1、 Preparation before operation
1. Equipment inspection
Confirm that the equipment status sign is "intact and running", check that there is no leakage in the pipeline connection, and that the instrument and valve positions are normal.
Check the performance of the air compressor, cooling system, and steam system to ensure sufficient lubricating oil.
2. Cleaning and feeding
Rinse the inner wall of the tank, filter screen and pipeline, and remove residual drug residue.
When feeding, priority should be given to adding light medicinal herbs (such as flowers and leaves), followed by root and stem medicinal herbs. The total amount of materials should not exceed 2/3 of the tank capacity.
2、 Extraction operation process
1. Parameter setting and heating
Select the solvent (water or ethanol) according to the process, and add 5-10 times the amount of medicinal herbs.
Turn on the interlayer steam heating (pressure ≤ 0.3 MPa) to make the liquid boil and maintain a slight boiling state.
2. Dynamic extraction control
Start the mixing system (variable frequency speed regulation) to accelerate the mixing of materials and solvents, and improve extraction efficiency.
Automatically adjust steam flow by monitoring temperature, pressure and other parameters through sensors.
3. Forced circulation and reflux
The medicine is extracted from the bottom of the tank and forced to circulate back into the tank through a pump, eliminating local channeling.
After being cooled by the condenser, the steam flows back into the tank, forming a cycle of extraction until the liquid is colorless.
3、 Special process operation
1. Extraction of volatile oil
Mixing medicinal herbs containing volatile oils with water and heating to 80-90 ℃, steam is separated into layers through an oil-water separator to recover light oil.
2. Solvent recovery
After alcohol extraction, add water and heat to recover organic solvents (such as ethanol) to reduce waste.
4、 Discharge and subsequent processing
1. Liquid transfer
After extraction, transfer the liquid medicine to a concentration tank (vacuum degree -0.05~-0.08 MPa) through vacuum filtration.
2. Slag removal and cleaning
After the liquid medicine is drained, start the vacuum system to extract the residual liquid. When clumping occurs, use a pneumatic lifting rod to break the arch and assist in removing the slag.
Thoroughly clean the tank and pipelines after production to prevent cross contamination.
5、 Safety and Maintenance
1. During operation, it is necessary to monitor the boiling state of the material liquid to prevent overflow or boiling.
2. Regularly inspect vulnerable parts such as sealing rings and pneumatic valves to ensure stable operation of the equipment.
This process is suitable for industries such as traditional Chinese medicine and food. By combining dynamic stirring and automation control, it can improve extraction efficiency and reduce the loss of thermosensitive components.