Semi-continuous apparatus 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. A reconfigurable extraction apparatus, comprising:
a plurality of columns, wherein at least one of the columns of the plurality of columns comprises:
a central portion configured to hold extractable material during an extraction process;an extractable material outlet configured to discharge exhausted extraction material out of the column; andan extractable material inlet configured to provide the extractable material into the column, wherein the extractable material inlet of the column 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, and wherein the first inlet valve and the second inlet valve can both be configured in an open position to fill the column with a predetermined amount of the extractable material; and a 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; andoutputting the solvent after the extraction process occurs in the one or more of the plurality of columns.