Product Overview
The small-scale extraction and concentration unit is a complete set of equipment designed specifically for extraction and concentration processes. Primarily, it is used for traditional Chinese medicine extraction, volatile oil recovery, and medicinal liquid concentration. Moreover, it can meet various extraction requirements for different application scenarios.
Core Extraction Capabilities
It supports a wide range of extraction methods to cater to diverse needs. Specifically, these methods include:
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Volatile oil extraction, water extraction, and alcohol extraction
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Animal viscera extraction, fractional extraction
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Thermal (warm) reflux extraction
In addition to extraction, it also has multiple post-processing functions. For example, it can concentrate the extraction liquid or turn it into ointment. Furthermore, it can recover organic solvents effectively, improving resource utilization.
Product Features
It has a reasonable and compact design, with a small and aesthetic appearance. This design not only saves space but also enhances the overall usability of the equipment.
Additionally, it is easy to operate and maintain, reducing the burden on operators. We adopt stretch-flanging and dead-angle-free welding processes during manufacturing.
These processes ensure the equipment complies with GMP hygienic standards. Moreover, they make the equipment easy to clean and disinfect, meeting the strict hygiene requirements of pharmaceutical and related industries.
Detailed Operational Procedures
1. Material Loading and Solvent Addition
First, operators place medicinal materials into the extraction tank. Then, they add 5-10 times the amount of solvent as per process requirements. Common solvents include water, ethanol, methanol, and acetone.
2. Heating and Initial Extraction
Operators activate the extraction tank’s heating system to bring the extraction liquid to a boil. After 20-30 minutes of boiling, they pump 1/3 of the extraction liquid into the concentration tank via a suction filter tube. This step lays the foundation for subsequent concentration.
3. Concentration Operation
First, operators turn off the extraction tank’s direct heating and jacketed hot water. Then, they activate the concentration tank’s heating system to maintain the concentrated liquid at approximately 80°C.
They also need to maintain a vacuum degree of -0.05 to -0.08 MPa during concentration. Meanwhile, secondary steam generated during the concentration process is condensed by a condenser and cooler. This condensed liquid then returns to the extraction tank as fresh solvent for reuse.
4. Reflux Extraction Cycle
The recycled solvent flows through the medicinal materials from top to bottom. In this process, it dissolves the soluble components in the medicinal materials fully. Operators then pump the extracted liquid back to the concentration tank.
At the same time, new secondary steam generated during concentration repeats the reflux process. This cycle continues until the extraction liquid becomes colorless, which indicates that the active ingredients have been completely dissolved.
5. Final Concentration and Solvent Recovery
After the reflux extraction cycle ends, operators continue the concentration process. They stop concentrating only when the ointment reaches the required specific gravity. The colorless liquid remaining in the extraction tank can be reused for the next batch of extraction, saving solvent costs.
Special Operation for Organic Solvent Extraction
For organic solvent extraction, operators first add an appropriate amount of water to the extraction tank. They then activate the heating system to recover the organic solvent. Once solvent recovery is complete, they discharge the medicinal residue from the equipment.
