Introduction to the product features of the traditional Chinese medicine extraction and concentration production line equipment

There is a wide variety of TCM extraction and concentration equipment, and the combination forms of the equipment vary due to the different processes adopted by different manufacturers. Among them, the thermal reflux extraction unit is a widely used extraction and concentration equipment at present. Its core features and precautions during the extraction and concentration process are as follows:

I. Core Features of Thermal Reflux Extraction Units

Through process integration and technical optimization, the thermal reflux extraction unit achieves dual improvements in extraction efficiency and energy utilization. Its specific features are as follows:

1. High Process Integration

It integrates three principles of existing extraction equipment—reflux extraction, percolation extraction, and Soxhlet extraction—while combining with external thermal circulation concentration technology. It concentrates the two key processes of "extraction" and "concentration" into a single piece of equipment for simultaneous operation, simplifying the production process.

2. Recyclable Heat Energy

The secondary steam generated during the concentration process is continuously fed into the extraction tank as a new heat source, stably maintaining the process temperature of the extraction tank. This reduces additional heat energy consumption and improves energy utilization efficiency.

3. Sufficient and Efficient Extraction

The steam generated in the extraction tank enters the reflux condenser, condenses into hot condensate, and falls back into the extraction tank. Acting as a new solvent, it evenly covers the surface of medicinal materials. The new solvent penetrates the medicinal material layer from top to bottom, dissolves the soluble substances in the medicinal materials, and collects them at the bottom of the tank—effectively eliminating the "cold stacking" of medicinal materials (a phenomenon where materials pile up with low temperature and uneven solvent penetration) and ensuring sufficient extraction.

Meanwhile, the extract enters the concentration tank in real time, continuously reducing the concentration difference of the liquid in the extraction tank and maximizing the yield of active ingredients. In addition, the unit uses a small amount of solvent, resulting in a small volume of liquid to be concentrated. This significantly shortens the total time of the extraction and concentration process and further saves energy.

II. Precautions for TCM Extraction and Concentration

Special attention should be paid to the following: If only the conventional process of multi-functional extraction tanks is adopted, medicinal materials are prone to form "cold stacking" at the bottom of the extraction tank (medicinal materials pile up with low temperature and uneven solvent penetration). This directly reduces the extraction amount of active ingredients and causes waste of medicinal materials. However, the design of the thermal reflux extraction unit enables targeted avoidance of this issue.