Heat modulation control within an extraction column

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for extraction compounds from raw materials. The control and manipulation of heat formed and contained within the extraction vessel or column may be vital in obtaining a certain flavor profile or intensity of the effluent extracted from the raw materials. As such, the solvent entering the apparatus to extract the raw materials may be heated to a specified temperature range with the aid of energy already formed within the extraction column. The apparatus to extract the raw materials may include a body comprising a pressure vessel capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, a flow of pressurized solvent may enter the base of the extraction column, where the flow of pressurized solvent has a select temperature such that the temperature may be manipulated to obtain a distinct flavor profile of the effluent extracted from the raw materials.

1 . An extraction column comprising:
 a body comprising a pressure vessel capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures;   a selected raw material packed within the extraction column; and   a flow of pressurized solvent entering a base of the extraction column;
 wherein the flow of pressurized solvent has a select temperature such that the temperature is manipulated to obtain a distinct flavor profile of an effluent extracted from the raw materials. 
   
     
     
         2 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent entering the extraction column comprises a temperature range of ambient temperature to 190° Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         3 . The extraction column of  claim 1 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column increases in temperature at a leading edge of solvent due to frictional heating as the pressurized solvent rises up the extraction column, such that the temperature within the extraction column increases in a range from 105°-190° Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         4 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent drives deeply into the bed of packed raw materials held stationary against the extraction column as a result of static friction, which will be exceeded by hydraulic forces. 
     
     
         5 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the sudden release of thermal energy causes a subsequent increase in temperature capable of achieving or exceeding an optimal temperature range for extracting compounds and constituents from the raw materials, such that the optimal temperature range is from 196° to 204° Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         6 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent comprises a pressure with a range from 0 to 20 PSI with a temperature range from 105° to 115° Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent, heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a smooth flavor profile. 
     
     
         7 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent comprises a pressure with a range from 20 to 40 PSI with a temperature range from 125° to 140° Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent, heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a smooth and sweet flavor profile. 
     
     
         8 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent comprises a pressure with a range from 40 to 70 PSI with a temperature range from 140° to 160° Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent, heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a rich and full bodied flavor profile full of sweet volatile compounds. 
     
     
         9 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent comprises a pressure with a range from 70 to 90 PSI with a temperature range of 150° to 170° Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent, heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a sweet, rich and full bodied flavor profile. 
     
     
         10 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent comprises a pressure with a range from 90 to 120 PSI with a temperature range of 165° to 180° Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent, heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a dark roast and smoky flavor profile. 
     
     
         11 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent comprises a pressure with a range from 120 to 240 PSI with a temperature range of 177° to 190° Fahrenheit at a leading edge of solvent, heated from energy formed within the extraction column to generate an effluent extracted from the raw materials with a dark roast and smoky flavor profile. 
     
     
         12 . The extraction column of  claim 3 , wherein the flow of pressurized solvent increases by an additional temperature spike of a range from 20° to 40° Fahrenheit, such that the additional temperature spike achieves or surpasses the necessary solubilization and mass transfer window temperature range of 196° to 204° Fahrenheit.