U.S. patent application number 17/230914 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-29 for device, system and methods for separation and purification of organic compounds from botanical material.
This patent application is currently assigned to Delta Separations LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Delta Separations LLC. Invention is credited to Benjamin Stephens, Scott Streeter.
Application Number | 20210229112 17/230914 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005520048 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210229112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stephens; Benjamin ; et
al. |
July 29, 2021 |
DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION OF
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS FROM BOTANICAL MATERIAL
Abstract
The botanical extraction and purification device described in
this patent provide the ability to extract and purify botanical
compounds from a diverse plant species through specially crafted
process sequences that effectively reach the desired botanical
component despite differences in botanical material types and
unique differences in organic chemical characteristics. The
technological package consists of two main processing centers; each
is a combination of process features that can be personalized to
effectively address unique extraction requirements. When combined,
the extraction processes deliver capabilities in product throughput
speed and product purity not available using previously available
separation methods. The first component of this package is a CUP
that transfers chemical compounds from botanical material into a
solvent. The second component is an AISP. This device separates
unwanted botanical compounds from the solvent, resulting in a
relatively pure plant extract.
Inventors: |
Stephens; Benjamin; (Santa
Rosa, CA) ; Streeter; Scott; (Santa Rosa,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Delta Separations LLC |
Cotati |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Delta Separations LLC
Cotati
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005520048 |
Appl. No.: |
17/230914 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17068993 |
Oct 13, 2020 |
11014098 |
|
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17230914 |
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|
15672490 |
Aug 9, 2017 |
10814338 |
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17068993 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B04B 3/00 20130101; C11B
1/10 20130101; B04B 11/082 20130101; B04B 7/02 20130101; B01D
11/0269 20130101; B01D 11/0273 20130101; B04B 11/04 20130101; B04B
9/02 20130101; B04B 11/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B04B 11/06 20060101
B04B011/06; B04B 3/00 20060101 B04B003/00; B04B 9/02 20060101
B04B009/02; C11B 1/10 20060101 C11B001/10; B04B 11/08 20060101
B04B011/08; B01D 11/02 20060101 B01D011/02; B04B 11/04 20060101
B04B011/04; B04B 7/02 20060101 B04B007/02 |
Claims
1.-19. (canceled)
20. A device for botanical extraction, the device comprising: a
centrifuge utility platform (CUP) comprising: a CUP vessel having
an axis, an open vessel end with a sealable lid, a wall and a
bottom with a drain; a perforated basket located inside the CUP
vessel, the perforated basket is rotatable relative to the CUP
vessel, the perforated basket has an open basket end and a
perforated wall, and a bottom opposite the open basket end, and the
perforated basket is configured to drain solvent and retain plant
matter after operation of the device; an agitation device including
a plurality of raised elements coupled to the bottom of the
perforated basket; and a motor coupled to the perforated basket,
wherein the motor is configured to bi-directionally rotate the
perforated basket and centrifuge plant matter inside the perforated
basket.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the CUP is configured to rotate
the perforated basket at a predetermined rate and for a defined
duration.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein the CUP is configured to
intermittently drain solvent followed by spin cycles.
23. The device of claim 20, wherein the CUP is configured to remove
imbedded solvent from the plant matter by centripetal force of
varying intensities and durations prior to applying more solvent
for additional processing of the plant matter.
24. The device of claim 20, further comprising a refrigeration
module coupled to the CUP for cooling the material within the CUP
vessel.
25. The device of claim 20, wherein the agitation device has an
axial length that is less than an axial length of a shaft of the
motor, and the agitation device has an outer diameter than is less
than an inner diameter of the perforated basket.
26. The device of claim 20, wherein the perforated basket is
cylindrical and configured to support a removable cartridge that
can be installed in and removed from the perforated basket with
plant matter inside the removable cartridge.
27. The device of claim 26, wherein the removable cartridge
comprises a mesh enclosure that is shaped like and smaller in size
than the perforated basket.
28. The device of claim 20, further comprising an additional filter
membrane surrounding an interior of the perforated basket, and the
additional filter membrane is smaller in size than the perforated
basket.
29. The device of claim 20, further comprising a filter assembly
configured to be coupled to the CUP downstream of the CUP.
30. A system for botanical extraction, the system comprising: a
centrifuge utility platform (CUP) comprising: a CUP vessel having
an axis, an open vessel end with a sealable lid, a wall and a
bottom with a drain; a perforated basket located inside the CUP
vessel, the perforated basket rotates relative to the CUP vessel,
the perforated basket has an open basket end and a perforated wall;
an agitation device affixed to the perforated basket; and a motor
configured to bi-directionally rotate the perforated basket and to
centrifuge plant matter inside the perforated basket; and wherein
the agitation device has an axial length that is less than an axial
length of a shaft of the motor, and the agitation device has an
outer diameter than is less than an inner diameter of the
perforated basket.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the CUP rotates the perforated
basket at a predetermined rate and for a defined duration.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the CUP intermittently drains
solvent followed by spin cycles.
33. The system of claim 30, wherein the CUP removes imbedded
solvent from the plant matter by centripetal force of varying
intensities and durations prior to applying more solvent for
additional processing of the plant matter.
34. The system of claim 30, further comprising a refrigeration
module coupled to the CUP for cooling the material within the CUP
vessel.
35. (canceled)
36. The system of claim 30, further comprising a mesh enclosure
that is shaped like and smaller in size than the perforated basket
and configured to be disposed within the perforated basket and to
retain the plant matter therein.
37. The system of claim 30, further comprising an additional filter
membrane surrounding an interior of the perforated basket, and the
additional filter membrane is smaller in size than the perforated
basket.
38. The system of claim 30, further comprising a filter assembly
coupled to the CUP downstream of the CUP.
39.-44. (canceled)
45. The system of claim 20, wherein the solvent comprises an
alcohol.
46. The system of claim 20, wherein the solvent alcohol comprises
methanol.
47. The system of claim 27, wherein the mesh enclosure includes a
fixed first end and a second end that is removable for adding or
removing the plant matter therefrom.
48. The system of claim 36, wherein the mesh enclosure includes a
fixed first end and a second end that is removable for adding or
removing the plant matter therefrom.
49. A system for botanical extraction, the system comprising: a
centrifuge utility platform (CUP) comprising: a CUP vessel having
an axis, an open vessel end with a sealable lid comprising an
orifice, a wall and a bottom with a drain; a perforated basket
located inside the CUP vessel, the perforated basket rotatable
relative to the CUP vessel, the perforated basket having an open
basket end and a perforated wall; a removable cartridge configured
to fit within the perforated basket for holding plant matter
therein, the removable cartridge including a fixed first end and a
second end that is removable for adding or removing the plant
matter therefrom; and a motor coupled to the perforated basket and
configured to bi-directionally rotate the perforated basket to
centrifuge the plant matter inside the perforated basket.
50. The system of claim 49, further comprising: a thermal jacket
disposed around the CUP vessel and configured to circulate a fluid
to cool material within the CUP vessel; and a refrigeration module
in fluid communication with the thermal jacket and configured to
cool the fluid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/068,993, filed Oct.
13, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/672,490, filed Aug. 9, 2017, each of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to separation and
purification processes, and more particularly, to devices, systems,
and methods for separation and purification of organic compounds
from botanical materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Plants have historically been a resource for compounds with
medicinal and commercial value. The compounds are typically made
available through an extraction process that can begin with coarse
separation of plant material to minimize the volume that typically
undergoes one or more refined separation processes. The refining
processes utilize physical and or chemical differences to
dissociate desired plant materials, from supporting material.
Physical separation characteristics include differences in density,
hardness and shape. Chemical separation characteristics include
differences in solubility, vapor pressure, reactivity and
combustion. A successful plant extraction methodology generally
minimizes: cost, time, waste and cross contamination or unwanted
toxicology. Many time proven processes continue to be used today.
Others have evolved as technology improvements occur.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The novel process described in this patent improves upon the
work of others by reducing processing time and increasing product
quality in an environmentally friendly way. The technology
described in this document provide the ability to extract and
purify botanical compounds from a diverse plant species. The
solvent based extraction technology can isolate specific compounds
with medicinal and/or commercial value through specially crafted
process sequences that effectively reach the desired botanical
component despite differences in botanical material types and
unique differences in organic chemical characteristics.
[0005] The technological package consists of two main processing
centers; each is a combination of process features that can be
personalized to effectively address unique extraction challenges.
When combined, the extraction processes deliver capabilities in
product throughput speed and product purity not available using
previously available separation methods. The first component of
this package is a Centrifuge Utility Platform (CUP) and the second
component is an Adsorption Interface and Separation Platform
(AISP).
[0006] This combination of processing centers provides an ideal
methodology for organic compound extraction from botanical material
by delivering a personalized methodology that effectively liberates
the desired pharmacological compound(s) or commercial product from
plants despite their dramatically different anatomical
characteristics. In some applications, a gentle surface wash of
plant material is the optimal way to dislodge oils or resinous
nodules that are loosely affixed to plant surfaces. In other
situations, a bath with vigorous agitation is necessary to dislodge
compounds that are imbedded deeply within the plant material. The
CUP provides both spray and wash cycles to meet these requirements.
The AISP is the second portion of the overall extraction and
purification process. Once again, this multifaceted process is
configured to meet the requirements of purification associated with
a specific end product requirement. This process typically includes
several extractions, each focused on separating the desired
compounds from unwanted materials dissolved or suspended in the
extraction solvent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an integrated
package of a contemplated botanical material separation and
purification equipment;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contemplated
CUP in the wash mode of operation, which is designed to extract
organic compounds from difficult to access botanical material;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contemplated
CUP in the spray mode of operation, which is designed to capture
organic compounds that are loosely attached to plant surfaces;
and
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a contemplated
AISP, which is an integral part of the botanically based molecule
purification process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0011] This integrated extraction and purification process was
developed to address the problems with the prior art and
conventional technologies, methods, systems, processes, and related
apparatus. As will be described herein and disclosed in the
examples, the contemplated systems and processes for plant material
extraction and purification are novel and non-obvious.
[0012] The technological package consists of two main processing
centers; each is a combination of process features that can be
personalized to effectively address unique extraction challenges.
When combined, the extraction processes deliver capabilities in
product throughput speed and product purity not available using
previously available separation methods. The first component of
this package is a CUP and the second component is an AISP.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a botanical extraction and purification
device, which includes a CUP 1, heating/refrigeration modules 2,
solvent "A" storage container 3, gas vacuum/pressure pumps 4,
chemical metering pumps 5, product transfer lines 6, valves 7, AISP
8, granular material introduction 9 into the AISP, solvent "B"
storage container 10, chemical transfer pump 11, filter assembly
12, and a product storage container 13.
[0014] This combination of processing centers provides an ideal
methodology for organic compound extraction from botanical material
by delivering a personalized methodology that effectively liberates
the desired pharmacological compound(s) or commercial product from
plants despite their dramatically different anatomical
characteristics. In some applications, a gentle surface wash of
plant material is the optimal way to dislodge/dissolve lipids or
resinous nodules that are loosely affixed to plant surfaces. In
other situations, a bath with vigorous agitation is necessary to
dislodge compounds that are embedded deeply within the plant
material. The CUP provides both spray and wash cycles to meet these
requirements.
[0015] In the wash mode, most of the extraction of the botanical
compounds from plant material is the direct result of the solvent
flow through the plant material caused by the juxtaposition of
earth gravity and centripetal gravity created in the basket. The
repeated abrupt reversals in the baskets tangential and rotational
velocity result in sequentially opposing centripetal forces. The
cyclic interaction of the effect of earth gravity and gravity
created through centripetal force on the solvent within the vessel
alternately pulls and pushes solvent away from and toward the
central axis of the centripetal force. As the solvent passes
through the plant material it adsorbs or absorbs organic compounds.
When operating in spray mode, the majority of the plant compound
extraction occurs when solvent is sprayed onto the plant material
and then pulled through the plant material with centripetal force
generated by rotation of the basket containing the plant material;
or when solvent containing botanical material is sprayed upon a
filter material within the rotating CAP basket. The solvent is
pulled through the accumulated botanical material on the filter
material by centripetal forces that result from CAP basket
rotation.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the CUP, which includes an openable end
(A-1), including side walls (A-2), drain fitting (A-3) with valve,
main sealable lid (B-1) to open the CUP, access port (C-1) with
valve for liquids or gases, access port (C-2) with valve for
liquids and connection point for the liquid distribution wand,
perforated basket (D), agitation inducing device (E) affixed to the
bottom of the perforated basket (E), outer wall of thermal jacket
(F-1) for heating/cooling fluid to transfer heat in or out of
material within the vessel, low access point (F-2) for fluid
transfer in/out of the thermal jacket (F-1), high access point
(F-3) for fluid transfer in/out of the thermal jacket (F-1), shaft
(G-1) to impart motion to the basket (D) from the motor (G-2).
Shaft (G-1) has a gasket at point of contact with vessel wall. The
motor (G-2) can have variable speed and direction control.
[0017] The CUP is a device with a closed vessel of a size
appropriate for the quantity of product being processed. The
processing portion of the device is a vessel, preferably
cylindrical, with a sealed access door at one end. The vessel has
several orifices for the introduction and removal of liquids or
gases. A basket, preferably cylindrical, is placed within the
vessel and can bi-directionally rotate along its cylindrical axis
at varying speeds as required to generate centripetal force within
the basket. The basket is open on the end and perforated along the
sides. The open end of the basket is aligned with the openable end
of the vessel. The bottom of the basket contains raised elements
that contribute to the agitation to the liquid and products within
the basket when the basket is rotated. The rate of motion of the
basket is monitored and regulated by an integrated process control.
Most of the agitation happens from the counter current force of the
solvent moving in and out of the material when the centripetal
force pulls it out, and then rushes back in when the direction
changes.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates the CUP, which can further include the
openable end (A-1), side walls (A-2), drain fitting (A-3), main
sealable lid (B-1), secondary sealable opening in the lid for open
end of the CUP, access port (C-1) with valve for liquids or gases,
access port with valve for liquids and connection point for the
liquid distribution wand, access port (C-3) for liquids with valve
and attached liquid distribution wand, paddle(s) (C-4) attached to
the liquid distribution wand, spray nozzles (C-5) attached to the
liquid distribution wand, perforated basket (D), agitation inducing
device (E) affixed to the bottom of the perforated basket, outer
wall of thermal jacket (F-1) for heating/cooling fluid to transfer
heat in or out of material within the vessel, low access point
(F-2) for fluid transfer in/out of the thermal jacket, high access
point (F-3) for fluid transfer in/out of the thermal jacket, shaft
(G-1) to impart motion to the basket (D) from the motor (G-2).
Shaft has gasket at point of contact with vessel wall. The motor
(G-2) can have variable speed and direction control.
[0019] When the CUP is used in spray mode for gentle surface wash
of botanical material, a pre-determined amount of plant material is
placed into a mesh enclosure that is of the same shape and slightly
smaller size as the rotating basket. The mesh enclosure has one
open end. The mesh enclosure is placed into the basket with the
open end facing the same direction as the basket opening. The mesh
enclosure is filled not more than to pre-determined quantity with
plant product. A specialized liquid distribution wand consisting of
a straight shaft with any number of sides is affixed to an
attachment point on the inside of the vessel lid. The attachment
point of this stationary wand aligns with the centerline of the
rotating basket. The wand is equipped with paddles and nozzles in
various configurations. The paddles even the botanical product
distribution within the basket when rotating and the nozzles spray
solvent onto the botanical product as it is rotating. The rotation
pulls the solvent through the plant material and the basket wall
where it then falls to the sump for recirculation if desired.
Rotational speed and direction can be adjusted to optimally move
the solvent through the plant material. The process is continued
until a selective solvent exposure residence time is obtained. The
residence time varies by plant material type.
[0020] The gentle plant material spray cycle is programmable to
meet specific product requirements. Variables include: solvent
spray temperature, velocity and duration, as well as basket
rotational speed and duration of rotation. Some variations of the
device include control of the vessel temperature through an
external jacket that can be flushed with warm or cold liquid.
[0021] The CUP can also be used as a centrifugal filter during
spray mode. When this option is elected a liner of appropriate
filter material is added to the inside of the rotating drum.
Solution with suspended solids is sprayed into the rotating drum.
The solids accumulate on the filter material and solvents are
pulled through the filter cake by centripetal force. The filter
cake can then be washed with a solvent prior to drying with heat
and vacuum. Drying can also include the introduction of air or
inert gas when air or the absence of oxygen contributes to the
production of a desired organic compound.
[0022] In yet another application, the CUP can be used to remove
liquids from botanical material previously exposed to moisture by
another process. In this option plant material is placed within the
drum without a filter material liner. Centripetal force of varying
force and duration is used to pull the adsorbed liquids away from
the botanical material and through the perforated basket wall where
it falls to the bottom of the CUP vessel. The liquid removed from
the plant material can be transferred to another container for
additional processing. The specialized liquid distribution wand
need not be installed unless additional spray washing is desired.
Drying can also include the introduction of air or inert gas when
air or the absence of oxygen contributes to the production of a
desired organic compound.
[0023] The CUP is used in wash mode when more aggressive agitation
of the botanical material is required to release the desired
organic compounds. When in wash mode, the straight wand described
above is removed and the entire basket is filled with a mesh
enclosure with two ends. One end is fixed and the other is
removable to allow the introduction/removal of shredded plant
material. In this application, the mesh bag is filled with plant
material. Effective extractions require plant partitioning in a way
that optimize solvent exposure to the plant surface areas expected
to contain the desired organic compounds. The mesh enclosures can
be filled in advance to minimize equipment down time.
[0024] When the CUP wash mode is selected solvents fill the vessel
after the product filled mesh bag is placed within the basket and
the vessel lid is closed. The basket is bi-directionally rotated at
a predetermined rate and for a defined duration. The washing
process includes an intermittent draining of the solvent followed
by a high speed spin. This sequence pulls the imbedded solvent out
of the plant material by centripetal force of varying intensities
and duration prior to a re-introduction of the solvent or new
solvent for a second or third washing.
[0025] The wash cycle program is crafted to meet the requirements
of the plant material being processed by integrating wash cycle
length, agitation direction and speed as well as solvent
temperature and centrifugal spin cycle force and duration. Some
variations of the device include control of the vessel temperature
through an external jacket that can be flushed with warm or cold
liquid.
[0026] Additional fittings are provided on the vessel. Three are
provided on the lid of the vessel to accommodate the addition of
more than one solvent during washing and to compensate for gas
pressure within the vessel as liquid is added or removed. A drain
fitting is placed at the bottom of the vessel for gravity feed
release of solvents.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the AISP assembly, which
includes the openable end (A-1), side walls (A-2), drain fitting
(A-3), main sealable lid (B-1), secondary sealable door or opening
(B-2), access port (C-1), agitation inducing device (E), outer wall
of thermal jacket (F-1), low access point (F-2), high access point
(F-3), and shaft (G-1) to impart motion to the basket from the
motor (G-2).
[0028] The CUP vessel is designed to be operated at a vacuum or
pressure during either the spray or wash cycle. This allows the
vessel to be purged with inert gas when oxygen or other gases
within air interfere with the process. It also allows the
introduction of pressure and temperature swings to enhance
solubility and or precipitation.
[0029] All components of the CUP system can be made in accordance
with sanitary standards. This includes the choice of materials and
method of fastening hoses or pipes to the vessel.
[0030] The AISP is the second portion of the overall extraction and
purification process. Once again, this multifaceted process is
configured to meet the requirements of purification associated with
a specific end product requirement. This process typically includes
several extractions, each focused on separating the desired
compounds from unwanted materials dissolved or suspended in the
extraction solvent.
[0031] The AISP is a vessel sized according to the quantity of
material being processed. It is preferably cylindrical with a fixed
bottom, openable top and solid side walls. The vessel includes
several orifices for the introduction and removal of liquids and
solids. The vessel is designed to operate under pressure and
vacuum. It can also be heated or cooled by flushing with warm or
cold liquid through an external jacket. Sealable openings in the
vessel lid are used for the introduction of one or more solvents
and the addition of one or more filtering agents. Fittings are also
provided to compensate for changes in the liquid level within the
vessel and/or adjusting the vessel pressure/vacuum. Inert gases can
be used where oxygen in the air will interfere with the product.
Liquid within the vessel can be agitated or mixed at various speeds
for a specified time.
[0032] The typical AISP sequence of operation includes heating or
cooling of the vessel followed by the introduction of the solvent
laden with desired product collected from the CUP process. A
filtering agent designed to adsorb or react with a target impurity
or type of impurities is added to the vessel prior to adjusting the
vessel pressure/vacuum. The solvent and filtering/reacting agent
are mixed according to a sequenced agitation program. The treatment
program typically includes mixing at varying intensifies followed
by pause periods that repeat for a determined period of time.
[0033] At the completion of the adsorption/reaction process, the
pressure/vacuum is changed as necessary to push the liquid and
adsorbent/reactant from a fitting located on the bottom of the
vessel. This liquid is then passed through one or more filtering
devices designed to separate the filtering agent from the solvent.
This process is continued as required to meet the product quality
requirements.
[0034] All components of the AISP system are made in accordance
with sanitary standards. This includes the choice of materials and
method of fastening hoses or pipes to the vessel.
[0035] The solvent used in this process is then further cleaned
through distillation, if necessary, before being reused on a
subsequent separation process.
[0036] The contemplated disclosures may be combined among
themselves and/or with other known/conventional extraction and
purification processes.
[0037] In summary, contemplated embodiments provide several
advantages in separation and extraction applications over other
available and conventional technologies. The CUP device provides
the ability to perform four distinctly different functions using
the same platform:
[0038] Access organic molecules deeply imbedded in botanical
material through full emersion and bi-directional agitation in
solvent. The solvent is then removed from the plant material by
tank draining followed by centripetal force applied to the basket
containing the plant material.
[0039] Access to organic resins and dust superficially attached to
botanical material through spray wash combined with centripetal
force to move solvent through and out of the plant material.
[0040] Separation of suspended solids from a liquid and then wash
the filter cake material with solvent spray that is pulled through
the filter cake and filter membrane with centripetal force.
[0041] Centripetal separation of adsorbed liquids on plant
material.
[0042] The following Examples illustrate how the embodiments
disclosed herein can be utilized; however, it should be understood
that these Examples are not limiting and are used to show some of
the specific embodiments that are a part of the broad scope of the
technology disclosed herein.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0043] "Kava" or "Kava-Kava" (Piper methysticum) is a root plant
that has been used for social drinks and medicinal purposes
sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and entheogenic for thousands of
years. The plant is typically grown in the South Pacific and is now
commercially available in most of the world. Kavalactones are the
compounds responsible for the desired physiological effects
associated with the plant. The kavalactones are predominantly
located in the plant roots. The dried root material is a fibrous
material with a composition of 43% starch, 20% fiber, 15%
kavalactones, 12% water, 3.2% sugars, 3.6% protein and 3.2%
minerals. Traditional extraction of the kavalactones involves
converting the material to powder that is suspended in water. The
traditional methodology is ineffective because it does not extract
the oil soluble kavalactones. The CUP process using the wash
methodology with methanol as a solvent overcomes this challenge
because both water and oil soluble kavalactones are dissolved in
this alcohol. The turbulent agitation and deep soaking provided by
this CUP wash mode is ideal for separating the kavalactones from
the fibrous plant material. The alcohol liquor is then purified to
remove unwanted plant material in the AISP process utilizing
carbon.
Example 2
[0044] Papers presenting ethnobotany of the South Pacific report
many ferns have medicinal uses for ailments such as rheumatism,
asthma, gynecology and digestion. The frond portion of the plant is
the source for oils and other organic compounds with medicinal
efficacy. The CUP technology in spray mode is ideal for the
separation and capture of spores and oils from sporangium of the
sorus structures on a fern frond. The spray technology projects
solvents through nozzles affixed to a stationary wand that aligns
with the centerline of the rotating basket. This configuration
places solvent on the surface and has sufficient force to dislodge
partially sealed sporangium structures and yet minimizes the
capture of unwanted chlorophyll and other plant matter that would
be accumulated if extractions were done using a wash method. In
this application the spray is accompanied with rotation in
alternating directions. The centrifugal motion pulls the sprayed
solvent through the plant matter and rotation change enhances a
more comprehensive exposure to the solvent.
Example 3
[0045] Differential separation is another feature of the CUP
device. The application can separate botanical fibers and some
cells/large cell fragments from liquids used as solvents in
examples #1 and #2 above. In this application, the addition of a
mesh container of the same shapes but slightly smaller size than
the basket. The mesh container has a bottom, sides and a top that
can be closed. The mesh container is fabricated with opening sizes
as required to effectively filter material placed within the
container. In this application, the liquid containing botanical
material of small diameter is sprayed through nozzles affixed to a
stationary wand that aligns with the centerline of the rotating
basket. The solid material from the sprayed liquid accumulates on
the filter medium and the liquid portion of the spray continues
through the filter cake and filter medium because of basket
centripetal force. The application includes the option of rinsing
the filter cake with clean solvent prior to drying. The drying
process can include the introduction of warm gas through one
orifice in the vessel and extracting the gas with solvent fumes
through another orifice at different vessel location.
[0046] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof.
It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.
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