Abstract: In-situ optical spectroscopic monitoring, characterization and feedback control of extraction and purification processes of compounds such as oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids derived from plant material are described. Liquids from an extraction or purification process flow down an optically transparent tube, such as one made of glass. An in-situ optical monitoring assembly is configured to be mounted onto the tube to measure optical properties of the liquid extract or liquid condensate as it flows in the tube. Optical properties of the flowing liquid may include optical transmittance, reflectance, photoluminescence, scattering, absorbance, turbidity, nephelometry, polarimetry and colorimetry. The output of the optical monitoring assembly can be used to display spectral and other about the flowing liquid, set alarms to notify an operator of a predetermined condition such as a set point, and used to control extraction or purification process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 26, 2018
Date of Patent:
April 20, 2021
Assignee:
Arometrix, Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher J. Metting, Jonathan K. Bunn, Timothy G. Collins, Hasso Von Bredow, George Atanasoff
Abstract: In-situ optical spectroscopic monitoring, characterization and feedback control of extraction and purification processes of compounds such as oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids derived from plant material are described. Liquids from an extraction or purification process flow down an optically transparent tube, such as one made of glass. An in-situ optical monitoring assembly is configured to be mounted onto the tube to measure optical properties of the liquid extract or liquid condensate as it flows in the tube. Optical properties of the flowing liquid may include optical transmittance, reflectance, photoluminescence, scattering, absorbance, turbidity, nephelometry, polarimetry and colorimetry. The output of the optical monitoring assembly can be used to display spectral and other about the flowing liquid, set alarms to notify an operator of a predetermined condition such as a set point, and used to control extraction or purification process.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 26, 2018
Publication date:
October 25, 2018
Applicant:
Arometrix, Inc.
Inventors:
Christopher J. Metting, Jonathan K. Bunn, Timothy G. Collins, Hasso Von Bredow, George Atanasoff