CPC B01D 11/0219 (2013.01) [B01D 11/0284 (2013.01); B01D 11/0288 (2013.01); B01D 11/0292 (2013.01); F25B 19/005 (2013.01); B01D 2011/007 (2013.01)] | 14 Claims |
1. A solvent supply and recovery apparatus for a phytochemical extraction system, comprising:
a first column that includes:
an inner vessel that is configured to contain solvent in a liquid state, wherein the inner vessel includes an output port configured for connection to a material column, wherein the inner vessel includes an input port configured for connection to a solvent source; and
a jacket that surrounds the inner vessel and that includes an inlet port that is operable to introduce liquid CO2 into the jacket, and wherein the jacket further includes an openable exhaust port that is operable, when opened, to cause a first portion of the liquid CO2 to boil and a second portion of the liquid CO2 to freeze into dry ice snow which accumulates inside the jacket, thereby cooling the surface of the inner vessel and causing gaseous solvent to condense and collect within the inner vessel; and
a CO2 controller that is coupled to the inlet port of the jacket, wherein the CO2 controller includes a regulating needle valve and a pressure-relief valve, wherein the needle valve regulates supply of the liquid CO2 from a pressurized tank containing liquid CO2.
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