Precautions for operating the multifunctional extractor of traditional Chinese medicine:
1、 Preparation before operation and equipment inspection
1. Equipment status confirmation
Check if there are any cracks or leaks in the tank body, pipelines, and valves to ensure that the mixer is operating normally, the sealing surface is intact, and the locking devices (such as slag discharge doors and feeding ports) are flexible and reliable.
Verify the sensitivity of safety valves, pressure gauges, thermometers, and other instruments, confirm that the pressure reducing valve and safety valve are installed in place, and the steam pressure is ≤ 0.3MPa (jacket working pressure ≤ 0.2MPa).
2Material and solvent preparation
Medicinal herbs need to be pre treated in advance (such as crushing or soaking), and solvents (water, ethanol, etc.) should be selected according to process requirements. During alcohol extraction, the workshop should meet explosion-proof standards (no open flames, good ventilation).
2、 Operating standards during operation
1Pressure and temperature control
Steam operation: The steam valve should be opened slowly to avoid a sudden increase in pressure. When heating the jacket, the steam pressure should be ≤ 0.2MPa, and the working pressure of the main tank should be ≤ 0.3MPa.
Heating extraction: Keep a slight boiling point (96-100 ℃) during water extraction, control the temperature during alcohol extraction to avoid rapid solvent evaporation, and prioritize vacuum or condensation reflux for organic solvent recovery.
2. Circulation and extraction methods
Forced circulation: co current circulation (pump draws liquid from the bottom of the tank to spray at the top) or counter current circulation (draws liquid from the middle of the tank and pushes it upwards), to improve the loosening of medicinal materials and the efficiency of effective ingredient dissolution.
Dynamic extraction: Turn on the mixer to accelerate dissolution and shorten extraction time, suitable for liquids with high viscosity.
3. Key points for safe operation
• Pressure operation: It is strictly prohibited to open the feeding port or slag discharge door when the residual pressure in the tank has not been released. The pressure must be confirmed to be zero through a safety interlock device.
• Solvent treatment: When extracting organic solvents such as alcohol, vacuum operation or condensation reflux should be used for incoming and outgoing materials to avoid open flames and electrostatic sparks.
3、 Exception handling and security protection
1. Emergency response
When abnormal pressure (such as safety valve tripping), temperature loss or leakage is detected, immediately close the steam valve and start the emergency stop program. After the equipment cools down, troubleshoot the problem.
Cut off the power supply in case of solvent leakage, use explosion-proof tools to clean, and prohibit starting electrical equipment.
2. Personnel protection
Wear protective gloves and goggles during operation to avoid contact with high-temperature tanks or splashing liquids; Power off and cool down to room temperature when cleaning the equipment.
4、 Maintenance and Cleaning
1. Daily maintenance
After each shift, clean the residue in the tank and wipe the sensors and valves with clean water or alcohol to prevent water or moisture from entering the electrical components.
Regularly lubricate transmission components (such as cylinders, locking devices), check the wear of sealing rings, and replace them in a timely manner.
2. Long term maintenance
Check the calibration status of safety valves and pressure gauges monthly, perform in-depth maintenance on motors and reducers annually, replace carbon brushes or worn gears.
When shutting down, empty the liquid in the tank, keep the equipment dry, and prevent risks caused by rust or residual solvent evaporation.