U.S. patent application number 17/028224 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-11 for methods to reduce chlorophyll co-extraction through extraction of select moieties essential oils and aromatic isolates.
The applicant listed for this patent is Capna IP Capital, LLC. Invention is credited to Yevgeniy Galyuk.
Application Number | 20210069608 17/028224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005237107 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210069608 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Galyuk; Yevgeniy |
March 11, 2021 |
Methods to Reduce Chlorophyll Co-Extraction Through Extraction of
Select Moieties Essential Oils and Aromatic Isolates
Abstract
A system machines and methods for extracting select moieties,
flavonoids, and essential oils from plant material without
co-extracting chlorophyll, lipids and other undesirable
constituents from plants. Super-cooled extraction techniques are
taught. Likewise, according to embodiments methods provides 100%
grain ethyl alcohol extract with a concentration of chlorophyll
that is below 1%.
Inventors: |
Galyuk; Yevgeniy; (Sherman
Oaks, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Capna IP Capital, LLC |
Studio City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005237107 |
Appl. No.: |
17/028224 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16681765 |
Nov 12, 2019 |
10814248 |
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17028224 |
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16023531 |
Jun 29, 2018 |
10507407 |
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16681765 |
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62322751 |
Apr 14, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 11/028 20130101;
B01D 11/0219 20130101; B01D 11/0288 20130101; B01D 11/0296
20130101; C07D 311/78 20130101; F25B 7/00 20130101; B01D 11/02
20130101; C11B 9/025 20130101; B01D 11/0292 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 11/02 20060101
B01D011/02; C11B 9/02 20060101 C11B009/02; F25B 7/00 20060101
F25B007/00 |
Claims
1. A composition that comprises the plant substrate extract product
by a safer and more reliable extraction process, wherein the
composition comprises an essential oil or a mineral oil, and
wherein the process is for extracting cannabinoids and to reduce
chlorophyll and wax co-extraction from a cannabis or hemp plant
substrate comprising, wherein the process excludes use of liquid
carbon dioxide in combination, and wherein the process comprises:
(i) pre-processing comprising lowering the temperature of a solvent
to a range of -30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C. (ii) contacting at
-30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C., wherein there is a contacting
time between the cannabis plant substrate and the solvent to create
an emulsion, (iii) evaporating for reduction of the emulsion by
means of atmospheric evaporation of the solvent, (iv) recovering
for recovery of the solvent from the emulsion, (v) purging under
vacuum to remove remaining solvent from the extract whereby a
resultory extract is substantially free of any lipids and
chlorophyll, wherein optionally, (a) the solvent is 95% ethanol and
5% of a solvent that is another solvent that does not comprise
ethanol, or (b) the solvent is at least one solvent-like material
selected from the group consisting essentially of heptane, hexane,
isopropyl alcohol, and methanol.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is one of:
(i) a liquid at room temperature (23 degrees C.), (ii) a
composition that comprises an oil, and wherein the oil is
optionally an essential oil, a vegetable oil, or a mineral oil,
(iii) a composition that contains less than 5% by weight an oil, or
that contains less than 5% by volume an oil, as determinable at
room temperature.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or more of, acetic acid, acetone, acetonitrile,
N,N-dimethylacetaide (DMA), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF),
3-methyl-1-butanol, methyl-butyl-ketone
(CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3COCH.sub.3), pentane, 1-pentanol, and
1-propanol.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or mote of, anisole, benzene, 1-butanol, 2-butanol,
butylacetate, tert-butylmethylether, carbon tetrachloride,
chlorobenzene, chloroform, cumene, and cyclohexane.
5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or more of, 2-propanol, pyridine, propylacetate, pyridine,
sulfolane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), tetralin, toluene,
1,1,1-trichlorethane, 1,1,2-trichlorethene, triethylamine, and
xylene.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or more of, 1,2-dichlorethane, 1,1-dichloroethene,
1,2-dichloroethene, 1,2-methoxyethane, dichloromethane,
N,N-dimethylacetaide (DMA), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO).
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or more of, 1,4-dioxane, 2-ethoxyethanol, ethylacetate,
ethyleneglycol, ethylether, ethylformate, formamide, formic acid,
heptane, hexane, isobutylacetate, isopropylacetate, methanol,
2-methoxyethanol, and methylacetate.
8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or more of, methylcyclohexane, methylethylketone,
methylisobutylketone, 2-methyl-1-propanol, N-methyl-pyrrolidone,
nitromethane, and nitromethane.
9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises
one or more of, butane, hexane, cyclohexane, ethane, pentane,
octane, diethyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol,
chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, diethylamine, xylene, and
dioxane.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Ser. No. 62/322,751 filed Apr. 14, 2016, and of U.S. Ser. No.
15/488,341 filed Apr. 14, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,035,081,
issued Jul. 31, 2018, and of U.S. Ser. No. 16/681,765 which
received a Notice of Allowance on Sep. 4, 2020, each of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application
also claims priority benefit from U.S. Ser. No. 16/023,531, which
is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
solvent-free processing of plant materials. The system and methods
may use other materials, in place of a solvent, such as oil or an
ionic liquid, for extracting plant material or for further
extraction of a plant extract, followed by purification by
distillation, optionally with heat-induced chemical transformation
of natural products in the plant material.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This disclosure relates to ways of extracting and
concentrating cannabinoids and terpenes from plant substrates
including hemp, and particularly modifying the characteristics of
the solvent to by-pass undesired constituents of plants throughout
the extraction process.
[0004] Extraction of industrial hemp and cannabis can be done via
many methods, using a wide array of FDA approved food grade
solvents. The most commonly used solvents are hydrocarbons such as
hexane, pentane, butane or propane. Lipid based solvents such as
canola soybean oil, olive oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil are also
commonly used in hemp and cannabis extraction methods. Super
critical CO.sub.2 is also commonly used in cannabis extraction, but
the expensive machinery and the post extraction steps required to
purify an SFE extract (supercritical fluid extraction) of undesired
plant lipids, makes SFE the least desirable method for any
commercial processor.
[0005] Several drawbacks of hydrocarbon extraction methods have
been recognized. The most prominent of these drawbacks is the
volatility of hydrocarbon solvents. The cost associated with
retrofitting a laboratory with explosion proof electronics,
ventilation fans etc. create enormous start-up costs. Second, pure
hydrocarbon solvents such as N-butane or N-hexane are extremely
difficult to obtain and therefore are hardly ever used for cannabis
extract production. The majority of extracts are created with
inferior, low quality butane that contains additives and
impurities.
[0006] Lipid based extractions are much safer and healthier than
hydrocarbons, but separating the cannabinoids or flavonoids from a
lipid emulsion requires a thorough understanding of chemistry, as
well as expensive distillation devices.
[0007] Various states and local governments are now legalizing
cannabis for medical and recreational use. This creates an entire
market of DIY extractions which are obtained through low quality,
impure, hydrocarbons such as butane and propane. These extractions
not only pose a threat to the consumer, but to the manufacturers as
well. Numerous instances have been recorded where home made
laboratories have exploded or caught fire because of the unsafe
practices of DIY manufacturers.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] The present invention includes a novel extraction process
that yields a clean cannabinoid/terpene extract devoid of plant
lipids and chlorophyll. Various methods of the present invention
are designed to be performed in a food grade manufacturing
environment but can also be achieved by a novice manufacturer with
minimal investment.
[0009] The term extract as used herein should be broadly understood
to include both cannabinoid and terpene concentrates and extracts
of plant substrate. The terms cannabinoids and terpenes should be
construed broadly to include their various isomers.
[0010] In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the term solvent as
used herein should be understood to describe 100% grain
ethanol.
[0011] The method of the present disclosure includes lowering the
temperature of the solvent below -1C. Preferably to a range of -30C
to -50C.
[0012] The method of the present invention requires the solvent to
contact the plant substrate for a period of time between 1 minute
and 40 minutes.
[0013] The method of the present invention includes a filtration
step carried out at a temperature between -1C and -50C.
[0014] The method of the present invention includes a reduction
step which can be accomplished via atmospheric evaporation of the
solvent.
[0015] The method of the present invention includes a solvent
recovery step which can be accomplished via simple distillation or
rotary evaporator apparatus.
[0016] The method of the present invention includes a purging step
under vacuum to remove remaining solvent from the extract.
[0017] The present disclosure provide a safer and more reliable
extraction process for extracting a plant substrate comprising, in
combination, (i) pre-processing comprising lowering the temperature
of a solvent to a range of -30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C., (ii)
contacting at -30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C., wherein there is a
contacting time between the plant substrate and the solvent to
create an emulsion, (iii) evaporating for reduction of the emulsion
by means of atmospheric evaporation of the solvent, (iv) recovering
for recovery of the solvent from the emulsion, (v) purging whereby
a resultory extract is substantially free of any lipids and
chlorophyll, wherein optionally, (a) the solvent is not 100% grain
alcohol, or (b) wherein the solvent is 95% ethanol and 5% of a
solvent that is another solvent that does not comprise ethanol, or
(c) the solvent is at least one solvent-like material selected from
the group consisting essentially of heptane, hexane, isopropyl
alcohol, or methanol, or (d) wherein the solvent is o 100%
ethanol.
[0018] Moreover, the present disclosure provides the above
extraction process, wherein the solvent is not 100% grain alcohol;
or wherein the solvent is 95% ethanol and 5% of a solvent that is
another solvent that does not comprise ethanol; or wherein the
solvent is at least one solvent-like material selected from the
group consisting essentially of heptane, hexane, isopropyl alcohol,
or methanol.
[0019] In composition of matter embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a plant substrate extract produced by the above-disclosed
extraction process. In similar composition of matter embodiments,
the present disclosure provides a composition that comprises a
plant substrate extract produced by the above-disclosed extraction
process. In additional composition of matter embodiments, the
disclosure provides any of the above-disclosed compositions,
wherein the composition is one of: (i) a liquid at room temperature
(23 degrees C.), (ii) a composition that comprises an oil, and
wherein the oil is optionally an essential oil, a vegetable oil, or
a mineral oil, (iii) a composition that contains less than 5% by
weight an oil, or that contains less than 5% by volume an oil, as
determinable at room temperature.
[0020] In another process embodiments, the present disclosure any
one of the above processes, wherein the wherein the contacting at
-30 degrees C. to -50 degrees C., is at least 5 minutes in the
range of: (i) -30 degrees C. to -35 degrees C., (ii) -35 degrees C.
to -40 degrees C., (iii) -40 degrees C. to -45 degrees C., or (iv)
-45 degrees C. to -50 degrees C. In further process embodiments,
the present disclosure any one of the above processes, wherein the
contacting time that is at least 5 minutes in the indicated
temperature range is for a period of time in the indicated
temperature range that has a continuous and uninterrupted duration
within that temperature range of: (i) 5 minutes to 10 minutes, or
(ii) 10 minutes to 15 minutes, or (iii) 15 minutes to 20 minutes,
or (iv) 20 minutes to 25 minutes, or (v) 5 minutes to 15 minutes,
or (vi) 5 minutes to 20 minutes.
[0021] In yet another process embodiment, the present disclosure
provides any one of the above processes, wherein the solvent
consists of a mixture of ethanol and a non-ethanol solvent, and
wherein this mixture is at one of the following ratios, wherein the
percentage value is by volume of the ethanol and of the non-ethanol
solvent, wherein the volume of the ethanol and the volume of the
non-ethanol solvent are each measured prior to mixing the ethanol
with the non-ethanol solvent, wherein the ratio is one of (i) 95%
ethanol plus 5% non-ethanol solvent, (ii) 90% ethanol plus 10%
non-ethanol solvent, (iii) 85% ethanol plus 15% non-ethanol
solvent, (iv) 80% ethanol plus 20% non-ethanol solvent, (v) 75%
ethanol plus 25% non-ethanol solvent, (vi) 70% ethanol plus 30%
non-ethanol solvent, (vii) 65% ethanol plus 35% non-ethanol
solvent, (viii) 60% ethanol plus 40% non-ethanol solvent, (ix) 55%
ethanol plus 45% non-ethanol solvent, (x) 50% ethanol plus 50%
non-ethanol solvent.
[0022] In embodiments relating to alternative solvents, or relating
to additional types of solvents, the present disclosure provides
any of the above-disclosed processes, wherein the solvent consists
of (or comprises) methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or acetonitrile, or
mixtures thereof. Also, in embodiments relating to alternative
solvents, or relating to additional types of solvents, the present
disclosure provides any of the above-disclosed processes, wherein
the solvent comprises about 2%, or about 4%, or about 8%, or about
10%, or about 12%, or about 14% or about 16%, or about 18%, or
about 20%, or about 25%, or about 30%, or about 35%, or about 40%,
or about 45%, or about 50%, or about 55%, or about 60%, or about
65%, or about 70%, or about 75%, or about 80%, methanol, or
isopropyl alcohol, or acetonitrile. In exclusionary embodiments,
the system, devices, structures, reagents, fluids, solutions,
emulsions, extracts, and methods can exclude any system, fluid,
solution, extract, or emulsion, that consists (or that comprises)
methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or acetonitrile, or mixtures thereof,
that occur at one of the above-disclosed concentrations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a system which performs claimed
steps in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic of a system which performs claimed
steps in accordance with the present invention, showing how the
same is improved over prior art technology.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a system which performs claimed
steps in accordance with the present invention, for select moieties
and essential oils.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The present inventor has evolved systems for extraction
using traditional techniques along with super-cooling and achieved
unexpected results.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates is an inventive vessel--wet plumbing, and
freezer compartment assembly which has produced unexpectedly better
results than predicted. Without limiting the technical description
to a single mechanism, it is known that super-cooling processes
have driven these unexpected results with this system. Solvent
storage 1.A is operatively and communicatively linked to cold air
intake valve 1B via known lines to those skilled in the art as
shown. Solvent flooding valve 1.C then runs via lines to the
emulsion return valve 1.D as shown above extraction tank 1.H.
Emulsion collection valve 1.E is then ported through sight glass
1.F and down to Extraction tank 1.H and is connected to inline
filter housing 1.J along to evacuation valve 1.K. The improvement
of enclosure within 1.L the ultra-low freezer compartment has
resulted in unexpectedly better results.
[0028] FIG. 2 also shows the plumbing and how the prior arts
systems were improved, while FIG. 3 shows optimized systems for
select moieties, as discussed above and claimed below. Regarding
both FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 shows control valves 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6
with gate valve 4, vacuum gauge 1D.
[0029] As discussed in Ser. No. 62/322,751, Step 3 of the present
invention includes for the necessary amount of contact time between
plant substrate and solvent to create a heavy yielding extract
emulsion. Contact time should be carried out at a temperature range
of -30C to -50C.
[0030] Step 4 of the present invention includes a filtration step
to remove all plant material from the solvent. This step is carried
out at a temperature range of -30C to -50C.
[0031] Step 5a of the present invention includes a process for
reduction of the concentrate emulsion by means of atmospheric
evaporation of the solvent.
[0032] Step 5b of the present invention includes a process for
recovery of the solvent from the concentrate emulsion.
[0033] Step 6a and 6b of the present invention include a process by
which a concentrate can be purged of solvent to produce a
nutraceutical in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the method which includes the use
of an exaction apparatus in accordance with the present
invention.
[0035] Steps 1 and 2 include the pre-processing step of freezing
the solvent and plant substrate to desired temperature between -30C
and -50C.
[0036] Step 3 of the present invention includes the pre-processing
step of chilling the extraction apparatus to a temperature between
-30C and -50C via cryo chiller.
[0037] Step 4 of the present invention requires the chilled solvent
to be added to pre-chilled extraction vessel.
[0038] Step 5 of the present invention requires the chilled plant
substrate to be added to extraction vessel.
[0039] Step 6 of the present invention includes allowing the
solvent to contact the plant substrate for a desired time between 1
minute and 60 minutes.
[0040] Step 7a of the present invention includes a solvent
evacuation step via positive pressure.
[0041] Step 7b of the present invention includes a solvent
evacuation step via negative pressure.
[0042] Step 8 of the present invention includes a process in which
the solvent and plant substrate are separated via inline
filtration.
[0043] Steps 1 and 2 of the flow chart represent a pre-processing
step which includes a method of chilling the solvent and plant
substrate to a desired temperature between -1C and -50C, preferably
in a range between -30C and -50C, ideally in a range between -40C
and -45C. In one embodiment of the present invention, can be
carried out via ultra low freezer set to preferred temperature. In
another embodiment of the present invention, step 1 can be carried
out via re-circulating cryo chiller connected to a holding vessel
filled with solvent.
[0044] Step 2 of a process of the present invention can be carried
out via ultra low freezer wherein the plant substrate is stored in
the ultra low freezer to achieve the desired temperature between
-40C and -45C, Step 2 of FIG. 1 in the present invention includes,
the plant substrate is placed inside of a micro mesh bag and
inserted into the extraction vessel of prior to step 3 of FIG. 1 of
the provided method.
[0045] Step 3 of a process includes that the extraction vessel is
stainless steel, aluminum, borosilicate, or polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE). Step 3 of FIG. 1 includes that the extraction vessel is set
inside of a freezer able to maintain the desired temperate of -50C.
Step 3 of FIG. 1 includes the addition of chilled solvent to
extraction vessel. Step 3 of FIG. 1 includes a contact time between
solvent and plant substrate to allow desired solubles to enter the
solvent and create an emulsion rich in essential oils, cannabinoids
and terpenes. Step third includes that the desired contact time is
between 1 minute and 60 minutes, preferably between 3 and 10
minutes, ideally between 2 and 5 minutes. Step 4 includes a method
for separating the cannabinoid rich emulsion from plant
substrate.
[0046] Step 4, includes a collection vessel is placed into the
freezer in which Step 3 of was carried out. Step 4 of includes that
a strainer is placed onto the collection vessel and the plant
substrate is placed into the strainer to allow for a gravity
assisted drain. The draining process must be carried out in the
preferred temperature range of -40C and -45C to exclude the
co-extraction of lipids and chlorophyll during the Step of
described. In another embodiment of Step 4, the plant substrate
held in a micron bag through Step 3. In this embodiment the plant
material is removed with the micron bag. In another embodiment of
Step 4 the micron bag filled with the plant substrate is placed
inside the strainer to allow the residual solvent to drain into the
collection vessel through gravity assist. In another embodiment of
Step 4, the collected cannabinoid rich emulsion is then further
filtered to remove small particles via Buchner funnel and
Erlenmeyer flask with vacuum assist. In this embodiment of the
filtration Step 4 ambient room temperature is acceptable as the
bulk of plant substrate has been removed via strainer and micron
bag.
[0047] Emulsions.
[0048] Guidance for characterizing and identifying emulsions is
available (see, Bernard Binks (1998) Modern Aspects of Emulsion
Science, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK; Petersen and
Hamill (1968) J. Soc. Cosmetic Chemists. 19:627-640; Leal-Calderon,
Thivilliers (2007) Curr. Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science.
12:206-212). Methods and devices for measuring, e.g., viscosity of
emulsions are available (see, Sherman (1962) The viscosity of
emulsions. Rheologica Acta. 2:74-82; Farah, Oliveira, Caldas (2005)
J. Petroleum Science and Engineering. 48:169-184). Methods and
devices for measuring, e.g., turbidity and stability of emulsions
are available (see, Zhang and Reineccius (2016) LWT--Food Science
and Technology 71:162-168; Iqbal, Baloch, Hameed (2014) J. Chem.
Soc. Pak. 36:204-210).
[0049] Non-Ethanol Solvents.
[0050] The system, reagents, compositions, emulsions, extracts,
reagents, fluids, and methods, of the present disclosure comprise a
non-ethanol solvent, or a mixture of at least two different
non-ethanol solvents, or a mixture of to or more non-ethanol
solvents plus in addition ethanol, or a mixture of one non-ethanol
solvent plus water, or a mixture of two or more non-ethanol
solvents plus in addition water. Non-ethanol solvents can be, for
example, acetic acid, acetone, acetonitrile, anisole, benzene,
1-butanol, 2-butanol, butylacetate, teat-butylmethylether, carbon
tetrachloride, chlorobenzene, chloroform, cumene, cyclohexane,
1,2-dichlorethane, 1,1-dichloroethene, 1,2-dichloroethene,
1,2-methoxyethane, dichloromethane, N,N-dimethylacetaide (DMA),
N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylsulfoxide, (DMSO),
1,4-dioxane, 2-ethoxyethanol, ethylacetate, ethyleneglycol,
ethylether, ethylformate, formamide, formic acid, heptane, hexane,
isobutylacetate, isopropylacetate, methanol, 2-methoxyethanol,
methylacetate, 3-methyl-1-butanol, methyl-butyl-ketone
(CH.sub.3(CH.sub.2).sub.3COCH.sub.3), methylcyclohexane,
methylethylketone, methylisobutylketone, 2-methyl-1-propanol,
N-methyl-pyrrolidone, nitromethane, nitromethane, pentane,
1-pentanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, pyridine, propylacetate,
pyridine, sulfolane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), tetralin, toluene,
1,1,1-trichlorethane, 1,1,2-trichlorethene, triethylamine, xylene,
and so on. The disclosure encompasses fluorettes.
[0051] In embodiments, the system, compositions, extracts,
reagents, solutions, fluids, liquids, and methods of the present
disclosure, can encompass any composition, extract, reagent,
solution, fluid, or liquid, that comprises about 2%, about 4%,
about 6%, about 8%, about 10%, about 12%, about 14%, about 16%,
about 18%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%,
about 45%, or about 50% of any one of the above non-ethanol
solvents.
[0052] Exclusionary Embodiments Relating to Solvents.
[0053] In exclusionary embodiments, the system, compositions,
extracts, reagents, solutions, fluids, liquids, and methods of the
present disclosure, can exclude any composition, extract, reagent,
solution, fluid, or liquid, that contains any one of the above
non-ethanol solvents, that contains over 1% of any one of the above
non-ethanol solvents, that contains over 2% of any one of the above
non-ethanol solvents, that contains over 4%, over 6%, over 8%, over
10%, over 12%, over 14%, over 16%, over 18%, or over 20% of any one
of the above non-ethanol solvents.
[0054] In other exclusionary embodiments, the system, compositions,
extracts, reagents, solutions, fluids, liquids, and methods of the
present disclosure, can exclude any composition, extract, reagent,
solution, fluid, or liquid, that contains any one of the above
non-ethanol solvents, that contains about 1% of any one of the
above non-ethanol solvents, that contains about 2% of any one of
the above non-ethanol solvents, or that contains about 4%, about
6%, about 8%, about 10%, about 12%, about 14%, about 16%, about
18%, or about 20% of any one of the above non-ethanol solvents.
[0055] Exclusionary Embodiments (Chemical Engineering)
[0056] In embodiments, the system, devices, structures,
compositions, extracts, reagents, solutions, fluids, liquids, and
methods of the present disclosure, can exclude any system, device,
or method, that involves "distilling an organic oil," that involves
"distilling an organic oil where the distilling comprises vacuum
distillation," that involves "vaporizing an organic oil," that
comprises, "vaporizing an organic oil where the organic oil was
extracted from plant matter," that involves "recycling a solvent
where this solvent is reused to extract plant matter," that
involves "recycling a solvent where this solvent is reused to
extract plant matter (where this plant matter has already been
extracted at least once)," that involves "recycling a solvent where
this solvent is reused to extract plant matter (plant matter than
has never before been extracted)," that involves "evaporating a
solvent but without recovery of the solvent (recovering this
solvent after it has been evaporated)." In other exclusionary
embodiments, the system, devices, structures, compositions,
extracts, reagents, solutions, fluids, liquids, and methods of the
present disclosure, can exclude any system, device, or method, that
has an "oil container where extracted oils are collected" and a
"cooling chamber" but where the "oil container" and the "cooling
chamber" do not occur in the same "environmental box" or do not
occur in the same enclosure that is maintained at a cool
temperature (that is, that is maintained at a temperature that is
at least 5 degrees C., at least 10 degrees C., at least 15 degrees
C., at least 20 degrees C., or at least 30 degrees C., or at least
40 degrees C., or at least 50 degrees C., below room temperature
(23 degrees C.)).
[0057] Exclusionary Embodiments Relating to Filters
[0058] In other exclusionary embodiments relating to chemical
engineering, the present disclosure can exclude any system, device,
or method, that has a "filter" (or filter assembly, or filter
stack, or filtration stack, or inline filter strainer) that is
capable of filtering plant extracts, or that is capable of
filtering emulsions acquired by extracting plant matter, wherein
the "filter" (or filter assembly, or filter stack, or filtration
stack, or inline filter strainer) is not in the same cooled
compartment (for example, not in the same "environmental box") as
one or more or all of: (i) Solvent storage tank; (ii) Extraction
tank used for extracting plant matter; (iii) Pipes or tubes that
are used for recycling a plant extract back into extraction tank
for effecting further extraction of plant matter that has already
been extracted at least once, (iv) Vessel that serves as an
intermittent storage ballast for extract-rich emulsions.
[0059] FIG. 1 shows the use of an extraction apparatus designed to
perform extraction in accordance with the present invention.
[0060] Steps 1 and 2 of the process represent a pre-process step in
which both the solvent and plant substrate are chilled to a desired
temperature between -1C and -50C, preferably to a temperature
between -30C and -50C, ideally to a temperature range between -40C
and -45C. In this embodiment of the aforementioned step, the use of
an ultra-low freezer is adequate. In another embodiment of Step 1
the solvent can be chilled via jacketed extraction vessel and cryo
chiller assembly. This step requires a long period of time to
achieve the desire temperature of the solvent, and therefore it is
recommended that an ultra-low storage freezer is acquired to
prevent a bottle necking at Step 1 or 2.
[0061] Step 3 includes a jacketed extraction vessel such as a
chemical reactor. In another embodiment of Step 3 of a jacketed
collection vessel, such as a chemical reactor can be added to the
apparatus. In this embodiment, the jacketed collection vessel
allows to create a re-circulating system to move chilled solvent
from collection vessel back into the extraction vessel.
Re-circulating chilled solvent over the plant substrate, has been
recognized to produce a richer concentration of desired essential
oils, cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes in the concentrate
emulsion. In a third embodiment of Step 3 a jacketed holding
vessel, such as a chemical reactor, can be added to the apparatus
assembly. In this embodiment the holding vessel allows for
mechanical feeding of the solvent into the extraction vessel,
eliminating strenuous manual labor of pouring solvent into the
extraction vessel by hand. In all embodiments of Step 3 the vessels
must be able to maintain a desired temperature range of -40C to
-45C. A cryo chiller has been recognized as an effective device to
chill the extraction apparatus by circulating a cooling solution
throughout the jackets of the vessel included in the apparatus
assembly. Step 4a includes a process in which the chilled solvent
is transferred into the collection vessel. Step 1 of FIG. 2 allows
for the solvent to be chilled within the vessel via circulation of
cooling solution within the jacket walls of the vessel. Step 4b
includes a process in which the plant substrate is placed inside
the extraction vessel of the apparatus. In one embodiment the plant
substrate can be loosely placed inside the extraction vessel. In
another embodiment the extraction vessel is lined with a micron
mesh screen bag prior to the introduction of the plant substrate
into the vessel. Lining the extraction vessel with a micron screen
bag allows for immediate separation of concentrate emulsion and
plant substrate during the concentrate emulsion evacuation of Steps
6a and 6b. This method also allows for the quick evacuation of
plant substrate from the extraction vessel by simply removing the
bag filled with plant substrate out of the vessel.
[0062] Step 5 allows for contact time between chilled solvent and
chilled plant substrate. The contact period should be carried out
at the ideal temperature range between -40C and -45C. Contact time
can be between 1 minute and 60 minutes, preferably between 3
minutes and 10 minutes, ideally between 1 minute and 5 minutes.
[0063] Step 7 includes a process of inline separation of
concentrate emulsion and plant substrate. An embodiment Step 4b of
FIG. 2 provides that plant substrate is placed within a micron mesh
bag prior to its introduction into the extraction vessel. This
embodiment of Step 4b has been recognized as the most simple and
cost effective way of inline filtration. In another embodiment of
Step 7, a solid stainless steel micron screen can be introduced via
a false bottom inside the extraction vessel. In this embodiment of
Step 7, the plant substrate sits atop the false bottom stainless
micron mesh as the concentrate emulsion is drawn through it and out
of the extraction vessel. In a third embodiment of Step 7 a filter
holder can be introduced in line between the extraction vessel and
collection vessel into the apparatus assembly.
[0064] Step 8 of FIG. 2 includes the collection of concentrate
emulsion from the extraction vessel into a jacketed collection
vessel referenced in embodiments of Step 3.
[0065] Step 9a includes a process of recirculation of concentrate
emulsion back over the plant substrate to create a richer
concentration of desired constituents of the plant substrate.
Recirculation can be performed via mechanical solvent pump,
positive pressure in collection vessel, or negative pressure within
extraction vessel. The preferred method for recirculation is by
manipulating pressure within the vessels. Moving the concentrate
emulsion from vessel to vessel via negative pressure has proven to
be the most cost effective as vacuum pumps have a long life
expectancy and do not require much maintenance. Pressurizing the
vessels to move the concentrate emulsion has also been recognized
as effective, but the added expense of food grade nitrogen or
expensive moisture traps and filters for ambient air compressors
have proven to be burdensome. Mechanical solvent pumps have been
recognized as an effective means of moving the solvent and
concentrate emulsion, but the costs associated with such devices
would deter small operators from applying this method.
[0066] Step 9b includes a method for evacuating the concentrate
emulsion from the collection vessel. As referenced in Step 9a,
moving the solvent or concentrate emulsion can be achieved via
positive or negative pressure within the vessels of the apparatus.
For evacuation, it is been discovered that a simple drain at the
bottom vessel is suitable for evacuation of the concentrate
emulsion. Positive pressure can be applied to the collection vessel
to expedite the evacuation process.
[0067] Step 10 provides a method for separating the concentrate
from solvent via rotary evaporator, simple distillation, or
atmospheric evaporation. The preferred method is rotary evaporator
as this method allows for recovery of the solvent in its entirety.
The recovered solvent is put back into circulation for future
extraction, making this method one of the most cost effective for
any processor.
[0068] According to another embodiment of the system, other
features are taught. In another embodiment of the present
invention, a system comprising of jacketed reactor extraction
vessel, jacketed reactor collection vessel, plumbing, valves,
hoses, ultra low circulating chiller, vacuum pump, liquid nitrogen
holding Dewar, pressure regulators, LN2 phase separators, pneumatic
actuators, electronic relay switches and air compressor. In this
embodiment, the system is scaled for larger throughput, with
vessels capable of holding up to 20 LBS of plant material and up to
40 gallons of solvent.
[0069] In this embodiment of the present invention, an ultra-low
circulating chiller is attached to the jackets on the reactor
vessels.
[0070] The ultra-low recirculating chiller is set to the desired
temperature set point of -75C and allowed time to chill the
internal chamber of the reactor vessels. The vessels are
interconnected via sanitary plumbing, pneumatic actuated valves in
a manner which allows for the transfer of solvent into the
extraction tank, and the recollection of the extract rich emulsion
produced during extraction back into the collection vessel.
[0071] In this embodiment, the collection vessel acts as the
solvent storage vessels prior to commencing the extraction. During
extraction procedure, the collection vessel acts as an intermittent
emulsion storage vessel during recirculation procedures.
[0072] Plant material is loaded into a mesh screen bag and placed
inside the extraction vessel. Allowing time for the material to
chill to a desired temperature of below -35C, preferably below
-45C, ideally below -55C. Solvent is placed inside the collection
and allowed time to chill to the necessary temperature range
between -45 and -75C. It has been discovered that the ideal
extraction temperature is in the range of -45C and -50C system
parameters are always set to a lower temperature to compensate for
the heating of solvent and material during fluid transfers. The
solvent will typically gain 5 degrees during each fluid transfer. A
typical recirculation procedure requires the solvent to be moved up
to 5 times from extraction vessel to collection vessel and back.
This raises the overall temperature of the solvent in the system by
up to 25 degrees Celsius.
[0073] In another embodiment of the present invention, a solvent
transfer pump can be employed to move solvent from one vessel to
the next, or to recirculate the emulsion within the extraction
vessel. Mechanical pumps have shown to be efficient but tend to
generate more heat the desired, therefore heating the solvent
during fluid transfers or recirculation. The method does not
predictably work as desired in that lipids and chlorophyll become
available to the solvent at temperatures above -40C.
[0074] Without implying any limitation, the present disclosure
provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods,
that comprise one or more of the following solvents, for example,
combinations of only two, of only three, of only four, of only
five, of only six, or of more than six of the following solvents.
The solvents are liquid carbon dioxide, supercritical carbon
dioxide, ethanol in water, ethanol in a solvent that is not water,
ethanol in a mixture of solvents where none are water, or ethanol
in a solvent that is mixture of water plus another solvent that is
not water. The solvents that are used with, or that are comprised
by, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods of
the present disclosure, can also include one or more of, any
non-polar solvent, any mildly polar solvent, any highly polar
solvent, butane, hexane, cyclohexane, ethane, pentane, octane,
diethyl ether, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol,
chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, diethylamine, xylene, dioxane
or similar hydrocarbons or alcohols. Regarding the above-disclosed
solvents (and also in the solvents disclosed below), unless
specified otherwise, the list does not impose any limitation on
which solvent is to be dissolved in which other solvent (or in
which other of a plurality solvents).
[0075] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from the
following concentrations, 0%, 0.01%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,
30% 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,
95%, 99%, or 100% solvent (or the solvent can be in a range that is
defined by any two of these percentages). In exclusionary
embodiments, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods of the present disclosure can exclude any one or more of
the above solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents at any one or more of the indicated percentage values.
[0076] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from one of the
following concentrations: about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about
20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 50%, about
60%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about
95%, about 99.5%, about 100% solvent (or the solvent can be in a
range that is defined by any two of these percentages). The term
"about" can mean plus or minus 5%. The term "percent" means by
volume. In exclusionary embodiments, the compositions, reagents,
devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can exclude
any one or more of the above solvents, and can exclude any one or
more of the above solvents at any one or more of the indicated
percentage values, and optionally, at the indicated "about"
values.
[0077] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from the
following concentrations, under 5%, under 10%, under 15%, under
20%, under 25%, under 30%, under 35%, under 40%, under 45%, under
50%, under 55%, under 60%, under 65%, under 70%, under 75%, under
80%, under 90%, under 95%, under 100% solvent. The percentage value
is preferably in terms of volume, but if necessary, the percentage
value can be expressed in terms of weight. The volumes or weights
are preferably measured at room temperature (23 degree C.), where
the prepared solvent is then adjusted to a desired temperature,
such as to minus 30 degrees C. or to minus 50 degrees C. Regarding
the above list, the present disclosure encompasses each of the
above solvents in an "about" embodiments.
[0078] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from the
following concentrations: Concentrations that are over 5%, over
10%, over 15%, over 20%, over 25%, over 30%, over 35%, over 40%,
over 45%, over 50%, over 55%, over 60%, over 65%, over 70%, over
75%, over 80%, over 85%, over 90%, over 95% solvent, or over 99%.
Regarding the above list, the present disclosure encompasses each
of the above solvents in an "about" embodiments. In exclusionary
embodiments, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods of the present disclosure can exclude any one or more of
the above solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents at the indicated percentage values, and at the indicated
"about" values.
[0079] In "consisting" embodiments, what is provided is a solvent
that consists of 100% ethanol or 100% grain alcohol, 98% ethanol
with 2% water, 95% ethanol with 5% water, 90% ethanol with 10%
water, 85% ethanol with 15% water, 80% ethanol with 20% water, 75%
ethanol with 25% water, 70% ethanol with 30% water, 65% ethanol
with 35% water, 60% water with 40% water, and the like. The ethanol
can be grain alcohol. Regarding the above list, the present
disclosure encompasses each of the above solvents in an "about"
embodiments.
[0080] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, composition, solution, or method, that
includes a solution (or that is a solution) that is 100% ethanol or
100% grain alcohol, 98% ethanol with 2% water, 95% ethanol with 5%
water. 90% ethanol with 10% water, 85% ethanol with 15% water, 80%
ethanol with 20% water, 75% ethanol with 25% water, 70% ethanol
with 30% water, 65% ethanol with 35% water, 60% water with 40%
water, and the like. Regarding the above list, the present
disclosure encompasses each of the above solvents in an "about"
embodiments.
[0081] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, composition, solution, or method, that
includes a solution (or that is a solution) that has a percentage
value of ethanol that is less than 100% ethanol, less than 98%
ethanol, less than 95% ethanol, less than 90% ethanol, less than
85% ethanol, less than 80% ethanol, less than 75% ethanol, less
than 70% ethanol, less than 65% ethanol, less than 60% water, and
the like. The ethanol can be grain alcohol. In this list, the
liquid that is not ethanol can be water, pure water, distilled
water, acetone, hexane, butane, or any solvent that is not water.
Also, in this list, the liquid that is not ethanol can be a single
kind of solvent, such as only water, or only acetone, or only
hexane, or only butane. Also, in this list, the liquid that is not
ethanol can be a mixture of two or more other solvents where none
of them are water. Moreover, in this list, the liquid that is not
ethanol can be a mixture of two or more other solvents where one of
them is water.
[0082] Regarding the above lists the present disclosure encompasses
each of the above solvents in an "about" embodiments. An "about"
embodiment, to give an example, is: a solvent that consists of
about 90% ethanol with about 10% water." The sum of the percentage
of ethanol and the percentage of water is 100%. This value of 100%
can refer to a solvent composition (or solvent mixture) that is
used by itself. Alternatively, this value of 100% can refer to a
solvent composition (or solvent mixture) that is used as a
component with one or more additional solvents, as in the example
of the combination of a first solvent solution that is 95% ethanol
with 5% water plus a second solvent solution that consists of 100%
acetone (for this example, the relative volumes of the first
solvent solution are not and of the second solvent solution are not
given).
[0083] In "comprising" embodiments, what is provided is a solvent
that comprises 100% ethanol or 100% grain alcohol, 98% ethanol with
2% water, 95% ethanol with 5% water, 90% ethanol with 10% water,
85% ethanol with 15% water, 80% ethanol with 20% water, 75% ethanol
with 25% water, 70% ethanol with 30% water, 65% ethanol with 35%
water, 60% water with 40% water, and the like. The use of the word
"comprising" means that the system can include the solvent mixtures
that include more than just two chemicals (the two chemicals, water
and ethanol). The use of the "comprising" language means that, to
give an example, a "solvent" can consist of a mixture of a first
solvent that is ten milliliters of "100% acetone" and a second
solvent that is 250 milliliters of "95% ethanol with 5% water."
Regarding the above list, the present disclosure encompasses each
of the above solvents in an "about" embodiments. An "about"
embodiment, to give an example, is: a solvent that comprises about
90% ethanol with about 10% water."
[0084] In a preferred embodiment, a solvent (such as ethanol) is
dissolved in only one solvent, where this one solvent is water. In
another embodiment, a solvent (such as ethanol) is dissolved in a
mixture of only two other solvents. In yet another embodiment, a
solvent (such as ethanol) is dissolved in a mixture of only three
solvents. In still another embodiment, a solvent (such as ethanol)
is dissolved in a mixture of one or more additional solvents, or
dissolved in mixture of two or more additional solvents, or
dissolved in a mixture of three or more additional solvents. Also,
in another embodiment, the solvent (such as ethanol) can be
dissolved in a mixture of a plurality of solvents, where one of
these is water. Also, the solvent (such as ethanol) can be
dissolved in a mixture of a plurality of solvents, where none of
these is water. The term "about" preferably means plus or minus 5%.
In other embodiments, the term "about" can mean plus or minus 1%,
plus or minus 2%, plus or minus 6%, or plus or minus 8%. The term
"percent" means by volume. Regarding the above-disclosed solvents,
unless specified otherwise, the list does not impose any limitation
on which solvent is to be dissolved in which other solvent (or in
which plurality of other solvents). In exclusionary embodiments,
the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods of the
present disclosure can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above solvents at
the indicated percentage values, and at the indicated "about"
values.
[0085] The present disclosure provides compositions, reagents,
devices, systems, and methods, that comprise one or more polar
solvents, one or more non-polar solvents, or that comprise one or
more of each of polar and non-polar solvents. Polar solvents have
large dipole moments, also known as, "partial charges." They
contain bonds between atoms with very different
electronegativities, such as oxygen and hydrogen. Non-polar
solvents contain bonds between atoms with similar
electronegativities, such as carbon and hydrogen, such as octane.
Bonds between atoms with similar electronegativities will lack
partial charges. This absence of charge which makes these molecules
"non-polar." Polarity can be measured by two direct ways. One is
through measuring a constant called "dielectric constant." The
greater the dielectric constant, the greater the polarity (value
for water is high, value for gasoline is low). A second way comes
from directly measuring the dipole moment. Polarity is a continuum.
While pentane is "non-polar" and water is "polar", there are
borderline eases such as diethyl ether, dichloromethane, and
tetrahydrofuran (THF) which have both polar and non-polar
characteristics. A dividing line between "polar" and "non-polar" is
miscibility with water. Diethyl ether and dichloromethane do not
mix with water. On the other hand, THF, DMSO, acetonitrile, DMF,
acetone and short-chain alcohols do (see, Ashenhurst, James.
Substitution Reactions. Masterorganicchemistry dot com). For
several nonpolar solvents, the dielectric constants are as follows:
pentane (1.8), hexane (1.9), cyclohexane (2.0), benzene (2.4),
toluene (2.3), chloroform (4.8), diethylether (4.3). For several
polar solvents, the dielectric, constants are as follows: acetone
(21), demethylformamide (38), acetonitrile (37), ammonia (25),
t-butanol (12), ethanol (25) methanol (33), acetic acid (6.2),
water (80). The dielectric constants of glycerol (45), ethanol
(25), and water (80), and dependence on temperature, are disclosed
in, Ponomarenko, Yang, Katsnelson (2009) Effect of high-kappa
environment on charge carrier mobility in graphene. Physical Review
Letters. 102:206603. The dielectric constrant of acetone (20.7) is
disclosed by Goto, Kawata, Nakamura, Aoyama (198) J.
Microencapsulation. Vol. 3, Issue 4. In embodiments the present
disclosure provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods, can include one or more of the above solvents, such as
about 20% acetone, about 30% acetone, about 40% acetone, about 50%
acetone, about 60% acetone, about 70% acetone, about 80% acetone,
about 90% acetone, or about 95% acetone dissolved in a solvent that
is water, or 100% acetone. The term "about" can mean plus or minus
5%. The term "percent" means by volume. Regarding the
above-disclosed solvents, unless specified otherwise, the list does
not impose any limitation on which solvent is to be dissolved in
which other solvent (or in which other solvents). In exclusionary
embodiments, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods of the present disclosure can exclude any one or more of
the above solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents at the indicated percentage values, and at the indicated
"about" values.
[0086] "Essentially of" Solvent Embodiments.
[0087] The present disclosure provides a solvent consisting
essentially of heptane, or consisting essentially of hexane, or
consisting essentially of isopropyl alcohol, or consisting
essentially of methanol. Alternatively, or in addition, the present
disclosure provides a solvent consisting of at least 99% heptane or
consisting, of at least 99% hexane, or consisting of at least 99%
isopropyl alcohol, or consisting of at least 99% methanol, where
the percentage can be in units of weight when measured at room
temperature (about 23 degrees C.) or in units of volume when
measured at room temperature (about 23 degrees C.). The remaining
one percent (1%) can take the form, for example, of a solute or
solutes, or suspended particles, or some other type of solvent, or
of an insoluble fluid.
[0088] Alternatively, or in addition, the present disclosure
provides a solvent consisting of at least 95% heptane, or
consisting of at least 95% hexane, or consisting of at least 95%
isopropyl alcohol, or consisting of at least 95% methanol. The
remaining five percent (5%) can take the firm, for example, of a
solute or solutes, or suspended particles, or some other type of
solvent, or of an insoluble fluid.
[0089] "Safer Extraction Process" Embodiments.
[0090] Safer, or "safer and more reliable" extraction process
embodiments encompass, without implying any limitation, an
extraction process, where there is reduced risk of a fire, for
example, a fire that can be initiated by an electric spark, or by a
freshly extinguished match where the match head is still hot, or by
a burning match, or by a flame such as that from a Bunsen burner.
"Safer and more reliable" can also encompass reduced exposure of
workers to solvents and, for example, reduced risk of lung damage,
skin damage, or eye damage. Guidance on assessing damage to organs
and tissues is provided by, e.g., Norgaard, Hansen, Sorli (2014)
Toxicol. Sci. 137:179-188, Aytacoglu, Calikoglu, Tamer (2006)
Respiration. 73:100-104; Emre, Aktay, Polat (2007) Chin. J.
Physiol. 50:143-144; Tanios, El Gamal, Rosenburg (2004)
Respiration. 71:642-645 Johnson (2004) Int. J. Toxicol. 23
(Suppl.1) 29-57).
[0091] Evaporation Embodiments.
[0092] One standard atmosphere equals 760 mm mercury (Hg). This is
equivalent to 760 Torr (see, Fradette, R. J., Jones, W. R., and
Jones, T. (2016) Understanding Vacuum Measurement. Solar
Atmospheres, Inc., Souderton, Pa.). The system, device, reagents,
and methods of the present disclosure can be exposed to conditions
that promote evaporation, where the conditions are atmosphere at
760 Torr (not under pressure, and not under vacuum), or atmosphere
at between 760 and 700 Torr, or 700-650 Torr, or 650-600 Torr, or
600-550 Torr, or 550-500 Torr, or 500-450 Torr, or 450-400 Torr, or
400-350 Torr, or 350-300 Torr, or 300-250 Torr or 250-200 Torr, or
200-150 Torr, or 150-100 Torr, or 100-50 Torr, or 50-40 Torr, or
40-30 Torr, or 30-20 Torr, or 20-15 Torr, or 15-10 Torr, or 10-5
Torr, or 5-1.0 Torr, or 1.0-0.1 Torr, or 0.1-0.01 Torr, 0.01-0.001
Torr, or 0.001-0.0001 Torr, or to a range that is under 760 Torr,
under 700 Tor, or under 650 Torr, or under 600 Torr, or under 550
Torr, or under 500 Torr, or under 450 Torr, or under 400 Torr, or
under 350 Torr, or under 300 Torr, or under 250 Torr, or under 200
Torr, or under 150 Torr, or under 100 Torr, or under 50 Torr, or
under 25 Torr, or under 10 Torr, or under 5 Torr, or under 1.0
Torr, or under 0.1 Torr, or under 0.01 Torr, and so on. In
exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude any
system, device, reagent, composition, or method, that involves
exposure or that is exposed to one or more of the above vacuum
ranges.
[0093] Further regarding evaporation embodiments, the present
disclosure encompasses systems, devices, compositions, reagents,
and methods, where the rate of evaporation (for example,
evaporation of a solvent from an emulsion, or evaporation of a
solvent from a solution, or the rate of evaporation of a two or
more different kinds of solvents from an emulsion or a solution),
is enhanced for example by the passage of air over the top of the
solution or emulsion, or by the passage of air through the solution
or emulsion (e.g., by bubbling), or by a combination of passage
over the top and through the solution or emulsion. In embodiments,
the rate of passage is about one cubic centimeter (cm) of air per
second over a surface area of one square cm, or it can be a rate of
passage of about one cubic centimeter of air per second being
bubbled through a one liter volume of solution or emulsion.
Alternatively, instead of "one cubic centimeter of air," as recited
above, the value can be about 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15,
20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, or more
cubic centimeters of air (either over the surface or being bubbled
through the one liter volume) per second. Values of passage can be
"about" embodiments of any of the recited values, or can take the
form of a range created by any two of the above values, and the
like. Passage of air can be driven by a vacuum or, alternatively,
passage of air can be driven by pressure or, alternatively, by a
combination of pressure and vacuum. The air can be atmospheric air
or, alternatively, it can take the form of a gas that is about 20%,
about 30%, bout 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%,
about 90%, about 95%, about 98%, or about 100% nitrogen (or of some
other gas).
[0094] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, reagent, composition, or method that
uses or that is exposed to one of the above "passage of air"
embodiments.
[0095] Temperature Embodiments.
[0096] In temperature embodiments, the present disclosure provides
compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods, that include
one or more solvents, such as any of the solvents that are
disclosed in the above paragraphs, or in any of the following
paragraphs, where the temperature (Centigrade) is 20 degrees, 15
degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 0 degrees, minus 5 degrees, minus
10 degrees, minus 15 degrees, minus 20 degrees, minus 25 degrees,
minus 30 degrees, minus 35 degrees, minus 40 degrees, minus 45
degrees, minus 50 degrees, minus 55 degrees, minus 60 decrees,
minus 65 degrees, minus 70 degrees, minus 75 degrees, or minus 80
degrees. What is also provided is a solvent with a temperature that
is in a range defined by any of the above two temperatures, such as
the range of minus 30 degrees to minus 50 degrees. In exclusionary
embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude any solvent that
has one of the above temperatures, or it can exclude any
composition, reagent, device, system, or method that comprises a
solvent having one of the above temperatures.
[0097] Also, what is provided is a solvent that has a temperature
(Centigrade) of about 20 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 10
degrees, about 5 degrees, about 0 degrees, about minus 5 degrees,
about minus 10 degrees, about minus 15 degrees, about minus 20
degrees, about minus 25 degrees, about, minus 30 degrees, about
minus 35 degrees, about minus 40 degrees, about minus 45 degrees,
about minus 50 degrees, about minus 55 degrees, about minus 60
degrees, about minus 65 degrees, about minus 70 degrees, about
minus 75 degrees, or about minus 80 degrees. What is also provided
is a solvent that has a temperature that is in a range defined by
any of the above two temperatures, such as the range of about minus
30 degrees to about minus 50 degrees. The term "about" can mean
plus or minus 5 degrees. In exclusionary embodiments, the present
disclosure can exclude any solvent that has one of the above
temperatures, or it can exclude any composition, reagent, device,
system, or method that comprises a solvent that has one of the
above temperatures.
[0098] In "greater than" embodiments, the present disclosure
provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods,
that include one or more solvents, such as any of the
above-disclosed solvents has a temperature that is "greater than"
20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 0 degrees, minus 5
degrees, minus 10 degrees, minus 15 degrees, minus 20 degrees,
minus 25 degrees, minus 30 degrees, minus 35 degrees, minus 40
degrees, minus 45 degrees, minus 50 degrees, minus 55 degrees,
minus 60 degrees, minus 65 degrees, minus 70 degrees, minus 75
degrees, or minus 80 degrees. "About" embodiments of these "greater
than" ranges are also provided by the present disclosure, where
"about" means plus or minus five degrees.
[0099] In "lesser than" embodiments, the present disclosure
provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods,
that include one or more solvents, such as any of the
above-disclosed solvents has a temperature that is "lesser than" 20
degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 0 degrees, minus 5
degree, minus 10 degrees, minus 15 degrees, minus 20 degrees, minus
25 degrees, minus 30 degrees, minus 35 degrees, minus 40 degrees,
minus 45 degrees, minus 50 degrees, minus 55 degrees, minus 68
degrees, minus 65 degrees, minus 70 degrees, minus 75 degrees, or
minus 80 degrees. "About" embodiments of these "lesser than" ranges
are also provided by present disclosure where "about" means plus or
minus five degrees.
[0100] Without implying any limitation, in embodiments the present
disclosure also encompasses "about" embodiments. Where the word
"about" occurs in a claim as originally filed, or where the word
"about" is added to a claim by way of amendment, the meaning of the
word "about" can be caused to be more precisely defined by way of
an amendment that adds one or more of the following limitation to
the claim. The word "about" can mean, plus or minus 5%, plus or
minus 10%, plus or minus 15%, plus or minus 20%, plus or minus 25%,
plus or minus 30%, and so on. Also, the word "about" can mean that
a given number that exists in a series of numbers (where the claim
includes the word, about) encompasses all values that are between
the previous number in the series and the subsequent number in the
series. Similarly, the word "about" can mean that a given number in
a series of numbers (where the claim includes the word, about)
encompasses all values that are half-way and less than half-way in
between that number and the immediately previous number in that
series, and also encompasses all values that are half-way and less
than half-way in between that number and the immediately subsequent
number in that series.
[0101] In range embodiments, the system, device, compositions,
solutions, and methods of the present disclosure encompass a
solvent or a solution or a mixture of solvents, that is in one of
the following temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 10-15; 10-20;
10-25: 10-30; 10-35; 10-40; 10-45; 10-50; 10-55; 10-60; 10-65;
10-70; 10-75; 10-80; or 10 to lesser than 80 degrees C. Other
temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 20-25; 20-30; 20-35; 20-40;
20-45; 20-50; 20-55; 20-60; 20-65; 20-70; 20-75; 20-80; or 20 to
lesser than 80 degrees C. Even more temperature ranges (minus
degrees C.): 25-30; 25-35; 25-40; 25-45; 25-50; 25-55; 25-60:
25-65; 25-70; 25-75; 25-80; or 25 to lesser than 80 degrees C.
Still further temperature ranges (minus degrees C.); 30-35; 30-40;
30-45; 30-50; 30-55; 30-60; 30-65; 30-70; 30-75: 30-80; or 30 to
lesser than 80 degrees C. And more temperature ranges (minus
degrees C.): 35-40; 35-45; 35-50; 35-55; 35-60; 35-65; 35-70;
35-75; 35-80; or 35 to lesser than 80 degrees C. Yet more
temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 40-45; 40-50; 40-55; 40-60;
40-65; 40-70; 40-75; 40-80; or 40 to lesser than 80 degrees C.
[0102] In exclusionary embodiment, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, solution, solvent, mixture of solvents,
and method, that is at a temperature within any of the above
temperature ranges.
[0103] In substance impurity embodiments, the present disclosure
can result in a solution, emulsion, composition, slurry, extract,
extraction, oil, aqueous solution, where the percentage of a
"substance impurity" (percentage by weight within the solution, or
emulsion, or extract, etc.) is less than 10% of the total weight,
less than 8%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than
3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.6%,
less than 0.4%, less than 0.2%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.08%,
less than 0.06%, less than 0.04%, less than 0.02%, less than 0.01%,
less than 0.008%, less than 0.006%, less than 0.004%, less than
0.002%, less than 0.001% of the total weight, and the like. The
"substance impurity" can be a substance that is "total pigments,"
or it can be "chlorophyll," or it can be "total lipids," or it can
be the sum of chlorophyll plus waxes, or it can be "waxes," or it
can be synthetic pesticides, or the "substance impurity" can refer
to the sum of all pigments, lipids, waxes, and synthetic
pesticides, and degradants of synthetic pesticides. The skilled
artisan understands that the word "pigment" usually means a
substance that, to the human eye, has a color such as red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, and so on, when present for example at a
concentration of about 0.05% in a solution, or at a concentration
of about 1.0% in a solution or at a concentration of about 5.0% in
a solution.
[0104] SOLVENTS, MIXTURES OF SOLVENTS, AND PERCENTAGES. Without
implying any limitation, the present disclosure provides
compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods, that
comprise one or more of the following solvents, for example,
combinations of only two, of only three, of only four, of only
five, of only six, or of more than six of the following solvents.
The solvents are liquid carbon dioxide, supercritical carbon
dioxide, ethanol in water, ethanol in a solvent that is not water,
ethanol in a mixture of solvents where none are water, or ethanol
in a solvent that is mixture of water plus another solvent that is
not water. The solvents that are used with, or that are comprised
by, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods of
the present disclosure, can also include one or more of, any
non-polar solvent, any mildly polar solvent, any highly polar
solvent, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, cyclohexane,
octane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, diethyl ether,
methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol,
chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, diethylamine, xylene, dioxane
or similar hydrocarbons or alcohols. Regarding the above-disclosed
solvents and also in the solvents disclosed below), unless
specified otherwise, the list does not impose any limitation on
which solvent is to be dissolved in which other solvent (or in
which other of a plurality solvents).
[0105] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from the
following concentrations, 0%, 0.01%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,
30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,
95%, 99%, or 100% solvent (or the solvent can be in a range that is
defined by any two of these percentages). In exclusionary
embodiments, be compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods of the present disclosure can exclude any one or more of
the above solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents at any one or more of the indicated percentage values.
[0106] The disclosure provides solvents (a solvent composition)
comprising ethane at any of the above concentrations, where the
solution also contains water to bring sum of the percent ethane
plus percent water to equal 100%, in exclusionary embodiments, the
present disclosure can exclude any system, device, composition,
solution, extract, and method, that comprises the above solvent
composition.
[0107] Also, the disclosure provides solvents (a solvent
composition) consisting of ethane at any of the above
concentrations, where the solution also contains one or more
solvents (none of which is water) to bring sum of the percent
ethane plus percent "one or more solvents, none of which is water,"
to equal 100%. In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure
can exclude any system, device, composition, solution, extract, and
method, that comprises the above solvent composition.
[0108] Moreover, the disclosure provides solvents (a solvent
composition) consisting of ethane at any of the above
concentrations, where the solution also contains two or more
solvents (at least one being a solvent that is not water, and where
one of the solvents is water) to bring sum of the percent ethane
plus all of the other solvents to equal 100%. In exclusionary
embodiments, the present disclosure can exclude any system, device,
composition, solution, extract, and method, that comprises the
above solvent composition.
[0109] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from one of the
following concentrations: about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about
20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 50%, about
60%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about
95%, about 99.5%, about 100% solvent (or the solvent can be in a
range that is defined by any two of these percentages). The term
"about" can mean plus or minus 5%. The term "percent" means by
volume. In exclusionary embodiments, the compositions, reagents,
devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can exclude
any one or more of the above solvents, and can exclude any one or
more of the above solvents at any one or more of the indicated
percentage values, and optionally, at the indicated "about"
values.
[0110] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from the
following, concentrations, under 5%, under 10%, under 15%, under
20%, under 25%, under 30%, under 35%, under 40%, under 45%, under
50%, under 55%, under 60%, under 65%, under 70%, under 75%, under
80%, under 90%, under 95%, under 100% solvent. The percentage value
is preferably in terms of volume, but if necessary, the percentage
value can be expressed in terms of weight. The volumes or weights
are preferably measured at room temperature (23 degree C.), where
the prepared solvent is then adjusted to a desired temperature,
such as to minus 30 degrees C. or to minus 50 degrees C. Regarding
the above list, the present disclosure encompasses each of the
above solvents in an "about" embodiments.
[0111] The solvent, such as ethanol, can be chosen from the
following concentrations: Concentrations that are over 5%, over
10%, over 15%, over 20%, over 25%, over 30%, over 35%, over 40%,
over 45%, over 50%, over 55%, over 60%, over 65%, over 70%, over
75%, over 80%, over 85%, over 90%, over 95% solvent, or over 99%.
Regarding the above list, the present disclosure encompasses each
of the above solvents in an "about" embodiments. In exclusionary
embodiments, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods of the present disclosure can exclude any one or more of
the above solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents at the indicated percentage values, and, at the indicated
"about" values.
[0112] In "consisting" embodiments, what is provided is a solvent
that consists of 100% ethanol or 100% grain alcohol, 98% ethanol
with 2% water, 95% ethanol with 5% water, 90% ethanol with 10%
water, 85% ethanol with 15% water, 80% ethanol with 20% water, 75%
ethanol with 25% water, 70% ethanol with 30% water, 65% ethanol
with 35% water, 60% water with 40% water, and the like. The ethanol
can be grain alcohol. Regarding the above list, the present
disclosure encompasses each of the above solvents in an "about"
embodiments.
[0113] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, composition, solution, or method, that
includes a solution (or that is a solution) that is 100% ethanol or
100% grain alcohol, 98% ethanol with 2% water, 95% ethanol with 5%
water, 90% ethanol with 10% water, 85% ethanol with 15% water, 80%
ethanol with 20% water, 75% ethanol with 25% water, 70% ethanol
with 30% water, 65% ethanol with 35% water, 60% water with 40%
water, and the like. Regarding the above list, the present
disclosure encompasses each of the above solvents in an "about"
embodiments.
[0114] In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, composition, solution, or method, that
includes a solution (or that is a solution) that has a percentage
value of ethanol that is less than 100% ethanol, less than 98%
ethanol, less than 95% ethanol, less than 90% ethanol, less than
85% ethanol, less than 80% ethanol, less than 75% ethanol, less
than 70% ethanol, less than 65% ethanol, less than 60% water, and
the like. The ethanol can be grain alcohol. In this list, the
liquid that is not ethanol can be water, pure water, distilled
water, acetone, hexane, butane, or any solvent that is not water.
Also, in this list, the liquid that is not ethanol can be a single
kind of solvent, such as only water, or only acetone, or only
hexane, or only butane. Also, in this list, the liquid that is not
ethanol can be a mixture of two or more other solvents where none
of them are water. Moreover, in this list, the liquid that is not
ethanol can be a mixture of two or more other solvents where one of
them is water.
[0115] Regarding the above list, the present disclosure encompasses
each of the above solvents in an "about" embodiments. An "about"
embodiment, to give an example, is: a solvent that consists of
about 90% ethanol with about 10% water." The sum of the percentage
of ethanol and the percentage of water is 100%. This value of 100%
can refer to a solvent composition (or solvent mixture) that is
used by itself. Alternatively, this value of 100% can refer to a
solvent composition (or solvent mixture) that is used as a
component with one or more additional solvents, as in the example
of the combination of a first solvent solution that is 95% ethanol
with 5% water plus a second solvent solution that consists of 100%
acetone (for this example, the relative volumes of the first
solvent solution are not and of the second solvent solution are not
given).
[0116] In "comprising" embodiments, what is provided is a solvent
that comprises 100% ethanol or 100% grain alcohol, 98% ethanol with
2% water, 95% ethanol with 5% water, 90% ethanol with 10% water,
85% ethanol with 15% water, 80% ethanol with 20% water, 75% ethanol
with 25% water. 70% ethanol with 30% water, 65% ethanol with 35%
water, 60% water with 40% water, and the like. The use of the word
"comprising" means that the system can include the solvent mixtures
that include more than just two chemicals (the two chemicals, water
and ethanol). The use of the "comprising" language means that, to
give an example, a "solvent" can consist of a mixture of a first
solvent that is ten milliliters of "100% acetone" and a second
solvent that is 250 milliliters of "95% ethanol with 5% water."
Regarding the above list, the present disclosure encompasses each
of the above solvents in an "about" embodiments. An "about"
embodiment, to give an example, is: a solvent that comprises about
90% ethanol with about 10% water.
[0117] In a preferred embodiment, a solvent (such as ethanol) is
dissolved in only one solvent, where this one solvent is water. In
another embodiment, a solvent (such as ethanol) is dissolved in a
mixture of only two other solvents. In yet another embodiment, a
solvent (such as ethanol) is dissolved in a mixture of only three
solvents. In still another embodiment, a solvent (such as ethanol)
is dissolved in a mixture of one or more additional solvents, or
dissolved in mixture of two or more additional solvents, or
dissolved in a mixture of three or more additional solvents. Also,
in another embodiment, the solvent (such as ethanol) can be
dissolved in a mixture of a plurality of solvents, where one of
these is water. Also, the solvent (such as ethanol) can be
dissolved in a mixture of a plurality of solvents, where none of
these is water. The term "about" preferably means plus or minus 5%.
In other embodiments, the term "about" can mean plus or minus 1%,
plus or minus 2%, plus or minus 6%, or plus or minus 8%. The term
"percent" means by volume. Regarding the above-disclosed solvents,
unless specified otherwise, the list does not impose any limitation
on which solvent is to be dissolved in which other solvent (or in
which plurality of other solvents). In exclusionary embodiments,
the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods of the
present disclosure can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above solvents at
the indicated percentage values, and at the indicated "about"
values.
[0118] DEFINING A SOLVENT BY ITS DIELECTRIC CONSTANT. The present
disclosure provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods, that comprise one or more polar solvents, one or more
non-polar solvents, or that comprise one or more of each of polar
and non-polar solvents. Polar solvents have large dipole moments,
also known as, "partial charges." They contain bonds between atoms
with very different electronegativities, such as oxygen and
hydrogen. Non-polar solvents contain bonds between atoms with
similar electronegativities, such as carbon and hydrogen, such as
octane. Bonds between atoms with similar electronegativities will
lack partial charges. This absence of charge which makes these
molecules "non-polar." Polarity can be measured by two direct ways.
One is through measuring a constant called "dielectric constant."
The greater the dielectric constant, the greater the polarity
(value for water is high, value for gasoline is low). A second way
comes from directly measuring the dipole moment. Polarity is a
continuum. While pentane is "non-polar" and water is "polar", there
are borderline cases such as diethyl ether, dichloromethane, and
tetrahydrofuran (THF) which have both polar and non-polar
characteristics. A dividing line between "polar" and "non-polar" is
miscibility with water. Diethyl ether and dichloromethane do not
mix with water. On the other hand, THF, DMSO, acetonitrile, DMF,
acetone and short-chain alcohols do (see, Ashenhurst, James.
Substitution Reactions. Masterorganicchemistry dot com). For
several nonpolar solvents, the dielectric constants are as follows:
pentane (1.8), hexane (1.9), cyclohexane (2.0), benzene (2.4),
toluene (2.3), chloroform (4.8), diethylether (4.3). For several
polar solvents, the dielectric constants are as follows: acetone
(21), demethylformamide (38), acetonitrile (37), ammonia (25),
t-butanol (12), ethanol (25) methanol (33), acetic acid (6.2),
water (80). The dielectric constants of glycerol (45), ethanol
(25), and water (80), and dependence on temperature, are disclosed
in, Ponomarenko, Yang, Katsnelson (2009) Effect of high-kappa
environment on charge carrier mobility in graphene. Physical Review
Letters. 102:206603. The dielectric constrant of acetone (20.7) is
disclosed by Goto, Kawata, Nakamura, Aoyama (1986) J.
Microencapsulation, Vol. 3, Issue 4. In embodiments, the present
disclosure provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods, can include one or more of the above solvents, such as
about 20% acetone, about 30% acetone, about 40% acetone, about 50%
acetone, about 60% acetone, about 70% acetone, about 80% acetone,
about 90% acetone, or about 95% acetone dissolved in a solvent that
is water, or 100% acetone. The term "about" can mean plus or minus
5%. The term "percent" means by volume. Regarding the
above-disclosed solvents, unless specified otherwise, the list does
not impose any limitation on which solvent is to be dissolved in
which other solvent (or in which other solvents). In exclusionary
embodiments, the compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods of the present disclosure can exclude any one or more of
the above solvents, and can exclude any one or more of the above
solvents at the indicated percentage values, and at the indicated
"about" values.
[0119] TEMPERATURE. In temperature embodiments, the present
disclosure provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and
methods, that include one or more solvents, such as any of the
solvents that are disclosed in the above paragraphs, or in any of
the following paragraphs, where the temperature (Centigrade) is 20
degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 0 degrees, minus 5
degrees, minus 10 degrees, minus 15 degrees, minus 20 degrees,
minus 25 degrees, minus 30 degrees, minus 35 degrees, minus 40
degrees, minus 45 degrees, minus 50 degrees, minus 55 degrees,
minus 60 degrees, minus 65 degrees, minus 70 degrees, minus 75
degrees, or minus 80 degrees. What is also provided is a solvent
with a temperature that is in a range defined by any of the above
two temperatures, such as the range of minus 30 degrees to minus 50
degrees. In exclusionary embodiments, the present disclosure can
exclude any solvent that has one of the above temperatures, or it
can exclude any composition, reagent, device, system, or method
that comprises a solvent having one of the above temperatures.
[0120] Also, what is provided is a solvent that has a temperature
(Centigrade) of about 20 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 10
degrees, about 5 degrees, about 0 degrees, about minus 5 degrees,
about minus 10 degrees, about minus 15 degrees, about minus 20
degrees, about minus 25 degrees, about minus 30 degrees, about
minus 35 degrees, about minus 40 degrees, about minus 45 degrees,
about minus 50 degrees, about minus 55 degrees, about minus 60
degrees, about minus 65 degrees, about minus 70 degrees, about
minus 75 degrees, or about minus 80 degrees. What is also provided
is a solvent that has a temperature that is in a range defined by
any of the above two temperatures, such as the range of about minus
30 degrees to about minus 50 degrees. The term "about" can mean
plus or minus 5 degrees. In exclusionary embodiments, the present
disclosure can exclude any solvent that has one of the above
temperatures, or it can exclude any composition, reagent, device,
system, or method that comprises a solvent that has one of the
above temperatures.
[0121] In "greater than" embodiments, the present disclosure
provides compositions, reagents. devices, systems, and methods,
that include one or more solvents, such as any of the
above-disclosed solvents has a temperature that is "greater than"
20 degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 0 degrees, minus 5
degrees, minus 10 degrees, minus 15 degrees, minus 20 degrees,
minus 25 degrees, minus 30 degrees, minus 35 degrees, minus 40
degrees, minus 45 degrees, minus 50 degrees, minus 55 degrees,
minus 60 degrees, minus 65 degrees, minus 70 degrees, minus 75
degrees, or minus 80 degrees. "About" embodiments of these "greater
than" ranges are also provided by the present disclosure, where
"about" means plus or minus five degrees.
[0122] In "lesser than" embodiments, the present disclosure
provides compositions, reagents, devices, systems, and methods,
that include one or more solvents, such as any of the
above-disclosed solvents has a temperature that is "lesser than" 20
degrees, 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 0 degrees, minus 5
degrees, minus 10 degrees, minus 15 degrees, minus 20 degrees,
minus 25 degrees, minus 30 degrees, minus 35 degrees, minus 40
degrees, minus 45 degrees, minus 50 degrees, minus 55 degrees,
minus 60 degrees, minus 65 degrees, minus 70 degrees, minus 75
degrees, or minus 80 degrees. "About" embodiments of these "lesser
than" ranges are also provided by the present disclosure, where
"about" means plus or minus five degrees.
[0123] Without implying any limitation, in embodiments the present
disclosure also encompasses "about" embodiments. Where the word
"about" occurs in a claim as originally filed, or where the word
"about" is added to a claim by way of amendment, the meaning of the
word "about" can be caused to be more precisely defined by way of
an amendment that adds one or more of the following limitation to
the claim. The word "about" can mean, pins or minus 5%, plus or
minus 10%, plus or minus 15%, plus or minus 20%, plus or minus 25%,
plus or minus 30%, and so on. Also, the word "about" can mean that
a given number that exists in a series of numbers (where the claim
includes the word, about) encompasses all values that are between
the previous number in the series and the subsequent number in the
series. Similarly, the word "about" can mean that a given number in
a series of numbers (where the claim includes the word, about)
encompasses all values that are half-way and less than half-way in
between that number and the immediately previous number in that
series, and also encompasses all values that are half-way and less
than half-way in between that number and the immediately subsequent
number in that series.
[0124] In range embodiments, the system, device, compositions,
solutions, and methods of the present disclosure encompass a
solvent or a solution or a mixture of solvents, that is in one of
the following temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 10-15; 10-20;
10-25; 10-30; 10-35; 10-40; 10-45; 10-50; 10-55; 10-60; 10-65;
10-70; 10-75; 10-80; or 10 to lesser than 80 degrees C. Other
temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 20-25; 20-30: 20-35; 20-40:
20-45: 20-50; 20-55; 20-60; 20-65; 20-70; 20-75; 20-80; or 20 to
lesser than 80 degrees C. Even more temperature ranges (minus
degrees C.); 25-30: 25-35; 25-40; 25-45; 25-50; 25-55; 25-60;
25-65; 25-70; 25-75; 25-80; or 25 to lesser than 80 degrees C.
Still further temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 30-35; 30-40;
30-45; 30-50; 30-55; 30-60; 30-65; 30-70; 30-75; 30-80; or 30 to
lesser than 80 degrees C. And more temperature ranges (minus
degrees C.): 35-40; 35-45; 35-50; 35-55; 35-60; 35-65; 35-70;
35-75; 35-80; or 35 to lesser than 80 degrees C. Yet more
temperature ranges (minus degrees C.): 40-45; 40-50; 40-55; 40-60;
40-65; 40-70; 40-75; 40-80; or 40 to lesser than 80 degrees C.
[0125] In exclusionary embodiment, the present disclosure can
exclude any system, device, solution, solvent, mixture of solvents,
and method, that is at a temperature within any of the above
temperature ranges.
[0126] In substance impurity embodiments, the present disclosure
can result in a solution, emulsion, composition, slurry, extract,
extraction, oil, aqueous solution, where the percentage of a
"substance impurity" (percentage by weight within the solution, or
emulsion or extract, etc.) is less than 10% of the total weight,
less than 8%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than
3%, less than 2%, less than 1%, less than 0.8%, less than 0.6%,
less than 0.4%, less than 0.2%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.08%,
less than 0.06%, less than 0.04%, less than 0.02%, less than 0.01%,
less than 0.008%, less than 0.006%, less than 0.004%, less than
0.002%, less than 0.001% of the total weight, and the like. The
"substance impurity" can be a substance that is "total pigments,"
or it can be "chlorophyll," or it can be "total lipids," or it can
be the sum of chlorophyll plus waxes, or it can be "waxes," or it
can be synthetic pesticides, or the "substance impurity" can refer
to the sum of all pigments, lipids, waxes, and synthetic
pesticides, and degradants of synthetic pesticides. The skilled
artisan understands that the word "pigment" usually means a
substance that, to the human eye, has a color such as red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, and so on, when present for example at a
concentration of about 0.05% in a solution, or at a concentration
of about 1.0% in a solution or at a concentration of about 5.0% in
a solution.
[0127] DURATION. In duration embodiments, the present disclosure
encompasses various durations for agitating a mixture of plant
matter with a solvent, various durations for soaking plant matter
without agitating with a solvent, and various durations for
exposing plant matter (exposure time) to solvent without regard to
whether or not that is any agitation and without regard to
agitation time. Duration can be the time between initial exposure
of plant matter to solvent and to the time of substantial removal
of solvent from the plant matter. Substantial removal can be, for
example, removal of at least 90% of the solvent, or at least 95% of
the solvent, for example, by draining through a micromesh filter,
or by draining through a plastic polymer filter such as a
Millipore.RTM. filter, or by removing with centrifugation where the
plant matter is collected in a pellet.
[0128] Duration can be at least 1 minute, at least 2 min., at least
3 min., at least 4 min., at least 5 min., at least 6 min., at least
8 min., at least 10 min., at least 12 min., at least 14 min., at
least 16 min., at least 18 min., at least 20 minutes, and the
like.
[0129] Also, duration can be about 1 minute, about 2 min., about 3
min., about 4 min., about 5 nun., about 6 min, about 8 min., about
10 min., about 12 min., about 14 min., about 16 min., about 18
min., about 20 minutes, and so on.
[0130] Duration can be limited to under 1 minute, under 2 min.,
under 3 min., under 4 min., under 5 min., under 6 min., under 8
min., under 10 min., under 12 min., under 14 min., under 16 min.,
under 18 min., under 20 min., under 22 min., under 24 min., under
26 min., under 28 min., under 30 minutes, and so on.
[0131] The tennis "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in
describing the invention are to be construed to cover both the
singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values
herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No
language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0132] Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited
in the claims using of or consisting essentially of language. When
used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the
transition term "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or
ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term
"consisting essentially of" limits the scope of a claim to the
specified materials or steps and those that do not materially
affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the
invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and
enabled herein.
[0133] Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents
and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the
above-cited references and printed publications are individually
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0134] Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are
illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other
modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the
invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation,
alternative configurations of the present, invention may be
utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the
present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and
described.
* * * * *