Abstract: The present disclosure, in various embodiments, discloses hydrothermal methods, hydrothermally modified materials and dried hydrothermally modified materials. Certain dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily releases ionic species such as alkali metal ions (K+, Na+), silicate salts, and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+). Some dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily release aluminum ions and/or silicon, such as in the form of soluble silicates. Such processes and materials are useful, for example in economically preparing potassium releasing fertilizers.

Abstract: A plant oil extractor includes a food grade tray with a removable lid that together define an evaporation chamber. A gaseous fluid pump has an inlet fluidly connected to the evaporation chamber and an outlet fluidly connected to an area outside of the evaporation chamber, which may be positioned in a freezer to recover condensed solvent leaving previously dissolved plant essential oil on the food grade tray. A vacuum sublimation freeze drying apparatus includes a container, which defines a drying chamber, is positioned in a freezer. A gaseous fluid pump has an inlet fluidly connected to the drying chamber and an outlet that opens outside the container. Water in fresh herbs positioned in the drying chamber initially freezes and then sublimates leaving behind freeze dried herbs.

Abstract: A solid-liquid separating method and system for separating a processing object into solid and liquid, is simplified by using fewer devices. A solid-liquid separating system includes a processing tank that houses a processing object, a first and a second heat exchanger, a material A supplying means, a collecting tank, a closed system including the first and second heat exchangers, a compressor, and an expansion valve, and a material B that circulates while a state is changed in this system. A material A that is gaseous at normal temperature and normal pressure, can dissolve oil when liquefied, and does not dissolve water is gasified in the first heat exchanger while being separated from the oil, is liquefied in the second heat exchanger, and the liquefied material A is supplied to the processing tank by the material A supplying means. The oil is collected in the tank from the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable extraction device for extracting at least one constituent from a substance by an extraction fluid. The extraction device comprises at least one pump, an extractor, an evaporator, and a condenser. The substance and the extraction fluid are placed and mixed in the extractor. The extraction fluid is a subcritical fluid. The constituent in the substance will be dissolved in the extraction fluid under a predetermined pressure and temperature. The evaporator receives the extraction fluid including the constituent from the extractor, and heats the extraction fluid including the constituent to gasify the extraction fluid and separate the constituent from the gasified extraction fluid. The condenser receives the gasified extraction fluid via a first pipe, liquefies the gasified extraction fluid, and transmits the liquefied extraction fluid to the extractor via a second pipe. The extractor, the evaporator, and the condenser are operated under constant pressure.

Abstract: A plant oil extraction system may include a reservoir tank, an agitator tank, a filtration system, a boiler tank, a condenser unit, and a vacuum chamber. The reservoir tank may hold a solvent to be used in the system process. The solvent may be deposited into the reservoir tank through a fill port. A pump may transfers the solvent from the reservoir tank to the agitator tank. The agitator tank may hold dry plant matter. The agitator tank may separate oil from the plant matter by use of solvent where the mixture of solvent and plant oil drains to the boiler tank through a filter system. The boiler tank comprise of a tank stack (condenser) used for separating extracted plant oil from the solvent by boiling off the solvent and a vacuum pump used to extract residual solvent from the extracted plant oil and generally purge the extracted plant oil.

Abstract: A process for extracting fats and oils from plant and animal matter using a normally gaseous solvent in its liquid state. Use is made of gravity flow and pressure differential from one vessel to another to transfer solvent from an upper vessel to a lower vessel. The vessels comprise an outer jacket to allow cooling and heating fluid to flow there-through to achieve better control of the pressure within each vessel.

Abstract: Methods for extracting solute from source material, including depositing the source material including solute in canisters, introducing solvent into the canisters, exposing the source materials to the solvents for predetermined periods of time to create extract mixtures including extracted solute and recycled solvent, communicating, fluidly, the extract mixtures to an extract container. Some examples include separating recycled solvent, including heating the container to evaporate the recycled solvent, and collecting the recycled solvent in a solvent collection container in fluid communication with the extract container. Some examples include collecting recycled solvent in solvent collection containers in fluid communication with the extract containers, the recycled solvent being stored as a liquid. Some examples include removably attaching canisters in fluid communication with extract containers.

Abstract: A process for extracting fats and oils from plant and animal matter using a normally gaseous solvent in its liquid state. Use is made of gravity flow and pressure differential from one vessel to another to transfer solvent from an upper vessel to a lower vessel. The vessels comprise an outer jacket to allow cooling and heating fluid to flow there-through to achieve better control of the pressure within each vessel.

Abstract: A process for extracting fats and oils from plant and animal matter using a normally gaseous solvent in its liquid state. Use is made of gravity flow and pressure differential from one vessel to another to transfer solvent from an upper vessel to a lower vessel. The vessels comprise an outer jacket to allow cooling and heating fluid to flow there-through to achieve better control of the pressure within each vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for the production of biodiesel from biological feedstocks such as vegetable oils or animal fats. In particular, the disclosure is directed to the product of biodiesel from seeds such as non-edible oil seeds. Methods for maximizing oil recovery from the feedstocks are provided, as well as methods to convert free fatty acids in the feedstocks into glycerides amenable to transesterification. Thus the methods and systems provide for efficient biodiesel production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus of extraction with the use of vacuum and can be used to extract the bioactive agents from raw materials. The method of extraction of materials, includes the heating the extractant, the preliminary extraction of raw materials with the heated rollers by means of extractant, the impregnation of raw material with extractant and extraction of raw materials in vacuum-impulsive mode by cycles, which include the heating with hot coolant gas not exceeding 39° C. and a creation of vacuum in the chamber in the regime of quick vacuum-impulsive exposure with stepwise multiple pressure drop from the atmospheric pressure to the pressure not more 0.0001 MPa, followed by keeping under vacuum to stabilize the temperature of the mixture and the vacuum relief at the end of the cycle.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides. The invention also pertains to refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides obtainable by said process. Advantageously, the refined avocado oil of the invention contains a sterols-enriched unsaponifiable fraction. Advantageously, the refined avocado oil of the invention is substantially free of acetogenins and furanic lipids. The invention also concerns compositions containing said oil. The invention also pertains to such compositions for use as a medication, as a dermatological agent, as a cosmetic agent, or as a nutriceutical, for human or animal use.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for the continuous processing and solids handling in near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a barrier fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for the production of biodiesel from biological feedstocks such as vegetable oils or animal fats. In particular, the disclosure is directed to the product of biodiesel from seeds such as non-edible oil seeds. Methods for maximizing oil recovery from the feedstocks are provided, as well as methods to convert free fatty acids in the feedstocks into glycerides amenable to transesterification. Thus the methods and systems provide for efficient biodiesel production.

Abstract: A solvent extraction free, caustic refining free, process for producing refined soybean oil from soybeans is described in which soybeans, after cleaning, cracking and dehulling, are crushed in less than 60 seconds while heating the soybeans to a frictionally generated temperature of from about 300° F. to about 370° F. Free fatty acids are then removed through physical refining, instead of previously employed caustic refining, since the low level of nonhydratable phospholipids does not create undesirable flavors during the physical refining process. The resultant oil exhibits a significantly greater frylife that non-hydrogenated soybean oil produced by solvent extraction and caustic refining.

Abstract: A process for continuously extracting oil from a solid or liquid oil-bearing material comprises (a) removing air from the extraction system, (b) introducing an inert gas into the extraction system at a pressure sufficient to maintain a normally gaseous solvent in liquid state, (c) introducing an oil-bearing material into a silo, (d) passing the oil-bearing material from the to a jet pump mixing device, (e) introducing a liquified normally gaseous solvent into the jet pump mixing device, (f) mixing the oil-bearing material and the solvent in the jet pump mixing device for a time sufficient to permit complete wetting of oil-bearing material by the solvent to form a mixture, (g) heating the mixture to near supercritical conditions; (h) passing the mixture through an extractor having a screw conveyor adapted to rotate at a first rpm range and a centrifugal drum adapted to rotate at a second rpm range, (i) treating the mixture within the extractor in such a manner that supercritical temperature and pressure are at

Abstract: A process for solvent extraction of oils, in an extraction chamber, comprises the formation of a solvent mist with significant adiabatic cooling, whereby a pressure difference between the solvent inlet and outlet of the extraction chamber drives the solvent mist through the raw oil bearing. The solvent is fed to the extraction chamber at pressures exceeding atmospheric pressure, and the outlet of the extraction chamber is subject to a partial vacuum. An apparatus for solvent extraction comprises an extraction chamber for receiving oil bearing raw material therein, said extraction chamber comprising a solvent spray injection system connected via an inlet to a high pressure solvent feed circuit portion, said extraction chamber further connected via an outlet to a low pressure circuit portion connected to a gas recovery vacuum pump system.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for separating outer birch bark from inner birch bark. The invention also provides methods for isolating betulin; lupeol; betulinic acid; 9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid; 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid; polyphenolic polymers and fatty acids from birch bark.

Abstract: The invention provides a kernel oil extracted from plant kernels, comprising triglyceride 90-99.9%, diglyceride 0.01-5%, monoglycerides 0.01-3%, sitosterol 0.1-2.5% and cyclolanosterol 0.01-1%. The invention also provides two methods for the extraction of said kernel oil, the pharmaceutical compositions and the uses thereof.

Abstract: A process for extracting a fat from a feedstock (e.g., chocolate liquor), includes mixing the feedstock with a liquefied gas solvent (e.g., butane), filtering, washing the retentate with additional solvent, refiltering, drying, granulating, aerating the granulate, and separating the fat from the solvent in the original filtrate. The mixing, filtering, washing, refiltering, drying, and granulating are conducted under an atmosphere consisting essentially of the solvent vapor. An improved solvent extraction process includes repeatedly loading and unloading an extractor with solvent and feedstock to extract fat from the feedstock, wherein throughout loading, extracting, unloading and repeating: (a) a pressure in the extractor is continuously maintained above atmospheric pressure; (b) the extractor is continuously maintained under an oxygen-free atmosphere; and/or (c) the extractor is continuously maintained under an atmosphere consisting essentially of a vapor of the solvent.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for separating outer birch bark from inner birch bark. The invention also provides methods for isolating betulin; lupeol; betulinic acid; 9,10-epoxy-18-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid; 9,10,18-trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid; polyphenolic polymers and fatty acids from birch bark.

Abstract: A multi-stage extraction process for extracting oil from naturally occurring oil-bearing organic materials. The oil, which is extracted, is inherent in the organic material by nature and is extracted in two or more extraction stages with an effective solvent at effective temperatures and pressures. The oil-bearing organic material is subjected to a vacuum between each extraction stage.

Abstract: A process for removing oil from oil-bearing material at substantially atmospheric pressure and are relatively low temperatures. The preferred temperature is the boiling point of the solvent, particularly a normally gaseous solvent, at about atmospheric pressure. This temperature will typically be below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: An efficient process for recovering high quality corn oil from corn germ. The process involves pre-treating corn germ by Rehydration, conditioning and, optionally flaking. This is followed by extrusion, which is the core operation in the preparation of corn germ for corn oil recovery. Water is provided up front in the process, prior to extrusion. Providing water up front reduces generation of fines and improves friction within the extruder, thereby allowing the material to move along and improving overall efficiency and streamlining of the process. The oil released from corn germ by this process is of high quality and high yield.

Abstract: A multi-stage extraction process for extracting fats and oils from cooked food products. The cooked food products can be plant-derived or animal-derived food products, particularly fried snack food products, such as potato chips. The method comprises treating the cooked food product in a two or more extraction stage with a suitable solvent at effective temperatures and pressures, wherein the food product is subjected to a vacuum between each extraction stage.

Abstract: A process for recovering oil from oil-bearing food products includes storing the organic solvent vapor used as the extracting medium in a vapor recovery tank between extraction phases. After a liquid organic solvent, such as propane, is used to extract oil from the oil-bearing food products, the solvent is vaporized, and at least some of the solvent remaining on the defatted food solids is recovered, for example by opening a valve leading to a vapor recovery tank which has a pressure lower than the pressure of the extraction vessel. More preferably, at least one vacuum tank can be used to increase the percentage of organic solvent vapor delivered to the tank or vessel to which the vapor is being introduced. Preferably, several solvent or miscella tanks, for storing substantially pure solvent and solvent of varying oil concentration, are used during an extraction phases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously removing oil from oil-bearing solids such as tar sands, vegetables or other solid materials using a solvent is provided. By providing a pressure differential between the exterior and interior of an oil extraction chamber, substantially oil free solids may be removed from the oil extraction chamber through a solids extraction channel without removing any substantial volume of solvent through the solids extraction channel.

Abstract: A method for removal of selected substances from carbonaceous material by use of a solvent is provided comprising: (a) introducing the carbonaceous material containing the selected substances into an extraction zone to form a bed; (b) introducing a gas which at a given pressure liquifies at a higher temperature than the solvent, the introduction being made under a pressure and at a temperature to cause the temperature and pressure of the extraction zone to be sufficient to cause the solvent to liquify when the solvent is introduced to the extraction zone; (c) introducing into the extraction zone the solvent capable of extracting the selected substance; (d) passing the solvent through the bed of carbonaceous material to extract the substances from the material; (e) removing the resulting substance/solvent mixture from the extraction zone to a separation zone under conditions which will maintain the solvent in liquid form as it is passed through the bed of carbonaceous material and out of the extraction zone to

Abstract: A process for removing fats and oils from prepared animal-derived fried-derived food products, particularly fried meat, poultry, and fish products. The method involves treating the animal-derived fried-derived food product with a normally gaseous solvent at effective temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: In a solvent extraction process for the extraction of an extractive from extractive-containing material employing in an extraction zone operating under extraction conditions a process solvent, whereby a miscella comprising a portion of the process solvent and a portion of the extractive, and an extractive-depleted substrate is formed, the improvement to which comprises: (a) removing the miscella from the extraction zone under extraction conditions, (b) filtering the miscella by use of a microfiltration, an ultrafiltration, a nanofiltration, or a reverse osmosis membrane, under conditions which achieve a differential pressure across said membrane, to separate the solvent in the miscella from the extractive in the miscella, and (c) recycling under extraction conditions at least a portion of the separated solvent to the extraction zone.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of obtaining oil from grain materials such as rice bran, wheat mill feed, rapeseed, amaranth, and similar grains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting oil from an oil bearing plant material with the use of a solvent suitable for dissolving the oil in the plant material. Grounded plant material is deposited into a reactor vessel, and vacuum is created in the reactor vessel. Liquid solvent is introduced into the reactor vessel and allowed to contact the plant material for a time sufficient to dissolve oil from the plant material, while the temperature in the reactor vessel is maintained at a level which prevents denaturing of constituent components of the plant oil and the plant material. Additional solvent vapors are introduced into the bottom of the reactor to cause mixing of the plant material and the solvent and separate fine particulate matter from heavier particles. Pressurized heated solvent vapors are introduced into the top of the reactor vessel while the liquid solvent and oil combination is being removed from the bottom of the reactor vessel through filters.

Abstract: An improved low temperature process for extracting oil from oil-bearing materials by extracting the oil-bearing material in an extraction zone with a normally gaseous solvent selected from propane, butane, and mixtures thereof. As the resulting solvent/oil mixture is passed through the bed of extracted oil-bearing material, from the extraction zone, and to a separation zone, it is done so under conditions that will maintain the solvent in liquid form. The resulting extracted materials have substantially more of their protein and vitamin value intact when compared with similar materials extracted by more conventional high temperature methods. The present process is also a lower energy consuming process than more conventional, extractive processes.