WO2022039610A1

WO2022039610A1 - Capsule, installation and process for obtaining products and extracts from complex preparations

Info

Publication number: WO2022039610A1
Application number: PCT/RO2021/050008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Doru Tatar
Original assignee: Tatar, Daniel
Priority date: 2020-08-21
Filing date: 2021-08-18
Publication date: 2022-02-24
Also published as: RO135503A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an extraction capsule (C), for the extraction of active principles, from raw materials (MP), formed by a body (1) comprising a wall (6), the body further comprising: inside, an enclosure raw material storage (MP), delimited by the wall (6) and a perforated lid (5), located above the enclosure, removable, sliding on the height of the enclosure, and at the bottom a drain orifice, covered by a removable sieve, characterized in that it further comprises a floating element (4) which is made of a material with a lower density than a solvent, preferably less than 0.75 grams/cm. cube, and in that it also comprises fixing elements of the floating element (4) to the body wall (1), elements which allow the adjustment of the floating element (4) at different heights on the wall (6) of the body (1).

Description

Title of Invention: CAPSULE, INSTALLATION AND PROCESS FOR OBTAINING PRODUCTS AND EXTRACTS FROM COMPLEX PREPARATIONS

[0001] Description: The present invention relates to a capsule, an extraction vessel and an extraction installation as well as a process for extracting active principles from complex preparations. These complex preparations comprise organic substances or/and inorganic substances that are intended for personal use for food, prophylactic or curative purposes. In order to extract the active principles, there are necessary repeated procedures, using various solvents, various temperatures, a certain order and certain well-established processing time periods.

[0002] There are compounds, most often natural, the composition of which comes from the empirical tradition and/or practice, which can be obtained from mixtures of substances of very diverse origin, such as organic products of plant origin (flowers, seeds, leaves, roots etc), of animal origin (bone powders, dried and milled insect powders, extracts of various animal components (eggs, organs etc), as well as of mineral origin (clays, mineral powders, zeolites, etc) or various chemical compounds.

[0003] Due to the diversity of the composition of the preparations, in order to extract the active principles a multitude of various operations is necessary. Thus, various heating, dissolution, recirculation and filtering operations are required, using a variety of solvents, certain working temperatures, an order of the extraction operations and certain well-established time periods, so that a certain operation does not compromise the subsequent operations to which the compound is subjected.

[0004] At present, obtaining the extracts that contain the active principles requires:

[0005] - a specialized laboratory equipped with a multitude of vessels, heating, cooling, sterilizing and filtering installatons;

- complex operations for the transfer of solvents and compounds;

- direct surveying and handling the necessary equipment by specialized human personnel, throughout the whole period of use.

[0006] The known appliances can partially perform these operations and in separate technological flows, and the presence of human operators is necessary at each initiation and completion of a process stage from the multitude of those derived from the extraction complexity.

[0007] Obtaining the extract takes long periods of time necessary for preparing the operations, in their natural succession. All these aspects constitute major disadvantages of the known installations, which makes them unsuitable for the personal use. [0008] There are known in the prior art specialized equipments that perform extractions of active principles from certain raw materials such as tea leaves.

[0009] There is known in the prior art the document EP2079348 which discloses an embodiment of a tea maker. This apparatus has a perforated basket containing the tea leaves, which is magnetically attached to a conveyor and which is moved up and down in a heated water tank. The basket is lowered into the water when it is ascertained that the water temperature has reached a pre-selected value, suitable for the tea infusion, and it is then raised upon the completion of the infusion. The movements of the basket downwards and upwards are made by means of a hydraulic system.

[0010] This apparatus has the disadvantage of being able to be used only for a single type of extraction, from tea leaves, being totally unsuitable for raw materials with complex compositions, for example, more voluminous, such as mixtures of plant roots, or heavier, such as mineral powders or zeolites, due to the magnetic fastening system.

[0011] Moreover, this apparatus neither allows the extraction of several different active principles from the same material, and nor does it store the raw material to be processed, nor the resulting extracts.

[0012] There is also known in the prior art document US 9.604.755 which discloses an embodiment of an apparatus for extracting oils from plants.

[0013] This apparatus has the disadvantage that it is intended for use on an industrial scale, only for oil extraction and has a complex mode of operation and in order to be operated it requires cooling and heating systems for each of the component parts.

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide an appliance intended for personal use for obtaining therapeutic extracts containing active principles in the form of infusion, decoction, macerate, filtrate, tincture or the like, obtained in a separate manner, ready to be used, in the amount, proportions and desired temperature, optimal for consumption.

[0015] One of the objectives of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art, by ensuring an extraction technology in which the processing times are minimal, and the human personnel intervention is only necessary before starting the extraction, by programming and feeding with the compounds and/or extraction of liquids/solvents.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide an installation that can operate automatically, that can be programmable and all the necessary operations can be performed in a minimum time, without losses and by using a minimum number of vessels, connections therebetween, equipments and elements for closing and opening the operation of all parts of the appliance, without human intervention or supervision.

[0017] According to the invention, such an installation can perform this automatically, programmable and it is intended for personal use, by a human operator, having as a final product said extracts, separate, ready to be used, at the desired volume and temperature, with minimum intervention of the human operator during the course of the technological process.

[0018] The resulting extract may contain one or more active principles: enzymes, vitamins, minerals, flavors, bitter principles, tannins, volatile oils, essential oils, fats, plant mucilage, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, colloidal substances, etc., with therapeutic effect.

[0019] There can also be made tea extracts from mixtures of two or more types of plants, each with its own infusion temperature (which can range from 70 to 95 °C) and which can be preserved in different recipients or tanks, or in the same recipient or tank.

[0020] There can also be made different cocktails, mixtures of fruit juices, coffee extract obtained from combinations of cold macerated coffee beans, combined with coffee extract obtained by infusion in solvent at the boiling temperature.

[0021] The technical problem solved by the present invention is that of producing therapeutic extracts, using a single installation for the automatic extraction from raw materials with complex composition.

[0022] The technical problem is solved by providing an extraction capsule, for extracting active principles from raw materials, consisting of a body comprising a wall, the body also comprising: to the inner side an enclosure for storing the raw material delimited by the wall and a perforated removable lid, located above, sliding on the height of the enclosure, and at the bottom a drain orifice, covered by a removable sieve, characterized in that: it also comprises a floating element which is made of a material with a density lower than a solvent, preferably less than 0.75 grams/cm. cube, and in that: it also comprises fixing elements of the floating element to the body wall, which allows the adjustment of the floating element at different heights on the body wall.

[0023] - the installation also contains a vessel for extracting the active ingredients, in which there is a capsule containing a raw material, and which uses solvents, comprising a main container consisting of a body provided with an open chamber at the top, and the body is provided with an upper lid, and lower part of the body it is provided with a lower outlet-discharge orifice, characterized in that: the upper cover is provided with a fluid intake port placed centrally above the opening surface of the enclosure; the extraction vessel comprises a capsule according to claim 1; the extraction vessel is also provided with a thermal sensor and a heating element; the vessel is optionally provided with thermal insulation.

[0024] - the installation also contains a raw material contained in a capsule, using one or more solvents, and also consists of one or more solvent tank vessels, in fluid communication with an extraction vessel, characterized in that: the extraction vessel is a vessel according to claim 2; the installation is provided with an automation panel containing display screen, internal clock and remote control panel; the tank vessels are provided with a thermal sensor and optional, with thermal insulation and heating elements.

[0025] - the installation also contains, according to claim 3, optionally, a sterilizer and a cooler which may exist separately as fluid circuit elements or may form a common body with one of the tank vessels.

[0026] - also, the installation also presents a process for preparing an extract from a raw material, according to the above, characterized in that it comprises: the introduction of the raw material into the capsule; inserting the capsule filled with raw material into the extraction vessel; the admission of solvent in the extraction vessel, so that the solvent comes into contact with the raw material; maintaining the solvent or the solvent flow flowing in the extraction vessel for a pre-determined period, in order to achieve the extraction of active principles from the raw material; maintaining the processing vessel at a pre-established temperature; discharging of the solvent and extract mixture from the extraction vessel; transport of the mixture of solvent and extract in order to store it, to a tank vessel.

[0027] Within the meaning of the present invention by compound/preparation there is meant a raw material used, which is a substance or a mixture of substances with a more or less complex composition comprising one or more different organic and/or inorganic elements, intended to be used for the purpose of obtaining an extract.

[0028] Macerate means a solution resulting from maintaining a compound, for a long time, in a cold place or at the room temperature, in solvent, in order to dissolve its soluble parts.

[0029] Infusion means a solution obtained by scalding a compound with a view to extracting the active principles contained therein.

[0030] Decoction means a solution obtained by boiling a compound for the purpose of extracting the active principles.

[0031] Tincture means a solution obtained by dissolving in alcohol some extracts from compounds consisting of organic and/or inorganic substances.

[0032] Filtrate means a solution that was filtered and it does no longer contain heterogenous materials or materials in suspension, without impurities and/or microbes.

[0033] Extract means a substance or a mixture of substances prepared by concentrating the products extracted from fresh or dehydrated plant or animal materials. Cocktail means a beverage, containing one or more types of alcohol and/or flavours and/or one or more liqueurs for fruit juices, sauces, honey, milk, sour cream or spices etc.

[0034] Active principles mean a substance or a mixture of substances with therapeutic effect, such as, for example, but not being limited to alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, bitter principles, tannins, aromatic substances, volatile oils, essential oils, fatty oils, herbal mucilages, antiseptics etc. [0035] Within the meaning of the present invention floating material is a material that floats, having a density lower than the density of a solvent or of other liquids used as solvent in the installation. The solvent selection is determined by selectivity, by the physicalchemical properties thereof and by the active ingredient to be extracted.

[0036] Within the meaning of the present invention by capsule there is meant a floating body, made of a floating material as it was defined above and which consists of a body comprising a wall, a floating element and elements for fixing the floating element to the body wall. The floating element is attached above or below to the capsule wall, so that the volume thereof submerged into solvent should allow the capsule loaded with the preparation subjected to extraction to float, and the upper limit of the capsule to be above the solvent level in the vessel.

[0037] Within the meaning of the present invention, fixing elements means any element which allows the fixing of the floating element to the body of the capsule and which can allow a detachable and adjustable fixing on the height of the wall.

[0038] Within the meaning of the present invention, the body wall means a lateral side of a body, which can have any shape and which has the configuration of the present description.

[0039] Within the meaning of the present invention, by the raw material storage enclosure there is meant an enclosure characterized by a volume at least equal to that of the raw material occupying the enclosure.

[0040] Within the meaning of the present invention, a drain orifice is meant to be an orifice with the role of allowing a liquid to flow through the extraction capsule.

[0041] Within the meaning of the present invention, by tank vessel there is meant a vessel in which there can be stored a solvent, the solution resulting from an extraction or it can be used as a place to obtain a preparation.

[0042] According to the invention, the solutions for solving the problem have the following advantages in relation to the technical solutions existing in the prior art:

[0043] - the lack of the human personnel during running the technological process of extraction, this human personal not being necessary either for the manipulation of the utilities, or for surveillance or command, the technological flow being completely automated;

[0044] - the steps of the technological extraction process are carried out without interruptions of time or unnecessary waiting for the maneuvering of the necessary endowments;

[0045] - the number of vessels used in the installation is minimal, most of them having multiple functions and the processing equipment ensures a minimum intervention of the human operator;

[0046] - the processes of heating, cooling or control of the fluid circulation are made with minimum energy consumption and with a minimum number of active devices;

[0047] - after programming and supply, the installation can be activated or deactivated automatically and can ensure, for a long time, the storage of extracts with active principles, at the desired temperature, ready to be used.

[0048] The installation according to the invention further has the following advantages: [0049] - it is simple, easy to achieve and cheap to produce;

[0050] - the installation is operated without the user coming into contact with the solvent;

[0051] - the installation has increased reliability and extended service life;

[0052] - it allows the extraction of several different active principles, from the same material, by successive washing with different solvents;

[0053] - it allows the use of tank vessels, for storing solvents, for storing extracts, for sterilizing the extracts or preparations as well as for obtaining preparations;

[0054] - it allows the use of the installation for the automatic performance of several types of operations such as extraction, infusion, boiling, maceration, dissolution or filtration, etc.;

[0055] - it is also suitable for domestic use;

[0056] - it can be programmed as well as remotely controlled.

[0057] There are given hereinafter embodiments of the invention, in connection with the figures from 1 to 4 which represent:

[0058] [Fig-1] is a vertical sectional view of a capsule (C), with an outer floating element, which contains the preparation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] [Fig.2] is a schematic presentation of the technological installation which can perform a number of four extraction stages, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the inlet and discharge of the liquid is made through an orifice positioned in the lower side of the tank vessels.

[0060] [Fig.3] is a vertical sectional view of a capsule (C) with an inner floating element, which contains the preparation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] [Fig.4] is a schematic presentation of the technological installation comprising four tank vessels, with the liquid inlet orifice positioned at the upper side of the vessels and with the outlet orifice positioned at the lower side.

[0062] [Fig.l] shows, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the capsule (C) comprising a cylindrical body (1) provided at the lower side with a perforated and removable circular closing element (2), which supports at its upper side a removable circular filter (3).

[0063] At the upper side of the body (1) there is fixed an external floating element (4), made of a material with a density lower than the density of water or of other liquids used as solvent in the installation.

[0064] The position of the floating element (4) on the height of the body (1) can be changed depending on the weight and volume of the preparation, so that the body (1) floats during the extraction, both in the stationary mode and in the recirculation mode.

[0065] In stationary mode, the preparation subjected to extraction is completely immersed into the solvent at the temperature imposed by the running of the respective process.

[0066] In the recirculation mode, the inlet and outlet orifices of the vessel are open to the solvent circulation (by opening the related solenoid valves) and the solvent, by means of the pump (P), executes a closed circuit through the floating capsule, and through the extraction vessel, in which the solvent enters by free fall from the supply orifice (OA) at the upper side thereof.

[0067] Fixing the floating element to the body wall can be done by screwing.

[0068] Inside the body (1) there is a perforated and removable circular lid (5), so that between the lid and the removable filter (3) there can be placed the raw material (MP) subjected to extraction.

[0069] The lid (5) has a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the body wall and slides inside the enclosure for the storage of the raw material (MP). The lid (5) has the role of keeping the raw material inside the body of the extraction capsule and of not allowing it to come out therefrom, under the influence of the liquid flow, during the exploitation.

[0070] Optionally, a perimeter spacing ring, a few millimeters thick (not shown), can be placed between the removable closing element (2) and the removable filter (3).

[0071] In another embodiment, this perimeter spacer ring may be integral with the closing element (2).

[0072] Optionally, in the configuration of the capsule (C) described above, the filter (3) may be absent or may be positioned under the closing element (2), so as not to come into direct contact with the raw material to be processed.

[0073] The capsule (C) can be graduated, on the height of the wall of the body (1).

[0074] [Fig.2] shows, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a diagram of the processing installation which can perform an extraction in four extraction stages.

[0075] Of course, the stages may be less or more, depending on the different working temperatures at which the extraction is carried out, with a single solvent, and/or depending on the types of solvent used, or the type of preparation to be obtained.

[0076] In this example four solvents are used and four different tank vessels are required, there being obtained four extracts.

[0077] The installation includes various fluid communications through which liquids can circulate and make the connection between the installation elements; tank vessel (VR1), tank vessel (VR2), tank vessel (VR3), tank vessel (VR4) and extraction vessel (VE), all provided at the upper side with a removable cover (7 and 7', respectively) (which may or may not be thermally insulated to the outside and bottom), with an inlet-outlet orifice, where a solenoid valve (8, 9, 10, 11 and 12) is placed on the outside, and at the limit between the inner side of each vessel and its corresponding valve, there is a flow detection sensor (13, 14, 15, 16 and 17) and at their lower side and inside them, the vessels are each also provided with a thermal sensor (18, 19, 20, 21, and 22).

[0078] The extraction vessel (VE) is intended for the extraction of active principles from the raw material present in the capsule (C).

[0079] The extraction vessel has an inlet orifice for supply (OA), in the center of the removable lid (7'), a flow sensor (23) and a solenoid valve (24), and inside, at the bottom, the extraction vessel (VE) has a heating element (25). The processing vessel optionally has double walls or walls made of insulating material that ensure the maintenance of a certain desired temperature.

[0080] The inlet orifice of the extraction vessel (VE) is placed vertically in the middle of the removable lid, and the connecting element (the tube), which connects the inlet of the solenoid valve (24) to the remainder of the installation, is slightly longer and provided with increased flexibility, being made of a material that confers flexibility to the same.

[0081] Also, the extraction vessel (VE) has a volume at least equal to the volume of anyone of the tank vessels and has a constant and adequate inside diameter to accommodate the capsule (C), so that the capsule can slide freely vertically inside the extraction vessel (VE).

[0082] There is enough space, preferably 1-2 mm, between the wall of the capsule (C) and the wall of the extraction vessel to ensure the vertical movement.

[0083] The tank vessel (VR1) is equipped with a removable (UV) liquid sterilizer, placed at the bottom, which uses ultraviolet rays and has a cylindrical or polygonal outer contour, so as to closely follow the contour of the vertical walls, inside the tank vessel (VR1), and emits the UV radiation so that the liquid that passes between the walls thereof and the walls of the vessel (VR1) is exposed to this radiation. The tank vessel (VR2) is provided with an external cooler (26) placed in contact with the vertical walls of the tank vessel (VR2), so as to achieve, preferably, the rapid cooling of the contents of the vessel.

[0084] The tank vessel (VR3) is provided on the outer side of the walls and of the base with a thermal insulation (27) that allows the liquid to be kept inside at a certain preset temperature. The tank (VR3) is also provided with a heating element, such as, for example an electric resistance (25').

[0085] The tank vessel that has double walls or walls made of insulating material and heating element, can ensure the maintenance of a certain desired temperature for the solvent and the subsequent use thereof to wash the mixture to be extracted, at the indicated temperature, in order to prepare a certain product. The tank vessels can be detachable so that they can be replaced or cleaned in case of clogging.

[0086] Also, the installation is provided with a pump (P) for the liquid circulation, which is coupled at the inlet with the outlets of the solenoid valves (12 and 28) and at the outlet with the inlet to the valve (S) which does not allow the liquid penetration back into the pump, as well as with the inlet to the solenoid valve (29), the other end of which is coupled to the drain nozzle (OG) and also to the inlet to the solenoid valve (24). The outlet of the valve (S) is coupled to the connection between the outlets of the solenoid valves (8, 9, 10, 11) and the inlet to the solenoid valve (28).

[0087] The installation is also provided with an automation panel (TA), not shown, which is coupled to all the flow detection sensors, all thermal sensors, and all solenoid valves and all consumers - heating element (25), cooler (26), pump (P) and (UV) sterilizer. The panel (TA) also has a programmable clock, for establishing all the technological steps and their ordering in time, optionally a remote operation module, such as, for example, through a local network (LAN) and an electric battery. The electric battery can take over the power supply of the installation in case the power supply is accidentally interrupted. The panel (TA) has also the necessary connection to provide the power supply from the network, as well as the control means and optical indicators of the programming interface with the human operator.

[0088] Thus, the automation table (TA) can be used for programming the installation, depending on the quantities to be processed, the times and ingredients in the compound and on the extraction protocol, which depends on the physical-chemical properties of the substances to be extracted from the compounds subjected to extraction.

[0089] [Fig-3] shows, according to another embodiment of the invention, a capsule (C) comprising a cylindrical body (301) provided at the bottom with a perforated and removable circular closing element (302), which supports at its upper side a removable circular filter (303).

[0090] At the upper side of the body (301) there is fixed a cylindrical inner floating element (304), made of a material with a density lower than the density of water or of other liquids used as solvent in the installation. The position of the floating element (304) on the height of the body (301) can be adapted according to the weight and volume of the preparation, so that the body (301) has during the operation of the installation its upper edge above the level of the liquid in which it floats.

[0091] Inside the body (301) there is a perforated and removable circular lid (305), so that between the lid and the removable filter (3) the preparation to be subjected to extraction can be placed.

[0092] As in the example of [Fig.l], a perimeter spacer ring can optionally be placed between the removable closing element (302) and the removable filter (303).

[0093] In [Fig.4] there is presented, according to another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a diagram of the extraction installation which can perform extraction processes using four tank vessels.

[0094] The number of extractions may be less or more, depending on the working temperatures at which the extraction is performed, the number and type of solvents or the type of preparation to be obtained.

[0095] The installation comprises various fluid communications (for example tubes) wherethrough fluids can circulate and make the connection between the elements of the installation; tank vessel (VRT), tank vessel (VR2¹), tank vessel (VR3¹), tank vessel (VR4¹) and extraction vessel (VE¹), all provided, at the upper side, with a removable lid (407, 407’, respectively), and at the bottom, with an inlet orifice, where a solenoid valve (408, 409, 410, 411 and 412) is placed on the outside, and at the boundary between the inner side of each vessel and its corresponding valve, there is a flow detection sensor (413, 414, 415, 416 and 417), and at their lower side and inside them, the vessels are also provided with one thermal sensor (418, 419, 420, 421, and 422).

[0096] The processing vessel (VE¹) has an inlet orifice for supply (OA), positioned in the center of the removable lid (407'), a flow sensor (423) and the orifice is connected to the outlet of the solenoid valve (424), and at the inner side, at the bottom, the extraction vessel (VE¹) has a heating element (425).

[0097] The processing vessel (VE¹) has double walls or walls made of insulating material that ensures the maintenance of a certain desired temperature.

[0098] The tank vessels (VR¹) are provided at the upper side, laterally, with supply orifices (OA) with flow sensors (426, 427, 428, 429) and are coupled to the outlet of the solenoid valves (430, 431, 432, 433).

[0099] The characteristics of the configuration of the processing vessel (VE’) (sizes, shape, interaction of the constituent elements) are the same as those in the example in [Fig.2].

[0100] The installation can also be provided with a UV sterilizer for liquids, removably placed in the pumping circuit between the pump (P) and the tank vessels.

[0101] The installation is also provided with a cooler (R) placed in the pumping circuit between the pump (P) and the tank vessels, the liquid circulation being directed through the fluid communication means, by means of the solenoid valves (434, 435, 436, 437) and valves (S).

[0102] The tank vessels (VR’) can be detachable so that they can be replaced or cleaned in case of clogging.

[0103] The installation also has a pump (P) for liquid circulation, which is coupled at the inlet with the outlets of the solenoid valves (408, 409, 410, 411 and 412) and at the outlet with the solenoid valves (434, 435, 436, 437). In the fluid circuit the cooler (R) and the (UV) sterilizer are positioned between the pump (P) and a valve (S).

[0104] The installation is also provided with an automation panel (TA) as in the em- bodiment in [Fig.2].

[0105] In another non-limiting embodiment, the flow sensors may be absent, and the circulation of the liquid through the fluid communication is interrupted after a predetermined period, established by programming using the automation panel (TA).

[0106] In other non-limiting embodiments, the installation described in [Fig.2] or [Fig.4] may have one or more tank vessels.

[0107] There is given hereinafter an embodiment of a non-limiting technological process according to the invention ([Fig.l] and [Fig.2]), comprising for illustration four extractions, in which, in the extraction steps there is used water in (VR1); sugar solution in (VR2); again water in (VR3) and ethyl alcohol in 45% dilution in (VR4).

[0108] The raw material used is a mixture of plants, in a well-established mass proportion, of quince leaves, shepherd's purse leaves, hawthorn leaves, pine needles and rosehips. The objective is to obtain an extract of macerate type and tincture from the quince leaves, a macerate type extract from the leaves of the shepherd's purse, a tincture and infusion type extract from the hawthorn leaves, and a decoction syrup extract from pine needles and rosehips. The whole combination of plants has as a main objective the regulation of hypertension, according to natural recipes specific to folk medicine. The tanks of the installation are each supplied with the solutions described above, removing the removable lids (7).

[0109] Preparation and programming stage

[0110] -depending on the size, volume and composition of the preparation elements, there is selected the type and amount of solvent in each tank vessel (VR1, VR2, VR3 and VR4), the tanks are loaded by removing the removable lids and then these lids are fixed back, but not tightly, so as to permanently have air at atmospheric pressure inside the tanks, there is selected the type of filter (3) in the capsule (C), depending on the composition of the preparation desired to be obtained (solution, precipitate, with particles in suspension, etc.), the corresponding filter (3) is mounted in the capsule (C), then the preparation to be extracted is placed above the filter,

[0111] - the position of the floating element is fixed on the height of the capsule wall (C) so that the capsule (C), with the preparation introduced and the lid (5) of the capsule mounted and in use, floats in the liquid in the vessel (VE); the capsule (C) is inserted inside the extraction vessel (VE) and there is fixed the lid thereof, but not in a tight manner;

[0112] - there is programmed, with all consumers switched off and all solenoid valves closed, the time of starting the extraction, the contact times of the preparation with each of the solvents, the waiting time "x" between recirculations and the number of recirculations "y" for each extract, as appropriate, and the working temperature range in each of these stages; [0113] - there is programmed the storage temperature of each extract in the tank vessel (VR) of the respective solvent, as the case may be, as well as the extract, in case it is to be sterilized, fact necessary in case of processing and storage after processing, below the temperature of destroying the most important and widespread pathogens (which can be considered and chosen from 55°C upwards).

[0114] The extraction stage proper, using the solvent in the tank vessel (VR1), comprises the following steps:

[0115] - there is started the solvent feeding to the extraction vessel (VE), by simultaneously opening the solenoid valves (8, 28 and 24) and simultaneously starting the pump (P) until the detection sensor (13 and 23) simultaneously detects the lack of flow, whereafter all the mentioned solenoid valves are closed;

[0116] - depending on the temperature programmed for the first cycle, the thermal sensor

(22) triggers the start of the heating element (25) until the thermal sensor (22) signals the extraction temperature, whereafter the heating element (25) is closed. Starting and stopping this process takes place automatically, when and how many times it is necessary to maintain the programmed temperature range. The extraction time is recorded as running only for the period of time in which the extraction temperature is that of the programmed range.

[0117] - if the extraction takes place in stationary mode, at the end of the programmed time the solenoid valves (12 and 8) are opened simultaneously with the pump (P) and the (UV) sterilizer until the flow detection sensor (23 and 13) simultaneously detects the lack of flow, whereafter all the mentioned elements are closed and the resulting extract is stored in the tank vessel (VR1);

[0118] - if the extraction takes place in the recirculation mode, after each time “x” of programming a processing round, the solenoid valves (12 and 24) as well as the pump (P) are opened simultaneously for a programmed recirculation unit of time “y”, whereafter the solenoid valve (12) is closed and the pump (P) is closed later, when the circulation sensors (12 and 24) simultaneously signal the lack of flow; This succession of operations is repeated until the expiration of the programmed time related to the respective extraction. The extraction time is recorded as running only during the period when the extraction temperature range is the programmed one.

[0119] After the completion of the extraction stage using the solvent in the tank vessel (VR1), the extraction stage is similarly started using the solvent in the tank which is programmed to follow. In our case, the order is: VR1, then VR4, then VR3, then VR2. In this case, in the order of the operations, the role of the solenoid valve (8) is taken in order by the solenoid valves (11, 10 and 9) and each together with the solenoid valve (28), and the role of the flow sensor (13) is taken, in the same order, by the flow sensors (16, 15 and 14). Of course, the (UV) sterilizer is no longer activated. Otherwise, the technological flow and the corresponding reference signs are identical.

[0120] Preservation stage

[0121] - keeping the extract at a certain temperature is done in the vessel (VR3). The installation is programmed and there is established a temperature range for the thermal sensor (20). After completely ending the extraction stage of the installation, the operation of the sensor (20) is automatically activated and in case of its going beyond the programmed temperature range, a heating stage is initiated by starting the heating element (25') and activating the thermal sensor (20). When the thermal sensor detects the temperature range programmed to maintain the extract in (VR3), the heating element (25) is stopped.

[0122] Keeping the extract at a temperature below the extraction value (above 100°C in the case of the sugar solution), for example, of a decoction, for the purpose of the rapid use, is done by means of the cooler (26) which can be both active, of the absorption type or the compressor type, and passive and possibly equipped only with a cooling fan, so that the heat is dissipated in the external environment through the radiator elements placed in contact with the walls of the vessel (VR2).

[0123] If another extract, for example the one in the vessel (VR3) is desired to be cooled, and one of the vessels (VR1 and VR4) are empty, the vessel (VR2) can be emptied of its content by transferring the content into the free vessel, by first moving it into the vessel (VE), and then, there takes place the transfer of the extract from (VR3) into (VR2) with the view of being cooled, also using the intermediate moving into the vessel (VE), whereafter, if desired, the extract initially cooled in vessel (VR2) is moved from the provisional place constituted by the free vessel, into the vessel (VE) which, being insulated has the advantage of keeping the extract cold, at the corresponding temperature due to the insulation (27’).

[0124] If the time interval between the extraction (processing) and use is longer and the decoction in (VS2) is necessary to be kept at a certain temperature above the value that it can reach in time, (possibly) due to the cooling caused by the passive type cooler, the decoction can be programmed to be moved by simple operations, such as those already described, into the extraction vessel (VE) and is subject to heating controlled with thermostat as needed, due to the simultaneous presence in the vessel of the heating element (25) and of the thermal sensor (22 ).

[0125] If it is desired to combine two or more extracts in the desire to use them together or to keep them together at various temperatures, this is possible by moving maneuvers as described above, using the vessel (VE) as the intermediate transfer stage, or even as a final place of storage, according to desire or necessity.

[0126] If it is desired to obtain a product (for example a macerate) simultaneously with one of the extraction operations performed in the extraction vessel (VE), this is possible by using one of the tank vessels (VR) as a preparation vessel. The preparation time is programmed by means of the automation panel (TA). The solvent supply can be achieved either directly by removing the lid and feeding the tank vessel in which the preparation is to be obtained, or by feeding a solvent present in one of the other vessels, by the programmed opening and closing of the corresponding solenoid valves.

[0127] Emptying stage

[0128] When it is desired to remove the extracts from the installation, the simultaneous opening of one of the solenoid valves (8, 9, 10, 11), and of the solenoid valves (28 and 29) as well as the starting of the pump (P) is commanded manually on the panel (TA). The emptying of the tank vessel (VR1 or/and VR2, or/and VR3, or/and VR4, respectively) is surveyed through the emptying orifice (OG).

[0129] Cleaning stage

[0130] When it is desired to clean the installation, after the emptying stage thereof, there can be performed a program of circulation of the cleaning solutions, with which one or more tank vessels (VR) are supplied.

Claims

[Claim 1] An extraction capsule (C), for extracting active principles from raw materials (MP), consisting of a body (1) comprising a wall (6), the body also comprising:

- to the inner side an enclosure for storing the raw material (MP) delimited by the wall (6) and a perforated removable lid (5), located above, sliding on the height of the enclosure, and

- at the bottom a drain orifice, covered by a removable sieve, characterized in that: it also comprises a floating element (4) which is made of a material with a density lower than a solvent, preferably less than 0.75 grams/cm. cube, and in that: it also comprises fixing elements of the floating element (4) to the body wall (1), which allows the adjustment of the floating element (4) at different heights on wall (6) of the body (1).

[Claim 2] Vessel for extracting (VE) the active ingredients, in which there is a capsule (C) containing a raw material (MP), and which uses solvents, comprising

- a main container consisting of a body provided with an open chamber at the top, and the body is provided with an upper lid, and lower part of the body it is provided with a lower outlet-discharge orifice (OE), characterized in that the upper cover (7) is provided with a fluid intake port (OA) placed centrally above the opening surface of the enclosure;

- the extraction vessel (VE) comprises a capsule (C) according to claim 1;

- the extraction vessel (VE) is also provided with a thermal sensor (22) and a heating element (25); the vessel is optionally provided with thermal insulation (27).

[Claim 3] Installation for extracting the active ingredients from a raw material contained in a capsule, using one or more solvents, and also consists of one or more solvent tank vessels, in fluid communication with an extraction vessel, characterized in that:

- the extraction vessel is a vessel according to claim 2;

- the installation is provided with an automation panel (TA) containing display screen, internal clock and remote control panel;

- the tank vessels are provided with a thermal sensor and optional, with thermal insulation and heating elements.

[Claim 4] Extracting installation also contains, according to claim 3, optionally, a sterilizer (UV) and a cooler (R) which may exist separately as fluid circuit elements or may form a common body with one of the tank vessels (VR).

[Claim 5] Process for preparing an extract from a raw material, using an installation, according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises: the introduction of the raw material into the capsule (C) according to claim 1; inserting the capsule filled with raw material (MP) into the extraction vessel (VE), according to claim 2; the admission of solvent in the extraction vessel (VE), so that the solvent comes into contact with the raw material (MP); maintaining the solvent or the solvent flow flowing in the extraction vessel (VE) for a predetermined period, in order to achieve the extraction of active principles from the raw material (MP); maintaining the processing vessel (VE) at a pre-established temperature; discharging of the solvent and extract mixture from the extraction vessel; transport of the mixture of solvent and extract in order to store it, to a tank vessel.