the working principle of the equipment and adaptability
Ultrasonic extraction principle
- Cavitation effect: ultrasonic waves (frequency 20-100 kHz) in the liquid to produce micro air pockets, the rupture release high temperature (locally up to 5000K), high pressure (thousands of atmospheres) and shock waves, instantly destroying the cell wall of the leaves of the kalphene, and promoting the dissolution of alkaloids (such as mitochondria, 7-hydroxy mitochondria).
- Mechanical effect: high-frequency vibration accelerates the penetration of solvents, reduces diffusion resistance, shortens the extraction time to 1/5 to 1/3 of the traditional method.
- Low-temperature advantage: the extraction temperature is controlled at 40-60℃, avoiding the degradation of heat-sensitive alkaloids and reducing energy consumption by more than 60%.
Concentration principle
- Adopts vacuum decompression concentration (40-60℃) to reduce the boiling point through negative pressure to retain the active ingredients and avoid high temperature damage.
the operation process and parameter setting
Step 1: Raw material pretreatment
Crush the leaves of Kratom to 20-40 mesh particle size after drying to increase the specific surface area.
Step 2: Ultrasonic extraction
| Parameters | Recommended values | Function |
| Solvent | Ethanol-water (ratio 70:30) or acidic aqueous solution | Improve alkaloid dissolution rate |
| Solid-liquid ratio | 1:10-1:15 (material:solvent) | Balance of efficiency and cost |
| Temperature | 45-55°C | Protect heat-sensitive components |
| Time | 25-35 minutes ( Applicable for leaves) | 2/3 shorter than conventional boiling |
| Ultrasonic frequency | 28-40 kHz | Optimise cavitation |
| Power density | 0.5-1.0 W/mL (e.g. 1000L tank with 7-9kW) | Ensure penetration |
Step 3: Filtration and Concentration
1. Filtration: the extract is filtered through 100 mesh sieve or plate and frame to remove residue.
2. Concentration:
- Vacuum is set to -0.08～-0.098 MPa, temperature ≤60℃.
- Optional falling film concentration or scraper concentration to improve evaporation efficiency.
- Essential oil collection (optional): If volatile components are to be retained, connect an oil-water separator.
Advantages and effects of the process
- Improvement of extraction rate: 50-500% higher than traditional methods, especially efficient for polar components such as alkaloids.
- Energy saving and environmental protection: no need to add borax and other additives to reduce pollution; reduce energy consumption by 30-60%.
- Component preservation: low-temperature environment to avoid oxidative hydrolysis of alkaloids, product impurities.
Precautions
- Solvent selection: Acidic aqueous solution (such as pH3-4) can further promote the dissolution of alkaloids, but the equipment needs to be corrosion-resistant.
- Safety protection: ethanol solvents need explosion-proof design, operation room ventilation to prevent combustion and explosion.
- Equipment maintenance: start CIP online cleaning after use to prevent residues from clogging the ultrasonic probe.