Device, system and methods for separation and purification of organic compounds from botanical material

Abstract

The botanical extraction and purification device described in this patent provide the ability to extract and purify botanical compounds from a diverse plant species through specially crafted process sequences that effectively reach the desired botanical component despite differences in botanical material types and unique differences in organic chemical characteristics. The technological package consists of two main processing centers; each is a combination of process features that can be personalized to effectively address unique extraction requirements. When combined, the extraction processes deliver capabilities in product throughput speed and product purity not available using previously available separation methods. The first component of this package is a CUP that transfers chemical compounds from botanical material into a solvent. The second component is an AISP. This device separates unwanted botanical compounds from the solvent, resulting in a relatively pure plant extract.

1 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method of botanical extraction, the method comprising:
 providing a centrifuge utility platform (CUP) comprising a CUP vessel having an open end with a sealable lid, a wall, a drain and a perforated basket with an open basket end and a perforated wall;   placing a mesh enclosure of plant matter inside the perforated basket;   applying solvent to the plant matter and removing organic compounds from the plant matter;   washing the plant matter with solvent and bi-directionally rotating the perforated basket to release other organic compounds from the plant matter;   centrifuging the plant matter; and   collecting the organic compounds and other organic compounds.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising transferring the collected organic compounds and other organic compounds to a filter system and filtering the organic compounds and other organic compounds downstream from the CUP. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising separating the organic compounds from the solvent with an additional filter membrane surrounding an interior of the perforated basket. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising rotating the mesh enclosure of plant material at a predetermined rate and for a defined duration. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising intermittently draining solvent followed by spin cycles. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising removing imbedded solvent from the plant matter by centripetal force of varying intensities and durations prior to applying more solvent for additional processing of the plant matter. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the solvent comprises an alcohol. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the solvent alcohol comprises methanol. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the mesh container has a size and shape corresponding to an interior of the perforated basket. 
     
     
         48 . A method of botanical extraction, the method comprising:
 placing plant matter into a mesh enclosure;   placing the mesh enclosure containing the plant matter inside a perforated basket of a centrifuge utility platform (CUP) comprising a CUP vessel having an open end with a sealable lid, a wall, a drain, and the perforated basket with an open basket end and a perforated wall;   filling the CUP vessel with a solvent to wash the plant matter with the solvent;   rotating the perforated basket bi-directionally to release organic compounds from the plant matter into the solvent;   centrifuging the plant matter; and   collecting the organic compounds dissolved or suspended in the solvent.   
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising filtering the solvent with the organic compounds dissolved or suspended therein by a filter assembly coupled to the CUP downstream of the CUP. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising separating the organic compounds from the solvent with an additional filter membrane surrounding an interior of the perforated basket. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising rotating the mesh enclosure of plant material at a predetermined rate and for a defined duration. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising performing a plurality of intermittent spin cycles of draining solvent from the CUP vessel and spinning the perforated basket. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising circulating a fluid through a jacket surrounding the CUP vessel to cool the plant matter and the solvent therein. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising agitating the plant matter using an agitation inducing device affixed to the bottom of the perforated basket to dislodge compounds embedded deeply within the plant material. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the mesh container has a size and shape corresponding to an interior of the perforated basket. 
     
     
         56 . A method of botanical extraction, the method comprising:
 placing plant matter inside a perforated basket of a centrifuge utility platform (CUP) comprising a CUP vessel having an open end with a sealable lid, a wall, a drain, and the perforated basket with an open basket end and a perforated wall;   transferring a solvent into the CUP vessel to wash the plant matter with the solvent;   rotating the perforated basket bi-directionally to release organic compounds from the plant matter into the solvent;   centrifuging the plant matter;   agitating the plant matter using an agitation inducing device affixed to the bottom of the perforated basket;   collecting the organic compounds dissolved or suspended in the solvent; and   filtering the solvent with the organic compounds dissolved or suspended therein by a filter assembly coupled to the CUP downstream of the CUP.   
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein transferring the solvent into the CUP vessel includes spraying the solvent onto the plant matter via nozzles affixed to a wand extending coaxially through the perforated basket. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein the solvent comprises an alcohol.