Percolation tank is a commonly used extraction and separation equipment in medicine, food, and chemical industries. It is particularly suitable for the extraction and extraction of active ingredients in medicinal materials. Percolation is a static method of extracting exudate. Generally used for room temperature percolation after extraction, and for thorough extraction of medicinal residues. In the percolation tank, the medicinal herbs are often first soaked to accelerate the penetration of solvents into the herbs, while also preventing the occurrence of short circuits in the liquid during the percolation process, which can affect the yield and shorten the extraction time.

The commonly used percolation tanks are divided into two types: straight tube and conical. Percolation extraction is a method in which a leaching solvent is added to medicinal herbs in a percolating container with high humidity to allow them to permeate through the herbs. The effective ingredients are leached out during the flow process through the contact between the solvent and the herbs, and the resulting leachate is called "percolation solution". The common operation methods inside the percolation tank can be divided into one-time percolation, repeated percolation (multiple percolation), counter current percolation, and pressure percolation.

Factors affecting percolation quality

① Particle size of medicinal powder. Insufficient extraction due to coarse extraction, and clogging of pores due to fine extraction, typically resulting in coarse powder (5-20 mesh)

② Moisturizing the medicinal powder. Not being moist can easily cause uneven expansion and leaching degree.

③ The pressure of the medicine powder should be even when pressed tightly

④ Control the percolation rate, too fast extraction is insufficient, and too slow extraction affects efficiency.

Permeation Jars_Traditional Chinese Medicine Permeation Jars_Permeation Extraction Jar

Operation method of percolation tank:

① Moisturizing: Mix well with the prepared solvent, and the medicinal herbs will fully expand after absorbing the solvent.

② Barrel filling: After the medicinal herbs are moistened for a period of time, they are filled into a permeable barrel. (or multifunctional extraction tank)

③ Immersion: Slowly add solvent to the barrel after filling, reaching a height of several centimeters above the surface of the medicine. Cover and place for 24-48 hours.

④ Percolation: After the soaking time is up, slowly release the leachate and add solvent to the powder in a timely manner.