Classifying – separating – and assorting solids – Plural – diverse separating operations – Aqueous suspension and sifting
Patent
1999-08-24
2000-12-12
Walsh, Donald P.
Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
Plural, diverse separating operations
Aqueous suspension and sifting
209 18, 209 3, 209 4, 209 5, 209172, 2091725, 209173, B03B 700
Patent
active
061585912
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to the processing of plants and agricultural products, and more specifically to an improved method of extracting resin from plant material.
2. Background Art
Plant resins are used in many products. Extraction of plant resins typically involves the use of chemical solvents, which may alter the extract, and may product a by-product or residue that may be unusable or problematic.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The invention provides a method and apparatus to extract plant resins from plants (including dried or fresh flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and the like) using only cold water in a wash process. The temperature of the cold water causes the plant resins to become brittle, while the remaining plant material becomes more flexible. Separation is accomplished by agitation, filtering the residual plant matter from the resin particles and solution, and then filtering the resin particles from the solution.
The invention provides an "ice-water" resin extraction method which has several advantages. Other than water there are no solvents necessary, resulting in an unadulterated extract which may be of importance in the use of its fragrant properties or as a food additive. The method produces a very clean product in as little as one step, without further filtration through settling for a specific duration. Small fibrous plant particles take time to saturate and settle, while resins fall out sooner. Pesticide residues are simultaneously removed. The plant material from which the resins are removed stays essentially intact for further processing (e.g., steam or vacuum distillation, solvent extractions, etc.) The water soluble components can be separated from the liquid at different levels. Fresh undried plant material can be processed using this ice-water method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an apparatus for extracting plant resins of this invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Apparatus or extractor 10 includes a washing chamber 12 having an open (or openable) top 14, with a screen filter 16 disposed above a funnel-shaped settling chamber 18 having a collection neck 20 and a valve 22. Collection bottle 24 is placed below the valve 22, and may include a filter 26 to separate resin particles from the solute, as described infra.
In use, washing chamber 12 is filled with cold water (e.g. 0.degree.-15.degree. C.) to the level of the initial fill mark 12a. A quantity of plant material P is placed into the cold water, and then ice layer 30 consisting of crushed ice, ice cubes or snow may be placed on top of the plant material until the contents of the washing chamber rises to the level of the maximum fill mark 12b. Agitator 32 (such as an electric mixer with stirring whisks) is actuated to mix the contents, preferably in a sequence of mixing and non-mixing (soaking) intervals, to separate the resins from the plant material, as well as to create a solution of that part of the plant material which is soluble into the cold water. After the agitation is stopped, the resins will continue to settle into the settling chamber. The valve may be periodically opened to allow the resin and solution to pass to the paper filter, capturing the resins and allowing the solution to enter the collection bottle. Alternatively, the collection bottle may be directly connected to the valve, allowing the user to fill the bottle with resin/solute for later separation.
In typical dimensions the apparatus is capable of processing plant material in quantities from several grams to approximately 200 grams (dry weight, depending on the plant species). The development of the extractor was based in part on the result of experiments with resin extraction from the flowers, leafs and stems of the Navarretia sqarrosa (Eschs.). It is a member of the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is a small flower (2 to 20 in.) and is well known for its medical properties to native Americans. The resin is visible to the bare eye and is concentrated on the f
REFERENCES:
patent: 4892938 (1990-01-01), Giovanetto
Johnson Larry D.
Miller Jonathan R
Walsh Donald P.
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