MaxExtractor Extraction Monitor

An extraction monitor is a crucial device in the botanical oil extraction process, optimizing yield, purity, and efficiency. At Bionetics Corporation, we offer the Rheotherm® MaxExtractor, an innovative solution that enhances the efficiency and productivity of botanical oil extraction systems.

The Rheotherm® MaxExtractor is a thermal properties sensor that tracks the changes in the properties of the fluid as the extraction progresses from pure solvent to a solvent with oil extract. Using the MaxExtractor, you can monitor the oil extraction rate from plant matter and determine when the process is complete. This botanical oil extractor monitor also provides crucial data, enabling process refinement, cost savings, and improved throughput.

What Can We Measure?

The Bionetics Rheotherm MaxExtractor extraction monitor can be used to monitor the extraction of oils from botanicals using the below common extraction techniques:

• Ethanol: Ethanol extraction involves recirculating ethanol through a vessel filled with plant material or soaking the plant matter in ethanol for a specific duration. The resulting botanical oil extraction mixture is then filtered to remove sediments, and the majority of the ethanol is evaporated off and recovered.

  The MaxExtractor is offered with a Class I Div. 1 explosion-proof rating, making it the perfect fit for ethanol extraction systems. This botanical oil extractor monitor can be integrated into both recirculating and washing ethanol extraction setups, providing real-time oil concentration tracking, alerting operators when extraction is complete, and preventing unnecessary ethanol waste.

• Hydrocarbon: During hydrocarbon extraction, a solvent such as butane, propane, or hexane is poured or sprayed into the top of a vessel filled with plant matter. The liquid solvent and oil mixture is collected from the bottom of the vessel, and then the hydrocarbon is evaporated, leaving the extracted oil behind.

  Designed for compatibility with various hydrocarbon extraction systems, the MaxExtractor is FM-approved and capable of measuring both liquid and gas phase solvents. The high-pressure rating ensures compatibility with pressurized processes and helps operators determine extraction completion.

• Supercritical CO2: Supercritical CO2 extraction systems operate at very high pressure and temperature, transitioning CO2 into a supercritical phase. The CO2 is first passed through a pressure vessel full of plant matter, then the solids are filtered out. After exiting the high-pressure side, the fluid passes through a pressure-reducing orifice and transitions back to a gas phase. When the CO2 transforms into gas, all the extracted oil separates from the solution and is gathered in a collection tank. The CO2 is then recovered and recompressed for future use.

  The high-pressure requirements for supercritical CO2 extraction systems make the MaxExtractor an ideal equipment for measuring extraction progress. The MaxExtractor supports pressure testing up to 6000 PSI and is compatible with a wide array of flow ranges.

How does it Work?

The Rheotherm MaxExtractor Extraction Monitor is a thermal properties sensor that detects the change in viscosity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity as the fluid transitions from pure solvent to solvent containing oil extract. The end result of the instrument combines three thermal properties, and when this output is tracked over time, it provides crucial information about the rate of extraction, the amount of oil being extracted, and the completion point that allows you to maximize oil yield within the optimal processing time.

This chart shows the output of the MaxExtractor Extraction Monitor (‘TPS Indication’ in the chart).

During use, the MaxExtractor can be zeroed under conditions with no oil in the stream and can be plotted as a percent deviation from zero, which is relative to the amount of oil in the stream. By tracking both the magnitude and rate of change of this output, you can accurately measure the oil yield and extraction rate in your system. Most importantly, the MaxExtractor can indicate when oil extraction has stopped, allowing you to efficiently transition to the next stage of your process.

Many liquid-based extractions use a recirculating type process where an extractor is filled with biomass and solvent, allowing the solvent to drain from the bottom and be continuously pumped back over the top. In these extraction setups, the MaxExtractor is installed in the recirculating line to determine the amount of extracted oil in the flow stream out of the extraction vessel. Other extraction methods use a washing or centrifuge process, where the extractor is filled with biomass and solvent, then spun or agitated within the solvent pool to facilitate extraction. In such cases the MaxExtractor is placed in a small bypass line, where a minimal amount of fluid is continuously sampled and pushed through the sensor to measure the oil content. This setup can also be used for recirculating processes when the recirculation pump has an inconsistent flow rate.

Most hydrocarbon and supercritical CO2 extraction processes follow a once-through principle, where fresh solvent continuously flows through the extractor until all the oil is fully extracted. The MaxExtractor can improve the efficiency of these operations by detecting the oil extraction rate. These systems use two oil extraction system monitors, one placed before and one after the extractor. By comparing their outputs, the difference provides a real-time measure of the instantaneous concentration of extracted oil.

How Are They Installed?

Installing the Rheotherm MaxExtractor extraction monitor is a simple process, with various fitting options available to suit different system requirements.

• The MaxExtractor features in-line Rheotherm flow meters sensors with flexible connection options, including sanitary, NPT, and Swagelok compression fittings.

• Designed for seamless integration with hydrocarbon extractors, ethanol extraction systems, and CO2 extraction systems, the MaxExtractor has an explosion-proof hazardous environment rating.

• The device is compatible with a wide range of botanical extraction systems and is tailored to fit unique processing conditions.

How Do I Get One?

Optimizing your oil extraction process begins with the right equipment. The Rheotherm MaxExtractor is specifically designed to enhance efficiency, improve throughput, and provide real-time extraction monitoring. Our extraction application specialists are available to discuss your unique requirements and help configure an instrument tailored to your needs.

For more details, visit our Contact Us page for telephone, fax, and email information. Let us help you streamline your extraction process and maximize your output with industry-leading technology.

• FEATURES
• SPECIFICATIONS
• DOCUMENTATION

• Output of solvent vs. extract concentration
• Advanced temperature compensation
• Measurement of liquids or gases
• Exclusive inline TU sensor
• Advanced signal processing electronics
• Easy installation
• Long-term reliability

 

Temperature	Process: 0 – 120°F (-18 – 50°C) Environment: 0 – 120°F (-18 – 50°C)
Pressure	0 – 500 PSI
Calibration Ranges	10:1 Turndown (standard) Up to 100:1 Turndown available Liquids: 0.05 cc/min to 2 LPM Gases: 0.0017 to 3 SCFM
Calibration Accuracy	± 1% of reading typical
Response Time	1 sec. ; 3 – 5 sec. typ. (63% of range)
Repeatability	± 0.5% of reading
Line Sizes (flow range dependent)	1/16”; 1/8”; 3/16”; 1/4”
Process Connection	Plain tube stubs suitable for compression fittings
Wetted Material	316 SS
Display	2-line OLED display of: – Mass/volume flow rate – Setpoint
Enclosure	Sensor: PVC Integrated Electronics:  NEMA 4X Cast Aluminum
Flow Output	4 – 20 mA (standard); 0 – 10 or 0 – 5 VDC (optional)
Input Power	24 VDC (9 – 36 VDC) @325 mA (max)

Product Summary	Rheotherm Method of Operation
Rheotherm Flow Application Data Sheet (download document)