Semi-continuous processes for creating an extract from coffee or other extractable materials

摘要

The techniques provide for a reconfigurable extraction column length based on the number of columns from a plurality of columns configured for use in an extraction apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of columns that each have an inlet, a central portion configured to hold extractable material during an extraction process, and an outlet. The reconfigurable extraction apparatus also includes a piping system connected to each of the plurality of columns that can selectively connect each of the plurality of columns, such that each column from the plurality of columns can be configured for an extraction process either singularly or in series or in parallel with one or more other columns from the plurality of columns, administering a solvent to one or more of the plurality of columns, and outputting the solvent after an extraction process occurs in the one or more of the plurality of columns.

主权项

1. An extraction method, comprising:
providing an extraction apparatus comprising:
a plurality of columns, wherein each column of the plurality of columns comprises:
an extractable material inlet into the column configured to provide an extractable material into the column;a central portion configured to hold the extractable material during an extraction process; andan extractable material outlet out of the column configured to allow discharge of exhausted extraction material;wherein the extractable material inlet of at least one of the columns of the plurality comprises a set of inlet valves including a first inlet valve and a second inlet valve, and the first inlet valve is disposed inwards towards the central portion of the column and the second inlet valve is disposed outside of the first inlet valve such that the second inlet valve is further away from the central portion than the first inlet valve; anda piping system connected to each of the plurality of columns, wherein the piping system is configured to provide for:
selectively connecting each of the plurality of columns, such that each column from the plurality of columns can be configured for an extraction process either singularly or in series or in parallel with one or more other columns from the plurality of columns;administering a solvent to one or more of the plurality of columns; and outputting the solvent after an extraction process occurs in the one or more of the plurality of columns; configuring the extraction apparatus for a combined extraction path length comprised of individual column extraction lengths by selecting a first set of columns from the plurality of columns for use in the extraction apparatus and configuring the piping system to join the columns of the first set to provide the combined extraction path length; and configuring the first inlet valve in an open position and the second inlet valve in an open position to fill the at least one column of the plurality with extractable material.