vacuum herb extraction equipment

This vacuum herb extraction equipment is a complete system composed of multiple modules working together, with the core goal of reducing boiling point under negative pressure (vacuum) conditions, achieving low-temperature and efficient extraction and concentration, and avoiding the decomposition of thermosensitive components such as active proteins, volatile oils, and aromatic substances. Its technological evolution has evolved from traditional single effect evaporation to energy-saving multi effect systems such as MVR (mechanical vapor recompression) and TVR (thermal vapor recompression).

Vacuum extraction concentration equipment is a closed system that integrates the functions of "extraction concentration solvent recovery". Typical configurations include extraction tanks, concentrators, condensers, coolers, oil-water separators, and vacuum pumps. It is widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food, traditional Chinese medicine, and chemical engineering.

Structural & functional modules
A typical vacuum extraction and concentration equipment includes the following 7 core components (in the order of process flow):
Extraction tank: jacketed heating, supports normal/negative pressure extraction, can be equipped with CIP online cleaning;
Reflux condenser&cooler: Condense secondary steam into liquid to achieve solvent recycling;
Oil water separator: Double glass tube design, extending separation time and improving volatile oil yield;
Concentrator (evaporator): including three key parameters: heating area, condensing area, and cooling area;
Receiver (receiving tank): collects concentrated liquid or recovers solvents, with a volume matching the evaporation capacity;
Vacuum system: including vacuum pump (such as Welch diaphragm pump), vacuum controller, pressure sensor, controlling the vacuum degree in the range of -0.05~-0.08 MPa;
Control system: PLC+touch screen, supporting multi parameter linkage adjustment such as temperature, vacuum degree, stirring speed, etc

Vacuum extraction and concentration equipment is an energy-saving device widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food, chemical engineering, etc. It reduces the boiling point of materials through a vacuum environment, achieving low-temperature and efficient concentration, especially suitable for thermosensitive materials such as traditional Chinese medicine extracts, fruit juice, and biologics. The core process flow and principle are as follows
Process flow
Extraction stage
1. Solvent cycle extraction: Raw materials are mixed with solvents (water or ethanol) in an extraction tank, and the solvent is boiled by heating (steam or electric heating). The steam is liquefied by the condenser and refluxed to the extraction tank, forming a dynamic cycle that continuously dissolves the active ingredients.
2. Volatile oil recovery: Some equipment is equipped with oil-water separators, which can simultaneously collect volatile substances such as aromatic oils.
3. Endpoint control: The extracted liquid enters the storage tank through a pipeline filter and is used in the concentration stage.
4. Concentration stage
Vacuum evaporation: The extraction solution is pumped into a concentrator (single effect/multi effect), and the boiling point drops to 45-60 ℃ under vacuum (-0.05~-0.08 MPa). The water evaporates into secondary steam.
5. Thermal energy recycling (multi effect concentration):
In a dual/triple effect concentrator, the secondary steam from the first effect serves as the heat source for the second effect, gradually utilizing thermal energy, resulting in a 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to a single effect concentrator.
6. Separation and Collection:
The gas-liquid mixture enters the separator, and the concentrated liquid sinks and refluxes. The secondary steam is liquefied by the condenser and recovered (such as ethanol) or discharged.
High concentration finished products (such as extracts) are discharged from the bottom outlet, with a specific gravity of up to 1.4.
7. Auxiliary system
Vacuum system: The vacuum pump maintains a negative pressure environment and reduces the evaporation temperature.
Solvent recovery: The condensate is purified by a distillation tower, and the ethanol concentration can reach 80%.
CIP cleaning: The equipment is equipped with a built-in cleaning system to avoid cross contamination

principle
Vacuum depressurization evaporation
According to the boiling point pressure correlation, the boiling point of water in a vacuum environment significantly decreases (e.g. boiling point ≈ 55 ℃ at 82.7 kPa), reducing the damage of thermosensitive components.
Low temperature evaporation avoids coking, preserves material activity (such as protein, vitamins) and flavor.
Thermal efficiency optimization design
External circulation natural convection: The material liquid in the heater is heated and rises, sprayed into the separator, cooled and refluxed to form an automatic circulation, without the need for additional power.
Falling film evaporation: The material flows along the inner wall of the heating tube to form a film, with a large heat transfer area and short residence time, suitable for thermosensitive materials.
Forced circulation: High viscosity materials (such as glue) are circulated by a pump to prevent scaling.
structural characteristics
Material: All stainless steel (SUS304/316L), mirror polished, in compliance with GMP standards.
Modularization: Extraction tanks, concentrators, condensers, etc. can operate independently or in conjunction to meet multiple process requirements.
Safety control: overload protection, pressure reducing valve, automatic temperature control system ensure safe operation

Industry applications 
Pharmaceutical/traditional Chinese medicine water extraction/alcohol extraction of Chinese herbal medicine, extract concentration, volatile oil recovery, GMP compliant production, all stainless steel 304/316L material, CIP/SIP cleaning, explosion-proof design
Food/beverage juice concentration (such as apple juice and tomato sauce), essence extraction, yeast extract preparation, sanitary grade pipeline, low temperature concentration (≤ 80 ° C), high recovery rate
Chemical/environmental organic solvent recovery (ethanol, acetone), reduction of high salt wastewater, concentration and crystallization of waste liquid, corrosion-resistant material (PTFE seal), anti scaling design, MVR energy-saving configuration
Biological laboratory, small-scale extraction (10-100 L), trace sample concentration, pre concentration before freeze-drying, modular design, vacuum degree adjustable to 0.098 MPa