction column 500 to attain the solubilization and mass
temperature range is crucial in order to effectively extract all
the constituents and compounds or any heat sensitive compounds from
the coffee grounds 505. However, in order prevent the extracted
constituents and compounds from being degraded or destroyed by the
high temperatures, a cool wave 550 that stems from the solvent
flat-well is utilized to immediately cool the extracted compounds
in the reactive zone 515 from the exposure to such high
temperatures. As such, the cool wave 550 helps preserve the
delicate heat sensitive compounds within the same vessel where the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle is performed, thus eliminating the
need for a separate vessel attached to further cool the extracted
effluent. Therefore, immediately following the thermal energy
generated from the catalyzing pressure wave cycle, the solvent
flat-well follows directly behind the reactive zone 515 and the
boundary layer 520 cools the extracted compounds, thus allowing the
heated extracted effluent to be in immediate contact with the
cooler solvent. Through this design, the necessary compounds within
the coffee grounds 505, or other raw materials, are extracted and
also further protected from heat degradation.
[0090] As the cool wave 550 trails behind the boundary layer 520,
the coffee grounds 505 in the reactive zone 515 are now seeped in
the cooler solvent. Just seconds before, the area of the cool wave
550 was the areas where the primary and secondary pressure wave
initially extracted the volatile aromatics, compounds, and
constituents from the coffee grounds 505. Because of the primary
and secondary pressure wave, the coffee grounds 505 are heated,
swollen with their cell walls opened, and super-saturated, the
coffee grounds 505 are able to be extracted at the peak of the bell
curve. Post extraction with the primary and secondary pressure
wave, the swollen and super-saturated coffee grounds are now
immersed in the cool zone 560 and remain swollen and in the state
of equilibrium. Thus, now with the extended residence time, it
further allows any remaining compounds within the super-saturated
coffee grounds 560 to be further extracted. As such, any remaining
compounds that are extractable below the solubilization and mass
transfer temperature window are extracted here in this second
extraction area. This second extraction utilizing the cool wave 550
may run simultaneously with the primary extraction utilizing the
primary and secondary pressure wave occurring above at the boundary
layer, thus allowing two simultaneous extractions to take place
within a single extraction column 500. This simultaneous second
extraction with the cooler solvent greatly adds to the efficiency
of the extraction due to the combining of both heat sensitive and
non-heat sensitive extractions in one singular extraction column.
Moreover, it combines the broadest possible range of constituents
from virtually every extractable temperature of the spectrum,
creating the most flavorful and robust coffee possible.
[0091] An indication that the extraction has worked correctly may
occur upon the visual inspection of the bed of coffee grounds 505.
If the bed of coffee grounds 505 is hydraulically compressed to
approximately 85% of its original size, it is a good indication
that the extraction process was successful. This visual inspection
is possible when using the transparent Lexan polycarbonate
constructed vessel. If the vessel is made of 316 L stainless steel,
other factors may be used to check the progress of the extraction
process. These factors may consist of measuring flow rate through a
digital flow meter, counting the number of skip-triggers reached
per minute, or placing one's hand over the external portion of the
stainless steel extraction column 500 in the approximate area of
the audible pressure wave activity. In this general area, a portion
of the internal temperature activity is transferred to the outer
portion of the extraction column 500 through the process of
conduction. In such cases, temperature conversion may be used to
convert the temperature that is felt externally and apply it to
what is actually occurring internally. Other materials not listed
here may be used as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art. Furthermore, other indicators may be used to check the
progress of an extraction based on the material of the extraction
column 500 used.
[0092] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a cross-sectional side view of the
rising flow of solvent impacting into the bed of raw materials as
the extraction progresses, consistent with embodiments disclosed
herein. Accordingly, FIGS. 6A-6D depict the beginning stages of the
extraction process until it matures and reaches a plateau, where
the extraction then proceeds to completion.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 6A, the extraction column 600a is
currently undergoing the initial and priming phase of the
extraction process as the solvent 615 first enters through the
connector feed 602 and into the extraction column 600a. This is
evident by the lack of hydraulic pressure forming at the reactive
layer 625, as indicated by the almost complete lack of dark shading
in the reactive layer 625 along with the boundary line 610, which
is consistent with the very little hydraulic compression
present.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 6B, the extraction column 600b undergoes
its first skip-trigger point 635. The first skip-trigger event 635
occurs when the hydraulic pressure forming in the solvent flat well
builds until it overcomes the coefficient of friction of the
compressed coffee ground bed 605b and the inner walls of the
extraction column 600b. Thus, until the hydraulic pressure within
the solvent flat-well overcomes the coefficient of friction, static
friction continues to build tension at the boundary layer 610 as
the solvent flat-well of the rising flow of solvent 615 steadily
applies pressure against the base of the coffee ground bed 605b
until the friction coefficient is exceeded. At that moment, when
the skip-trigger is reached, the coefficient of friction is
exceeded, and the coffee ground bed 605b breaks free from the sides
of the extraction column 600b. The secondary pressure wave is now
unconfined, as hydraulic pressure forcefully drives it upward and
pushes the coffee ground bed 605b upward in a sudden and violent
burst. More specifically, when the skip-trigger is reached, the
coffee ground bed 605b abruptly skips, or jumps upward as fluid
friction, sliding friction, kinetic energy, mechanical energy and
mechanical wave energy is released as a result of the upward jump.
In addition, fluid friction and sliding friction will also take
place, thus releasing energy in the form of thermal energy.
[0095] While the coffee ground bed 605b moves upward violently, it
is also yanked to stop violently and abruptly as the coefficient of
friction reengages. However, although the ground coffee bed 605b
comes to a stop, based on Isaac Newton's first law of motion, the
rising solvent 615 underneath wants to keep moving and slam into
the abruptly stopped coffee ground bed 605b when the coefficient of
friction of the coffee grounds and the walls of the extraction
column 600b reengages, otherwise known as the water hammer effect
620 brought on by the secondary pressure wave. As a result, the
coffee ground bed 605b may be further compressed, as further
depicted by the darker shading of the coffee grounds, especially at
the reactive layer 625. Additionally, this sudden upward implosion
of the secondary pressure wave or the water hammer effect 620
creates a sudden, but tremendous burst of thermal energy at
reactive layer 625, as further indicated by the darker shading and
thicker size in comparison to FIG. 6A.
[0096] The release of the thermal energy from the first water
hammer effect 620 of the secondary pressure wave further feeds into
the overall catalyzing pressure wave cycle, as further illustrated
in FIG. 6C. Once the catalyzing pressure wave cycle is underway,
each successive catalyzing sequence becomes stronger. Energy
creators have been catalyzed, and larger amounts of carbon dioxide
are released with each new catalyzing sequence, which in turn
becomes thermally heated to higher and higher temperatures causing
greater expansion and thereby causing greater compression of the
coffee grounds. The coefficient of friction against the extraction
column 600c becomes stronger each time and locks the coffee ground
bed 605c tighter as greater resistance and back pressure is
created. This in turn increases hydraulic force in the solvent
well, which eventually will reach the skip-trigger point 645 and
break the coefficient of friction to begin the next catalyzing
cycle once again. At that point, the successive water hammer effect
650 then penetrates even more deeply each time it slams into the
coffee ground bed 605c, releasing more energy each time as it does
so, until the catalyzing pressure wave cycle plateaus. This
sequence of events can be seen by the thicker reactive layer 625
and heavier compression of the coffee ground bed 605c as indicated
by the darker shading.
[0097] As further illustrated in FIG. 6D, the pressure wave cycle
is fully under way and matured. The coffee grounds in the coffee
ground bed 600d are further compressed with each additional skip
trigger point 655 and water hammer effect 660, as further indicated
by the significant darker shading of the coffee grounds. More
specifically, the progression of the darker shading nearest the
boundary layer 610 and the reactive layer 625 is a result of the
increased packing compressibility of the coffee grounds. The
packing compressibility decreases with the square of the distance
from the point of impact. As such, only the coffee grounds nearest
the areas of greatest compression is tightly packed, as indicated
by the darker shading. Furthermore, the lesser dark shading
indicates less compression with the square of the distance from the
boundary layer 610 and the reactive layer 625, which results in the
coffee grounds being relatively more loose or less compact in
comparison. This is critical to prevent subsequent over
compression. Again, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle continues
with a third skip trigger point 655 and a water hammer effect 660
as the boundary layer 610 again, forcefully pushes into the base of
the coffee grounds. Additionally, the catalyzing pressure wave
cycle matures with each additional skip-trigger point and water
hammer effect, where greater thermal energy is also released at the
reactive layer 625 with each successive catalyzing pressure wave
cycle until a plateau point is achieved, as discussed above in
detail.
[0098] Once the pressure wave cycle has plateaued and has reached
its peak catalyzing ability, the pressure wave cycle will remain in
this state throughout the duration of the extraction process. At
this juncture, all the interstitial spaces and low resistance
migration travel ways have been closed and the contained resistance
and backpressure is now at its peak. As a result, hydraulic
pressure is also at its highest, therefore, the extraction process
reaches its peak solubilization and mass transfer temperature
threshold. As viewed through one of the transparent Lexan
polycarbonate bench-top extraction column 600 models, the
maturation sequence of the pressure-wave process can be evidenced
by the increase in volume of the solvent flat-well. This is because
when a proper pressure-wave extraction nears its completion, the
entire coffee ground bed 605d will be compressed to nearly 85% of
its original size. Consequently, this leaves more room for the
solvent flat-well 615 to be visible.
[0099] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a flow governor
assembly 700 in an extraction column 702, consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the
flow governor assembly 700 includes 3 discs to help control the
flow of incoming solvent entering the base of the extraction column
702. In some embodiments, the 3 discs may further be separated by 2
mm to 3 mm spacers (not shown here) to allow for adequate flow to
occur between the discs. The first disc 745 may contain
perforations 755, 760 in a symmetrical fashion to allow the solvent
to enter the base of the extraction column 702 via the perforations
755, 760 of the flow governor assembly 700. By way of example only,
the perforations 755, 760 may be configured in a symmetrical
fashion to allow a significant amount of solvent to flow through
while also providing a sufficient barrier so as to contain the bulk
of turbulence and prevent the surging solvent from entering and
rising up through the extraction column 702 and into the bed of raw
materials, as further illustrated by the circular arrows at the
base of the extraction column 702.
[0100] Additionally, the first disc 745 may include perforation
755, 760 that are slightly more concentrated towards the center of
the first 745 disc. By doing so, the flow of the solvent is
slightly more concentrated towards the middle of the extraction
column 700, as further indicated by the larger sized perforations
760. This may assist with the centering of hydraulic force and
pressure as more flow of pressurized solvent passes through the
middle of the first disc 745. Centering the hydraulic force and
pressure is important since the solvent naturally has a tendency to
seek the point of least resistance and will thus travel towards the
side of the vessel. In event of such an occurrence, the solvent may
fail to even extract all or most of the raw material located at the
center of the extraction column 702, resulting in an incomplete and
poor extraction of the raw materials. Additionally, the
concentrating of solvent towards the middle of the extraction
column 700 may also help contain and retain as much energy from the
flow of solvent entering the base of the extraction column 702,
while also simultaneously having sufficient surface area to act as
a barrier to limit the turbulence from reaching the bed of coffee
grounds. As any obstruction of the flow of solvent accumulatively
adds resistance to the flow and reduces energy, the amount of
allowable perforations and solid surface area to provide a solid
barrier for resistance may be manipulated by increasing the amount
and size of perforations 755, 760 placed on the first disc 745.
[0101] In some embodiments, a second disc 725 may be placed behind
the first disc 745 of the flow governor assembly 700. The second
disc 725 may contain slits 735, 740 for the solvent to pass
through, thus further breaking apart any turbulence and surging of
the solvent remaining after passing through the first disc 745. The
slits 735, 740 may have a different shape than the perforations
755, 760 from the first disc 745 in order to further ensure that
the turbulent solvent is effectively deconstructed. Furthermore,
because the slits 735, 740 have a different pattern than that the
perforations 755, 760 of the first disc 745, it effectively ensures
that the slit pattern breaks up the solvent that is passed through
the round perforation pattern of the first disc. As such, the slit
pattern effectively ensures that the there is a deliberate
misalignment of solvent transitioning from one disc to another.
There are a number of equations to establish orifice size vs flow
rate for the round sharp edged orifices. For example:
P1-P2<FL2(P1-FFP).fwdarw.Qw=0.0865C(do/0.0153)2 P1-P2/SG
P1-P2>FL2(P1-FFP).fwdarw.Qw=0.0865C(do/0.0153)2
P1-P2/SG.times.FL P1-FFP/SG, [0102] where P1: Primary pressure
(psia); P2: Secondary pressure (psia); do: Diameter Of orifice
(in); C: discharge coefficient; Qw: h2o flow rate (gal/hr); FL:
Pressure recovery factor (=0.9); FF=Critical pressure ratio factor;
P: Absolute vapor pressure of solvent at inlet temp (psia); and SG:
h2o gravity (lbs/ft3)
[0103] In some embodiments, the slits 735, 740 may be symmetrical
and further configured so that slightly more of the concentrated
solvent passes through the middle portion of the second disc 725.
Because solvent naturally has a tendency to seek the point of least
resistance and is likely to travel towards and up the side of the
extraction column 702, having more of the slits 735, 740 slightly
more concentrated towards the middle of the second disc 725 may
further assist in centering the flow of hydraulic pressure and
force towards the middle of the extraction column 700.
[0104] In some embodiments, a third disc 705 may be placed behind
the second disc 725 of the flow governor assembly 700. The third
disc 705 may contain perforations 715, 720 which allow the solvent
to exit the flow governor assembly 700 in a smooth, even, and flat
flow pattern, otherwise known as a solvent flat-well 704. Again,
perforations 715, 720 are placed on the third disc 705 instead of a
slit pattern on the second disc 725 in order to ensure that the
turbulent solvent is effectively deconstructed. More specifically,
the solvent flat-well 704 is an even distribution of solvent so
that it is able to make contact with the surface of the packed raw
materials simultaneously and evenly. This solvent flat-well 704
helps ensure that the optimal hydraulic execution of extracting of
raw materials is available as the solvent flat-well 704 evenly
rises up the extraction column 700. Additionally, the perforations
715, 720 may be symmetrically placed and be configured so that more
of the solvent passes through the middle portion of the disc.
Because solvent naturally has a tendency to seek the point of least
resistant and is likely to travel towards the side of the
extraction column 702, having more of the perforations 715, 720
slightly more concentrated towards the middle of the third disc 705
may further assist in centering the flow of hydraulic pressure and
force towards the middle.
[0105] Additionally, in some embodiments, the first disc 745,
second disc 725, and third disc 705 may each include a misalignment
marker 750, 730, 710. The misalignment marker 750, 730, 710 may be
configured to ensure that each of the discs 745, 725, 710 line up
and that the corresponding perforations and slits are properly
misaligned or offset so that the flow patterns of the slits and
perforations do not effectively line up with each other. This may
further ensure that the incoming flow of pressurized solvent is
further deconstructed as it passes through the misaligned slits
perforations and slits on each corresponding discs 745, 725,
705.
[0106] Furthermore, by way of example only, the first disc 745,
second disc 725, and third disc 705 may be made of 316 L stainless
steel or any other appropriately hard, high tensile strength
material suitable to withstand the pressures contained within the
extraction column. In other instances, the first disc 745, second
disc 725, and third disc 705 may be made Lexan polycarbonate for a
smaller extraction column 702, such as one to be placed on a bench
top.
[0107] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a limiter disc 800,
consistent with embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the
limiter disc 800 includes perforations 805 configured to allow the
extracted effluent to leave the extraction column by first passing
through the limiter disc 800. Additionally, the limiter disc 800
may act as a barrier that keeps the raw materials beneath it packed
within the extraction column. By way of example only, the limiter
disc 800 may be made of 316 L stainless steel or any other
appropriately hard, high tensile strength material suitable for the
pressures contained within the extraction column.
[0108] Additionally, in some embodiments, the limiter disc 800 is
configured to work in conjunction with the flow governor assembly
(not shown here). By way of example, the limiter disc 800 may
control the flow ratio of the extracted effluent exiting the
extraction column with respect to the flow governor assembly, such
that the rate of solvent entering the extraction column is
controlled by the flow governor assembly and the rate of extracted
effluent leaving the extraction column is controlled by the limiter
disc 800. Accordingly, the limiter disc 800 may be configured such
that there is a 1:2 ratio relationship with respect to the flow
governor. Conversely, the flow governor assembly will have a 2:1
ratio relationship with respect to the limiter disc. This ratio
imbalance will allow twice the flow of solvent to enter the
extraction vessel 900 than the limiter disc 800 is able to release
the extracted effluent out of the extraction vessel. However, it
should be noted that other ratios may be used, such as 3:1, 4:1,
and 6:1 by way of example only. When creating the selected ratio
between the flow governor assembly and the limiter disc 800, the
number and size of the slots or perforations on the corresponding
flow governor assembly and the limiter disc 800 may be manipulated
to regulate and control the flow rate. The equations to establish
orifice size vs flow rate for the round sharp edged orifices are
similar to the ones as discussed above with respect to the flow
governor assembly.
[0109] To further illustrate the importance of the flow governor
assembly 950 and the limiter disc 970, FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a
cross-sectional side view comparison of an extraction column with
and without a flow governor assembly or a limiter disc, consistent
with embodiments disclosed herein. As such, FIGS. 9A and 9B will be
explained in conjunction with one another. More specifically, FIG.
9A illustrates an extraction column 900a without a flow governor
assembly or a limiter disc and instead, merely includes a single
perforated disc 910 at the base of the extraction column 900a.
Because a flow governor assembly is not included, there is
unobstructed and uncontrolled flow of solvent entering the base of
the extraction column 900a. Consequently, as a result, the impact
of not having a flow governor assembly is immediately present. For
example, a center holing or surge 915 of solvent is immediately
present, which results in the bulk of hydraulic force driving up
the middle of the extraction column 900a. As further highlighted by
the arrows, the pressure is focused unevenly as most of the
pressure is concentrated in the center areas of the extraction
column 900a and progressively weakens toward the peripheral areas
of the extraction column 900a. With the majority of the pressures
and force pushing up unevenly towards the center, the weakened and
warped boundary layer cannot establish a proper upward hydraulic
compression of the raw materials within the extraction column 900a.
Thus, the interstitial spaces or low resistance migration travel
ways are unable to effectively close, resulting in a very poor
extraction of raw materials.
[0110] More specifically, as a result of a missing flow governor
assembly, there is a lack of effective energy present in the upper
portions of the extraction column, which unfortunately results in a
significant amount of extractable raw materials to remain
un-extracted. These low energy areas are often referred to as culls
930. Culls 930 are essentially small, extremely low energy pockets
of raw materials that are virtually impossible to extract unless
the areas surrounding the low energy pockets are recharged. If
these culls do not become recharged, the raw materials in such
areas will go un-extracted, which further results in the an
incomplete and poor extraction of the raw materials.
[0111] However, as discussed above, the limiter disc 970 may be
configured to work in conjunction with the flow governor assembly
950 to create a pressure differential, which then may provide
sufficient energy to re-energize the culls 930 so that all the raw
materials within the extraction column 900 are extracted. For
comparison purposes with FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B further illustrates a
cross-sectional side view of an extraction column with a flow
governor assembly 950 and a limiter disc 970, consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein. Because the extraction column 900b in
FIG. 9B includes a flow governor assembly 950, the effective
formation of the center holing or surge of solvent as depicted in
FIG. 9A is completely prevented. Instead, with the application and
incorporation of the flow governor assembly 950, there is a flat,
even, and non-turbulent distribution of fluid and continues to
remain so until the completion of the extraction process, as
further indicated by the arrows above the flow governor assembly
950.
[0112] Additionally, FIG. 9B further illustrates a controlled flow
as the flow governor assembly 950 controls the rate of solvent
entering the base of the extraction column 900b and the limiter
disc 970 controls the rate of extracted effluent leaving the
extraction column 900b. By way of example only, the rate of
controlled flow may be 2:1, so that the rate of incoming flow of
solvent is twice the rate of the flow of extracted effluent exiting
the extraction column 900b. With the use and manipulation of the
controlled flow within the extraction column 900b, the presence of
culls are eliminated, as compared to FIG. 9A. This is because only
so much extracted effluent can enter and flow through the
perforations of the limiter disc 940 to exit the extraction column
900. As such, any extracted effluent near the limiter disc 940 not
able to escape through the perforations of the limiter disc 940 is
then redirected downward towards the lower energy culls of the
extraction column 900 due to the flow and pressure differentials
created, as represented by the arrows 960. The redirected flow of
pressurized extracted effluent provides enough energy to recharge
any culls located at the upper portion of the extraction column
900b. The culls are then effectively eliminated because redirecting
of the extracted effluent back down the extraction column results
in a boost of energy, which further allows the raw materials in the
culls to become extracted. As such, a very effective and efficient
extraction process is created throughout the entire vessel with the
use of the flow governor assembly 950 and the limiter disc 970.
[0113] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate three different pressure gradients
that result in three different flavor profiles and intensities from
extracted effluent, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.
More specifically, the strength of the pressure-wave may be
manipulated based on the applied pressure gradient of the raw
materials packed within the extraction column. Consequently, the
applied strength of the pressure wave may be manipulated to obtain
different flavor profiles or flavor intensities from the extracted
raw materials, such as coffee beans by way of example only. As
described in detail above, the pressure wave in the catalyzing
pressure wave cycle may reach a predetermined pressure or preset
pressure range as set by the pressure regulator or pump controller
outside the extraction column 1000. Thus, when the extraction
column 1000 reaches this predetermined pressure, the extraction
column 1000 may maintain this pressure until the end of the
extraction process.
[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the extraction column 1000a is
an exemplary illustration of a light pressure gradient profile
exerted on the packed coffee ground bed 1030. The light shading at
the base of the extraction column 1000a indicates the presence of a
light pressure gradient. More specifically, the light pressure
gradient may be generated from the lightly pressurized solvent
1010a entering the base of the extraction column 1000a. As the
solvent 1010a enters through the flow governor 1020, the solvent
1010a penetrating the coffee ground bed 1030 is met with fairly
light pressure. Furthermore, as a result of the light application
of pressure, the compression of the coffee ground bed 1030 will be
more loose when compared to a coffee ground bed 1030 that is
compressed with stronger pressure application. Consequently, the
coffee ground bed 1030 with a somewhat weaker or lighter pressure
gradient will result in a slightly more open arrangement of
interstitial spacing since a lighter compression is applied to the
coffee ground bed 1030, which in turn, may result in a slightly
lower solubilization and mass transfer temperature window. This may
result in a milder flavor profile.
[0115] With regards to FIG. 10B, the extraction column 1000b is an
exemplary illustration of a heavier pressure gradient applied to
the coffee ground bed 1040. This is indicated by the larger arrow
of the pressurized solvent 1010b entering the base of the
extraction column 1000b under higher pressure. Once again, the
pressurized solvent 1010b passes through the flow governor 1020 and
penetrates the base of the coffee ground bed 1040. However, FIG.
10B indicates the presence of a heavier pressure gradient as a
result of the base of the coffee bed 1040 being raised upward from
the base of the extraction column 1000b, and solvent penetration
into the reactive layer. This is indicative of heavier hydraulic
compression and further results in the coffee grounds to be more
compact and closer together. As a result, this eliminates excess
interstitial spaces and low resistance migration travel ways as the
coffee grounds are compressed more closer and upward within the
extraction column 1000b.
[0116] Additionally, the result of this process not only allows for
a more successful extraction due to the heavier coffee ground
saturation with the application of a heavier pressure gradient, but
it further allows the pressurized solvent 1010b to extract more
compounds and constituents from the coffee grounds. Additionally,
the process of further compressing the coffee ground bed 1040
results in heavier frictional heating, which consequently leads to
raising the solvent 1010b temperature within the extraction column
1000b. Thus, when the solvent temperature approaches solubilization
and mass transfer window within the thermal critical zone, which
may include a range of 196 degrees to 204 degrees Fahrenheit,
virtually all of the volatile aromatic heat sensitive compounds and
constituencies may be extracted. Moreover, due to the increased
catalyzing coefficients and higher levels of subsequent friction,
the thermal dynamic return may be higher as well, exceeding normal
temperature standards and heavier hydraulic compression. As a
result, there is a propensity to develop darker and stronger flavor
profile of the extracted coffee from the coffee grounds.
[0117] Additionally, by way of example only, FIG. 10C is an
illustration of a more intense and stronger pressure gradient
applied to the coffee ground bed 1050. This is indicated by the
larger arrow of the pressurized solvent 1010c entering the base of
the extraction column 1000c under higher pressure. Again, the
pressurized solvent 1010c enters the base of the extraction column
1000c via the flow governor assembly 1020 and rises up the
extraction column 1000c.
[0118] Another indication that a stronger pressure gradient applied
is due to the greater compression of the coffee ground bed 1050, as
further indicated by the darker shading of the coffee ground bed
1050, as well as extensive solvent penetration into the reactive
layer as shown by the three black arrows inside the solvent
flat-well. Because these coffee grounds are more tightly compressed
than the coffee grounds in either FIG. 10A or 10B, the coffee
grounds are further packed together in an extremely confined space,
thus eliminating virtually any residual interstitial spaces within
the ground bed 1050. All low migration travel-ways are closed as
well causing heavy upward force of the pressurized solvent 1010c
into the coffee ground bed 1050. Resultantly, this raises the
coffee ground bed 1050 to its maximum height from the base of the
extraction column 1000c. Once again, just as with FIG. 10B, FIG.
10C develops a much higher pressure gradient results in intense
catalyzing pressure wave activity, which fosters maximum
accessibility of all available compounds and constituents to be
extracted from the coffee grounds, and at a much higher temperature
threshold than standard. As a result, with such intensive
temperatures and pressures involved, a much darker and stronger
flavor profile may be obtained.
[0119] More specifically, not only does the higher pressure
gradient exerted on the coffee grounds allow for a more successful
extraction due to the heavier coffee ground saturation with the
heavier pressure gradient and stronger pressure wave, but there is
also massive off-gassing of carbon dioxide as the coffee ground bed
1050 becomes more greatly compressed. As discussed above, the
off-gassing of carbon dioxide may further cause the coffee ground
bed 1050 to further hyper-compress. This may consequently result in
an extensive conversion of energy into heat, with higher levels of
thermal dynamics coming into play as the greater compression of the
coffee grounds results in greater frictional heating and
consequently higher solvent 1010c temperatures within the
extraction column 1000c. Accordingly, a higher level of thermal
dynamics results in generating heat at much higher solubilization
and mas transfer levels as opposed to lower temperatures derived
from lower pressures. As such, the greater generation of energy
within the extraction column 1000c provided by a more intense
pressure wave catalyzation sequence, results in greater conversion
of friction, kinetic energy, and mechanical wave energy. All in
all, the more intense pressure wave activity allows more volatiles,
solids, and constituents to be extracted from the raw materials,
but also, due to the much heavier temperatures and pressures that
develop if, a bolder, stronger, and fuller flavor profile of the
effluent extracted from the raw materials is the result.
[0120] As such, the pressure wave strength may be used and
manipulated by the pressure gradient applied to the raw materials
in order to help obtain a milder or bolder flavor profile from the
extracted raw materials. In an example design provided below, a
table elaborates the relationship of different pressures gradients
and temperature ranges to obtain varied flavor profiles extracted
from the raw materials, such as coffee beans by way of example
only.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 The relationship of pressure and temperature
to obtain different flavors from the coffee beans. Temperature of
Primary Pressure Wave Pressure Key (Fahrenheit) Extraction Result
Flavor Description 0-20 PSI 105.degree.-115.degree. Light
Extraction Very smooth profile, rich and sweet. 20-40 PSI
125.degree.-140.degree. Moderate Good balance of smoothness,
Extraction yet rich and sweet. Subtle complexities add balance.
40-70 PSI 140.degree.-160.degree. Full Extraction Rich, full body,
with well- rounded complexity. Full of sweet volatiles. 70-90 PSI
150.degree.-170.degree. Heavy Extraction Extremely rich and full
bodied flavor. Contains very high amounts of solid and volatile
aromatics. 90-120 PSI 165.degree.-180.degree. Very Heavy High in
dark roasted solids. Extraction Contains volatile aromatics that
yield smokiness and bite flavors. 120-240 PSI
177.degree.-190.degree. Extremely Heavy Darkest French roast
profile Extraction that adds remarkable fullness with smoky edge
and bite flavors.
[0121] Temperature is the secondary internal energy-oriented
driver, which can adversely or positively impact the catalyzing
pressure wave cycle. Ambient temperature of the incoming flow of
pressurized solvent is insufficient for extracting all the
necessary compounds and constituents from the raw materials.
However, while high temperatures may extract the necessary heat
sensitive compounds and constituents, excessively high temperatures
may be damaging and even destroy the extracted compounds and
constituents, especially with extended residence times. As a
result, the key to a successful and high quality extraction
requires finding a desired thermal window where the extracted
compounds and constituents are extracted, yet preserved.
[0122] Because the catalyzing pressure wave cycle releases thermal
energy as the energy creators within the extraction column are
catalyzed, it causes larger amounts of carbon dioxide to be
released, which in turn becomes catalyzed energy to generate the
necessary mechanical energy and thermal energy. As such, with each
new catalyzing sequence, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle may
up-regulate the solvent temperature within the extraction column.
Moreover, the solvent entering the base of the extraction column
may be at a lower temperature range when taking into consideration
of the increase in solvent temperature with the occurrence of the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle. Additionally, the application of
specifically tailored temperature ranges may be used to obtain a
particular flavor profile of the extracted effluent from the
extracted raw materials. As such, manipulating the temperature of
the incoming flow of pressurized solvent entering the extraction
column may be utilized to control the catalyzing intensity of the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle to obtain a desired flavor profile
of the extraction outcome.
[0123] More specifically, by way of example only, applying 0-20 PSI
is sufficient pressure to lightly drive the pressure wave in the
catalyzing pressure wave cycle. The solvent selected to extract the
raw materials, such as coffee beans, in the solid-liquid extraction
process may be down modulated to a much cooler temperature than
would ordinarily be used for the pressure wave. This may be
purposefully done in order to prevent the extraction process from
entering into the critical thermal zone also known as the
solubilization and mass transfer window. As such, the temperature
range of the incoming flow of pressurized solvent may range around
ambient temperatures, with the primary pressure wave catalyzing it
to approximately 105.degree.-115.degree. Fahrenheit. These
temperatures are selected with the knowledge that the secondary
pressure wave will spike temperatures an additional
20.degree.-40.degree. F. This allows for the extraction of a wide
range of constituents at temperatures below the associated critical
thermal zone window, which ranges between 196 degrees to 204
degrees Fahrenheit for coffee grounds. Because the temperature of
the incoming flow of pressurized solvent is low, the solubilization
and mass transfer window is not achieved even with the increase in
solvent temperature with the application of the catalyzing pressure
wave cycle. As a result, this milder pressure and temperature
setting may lead to a more mild coffee brew, but with rich and
sweet flavor notes present due to the gentle catalyzing cycle.
[0124] In another example, the incoming flow of solvent with 20-40
PSI allows for a more sufficient pressure wave activity since it
will be able to extract more solids and volatile aromatics with
greater pressure and higher temperature application. By way of
example only, an inlet temperature range of approximately
85.degree. F., will be catalyzed to approximately 125-140.degree.
F. by the primary pressure wave. This temperature selection
basically corresponds with the incoming flow of pressurized solvent
with a pressure range of 20-40 PSI. However, because 20-40 PSI is
still not sufficiently strong enough to attain the critical thermal
zone of the solubilization and mass transfer window for coffee
beans with an inlet solvent temperature of 85.degree. F., the inlet
solvent temperature will be catalyzed to 125.degree.-140.degree. F.
by the primary pressure wave. As a result, large groups of solids,
compounds and volatile aromatics though still beneath the
solubilization and mass transfer window are now extracted,
especially considering the added temperature spike of 20-40.degree.
F. from the secondary pressure wave. As a result, many more heat
sensitive solids compounds and constituents are extracted as
compared to the first PSI selection. This mid-range selection of
the constituency spectrum yields a bolder, yet very sweet, smooth,
and rich coffee extract profile available if to be obtained.
[0125] In another example, applying and utilizing a stronger
pressure range of 40-70 PSI activates and takes advantage of a
stronger pressure wave cycle by taking full advantage of all heat
sensitive compounds and its ability to upregulate the solvent to
much higher temperatures. The temperatures of the solvent may be
even upregulated to the temperature range within the solubilization
and mass transfer window with the aid of the secondary catalyzing
pressure wave cycle. In other words, the pressure of the incoming
flow of solvent with 40-70 PSI, in combination with both primary
and secondary pressure waves of the catalyzing pressure wave cycle
upregulation, may allow sufficient thermal heating to be generated
so that temperatures within the solubilization and mass transfer
window may be achieved. By way of example only, an inlet
temperature range of approximately 120.degree. is then catalyzed to
140.degree.-160.degree. F. by the primary pressure wave, which may
be effectively utilized with the pressure range of 40-70 PSI to
generate sufficient up-regulated thermal heating to reach the
necessary temperature range of the solubilization and mass transfer
window when taking into consideration the added heat applied by the
secondary pressure wave. As a result, an extraordinarily rich and
full bodied coffee extracted where virtually all heat sensitive
compounds are extracted at the peak of the bell curve. This
combination yields a rich, bold well-rounded cup complexity
retaining all the sweet notes in all the appropriate places, and
may be reproduced each and every time when such a pressure gradient
and temperature range is applied to the raw materials.
[0126] In another example, applying and utilizing a stronger
pressure range of 70-90 PSI activates and takes advantage of an
even stronger pressure wave cycle, by taking full advantage of heat
sensitive compounds and the p-wave's ability to significantly
upregulate the solvent to higher temperatures. The increase in
solvent temperature may be well within the solubilization and mass
transfer window. As a result, maintaining a pressure range of 70-90
PSI allows a very wide range of rich soluble solids, volatile
aromatics, and complex constituents to be extracted. By way of
example only, an inlet temperature range of 130.degree.-140.degree.
F., subsequently catalyzed to 150.degree.-170.degree. F. by the
primary pressure wave may be very effectively utilized with the
pressure range of 40-70 PSI to generate such sufficient
up-regulated thermal heating with the added benefit of the
secondary pressure-wave. With the upregulated thermal heating, from
both the primary and secondary catalyzing pressure wave cycles, the
temperature range of the solubilization and mass transfer window
may easily be achieved. As a result, an extremely aromatic, robust
and full bodied coffee flavor emanates that contains very high
amounts of solids, constituents and volatile aromatics when such a
pressure gradient and temperature range is applied to the raw
materials.
[0127] In the instance that a stronger pressure range of 90-120 PSI
is achieved, the pressure gradient drives the pressure wave high
into the solubilization and mass transfer window, which immediately
allows virtually all of the volatile aromatics and constituents and
compounds to be extracted from the raw material. By way of example
only, an inlet temperature range of 140.degree.-150.degree. F.,
which may be catalyzed to approximately 165.degree.-180.degree. F.
by the primary pressure wave, may be very effectively utilized with
a pressure range of 90-120 PSI to generate such sufficient
up-regulated thermal heating with the added benefit of the
secondary pressure wave. With this combination, it is possible to
reach temperature ranges at the upper end of the solubilization and
mass transfer window with the application of the primary and
secondary catalyzing pressure wave cycle. Because the pressure wave
intensity is great and at its peak at the solubilization and mass
transfer window, the flavor profile attained is similar to that of
French Pressed coffee or an Americano. Thus, the flavor profile may
be characterized as rich and dark, as most of the solids and
volatile aromatics are extracted from the coffee beans higher in
the temperature and pressure spectrum, further resulting in a much
bolder, stronger, and fuller flavored profile extracted from the
raw materials.
[0128] In another exemplary instance, the incoming flow of solvent
may include a pressure range with 120-240 PSI, which may be the
heaviest pressure range applied to the coffee grounds within the
extraction column other than a specialty extractions. This range
may also be known or referred to as the basso Profundo, especially
because of the extremely dark roasted coffee flavor that is
obtained at this pressure range with an application of an inlet
temperature range of 150.degree.-160.degree. F. that is then
catalyzed to 177.degree.-190.degree. F. by the primary pressure
wave. Because of the greater pressures used, and the exceptionally
high temperature application introduced by the secondary pressure
wave, it results in a very strong fullness and bite with a
pronounced dark, espresso-like smoky edged flavor in the extracted
coffee from the coffee beans. Again, this strong and pronounced
flavor profile emanating at the higher end of the temperature and
pressure gradient results in a very intense pressure wave that
allows more volatiles, solids, and constituents to be hydrolyzed
then extracted from the raw materials at the very highest end of
solubilization and mass transfer temperature window. As a result, a
significantly bolder, stronger, and fuller Turkish-like flavor
profile from the raw materials is extracted.
[0129] However, it should be noted that the provided table 1 only
represents one particular set of pressure ranges and temperatures
in accordance with a corresponding flavor profile. Indeed, it
should be highlighted that Table 1 is only a generalized guide
where an almost limitless number of variations may be used based on
a particular desired flavor outcome and intensity.
[0130] Also vital to the quality and flavor of the effluent
extracted during the extraction process is the size, shape, and
packing of the raw material grinds within the extraction column.
FIG. 11A illustrates a grind sample of coffee grind particles 1100A
under magnification that fails to form a poly-grain grind matrix,
while in stark contrast, FIG. 12A illustrates a grind sample of
coffee grind particles 1200A under magnification that successfully
forms a poly-grain grind matrix. As such, aspects of FIGS. 11 and
12 will be compared and described together.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the poly-grain grind matrix of
raw materials, or in this case, coffee grind particles 1200A, is a
matrix of specifically sized particle sizes that form a network as
the particles nest against each other. This occurs when the coffee
grind particles 1200A are not necessarily perfectly uniform, but
rather uniform enough and consist of a selected group of specially
chosen particle sizes. By way of example only, the different weight
ranges for the coffee grind particle 1200A sizes may be achieved
only by breaking down the particles by distinct weight
classifications within each appropriate sieve size. The different
sized coffee grind particles 1200A may then be combined to form the
poly-grain grind matrix as the coffee grind particles 1200A are now
able to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an
extraction column. By way of example only, the coffee beans may be
ground to achieve the selected particle sizes by selectively
placing the coffee beans in a high quality multi-head
burr-granulizer or roller mill. This allows the coffee grind
particles 1200A to achieve the particular grind consistency,
uniformity, profile and accuracy so that distinct particle sizes
may be obtained and then combined to properly form a poly-grain
grind matrix. By further way of example only, the poly-grain grind
matrix may consist of coffee grind particles 1200A with sizes that
range from the use of as few as 2 sieves and as many as 7, which
may depend on the desired outcome from the distinct and varied
particle sizes.
[0132] More specifically, the poly-grain grind matrix is a network
or sequence of grind sizes that partially interlock like gears.
This gear-like formation effectively closes most, but not all, of
the interstitial spacing and low resistance travel ways within the
packed coffee grounds. Such a network formation of coffee grind
particles 1200A may be called a "quasi-fit" because the varied
sizes of the coffee grind particles 1200A are designed to sit
against one another such that a good degree of interstitial spacing
within the coffee grind particles 1200A is eliminated, but not all.
Because interstitial spacing is still not wholly eliminated, the
poly-grain grind matrix still allows room for the wetted coffee
grinds to swell when thermal heat from the pressure wave is
generated. Thus, when the coffee grinds swell, the interstitial
spacing within the coffee grind particles 1200A further decrease,
without completely closing, causing necessary resistance and back
pressure to form within the extraction column during the pressure
wave sequence. As such, the poly-grain grind matrix of the coffee
grind particles 1200A allows for a tighter compression ratio,
greater frictional heating, enhanced penetration of the coffee
grounds, and minimizes the potential occurrence of solvent
channeling or center holing within the coffee grounds. The
poly-grain grind matrix thus effectively helps coordinate the
strength, intensity, and duration of the pressure wave sequence of
the extraction process.
[0133] As such, the poly-grain matrix is designed to work in
conjunction with the catalyzing ability of the pressure-wave within
the extraction column. Because the poly-grain grind matrix has the
capability to sufficiently close off most, but not all of
interstitial spacing, the necessary resistance and backpressure
within the extraction column is maintained to achieve the proper
catalyzing pressure wave cycle. As the coffee grounds become
further hydraulically compressed with the increased resistance and
backpressure within the poly-grain grind matrix, frictional forces
from the compressed coffee grounds provide the necessary catalyst
to generate sufficient bursts of extraordinary thermal energy from
the secondary pressure wave to reach solubilization and mass
transfer temperatures, and thereby further extract the necessary
compounds and constituents from the raw materials. Therefore, the
poly-grain grind matrix may aid in providing the necessary
catalyzing energy to begin the pressure wave sequence, which
includes the secondary pressure wave sequence with the skip trigger
event and water hammer effect, as discussed in greater detail above
with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6. Because the poly-grain matrix may
aid in bringing about the necessary conditions for thermal energy
to be released from the compressed coffee grind particles 1200B,
the poly-grain grind matrix may further aid in up-regulating the
solvent temperature within the extraction column as the pressure
wave sequence continues to generate more energy in the form of
heat. As such, the solubilization and mass transfer temperature
range of 196.degree. to 204.degree. Fahrenheit may be achieved with
the aid of the poly-grain grind matrix so that all of the
volatiles, solids, and constituents of the raw materials are
extracted during the extraction process.
[0134] Furthermore, a very important aspect of the poly-grain grind
matrix is that it may also be designed to leave a predictable and
calculable compressibility effect of the compressed coffee grounds.
By way of example only, the poly-grain grind matrix may result in
the predictable compressibility of the coffee grind particles 1200A
to decrease with the square of the distance from the point of
pressure or point of hydraulic impact. As such, this means that the
coffee grounds closest to the boundary layer is the area with the
most compression and then decreases up the extraction column with
the square of the distance from the boundary layer. Or, the
compression may decrease with the square of the distance down the
column when being hand packed and tamped when loading the coffee
into the extraction vessel prior to extraction. Because the
poly-grain grind matrix provides predictable and calculable
compressibility not found with regularly ground particles, it
allows for the necessary calculation, and resultant predictability
for consistent quality and extraction results.
[0135] Additionally, the coffee grind particles 1200A in the
poly-grain grind matrix may cause the matrix to act or behave as
its own filtering agent. In other words, the poly-grain grind
matrix filters the effluent passing through the poly-grain grind
matrix so that any coffee grounds and any small or microscopic
non-soluble sediment mixed with the effluent is trapped within
poly-grain grind matrix and further separated from the effluent. As
such, when the effluent is extracted from the coffee grounds, the
effluent may proceed to travel through the small, but remaining
interstitial spacing within the poly-grain grind matrix. Because
the interstitial spacing may be so small towards the completion of
the extraction process, such as an interstitial spacing of 1
micrometer or less by way of example only, the non-soluble
sedimentary coffee grind particles 1200A are not able to travel
through the interstitial spacing and are trapped.
[0136] Because the interstitial spacing may be as small as one
micrometer or less, the poly-grain grind matrix may capture a range
from 99.9% to 99.999% of all of the non-soluble particles or
sediment combined with the effluent. In other instances, as the
extraction proceeds and the porosity of the interstitial spacing
loads up with successively smaller and smaller particle sizes, the
poly-grain grind matrix may capture a range from 99.99 to 99.999%
of all the non-soluble particles or sediments combined with the
effluent. Therefore, the poly-grain grind matrix may be designed to
provide sufficient interstitial spacing to allow effluent to flow
through while also simultaneously trapping the coffee grind
particles 1200A and even capture the non-soluble sediment bleed-out
as the effectively smaller and smaller interstitial spacing acts as
a barrier or filtering agent to the coffee grind particles
1200A.
[0137] FIG. 11A illustrates a grind sample of raw materials, such
as coffee grind particles 1100A, under magnification that have been
ground using commercial use grinders. With regards to FIG. 11A,
because the coffee grind particles 1100A have been ground using
standard commercial grinders, the coffee grind particles 1100A are
virtually ground in every possible size without any consideration
of size, consistency, or structure. As such, the size of each
coffee grind particle 1100A may range from microscopic dust
particles to very large particles that are clearly visible to the
human eye and every considerable size in between. Because of such
vast incongruities and inconsistencies between the size of each
coffee grind particles 1100A, the individual coffee grind particles
1100A fail to sit together evenly, resulting in the presence of a
much wider interstitial spacing in comparison to the poly-grain
grind matrix as illustrated in FIG. 12A. As a result, coffee grind
particles 1100A fail to form a network of particles that nest
against each other three dimensionally, which allows the solvent to
travel through channels and points of least resistance within the
packed raw materials in virtually any direction. Furthermore,
because the abject looseness of the coffee grounds, the solvent
seeks the point of least resistance around the grounds, and fails
to effectively penetrate into all of the coffee grounds within the
extraction column. As a result, when the solvent only follows the
areas of least resistance, a superficial and ineffective extraction
process results.
[0138] Furthermore, this is highlighted in FIG. 11B, which
illustrates the coffee grind particles 1100B under hydraulic
compression. As illustrated, the coffee grounds 1100B fail to
effectively sit together so that wide interstitial spacing is
prominently present even when the coffee grounds 1100A are under
hydraulic compression. Because the interstitial spaces remain
widely open, the solvent further fails to effectively penetrate
through the coffee grounds 1100A as the solvent instead flows
through the channels formed within the interstitial spaces.
[0139] In stark contrast, FIG. 12B illustrates a grind sample of
coffee grind particles 1200B depicting a poly-grain grind matrix
under hydraulic pressure. As illustrated, the coffee grind
particles 1200B have particles where the edges fit together like
gears. However, as further illustrated, just as when gears are
fitted together and still allow a certain degree of spacing
tolerance on either side, such characteristic qualities are also
true with the poly grain matrix, even after the hydraulic
compression of the coffee grind particles 1200B. This still allows
for the frictional heating and room for the swelling of the coffee
grounds. By way of example only, the interstitial spacing remaining
even after hydraulic compression may be in the range from one
micrometer. Without some amount of interstitial space remaining,
hydraulic compression from the application of the pressure wave
cycle would compress the coffee grind particles 1200B such that
absolutely no water or effluent can pass through, regardless of the
amount of pressure applied. This event, otherwise known as
deadheading, would essentially create an impassable block of
cement-like material and completely halt the extraction process.
When a small degree of spacing is allowed, as the effluent passes
through the interstitial spacing of the compressed coffee grounds,
any non-soluble coffee grind particles 1200B combined with the
effluent will become trapped within the poly-grain grind matrix,
while the effluent still passes through, since the non-soluble
coffee grind particles 1200B are simply too large to travel through
the micron sized interstitial spacing.
[0140] Also vital to the quality and flavor of the effluent
extracted during the extraction process is the solvent utilized to
extract the necessary aromatic compounds and constituents from the
raw materials, such as coffee grounds by way of example only. FIG.
13 illustrates a water treatment system 1300 to restructure solvent
to be utilized with the extraction process, consistent with
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0141] The solvent utilized in the extraction process may be
restructured so that the restructured solvent not only aids in
extracting all the necessary aromatic compounds and constituents
from the raw materials, but also aids the extraction process so
that the need to utilize excessive heat to extract the necessary
compounds is eliminated. As disused above, prolonged exposure to
high temperatures may result in the degrading or destruction of
extracted heat sensitive compounds from the raw materials, which
often results in a bitter, burnt, and unpleasant flavor profile of
the extracted effluent.
[0142] By way of example only, a selected solvent from the
extraction process, such as water, may be reconstructed by
electrodeionization. Electrodeionization is a water treatment
process that does not use chemical treatments such as acid or
caustic soda. Instead, electrodeionization utilizes electricity and
ion exchange membranes to deionize and separate the dissolved ions
from the solvent, such as water. Water is passed between a positive
electrode and a negative electrode where the semipermeable
ion-exchange membranes then further separate the positive and
negative ions to create deionized water.
[0143] Because electrodeionization creates an imbalance of ions in
the newly formed deionized water, the deionized water is now
unstable as it actively tries to equalize its imbalance of ions in
any way possible. As such, when de-ionized water comes in contact
with raw materials, the de-ionized water may even physically remove
and draw out the compounds and constituents from the raw materials
in an attempt to restore the balance of ions. Therefore, many of
the difficult to obtain solids and constituents within the raw
materials may be extracted with the use of deionized water, leading
to a more efficient and reliable extraction process.
[0144] The level of ionic purity within the deionized water may be
controlled so that an ionic purity range between 0-18.2 m.OMEGA. is
used to extract the raw materials during the extraction process.
The ionic purity of the deionized water may be tuned or adjusted
depending on the type of the raw materials and desired extraction
to be executed. In some embodiments, 18.2 m.OMEGA. may be the
highest level of ionic purity obtained for extracting raw
materials. While an ionic purity of 18.2 m.OMEGA. may lead to very
aggressive solvent allowing many, if not all, of the compounds and
constituents to be extracted from the raw materials, it should be
noted that there may be a point of diminishing returns when using
such high ionic purity levels. This is because building and
maintaining such aggressive solvent may become an issue in trying
to contain and regulate the solvent at such high levels, especially
considering how unstable the deionized water is at 18.2 m.OMEGA..
Furthermore, utilizing solvent at 7-11 m.OMEGA. may well be
sufficient to extract the necessary compounds and constituents from
the raw materials as well as, or nearly as well as solvent with an
ionic purity of 18.2 m.OMEGA..
[0145] As a result, the extraction process may be significantly
synergistically enhanced with the application of both de-ionized
water and the catalyzing pressure wave cycle. For example, during
the pressure wave sequence, the catalyzing energy creators formed
within the extraction column 1320 results in the skip trigger event
leading to the water hammer affect, as discussed in detail above.
When the boundary layer of the coffee grounds jump upward and stops
when it reengages with the sides of the extraction column, the
solvent underneath continues to move upward and slams into the
halted raw materials.
[0146] Additionally, the driving and carrying capacity for various
solvents used in the extraction column are highlighted in FIGS.
14A-C. As indicated above, the solvent plays a key role in the
extraction process and with the catalyzing pressure wave,
especially since the selected solvent must be able to effectively
penetrate deep into the raw materials where the space in between
the interstitial spaces may be as small as one micrometer or less.
Clearly, non-deionized solvent does not have a characteristic
quality to effectively travel and penetrate into such small areas,
which is evidence by its failure to generate the necessary
catalyzing energy creators within the extraction column.
[0147] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the
solvent may be standard city tap water 1405a or filtered city water
1405b configured to pass through the coffee grounds 1410. Because
standard city tap water 1405a and filtered city water 1405b are
both non-deionized solvents, a weak extraction occurs, as indicated
by the light color shading of the extracted effluents 1415a and
1415b. A weak extraction occurs because standard city tap water
1405a and filtered city water 1405b are stable solvents and do not
characteristically seek to re-stabilize itself by stripping away
ions or extractable particles from the raw materials, as is the
case with deionized solvents. As such, without the necessary
restructured solvent, the catalyzing pressure wave will fail to
form and result in a weak extraction of the raw materials.
[0148] However, as illustrated in FIG. 14C, when using deionized
solvent 1405c to extract the raw materials from the coffee grounds
1410, an efficient extraction occurs such that most, if not all, of
the aromatic compounds and constituents are extracted, as indicated
by the darker shading of the extracted effluent 1415c. This stark
contrast, with respect to using standard city tap water 1405a or
filtered city water 1405b, highlights that deionized solvent has a
very high carrying capacity due to its characteristic quality of
being very unstable, thus allowing the deionized solvent to drive
deep into the coffee grounds 1410 as it actively seeks to stabilize
itself by stripping away the ions and extractable particles from
the raw materials.
[0149] More specifically, due to the change in solvent structure of
the deionized solvent 1405c, the hyper-aggressive solvent is driven
deeper into the coffee grounds 1410. Moreover, the lack of ionicity
means a much heavier carrying capacity for the solvent. As such,
the selected solvent plays a key role in the extraction process and
with the catalyzing pressure wave, especially since the solvent
must be able to effectively penetrate deep into the raw materials
through the very low porosity of the coffee grounds 1410 within the
poly-grain grind matrix. Moreover, because deionized solvent 1405c
seeks to actively stabilize itself by stripping ions wherever it
can find them, it has the capacity to drive deep into the coffee
grounds 1410 like a knife, by leaching and stripping-out all of the
compounds, constituents and volatiles as the solvent seeks towards
the path of re-stabilization. After fully loading its carrying
capacity, the deionized solvent 1405c can still slip through very
small pore-like interstitial spaces within the packed coffee
grounds 1410, especially when the water hammer effect drives the
restructured solvent deep into the raw materials and when
compression is greatest.
[0150] In addition, the deionized solvent 1405c further aids in
releasing enormous amounts of carbon. As the thermally heated
carbon dioxide gasses-off and expands, the carbon dioxide
compresses the surrounding grounds in all directions as lateral
compression vectors create stronger coefficient of friction against
the walls of the extraction column. As a result, stronger
resistance, backpressure, and higher static friction continues to
build in the reactive layer and boundary layer, which heats up the
areas near the reactive layer to further generate a secondary
expansion of the gases, and then compresses coffee grounds 1410
even further. In turn, this generates higher coefficients of
friction against the side of the extraction column, which then
further generates higher levels of potential energy in the solvent
well with increasing hydraulic pressure. This continuous succession
of increasing energy assures higher hydraulic pressure with each
successive cycle, which in turn breaks the stronger coefficients of
friction, and ultimately unleashes a stronger secondary pressure
wave for the next cycle. This repetitive pattern of increasing
energy each time guarantees that the next pressure wave cycle will
always be stronger than the last until a plateau pressure is
reached, as explained above in detail. Only the highest energy
levels catalyzed by the pressure wave sequence will trigger and
maintain the energy building and self-perpetuating catalyzing
pressure wave cycle. Ordinary water, such as standard city tap
water 1405a or filtered city water 1405b, simply does not have the
capacity to catalyze the required amount of energy necessary for
this disclosed extraction process, and nor does it have any
carrying capacity to carry off the solids, compounds and
constituents once the coffee grounds 1410 are extracted. As such,
the restructured solvent is integral in aiding the pressure wave
sequence so that the catalyzing energy creators are formed within
the extraction column to execute an efficient and effective
extraction process.
[0151] Referring back to FIG. 13, the water treatment system 1300
includes a connector feed 1301 that directs solvent to be used for
the extraction process to the water treatment system 1300. By way
of example only, the solvent used may be water, which is the most
universal and efficient solvent. The water may be sourced from a
water treatment center, city water line, or a water tank. In some
embodiments, the connector feed 1301 may direct water that is
pressurized, where the pressure range may be from 10-240 PSI
depending on the source and the requirements for use.
[0152] Once the water flows through the connector 1301, the water
may enter the stage media filtration 1302, which is a pre-filter
system that consists of a sediment filter and a carbon filter to
partially clean the water prior to entering the reverse osmosis
device 1304. As the water proceeds past the stage media filtration
1302, the reverse osmosis device 1304 removes most of the total
dissolved solids, which prepares the water to be restructured by
electrodeionization.
[0153] As the water proceeds past the reverse osmosis device 1304,
the water may enter the electrodeionization system 1306 to
reconstruct the water within the range of 0-18.2 m.OMEGA., as
discussed above in detail. The ionic purity of water can be tuned
or adjusted as desired, which may depend on the type of raw
material to be extracted and as well the type of flavor profile
desired.
[0154] Next, the now reconstructed solvent may proceed to flow
through the filtration pod 1310, which may be configured to include
a total of 3 individual filters within the filtration pod 1310. The
first filter of the filtration pod 1310 may include an activated
carbon filter, which by example only, is paired with a 0.5 micron
filter. The first filter may be configured to remove any
contaminants and any off flavors that may have resulted from
passing through the stage medial filtration 1302. The second filter
of the filtration pod 1310 may include a 0.45 micron nominal filter
to catch any microscopic particulate matter that is just at or
above the size of most bacteria. The third filter of the filtration
pod 1310 may include a 0.2 micron sterilizing filter, which is a
pharmaceutical grade final filter most often used to fully
sterilize the contents within the solvent. As such, the filtration
pod 1310 is a thorough filtration system that eliminates most, if
not all of the potential contaminants and bacteria within the
water.
[0155] Next, the water may flow through a ultraviolet light 1308,
which acts as a failsafe, and further ensures that the water
flowing through the water treatment system 1300 is absolutely
sterile and pure. As the water passes through the ultraviolet light
1308, the water may then proceed to flow through the heat exchanger
1312, which may be able to precisely adjust the water temperature
before the solvent enters the extraction column 1320. The heat
exchanger 1312 may effectively cool or heat the solvent or water to
the desired temperature based on the desired flavor profile and
intensity of the extracted effluent, as further described in Table
1.
[0156] The water may then proceed to flow through the a gear pump
1314 to ensure that a pre-determined pressure is applied to the
solvent before it enters the extraction column 1320. As such, a
desired pressure gradient and flow differential is able to be
transmitted into the extraction column 1320 based on the
manipulation of pressure via the gear pump 1314. Because the
pressure wave sequence is highly responsive to the pressure
gradient and flow differential, the gear pump 1314 plays a vital
role in ensuring that a desired pressure wave is generated and
applied within the extraction column, as further described in Table
1 with regards to the pressure of the solvent. Additionally, the
gear pump 1314 may also determine when the catalyzing pressure wave
cycle plateaus. For example, the catalyzing pressure wave cycle may
plateau when the hydraulic pressure at the boundary layer and the
reactive layer of the raw materials in the extraction column 1320
reaches or equals the pressure as selected on the gear pump 1314.
As such, the gear pump 1314 may regulate the pressure contained
within the extraction column 1320 so as to control and manipulate
the catalyzing pressure wave cycle.
[0157] To monitor the volume, flow rate, and pressure applied
within the extraction column 1320, a universal flow meter 1316 may
be incorporated into the water treatment system 1300. The universal
flow meter 1316 may monitor the volume, flow-rate, and pressure
applied within the extraction column 1320, so that the monitoring
and any fine-tuning required may be easily determined and
performed. As the water enters the extraction 1320, the extraction
process may take place. The effluent extracted from the raw
materials may then exit the extraction column 1320 and be collected
in the jacketed catch tank 1322. The jacketed catch tank 1322 may
also further cool the effluent between 25.degree. F.-50.degree. F.
to preserve the delicate compounds and constituents extracted
within the extraction column 1320.
[0158] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have
been described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise,
the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other
configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in
understanding the features and functionality that can be included
in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not
restricted to the illustrated example architectures or
configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a
variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it
will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functi