Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
  • C11B—PRODUCING, e.g. BY PRESSING RAW MATERIALS OR BY EXTRACTION FROM WASTE MATERIALS, REFINING OR PRESERVING FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES, e.g. LANOLIN, FATTY OILS OR WAXES; ESSENTIAL OILS; PERFUMES
  • C11B9/00—Essential oils; Perfumes
  • C11B9/02—Recovery or refining of essential oils from raw materials
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F26—DRYING
  • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
  • F26B15/00—Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movement; Machines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form
  • F26B15/10—Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movement; Machines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form with movement in a path composed of one or more straight lines, e.g. compound, the movement being in alternate horizontal and vertical directions
  • F26B15/12—Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movement; Machines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form with movement in a path composed of one or more straight lines, e.g. compound, the movement being in alternate horizontal and vertical directions the lines being all horizontal or slightly inclined
  • F26B15/18—Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movement; Machines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form with movement in a path composed of one or more straight lines, e.g. compound, the movement being in alternate horizontal and vertical directions the lines being all horizontal or slightly inclined the objects or batches of materials being carried by endless belts
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F26—DRYING
  • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
  • F26B25/00—Details of general application not covered by group F26B21/00 or F26B23/00
  • F26B25/005—Treatment of dryer exhaust gases
  • F26B25/006—Separating volatiles, e.g. recovering solvents from dryer exhaust gases
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F26—DRYING
  • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
  • F26B3/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat
  • F26B3/32—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by development of heat within the materials or objects to be dried, e.g. by fermentation or other microbiological action
  • F26B3/34—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by development of heat within the materials or objects to be dried, e.g. by fermentation or other microbiological action by using electrical effects
  • F26B3/347—Electromagnetic heating, e.g. induction heating or heating using microwave energy
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
  • H05B6/00—Heating by electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields
  • H05B6/64—Heating using microwaves
  • H05B6/78—Arrangements for continuous movement of material
  • H05B6/782—Arrangements for continuous movement of material wherein the material moved is food
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
  • H05B2206/00—Aspects relating to heating by electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields covered by group H05B6/00
  • H05B2206/04—Heating using microwaves
  • H05B2206/044—Microwave heating devices provided with two or more magnetrons or microwave sources of other kind

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device and a method for extracting plant fluid. It applies, in particular, to the food, pharmaceutical and perfumery industries.
• Patent application EP 1 955 749 is known, which discloses a device for extracting vegetable fluids by microwave using filtration by depression.
• a device for extracting vegetable fluids by microwave using filtration by depression does not allow continuous extraction without applying a constant depression in the lower part of the device.
• a device does not make it possible to separate the aerosolized fluids and the non-aerosolized fluids released during exposure to microwaves.
• Patent application EP 1 618 798 is also known, which discloses a device for the extraction and recovery by suction of fluid from plants subjected to microwaves.
• a device for the extraction and recovery by suction of fluid from plants subjected to microwaves does not allow exposure of the plants and continuous and dynamic recovery of the fluids from the plants by gravity.
• patent application FR 3 070 869 discloses a device for the extraction and recovery by gravity of fluid from plants subjected to microwaves.
• a device for the extraction and recovery by gravity of fluid from plants subjected to microwaves does not make it possible to separate the aerosolized fluids and the non-aerosolized fluids released during exposure to microwaves.
• a device does not make it possible to facilitate the release of the fluids present in the plants during exposure to microwaves.
• the present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.
• the invention makes it possible to recover, on the one hand, at least one fluid and, on the other hand, the partially dried plants without alterations.
• the present invention relates to a device for extracting plant fluid from plants, which comprises:
• At least one microwave emitting antenna oriented to transmit the microwaves in the enclosure and configured to heat at least one fluid contained in the plants
• the device which is the subject of the invention allows rapid and effective recovery of the fluid originating from the plants without overexposure to the microwaves. Thus, the alteration of the fluid during the extraction is avoided.
• These provisions also allow non-destructive drying of the plants and therefore the recovery, conservation, reuse or even consumption of these plants. These provisions therefore ultimately allow the simultaneous recovery of plants, at least partially dried, and fluid from these plants, which can then be recovered.
• the separation means is integrated into the support and comprises at least one filter retaining the plants from which the fluid has been extracted and allowing this filtered fluid to pass.
• the device allows separation by gravity of the plants and of the fluid originating from these plants.
• the support comprises a plant moving mat in the enclosure comprising the filter
• the device further comprises at least one mat impermeable to the extracted fluid placed under the moving mat and configured to recover by gravity the filtered fluid.
• the device simultaneously allows exposure of the plants to microwaves and extraction by gravity of the fluid originating from these plants.
• the device further comprises a motor for driving the impermeable mat configured to drive the impermeable mat at a speed greater than the speed of movement of the plant support.
• the separation means comprises a suction means for at least one fluid released by the plants in an enclosure.
• the device allows suction of the released fluid.
• At least one enclosure is airtight.
• the device when a vacuum is applied to the device, the device allows a more efficient release and extraction of the fluid from the plants when the plants are exposed to microwaves.
• These provisions also make it possible to reduce the power of the microwaves applied in the enclosure. Thus, the extraction temperature of the extracted fluid and the plants is lowered, which avoids the degradation of the plants or the extracted fluid.
• aerosolized liquids are also aspirated.
• the separation means further comprises at least one means for accumulating at least one aerosolized and aspirated liquid.
• the accumulation means allows a separation of the aerosolized liquid and the sucked gas.
• the recovery of the aerosolized liquid is achieved.
• the enclosure further comprises a tank being at least partially made of a material that reflects microwaves, the tank being configured to recover the filtered fluid by gravity.
• the device for extracting plant fluid from plants comprises:
• At least one microwave emitting antenna oriented to transmit the microwaves in each enclosure and configured to heat at least one fluid contained in the plants
• a first separation means integrated into the support comprising at least one filter with gravity flow of a liquid retaining the plants from which the non-aerosolized liquid fluid has been extracted
• a second means of separation comprising a means of suction of at least one aerosolized fluid and released by the plants in an enclosure.
• the present invention relates to a process for extracting plant fluid from plants, which comprises:
• the microwave emission step and the fluid separation step are simultaneous.
• the method further comprises a step of placing a vacuum in at least one enclosure downstream of the step of introducing the plants into the enclosure and upstream of the step of emitting of microwaves.
• FIG. 1 represents, schematically and in sectional view, a first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention
• Figure 2 shows, schematically, in perspective and in top view, an enlargement of part of the device illustrated in Figure 1,
• FIG. 3 represents, schematically and in sectional view, a second particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention
• FIG. 4 represents, schematically and in sectional view, a third particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention
• FIG. 5 represents, schematically and seen in section, a fourth particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the invention.
• Figure 6 schematically represents an enlargement of part of the device illustrated in Figure 5
• FIG. 7 schematically represents an enlargement of part of the device illustrated in FIG. 6 and
• FIG. 8 represents, schematically and in the form of a flowchart, a particular succession of steps of the method which is the subject of the invention.
• plants refers to plants or parts of plants, but also to fruits or parts of fruit, such as saffron pistils, mint leaves, apricots, apples or plums.
• fluid refers to a set of compounds present in plants in gaseous or liquid form, such as aromas, essential oils, water or air.
• liquid refers to one of the three physical states of matter characterizing a compound that can flow over an impermeable surface or through a porous surface, for example aromas, essential oils or water.
• anosolized refers to liquids suspended in a gas, such as aromas or essential oils suspended in the air.
• partially desiccated refers to a physical state of a body transformed to be limited in fluids. Fluids are, for example, aromas, essential oils or water.
• arranged under refer to the arrangement of one element relative to another element, under normal operating conditions of the device for extracting plants.
• microwave reflective material refers to a material configured to form a barrier to microwaves without absorbing them.
• a material microwave reflective is a type of material that shields microwaves, and contrary to the term "microwave transparent material”.
• FIG. 1 which is not to scale, a schematic view of an embodiment of the device 100 which is the subject of the invention.
• This device 100 for extracting plant fluid 101 from plants 103 comprises:
• At least one transmitting antenna 106 of microwaves 107 oriented to transmit the microwaves 107 in the enclosure 104 and configured to heat at least one fluid 101 contained in the plants 103 and
• the support 102 of plants 103 consists of a material that is chemically neutral with respect to the plants 103 to be extracted. Even more preferably, this material is compatible with the standards in force imposed in the food industry.
• this material comprises a metal or an alloy, such as brass or stainless steel, for example with the reference “316L stainless steel”.
• the support 102 is configured to be resistant under microwave exposure conditions 107.
• the microwave exposure conditions are defined, for example, by a microwave power of between 1 and 10 kilowatts (kW), preferably between 1 and 3 kilowatts (kW).
• the support 102 is a conveyor belt.
• the treadmill 102 is waterproof.
• the conveyor belt 102 comprises various means of individual separation (not shown) of the plants 103.
• the individual separation means are configured to be resistant under conditions of exposure to microwaves 107 such as defined for the support 102.
• the individual separation means are, for example, fixed partitions or separation compartments affixed directly to the conveyor belt 102.
• the conveyor belt 102 has, for example, a corrugated or square relief configured to form the individual separating means.
• the belt 102 is a caterpillar forming the individual separation means. Even more preferably, the part of the caterpillar that does not support the plants serves to drive and therefore to move the moving belt 102 by rotation of the moving means 105.
• the enclosure 104 is compatible with microwave emissions 107.
• the walls of the enclosure 104 reflect the microwaves 107.
• the walls of the enclosure 104 comprise a metal or an alloy, such as stainless steel, for example with the reference “316L stainless steel”.
• the enclosure 104 is unique and covers the entire moving belt 102 during the emissions of the microwaves 107.
• the enclosure 104 is thus configured for continuous exposure of the plants 103 microwave 107.
• multiple enclosures 104 are in series. Each enclosure covers part of the conveyor belt 102. The enclosures 104 are thus configured for discontinuous exposure of the plants 103 to the microwaves 107.
• the means 105 for moving the support 102 is a means for moving the support relative to the enclosure 104.
• the moving means 105 is a drive roller configured to be rotated.
• the microwave transmitting antenna 107 transmits microwave power ranging, for example, from 1 to 10 kilowatts (kW).
• the microwave frequency is preferably between 3000 and 500 megahertz (MHz) and even more preferably between 900 and 2500 MHz, for example equal to 2450 megahertz (MHz) or 915 megahertz (MHz).
• the power of the microwaves 107 emitted by this antenna is predetermined according to the plants 103 to be extracted.
• Mono or multidirectional transmissions 107 are also implemented by this antenna 106 depending on the physical characteristics of the plants 103 to be extracted.
• the transmitting antenna 106 is a radiating antenna with slots.
• the separation means 108 is integrated into the support 102 and comprises at least one filter retaining the plants 103.
• the filter 108 can be a screen or membrane filter, a grid or a mesh mat. featuring teflon coated glass mesh.
• the separation means 108 is a filter and is incorporated into the entire conveyor belt 102.
• the belt 102 and the filter 108 form a single element, and preferably a mesh carpet.
• the mesh belt 102 comprises Teflon-coated glass mesh.
• filter 108 is incorporated into conveyor belt 102 in a discontinuous manner.
• the device 100 further comprises an impermeable mat 109 to the extracted fluid 101.
• the impermeable mat 109 is arranged under the plant support 102.
• the plant support 102 is a belt comprising a separation means 108.
• the separation means 108 is a filter incorporated in the entire conveyor belt 102. Even more preferably, the belt 102 and the filter 108 form a single element, and preferentially a belt with stitches.
• the fluid 101 is separated from the plants 103 by gravity passing through the meshes of the filter 108.
• the fluid 101 is then recovered by the impermeable mat 109.
• the impermeable mat 109 has a profiled section in the shape of a V or a U, the section of the impermeable mat 109 being perpendicular to the axis A of the movement of the mat 109.
• a tray (not shown) arranged under the mesh mat receives the flowing fluid, the mesh mat being formed by conveyor belt 102 and separating means 108.
• the separation means 108 further comprises a depression means (not shown) configured to suck the fluid 101.
• the depression separates the fluid 101 from the plants 103 by passing this fluid 101 through the meshes of the filter 108.
• the depression is produced by a pump exerting a negative pressure in the lower part of the enclosure and more particularly under the conveyor belt 102.
• the separation means further comprises one or more intermediate mats comprising filters and disposed between the mesh mat 102 and the impermeable mat 109.
• Each filter of each mat has a pore size which decreases from one mat to another and between each successive filtration.
• the filtrate obtained comprises a limited quantity of solid particles.
• the device 100 further comprises a drive motor which drives the waterproof mat 109 at a speed greater than the speed of movement of the mat 102.
• a drive motor which drives the waterproof mat 109 at a speed greater than the speed of movement of the mat 102.
• the impermeable mat 109 moves in a direction opposite to the movement of the moving mat 102 of plants 103.
• the speed of movement of the impermeable mat 109 is greater than the speed of movement of the mat movement 102 of plants 103.
• the device 100 comprises one or more impermeable mats attached to each other, located under the moving mat 102 of plants and moving in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the moving mat. 102 and in a plane parallel to the conveyor belt 102.
• the impermeable belts are thus configured to increase the transport speed of the extracted fluid
• the device 100 comprises a moving mat 102 comprising a filter 108 and an impermeable mat 109 placed under the mat
• the individual separation means are, for example, fixed partitions or separation compartments affixed directly to the impermeable mat 109.
• the impermeable mat 109 has, for example, a wavy or square relief configured to form means of individual separation.
• the impermeable mat 109 is a caterpillar forming the individual separation means. Even more preferentially, the part of the caterpillar that does not recover the extracted fluid is used for driving and therefore for moving the impermeable mat 109.
• the impermeable mat 109 with individual separation means is configured to separate different fractions of extracted fluids according to the microwave exposure time and/or microwave power.
• FIG. 2 which is not to scale, an enlarged view 110 and in perspective of a part of the device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 2 one observes the plant 103 positioned on the conveyor belt 102 and subjected to the microwaves 107. It is also observed that the droplets of fluid 101 extracted from the plant 103 flow downwards through the meshes of the filter 108 incorporated in the belt 102. These droplets of fluid 101 are recovered by the impermeable mat 109.
• the impermeable mat 109 has a speed of movement greater than the speed of movement of the mat 102.
• FIG. 3 A diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the device 200 object of the invention is observed in FIG. 3, which is not to scale.
• This device 200 for extracting plant fluid 201 from plants 203 comprises: - a support 202 of these plants 203,
• At least one transmitting antenna 206 of microwaves 207 oriented to transmit the microwaves 207 in the enclosure 204 and configured to heat at least one fluid 201 contained in the plants 203 and
• the support 202 has the same physico-chemical and material characteristics described previously for the support 102 represented in FIG. 1.
• the support 202 of plants 203 is a conveyor belt 202.
• the conveyor belt 202 is waterproof.
• the conveyor belt 202 comprises various individual separation means (not shown) of the plants 203, similar to the individual separation means described above for the conveyor belt 102.
• the conveyor belt 202 is a caterpillar forming the means of individual separation. Even more preferably, the part of the caterpillar that does not support the plants 203 is used for driving and therefore for moving the moving belt 202 by rotation of the moving means 205.
• enclosure 204 is airtight and so is configured so that reduced pressure is applied during microwave exposure 207.
• the enclosure 204 has the same physicochemical and material characteristics described above for the enclosure 104 represented in FIG. 1.
• the enclosure 204 is unique and covers the entire conveyor belt 202 during the emissions of the microwaves 207.
• the enclosure 204 is thus configured for continuous exposure of the plants 203 microwave 207.
• multiple enclosures 204 are in series. Each enclosure covers part of the conveyor belt 202.
• the enclosures 104 are thus configured for discontinuous exposure of the plants 203 to the microwaves 207.
• the means for moving 205 of the support 202 is a means of relative movement of the support with respect to to enclosure 204.
• moving means 205 is a drive roller configured to be rotated.
• the transmitting antenna 206 has the same characteristics as the antenna 106 previously mentioned.
• the means 208 for separating the fluid 201 and the plants 203 comprises a suction means 209 for the fluid 201 freed from the plants 203 and aerosolized in the enclosure 204.
• the depression exerted in enclosure 204 has a constant value.
• this suction means 209 corresponds to a suction pump configured to impose, for example, a depression of less than 1 bar in order to extract the fluid 201 from the enclosure 204. Even more preferentially, the depression is close emptiness.
• the suction means 209 for the fluid 201 freed from the plants 203 and aerosolized in the enclosure 204 is configured to apply a suction rate of between 10 and 80 cubic meters per hour (m 3 /h) .
• the separation means 208 further comprises a means 210 for accumulating the liquid 211 initially aerosolized 201 . It is observed in Figure 3, the suction and then the accumulation of the aerosolized liquid 201 to form the liquid 211 in the reservoir 210.
• the accumulation means 209 further comprises a valve 212 configured to recover the accumulated liquid 210.
• the accumulation means 210 is a demister. The evacuation of the air sucked in simultaneously with the accumulation of the liquid 21 1 is carried out at the top of the tank 210 which comprises an air outlet.
• the separation means 208 comprises several accumulation means 210 in parallel and associated with an enclosure 204, or in series and each associated with an enclosure 204.
• the suction flow rate applied downstream of each accumulation means decreases along the moving belt 202 of plants and as a function of the extraction time.
• the suction flow rate gradient thus applied is configured to avoid the suction of light plants 203 following their drying out, such as saffron pistils.
• the negative pressure applied in the enclosure 204 increases along the plant moving belt and as a function of the extraction time.
• the depression gradient thus applied is configured for the progressive extraction and accumulation of the denser fluids 201 present in the plants 203.
• device 200 includes additional separation means.
• This additional separating means is a filter and is incorporated into holder 202.
• This filter is configured to gravity separate a denser, non-aerosolized fluid.
• the device 200 further comprises an impermeable mat for recovering the non-aerosolized and filtered fluid.
• the characteristics of the filter and of the impermeable mat of the device 200 are identical to the characteristics stated above for the device 100 represented in FIG. 1.
• a tank (not represented) receives the fluid which flows.
• At least one microwave emitting antenna 304 oriented to transmit the microwaves in the enclosure 302 and configured to heat at least one fluid contained in the plants and
• the support 301 has the same physico-chemical and material characteristics described above for the supports 102 and 202 represented respectively in FIGS. 1 and 3.
• the plant support 301 is a conveyor belt.
• the plants are introduced inside the enclosure 302 by moving the belt 301 to the right.
• the conveyor belt 301 comprises different individual separation means (not shown) of the plants as described previously for the conveyor belts 202 and 102.
• the conveyor belt 301 is a caterpillar forming the individual separation means .
• the part of the caterpillar that does not support the plants serves to drive and therefore to move the moving belt 301 by rotation of the moving means 303.
• enclosure 302 is airtight and so configured so that reduced pressure is applied during microwave exposure.
• the enclosure 302 has the same physicochemical and material characteristics described above for the enclosures 104 and 204 represented respectively in FIGS. 1 and 3.
• the enclosure 302 is unique and covers the entire conveyor belt 301 during microwave emissions. Enclosure 302 is thus configured for continuous exposure of plants to microwaves.
• the enclosure 302 has an input 307 and an output 308 for the mats 301 and 309.
• the enclosure 302 further comprises at least one microwave trap 310 configured to make the enclosure hermetic to microwaves.
• these traps 310 are located at the inlet 307 and at the outlet 308 of the enclosure 302.
• the means 303 for moving the mat 301 is a means for moving the mat 301 relative to the enclosure 302.
• the means 303 for moving the mat 301 is a drive roller configured to be rotated.
• the transmitting antenna 304 has the same characteristics as the antennas 106 and 206 previously described.
• the power of the antennas 304 in series varies along the enclosure 302, so as to apply a decreasing power along the enclosure 302 and in the direction of movement of the exposed plants.
• This decrease in power of the microwaves of the antennas 304 is configured to limit the overexposure of the plant to the microwaves during the extraction.
• a significant extraction of the vegetable fluid is carried out at the start of the extraction, when the power of the microwaves is maximum.
• the first separation means 305 is a filter and is incorporated into the entire conveyor belt 301 .
• the characteristics of the filter 305 are identical to the characteristics stated above for the filter 108 represented in FIG.
• the mat 301 and the filter 305 form a single element, and preferably a mesh mat comprising, for example, Teflon-coated glass mesh.
• the filter 305 is incorporated into the conveyor belt 301 discontinuously.
• the device 300 further comprises an impermeable mat 309 to the extracted fluid.
• the carpet raincoat 309 has a profiled section in the shape of a V or a U, the section of the waterproof mat 309 being perpendicular to the axis C of movement of the mat 309. It is noted that the waterproof mat 309 is placed under the plant support 301 .
• the plant support 301 is a carpet comprising a separating means 305.
• the separating means 305 is a filter incorporated in the entire conveyor belt 301 . Even more preferentially, the mat 301 and the filter 305 form a single element, and preferentially a mesh mat.
• a tray (not shown) arranged under the mesh belt receives the flowing fluid, the mesh belt being formed by the moving belt 301 and the separation means 305.
• the moving means 314 of the waterproof mat 309 has the same characteristics described for the moving means 303.
• the moving means 314 of the waterproof mat 309 is a drive roller supported by a frame and configured to be rotated.
• the second separation means 306 comprises a suction means 311 for air and aerosolized liquid.
• the second separation means further comprises a means 312 for accumulating fluid 313.
• the accumulation means 312 is a reservoir configured to separate the air and the sucked-up liquid 313.
• the means for The accumulation 312 is a demister having a liquid purge 313 on its lower part and an air outlet on its upper part.
• the device 300 further comprises at least one temperature sensor 315 associated with at least one antenna 304 emitting microwaves.
• the antenna 304 emitting microwaves includes a means of adapting (not shown) the power of the waves emitted as a function of the measured temperature.
• the means of adaptation includes:
• the predetermined threshold value is a limit value or a minimum value.
• the microwave power is reduced to be less than the predetermined limit value.
• the microwave power is increased to be above the predetermined minimum value.
• the device 300 further comprises at least one evacuation means 316 for the plants located at the outlet of the enclosure 304.
• the evacuation means 316 is configured to recover the plants located on the conveyor belt 301 and obtained after extraction.
• the device 300 further comprises at least one recovery means, 317 and 318, extracted liquids located at the outlet of the enclosure 304.
• the recovery means 317 is configured to recover the liquid extracted from the plants and accumulated on the impermeable mat 309.
• the recovery means 318 is configured to recover the residual liquid extracted from the plants present on the mesh mat 301.
• the device 300 further comprises at least one means for eliminating, 319 and 320, residual traces of plants.
• Removal means 320 is located downstream of removal means 316 and recovery means 318.
• Removal means 319 is located downstream of recovery means 317.
• Removal means, 319 and 320 are configured to eliminate residual traces of plants present on the support 301 and the impermeable mat 309.
• the elimination means is a scraper.
• FIG. 5 which is not to scale, a schematic view of an embodiment of the device 400 which is the subject of the invention.
• This device 400 for extracting plant fluid, 418 and 419, from plants comprises:
• At least one microwave emitting antenna 405 oriented to transmit the microwaves 417 in the enclosure 403 and configured to heat at least one fluid, 418 or 419, contained in the plants and
• the support 401 has the same physico-chemical and material characteristics described above for the supports 102, 202 and 301 represented respectively in FIG. 1, 3 and 4.
• the support 401 of plants is composed of a continuous succession of plates secured to each other so as to form a linear support along the axis D. It is noted on Figure 5 that the moving means 404 of the support 401 corresponds to a belt driven by a drive roller, configured to be rotated and supported by a frame.
• the enclosure 403 is formed by a lower box 408 and an upper box 409.
• the lower box 408 and the upper box 409 are configured to obtain an airtightness of the enclosure 403 when a reduced pressure is applied in the enclosure 403.
• a seal is present between the boxes, 408 and 409, configured to improve the adhesion between the two boxes, 408 and 409, and thus the tightness of enclosure 403.
• the lower box 408 is moved by a second moving means 410 and the upper box 409 is moved by a third moving means 41 1.
• these two moving means are drive rollers supported by a frame and configured to be rotated.
• the transmitting antenna 405 has the same characteristics as the antennas 106, 206 and 304 previously described.
• the device further comprises a cleaning means 412 of the support 401 and the lower boxes 408.
• FIG. 6 which is not to scale, an enlarged view 413 of a part of the device 400 illustrated in FIG. 5.
• the enclosure 403 is formed by the two boxes 408 and 409.
• the joining of the lower boxes 408 between them allows their movement by the drive means 410.
• hinges 414 between the upper boxes 409 configured to link these boxes together.
• the joining of the boxes 409 allows their movement by the drive means 411 .
• FIG. 7 which is not to scale, an enlarged view 416 of a part of the device 400 illustrated in FIG. 6.
• the plants 402 are positioned on the support 401 and subjected to microwaves 417 in the enclosure 403. It is observed that the enclosure 403 is formed by the lower box 408 and the upper box 409.
• the first separation means 406 is a filter and is incorporated into the entire support 401 . Characteristics of the filter 406 are identical to the characteristics stated above for the filters 108 and 305. Preferably, the first separation means 406 is a screen filter. It is observed in Figure 7 that the non-aerosolized fluid 418, extracted from the plants 402 and corresponding to droplets, flows by gravity through the filter 406.
• the second separation means 407 is an aspiration of the aerosolized fluid 419 extracted from the plants 402 and released into the enclosure 403.
• the communication between the enclosure 403 and the second means of separation 407 is carried out by a solenoid valve 415.
• the solenoid valve 415 is fixed to the upper enclosure 409, as observed in FIG. 6, and is configured to be open during the extraction of the plants 402 subjected to the microwaves.
• the enclosure 403 further comprises a tank 420 configured to recover the non-aerosolized fluid 418 by gravity. It is observed in FIG. 7 that the tank 420 comprises an upper part 421 configured to filter the non-aerosolized liquid. Preferably the upper part 421 of the tank 420 is a filter or a grid.
• the tray 420 and its upper part 421 are at least partially made of material that reflects microwaves.
• the tray 420 and its upper part 421 are entirely made of a material that reflects the microwaves.
• the reflective material comprises metals or alloys, such as brass or stainless steel, for example with the reference “316L stainless steel”.
• the microwave-reflecting material prevents the non-aerosolized 418 liquid from rising in temperature which, by gravity, falls into the 420 tank.
• the device 400 further comprises at least one temperature sensor 422 associated with at least one antenna 405 emitting microwaves 417.
• the characteristics of the temperature sensor 422 described for the device 400 are identical to the characteristics stated above for the sensor 315 of the device 300.
• This process 500 for extracting plant fluid from plants comprises:
• the emission step 503 of microwaves in the enclosure and the separation step 504 of the fluid are simultaneous.
• the method 500 further comprises a step of placing a vacuum 504 on at least one enclosure downstream of the step 501 of introducing the plants into the enclosure. and upstream of the transmission step 502 of microwaves.
• This depressurization 504 can be carried out, for example, by the separation means, 208, 306 or 407, comprising suction means, 209 or 311, previously described.
• the means of the devices 100, 200, 300 and/or 400 are configured to implement the steps of the method 500 and their embodiments as explained above and the method 500 as well as its various embodiments can be implemented by the means of the device 100, 200, 300 and/or 400.

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• 2021
  • 2021-09-01 FR FR2109151A patent/FR3126320A1/fr active Pending
• 2022
  • 2022-08-31 EP EP22773597.4A patent/EP4388067A1/de active Pending
  • 2022-08-31 WO PCT/EP2022/074199 patent/WO2023031274A1/fr not_active Ceased
• 2024
  • 2024-06-20 FR FR2406628A patent/FR3150127A1/fr active Pending

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