Catalyzing pressure wave extraction apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials. One such apparatus may include an extraction column where it is a one column, one pass design capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressure. Additionally, the extraction column may also be capable of containing a self-perpetuating energy cycle used to achieve the required solubilization and mass transfer temperatures necessary for optimal extraction. The apparatus may also include a first opening and a second opening to control the flow of incoming solvent and filter extraneous sediment trapped within the fully extracted effluent. Additionally, the apparatus may be configured to create a self-perpetuating and self-sustaining energy cycle by manipulating the pressure and temperature generated within the apparatus. While the generated temperatures may help achieve a dynamic and efficient extraction process, a trailing cool layer of solvent is also present to effectively preserve the heat sensitive compounds extracted from the raw materials.

1 . An extraction column comprising:
 a body comprising a vertical standing pressure vessel capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressure;   an inlet opening at a base of the pressure vessel to receive at least one primary restrictive perforation to control a flow of incoming solvent entering the extraction column;   an outlet opening at a top portion of the pressure vessel to receive at least one secondary restrictive perforation to filter extraneous sediment trapped within an extracted effluent; and   a solvent surface layer in contact with a bed of raw materials, such that a self-perpetuating energy cycle is formed when the solvent surface layer rises and a hydraulic pressure results in a catalyzing energy to generate a self-perpetuating energy cycle to extract the raw materials.   
     
     
         2 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , wherein the catalyzing energy generates a frictional force within the bed of raw materials such that the frictional force is converted into thermal energy as the raw materials become hydraulically compressed. 
     
     
         3 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary restrictive perforation further comprises at least one filter disc configured to prevent fine particles or sediment from further interacting with the extracted effluent as the effluent passes through the secondary restrictive perforation. 
     
     
         4 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , further comprising a first pressure cap to seal the inlet opening while simultaneously receiving an inflow of solvent entering through a first connector feed attached to the first pressure cap, and a second pressure cap to seal the outlet opening while simultaneously releasing an outflow of extracted effluent exiting the extraction column through a second connector feed attached to the second pressure cap. 
     
     
         5 . The extraction column of  claim 4 , wherein the first pressure cap and the second pressure cap comprise one or more clamp lock head receptacles configured to receive one or more corresponding clamp lock heads to securely seal the first opening and the second opening of the extraction column. 
     
     
         6 . The extraction column of  claim 5 , wherein the clamp lock head further comprises a clamp lock body comprising a clamp lever to control a pivoting movement of the clamp lock head in a desired upward and downward motion into the clamp head receptacle. 
     
     
         7 . The extraction column of  claim 6 , wherein the clamp lock head is in a locked position within the clamp head receptacle when the clamp lever is pushed towards a mid-section of the extraction column, and the clamp lock head is in an open position outside the clamp head receptacle when the clamp lever is pushed away from the extraction column. 
     
     
         8 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , wherein the bed of raw material to be extracted further comprises at least one of coffee grounds, tea leaves, cocoa, herbs, spices, fruits, botanicals, organic substances, and nutraceuticals compacted into the pressure vessel. 
     
     
         9 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , wherein the extraction column is further configured to withstand pressure of up to 350 pounds per square inch. 
     
     
         10 . An extraction column comprising:
 a body comprising a pressure vessel capable of withstanding high temperature and pressure up to 350 pounds per square inch;   a first opening to receive a least one primary restrictive perforation to control a flow of an incoming solvent;   a second opening to receive at least one secondary restrictive perforation to filter extraneous sediment trapped within an effluent extracted from a raw material; and   a solvent surface layer in contact with a bed of raw materials such that thermal energy is generated at a leading edge of the solvent surface layer.   
     
     
         11 . The extraction column of  claim 10 , further comprises a cooler solvent trailing behind a heated solvent surface layer to cool and protect sensitive compounds extracted from the raw material at the leading edge of the solvent surface layer;
 wherein the heated solvent surface layer releases heat from frictional forces as the raw material becomes compressed via a hydraulic compression.   
     
     
         20 . The extraction column of  claim 11 , wherein the cooler solvent trailing behind the heated solvent surface layer performs a separate extraction as the cooler solvent extracts compounds and constituents from the raw material already pre-saturated and swollen from the heated solvent surface layer.