Continuous countercurrent ultrasonic extraction production line

This system mainly consists of the following seven units:

1. Continuous feeding and pretreatment unit: hopper, spiral feeder, quantitative conveyor.

2. Core countercurrent ultrasonic extraction unit: feed propulsion/pressing section, B soaking extraction tube, ultrasonic extraction tube, screw propeller, liquid outlet pipe section, slag discharge pipe.

3. Slag liquid separation unit: slag liquid conveying pump, slag liquid rotary drum separator.

4. Solvent preparation and transportation unit: solvent storage tank, inlet pump, filter.

5. Evaporation and concentration unit: evaporation tank, heater, evaporation circulation pump.

6. Solvent recovery and residue treatment unit: tunnel type evaporator, condenser, liquid receiving tank, silo.

7. Intelligent control system and utility unit: PLC/touch screen, online detection instruments (liquid level, temperature, flow rate, etc.), vacuum system (buffer tank, heat exchanger).

2.2 Working principle

The raw materials are uniformly fed into the extraction system through a quantitative conveying system. In the extraction system, the raw material (solid phase) and fresh solvent (liquid phase) flow in opposite directions in multiple extraction tubes connected in series. The direction of solvent flow is opposite to the direction of raw material advancement. When fresh solvent is added at the end and encounters the soon to be discharged raw material residue, sufficient concentration difference is achieved to promote the extraction process and maintain a high mass transfer efficiency.

Ultrasonic energy is introduced into the extraction medium through a transducer installed on the extraction tube, generating strong cavitation, mechanical, and thermal effects. The collapse of cavitation bubbles can instantly destroy the plant cell wall, accelerate the dissolution and diffusion of active ingredients, thereby enhancing the entire countercurrent extraction process. The extraction solution is separated from the residue and then evaporated and concentrated. The residual solvent in the medicine residue is recovered from the distillation line and discharged