PHYTOCHEMICAL EXTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHODS TO EXTRACT PHYTOCHEMICALS FROM PLANTS INCLUDING PLANTS OF THE FAMILY CANNABACEAE SENSU STRICTO

Abstract

A method and system of and for extraction or removal of phytochemicals from plants, including those of the plant family Cannabaceae sensu stricto. More specifically, a method and system for extracting essential oils from plants, such as cannabis, without the use of a solvent.

Claims

1. A phytochemical extraction system comprising: a vacuum chamber configured to hold plant material or a phytochemical composition and to maintain a vacuum; an evacuation pump configured to create a vacuum within the vacuum chamber; and a collection chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber; wherein when plant material or the phytochemical composition is placed in the vacuum chamber, the amount of vacuum created in the vacuum chamber by and with the evacuation pump is sufficient to cause at least one phytochemical to volatizes and/or precipitate from the plant material or the phytochemical composition and collect in the collection chamber without using a solvent, thereby creating a solvent-less phytochemical extract.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heat source, wherein the heat source increases the temperature within the vacuum chamber, wherein the vacuum chamber temperature is below 100° C., and wherein the temperature causes the volatilization of the at least one phytochemical.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one valve within the system to facilitate return of the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one valve enables an explosive return of the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure.

5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a pressurized gas or air reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one valve, wherein upon actuation of the at least one valve the vacuum chamber is compressed to approximately the pressure of the pressurized gas or air reservoir.

6. The system of claim 3, further comprising a second evacuation pump in fluid communication with the collection chamber and capable of evacuating the collection chamber when the evacuation pump in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber is actuated and creating at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber.

7. The system of claim 3, further comprising a filter or trap wherein upon return of the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure, the at least one phytochemical is collected in or with the filter or trap.

8. The system of claim 3, further comprising cooling the collection chamber and/or the trap or filter to a temperature below the temperature of the vacuum chamber to more effectively and efficiently collect the at least one phytochemical.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the plant material is from and belongs to the plant family Cannabaceae sensu stricto.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the solvent-less phytochemical extract belongs to the group consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, or combinations thereof.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein the heat source comprises an electrical heating element.

12. The system of claim 2, further including at least one processor, at least one memory, at least one software program, and at least one configurable hardware device in wired or wireless communication with at least one temperature sensor, at least one pressure and/or vacuum sensor, at least one valve control solenoid, and at least one temperature control solenoid to provide digital command and control of the system.

13. A method of and for extracting a phytochemical from plant material or a phytochemical composition, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vacuum chamber configured to hold plant material or a phytochemical composition and maintain a vacuum; providing an evacuation pump configured to create a vacuum within the vacuum chamber; providing a collection chamber in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber; wherein when plant material or a phytochemical composition is placed in the vacuum chamber, the amount of vacuum created in the vacuum chamber by and with the evacuation pump is sufficient to cause at least one phytochemical to volatize and/or precipitate from the plant material or phytochemical composition and collect in the collection chamber without using a solvent, thereby creating a solvent-less phytochemical extract.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a heat source, wherein the heat source increases the temperature within the vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber temperature is below 100° C., and the temperature causes the volatilization of the at least one phytochemical.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing at least one valve within the system to facilitate return of the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one valve enables an explosive return of the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a pressurized gas or air reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one valve, wherein upon actuation of the at least one valve the vacuum chamber is compressed to approximately the pressure of the pressurized gas or air reservoir.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing a second evacuation pump in fluid communication with the collection chamber capable of evacuating the collection chamber when the evacuation pump in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber is actuated and creating at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a filter or trap wherein upon return of the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure, the at least one phytochemical is collected in or with the filter or trap.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the collection chamber and/or the trap or filter is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the vacuum chamber to more effectively and efficiently collect the at least one phytochemical.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the plant material is from and belongs to the plant family Cannabaceae sensu stricto.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the solvent-less phytochemical extract belongs to the group consisting of cannabinoids, terpenes, or combinations thereof

23. The method of claim 13, wherein the heat source comprises an electrical heating element.

24. The method of claim 13, including the step of providing at least one processor, at least one memory, at least one software program, and at least one configurable hardware device in wired or wireless communication with at least one temperature sensor, at least one pressure and/or vacuum sensor, at least one valve control solenoid, and at least one temperature control solenoid to provide digital command and control of the system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of the inventive method and system;

[0065] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an embodiment of the inventive method and system;

[0066] FIG. 3A-3B are schematic diagram depicting embodiments of the inventive method and system.

[0067] FIG. 4A-4H are schematic diagram depicting embodiments of the inventive method and system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] In the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of example and explanation; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details.

[0069] As depicted in FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the inventive method and system (100), a vacuum chamber (105) configured for and capable of maintaining at least a partial vacuum is in fluid communication via a conduit with an evacuation pump (110). Plant material or a phytochemical composition (115) is placed in the vacuum chamber (105) and the evacuation pump (110) actuated to produce at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber (105) adequate to cause volatization and/or precipitation of at least one phytochemical for collection.

[0070] It is contemplated that the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) may be placed and held in the vacuum chamber (105) by many and varied known methods or systems. For example, the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) may be placed on a base or plate, within a bowl or cradle, or other holder (120), or simply suspended within the vacuum chamber (105) as would be convenient with stemmed plants and/or stemmed flowering plants (Not Shown).

[0071] It is contemplated that phytochemical collection may comprise simply allowing the vacuum chamber (105) vacuum/pressure to eventually via the non-actuated evacuation pump (110) equalize and return the vacuum chamber to ambient atmospheric pressure (210), and then collecting the extracted phytochemical from the interior of the vacuum chamber (105).

[0072] As depicted in FIG. 2, it is contemplated that a valve (205) may be included within the system to facilitate returning the chamber (105) to ambient atmospheric pressure (210).

[0073] As depicted in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, it is contemplated that the method and system include a heat source (130) to increase the internal temperature of the vacuum chamber (105) and/or the temperature of the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) above ambient room temperature and thus increase volatilization of phytochemicals at a desired, selected, and/or provided partial vacuum.

[0074] It is contemplated that the temperature to which the heat source (130) increases the internal temperature of the vacuum chamber (105) and/or the temperature of the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) is below 100° C. to enable volatilization of a phytochemical at a lower vacuum without causing pyrolysis of the plant material or phytochemical composition (115).

[0075] It is contemplated that utilizing either controlled or explosive recompression of the chamber (105), the at least one phytochemical is collected via a collection chamber (305, 305′). In certain embodiments, the collection chamber (305, 305′) may be located within the vacuum chamber (305), or may be separate from and in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (305′). It is contemplated that the system (100) include a valve (205) capable of controlled and/or explosive venting of the vacuum chamber (105) to the ambient atmosphere (210).

[0076] It is contemplated that utilizing explosive recompression of the vacuum chamber (105), the at least one phytochemical is collected via the collection chamber (305, 305′).

[0077] As depicted in FIG. 4A, it is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) includes a second evacuation pump (410) capable of high-vacuum and high-velocity operation and in fluid communication with the collection chamber (305, 305′). It is contemplated that the system (100) include a valve (425) capable of controlled and/or explosive venting of the collection chamber (305, 305′) to the exterior ambient atmosphere (210).

[0078] As depicted in FIG. 4B, it is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) includes at least one check valve (445) capable of high-vacuum and high-velocity operation in fluid communication with the collection chamber (305, 305′), and the second evacuation pump (410) to facilitate maintaining a selected and desired vacuum within the vacuum chamber (105) and/or collection chamber (305, 305′). It is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) includes a second check valve (450) capable of high-vacuum and high-velocity operation in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (105) and the evacuation pump (110) to facilitate maintaining a selected and desired vacuum within the vacuum chamber (105) and/or the collection chamber (305, 305′).

[0079] As depicted in FIG. 4C, it is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) includes at least one ball or globe valve (430) capable of explosive operation or actuation in fluid communication with the collection chamber (305, 305′), a high-vacuum tank or reservoir (460), and the second evacuation pump (410). It is contemplated that an instantaneous or near-instantaneous vacuum source may be provided; the evacuation pump (110) providing and maintaining a selected or desired vacuum within the vacuum chamber (105) and/or collection chamber (305, 305′) for volatizing and/or precipitating a phytochemical from plant material or a phytochemical composition (115); and that via the at least one ball or globe valve (430), the high-vacuum tank or reservoir (460) holding a vacuum greater than the vacuum in the vacuum chamber (105) and/or the collection chamber (305, 305′) provided by the second evacuation pump (410). Once a selected period has elapsed after the selected or desired vacuum is achieved within the vacuum chamber (105) via the evacuation pump (110); the ball or globe valve (430) may be explosively opened to purge the system (100) and further collect at least one phytochemical (no shown) via the collection chamber (305 or 305′).

[0080] As depicted in FIG. 4D, it is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) includes at least one trap or filter including a plurality of variably configured apertures (415) in fluid communication with the collection chamber (305, 305′), the high-vacuum tank or reservoir (460), and the second evacuation pump (410). As previously described above regarding FIG. 4C, utilizing the evacuation pump (110) to provide and maintain a selected or desired vacuum within the vacuum chamber (105) and/or collection chamber (305, 305′) for volatizing and/or precipitating a phytochemical from plant material or a phytochemical composition (115); and that via the at least one ball or globe valve (430), the high-vacuum tank or reservoir (460) holding a vacuum greater than the vacuum in the vacuum chamber (105) and/or the collection chamber (305, 305′) provided by the second evacuation pump (410); an instantaneous or near-instantaneous vacuum source is provided. Once a selected period has elapsed after the selected or desired vacuum is achieved within the vacuum chamber (105) via the evacuation pump (110); the ball or globe valve (430) may be explosively opened to purge the system (100) and further collect at least one phytochemical (not shown) via the collection chamber (305 or 305′) and/or via the trap or filter (415).

[0081] It is contemplated that the trap or filter (415) may be remote from, and/or internal to or integral with (not shown), the collection chamber (305, 305′). It is also contemplated that the collection chamber (305, 305′) and/or the trap or filter may be cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the vacuum chamber (105) to more effectively and efficiently collect a desired or selected phytochemical.

[0082] As depicted in FIG. 4E, it is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) includes at least one variable vacuum/pressure regulator (455) in fluid communication with: the vacuum chamber (105), a second ball or globe valve (435), in fluid communication with the external ambient atmosphere (210). Similar to as previously described above regarding FIG. 4C and FIG. 4D; utilizing the evacuation pump (110) to provide and maintain a selected or desired vacuum within the vacuum chamber (105) and/or collection chamber (305, 305′) for volatizing and/or precipitating a phytochemical from plant material or a phytochemical composition (115); and that via the at least one ball or globe valve (430), the high-vacuum tank or reservoir (460) holding a vacuum greater than the vacuum in the vacuum chamber (105) and/or the collection chamber (305, 305′) provided by the second evacuation pump (410); an instantaneous or near-instantaneous vacuum source is provided. Once a selected period has elapsed after the selected or desired vacuum is achieved within the vacuum chamber (105) via the evacuation pump (110); the ball or globe valve (430) may be explosively opened to purge the system (100) and further collect at least one phytochemical (not shown) via the collection chamber (305 or 305′) and/or via the trap or filter (415). It is contemplated that to prevent any extracted phytochemical from undesired reverse travel within the system (100), the second ball or globe valve (435) and the variable vacuum/pressure regulator (455) may be activated in a controlled manner to de- or re-compress the vacuum chamber (105) and/or collection chamber (305, 305′).

[0083] As depicted in FIG. 4F, in one embodiment of the inventive method and system, a pressurized gas or air reservoir (470) is provided and in fluid communication with the variable vacuum/pressure regulator (455), wherein instead of recompressing the vacuum chamber (105) to external ambient atmospheric pressure (210), actuation of the second ball or globe valve (435) explosively compresses and/or pressurizes the vacuum chamber (105) to the approximate gas or air pressure within the pressurized reservoir (470) dependent upon the setting of the variable vacuum/pressure regulator (455), thus more efficiently and effectively removing any extracted phytochemical from the surface of the material or composition, and/or from the interior of the system (100). Explosive compression of the chamber (110) to a pressure above ambient air pressure (210) further facilitates collection of the at least one phytochemical by stripping or dislodging and collecting the volatized and/or precipitated at least one phytochemical.

[0084] As depicted in FIG. 4G, in one embodiment of the inventive method and system (100) includes a known distillation and/or vacuum distillation step (420) of the phytochemical collected to substantially remove any solvent, ballast, fat, wax, carbohydrate, protein, sugar, and/or terpene therefrom the plant material or phytochemical composition (115).

[0085] As depicted in FIG. 4H, in one embodiment of the inventive method and system (100) includes valves (475, 480) in fluid communication with the collection chamber (305, 305′) and the ambient atmosphere (210). It is contemplated that with valve (475) open, valve (480) closed, and the vacuum chamber (105) under at least a partial vacuum; at least one phytochemical will collect in the collection chamber (305, 305′). As desired or selected, valve (475) is closed and valve (480) opened to more efficiently and effectively collect the at least one phytochemical via the filter or trap (415).

[0086] It is contemplated that the plant material (115) is from and belongs to the plant family Cannabaceae sensu stricto.

[0087] It is contemplated that the phytochemical composition (115) includes a cannabinoid.

[0088] It is contemplated that the heat source (130) comprises combustion of a fuel.

[0089] It is contemplated that the heat source (130) comprises an electrical heat element.

[0090] It is contemplated that the heat source (130) comprises a heated gas.

[0091] It is contemplated that the at least one phytochemical extracted and/or collected includes a cannabinoid.

[0092] It is contemplated that the at least one phytochemical extracted and/or collected includes a terpene.

[0093] It is contemplated that the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) be heated to a temperature below 100° C. to enable improved volatilization of the at least one phytochemical at a lower vacuum than as if no heat above the external ambient air temperature were provided.

[0094] It is contemplated that the vacuum chamber (105) and/or plant material or phytochemical composition (115) is heated to a temperature below 100° C. before evacuating the vacuum chamber (105).

[0095] It is contemplated that the vacuum chamber (105) and/or plant material or phytochemical composition (115) is heated to a temperature below 100° C. after evacuating the vacuum chamber (105).

[0096] It is contemplated that the vacuum chamber (105) and/or plant material or phytochemical composition (115) is heated to a temperature below 100° C. concurrently with evacuating the vacuum chamber (105).

[0097] Referring to the Figures, one theory of operational embodiment may be as follows. With the evacuation pump (110) disabled and the valve (205) open and located in the system (100) between the vacuum chamber (105) and the evacuation pump (110) as depicted, the plant material or a phytochemical composition (115) is placed in the vacuum chamber (105). It is contemplated that the vacuum chamber (105) is airtight and capable of maintaining a vacuum created and drawn therein by activation of the evacuation pump (110). It is also contemplated that the vacuum chamber (105) includes an opening and closing sealable door or port (Not Shown) to facilitate introduction and removal of the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) in and from the vacuum chamber (105).

[0098] Once the plant material or phytochemical composition (115) is placed inside the vacuum chamber (105), the valve (205) is adjusted to enable the evacuation of the vacuum chamber (105) when the evacuation pump (110) is activated thus creating at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum chamber (105). As the drawn vacuum increases, at least one phytochemical volatizes from and/or precipitates out of plant material or phytochemical composition (115) depending upon the dew-point temperature within the vacuum chamber (105). If the temperature of the vacuum chamber (105) interior walls is below the dew point for and in accordance with the amount of vacuum in the vacuum chamber (110), the at least one phytochemical will volatize and collect (i.e. cold condense) on the interior walls of the vacuum chamber (110). If the temperature of the vacuum chamber (110) interior walls is above the dew point for and in accordance with the amount of vacuum in the vacuum chamber (110), the at least one phytochemical precipitates out of the plant material or phytochemical composition and collects on the surface the material or composition.

[0099] It is contemplated that in the case of phytochemical volatilization, a filter or trap (415) be placed between the source of volatilization and the point of cold condensation for ease of phytochemical collection, for increased system and production efficiency, and for improved system cleaning and maintenance.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the filer or trap (415) is located within the collection chamber (305, 305′).

[0101] It is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) may include at least one processor, memory, software program, configurable hardware device, temperature sensor, pressure and/or vacuum sensor, valve control solenoid, temperature control solenoid, and/or other electromechanical system or device (none shown) to provide digital command and control of the inventive method and system.

[0102] It is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) may include at least one processor, memory, software program, and configurable hardware device in wired or wireless communication with at least one temperature sensor, pressure and/or vacuum sensor, valve control solenoid, temperature control solenoid, and/or other electromechanical system or device (none shown) to provide remote digital command and control of the inventive method and system.

[0103] It is contemplated that the inventive method and system (100) may include at least one processor, memory, software program, and configurable hardware device in wired or wireless communication with at least one temperature sensor, pressure and/or vacuum sensor, valve control solenoid, temperature control solenoid, and/or other electromechanical system or device (none shown) to provide remote digital command and control of the inventive method and system via an intranet, Internet, or other communication network.

[0104] Additional details regarding the invention are referred to in the attached Appendix to the application.

[0105] Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, its advantages and objectives can be easily understood. Variations from the description above may and can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0106] Accordingly, this invention is not to be limited by the embodiments as described, which are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.