A system and method are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials packed into an extraction column. The system may include a flowing solvent source connected to an extraction column to provide a flow of solvent for extracting the raw materials. The system may also include an electrodeionizer to separate positive ions and negative ions within the flowing solvent to create an imbalance of ions and transform the solvent to a deionized solvent. In further embodiments, the extraction column includes a solvent surface layer in contact with a bed of raw materials, such that the hydraulic pressure applied within the extraction column results in the formation of catalyzing energy to generate a self-perpetuating energy cycle to extract the raw materials.

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.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials, also referred to as a poly-grain grind matrix. In some embodiments, the matrix of raw materials may form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. Additionally, the varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.

A system and method are provided for extracting compounds from raw materials packed into an extraction column. The system may include a flowing solvent source connected to an extraction column to provide a flow of solvent for extracting the raw materials. The system may also include an electrodeionizer to separate positive ions and negative ions within the flowing solvent to create an imbalance of ions and transform the solvent to a deionized solvent. In further embodiments, the extraction column includes a solvent surface layer in contact with a bed of raw materials, such that the hydraulic pressure applied within the extraction column results in the formation of catalyzing energy to generate a self-perpetuating energy cycle to extract the raw materials.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a matrix of raw materials, also referred to as a poly-grain grind matrix. In some embodiments, the matrix of raw materials may form an interlocking network of varied particle grind sizes that allows the particles to nest and interlock with one another when packed into an extraction vessel, so that most, but not all of the interstitial spacing within the matrix of raw materials is closed. Additionally, the varied particle sizes may be selected by pre-determined weight ranges and size classifications so that the particle grind sizes achieve the desired consistency uniformity. This may allow the network of particles to act as its own best filtering agent during the extraction process. Moreover, the nesting and interlocking network of the particles within the matrix of raw materials may allow the particles to be effectively packed within the extraction column, thus allowing for an efficient and high quality extraction to be performed consistently each and every time.

Methods for creating concentrated plant material solution, including combining ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material with ethanol to define mixtures and reducing the amount of ethanol in the mixtures until the mixtures have viscosities compatible for use with electronic cigarettes. Some examples include combining ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material, hydrocarbon bases, and liquid solutions containing ethanol to define mixtures, removing the hydrocarbon bases from the mixtures, and reducing the ethanol content of the mixtures until the mixtures define viscosities compatible for use with electronic cigarettes. Some examples include extracting solute from source materials and including the extracted solute in the ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material.

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.

An apparatus and method for high pressure treatment of bulk material by extraction and/or impregnation may involve high pressure treating bulk material in a high pressure treatment volume of a pressure vessel apparatus at a high pressure level, especially high pressure in the range from 40 to 1000 bar. The method comprises at least the three following step sequences that are each controllable individually: pressurization, high pressure treatment, and depressurization. The high pressure treatment is performed in a continuous manner in the high pressure treatment volume. The high pressure treatment volume or the entire pressure vessel apparatus is in a fixed arrangement during the high pressure treatment. The continuity of the high pressure treatment is ensured solely by means of the high pressure treatment volume. This especially enables engineering optimization of high pressure treatment processes, for example extraction.

Embodiments of an liquid filtering device are provided including a plunger to be inserted into an container containing a liquid that can have vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. In some implementations, the plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber.

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for counter-current solids leaching. A multi-stage countercurrent leaching chamber can include a top and bottom end, a barren liquor input, two or more regions for countercurrent mixing, and a barren solids output. The input can be configured to receive barren liquor. The two or more regions for countercurrent mixing and separation can be configured to mix and separate liquid and solid phases. The barren solids output can be configured to collect and discharge barren solids from the bottom end of the multi-stage countercurrent leaching chamber. A fluidized bed chamber and clarifier chamber can also be included, where the fluidized bed receives a fluidizable slurry of pregnant solids and the clarifier chamber aids in separating liquids from solids passing from a top of the fluidized bed chamber to the top end of the multi-stage countercurrent leaching chamber.