Extraction Technology Research Articles

Microwave-Assisted Enzymatic Green Solvent Technology for the Extraction and Characterization of Sesame Seed Oil

Traditional methods of extracting oil with organic solvents raise issues related to health, safety, and the environment. Microwave-assisted enzymatic green solvent extraction (MAEGSE) technology is environment friendly because it involves less hazardous chemical synthesis, utilizes renewable feedstock, and decreases the chemical load and emissions produced by organic solvents. The solvents methanol, ethanol, and various cell wall degrading enzymes such as hemicellulose, viscozyme L, pectinase, xylanase, and cellulase were used in this study. The MAEGSE process of sesame oil was conducted, and the results indicated that, unlike the controlled group, no enzymes were used during the process. Among all the combinations a higher oil extraction efficiency was obtained with combination of pectinase and ethanol (37.27%) followed by the xylanase with ethanol (36.75%) from sesame seed without compromising the quality of oil. Among the enzymes tested, pectinase resulted in the highest oil extraction efficiency, followed by xylanase. Use of pectinase improved the oil extraction efficiency in both ethanol and methanol mediums. The outcomes suggested that the application of pectinase enzymes plays a significant role in increasing the oil yield in comparison with the control without compromising quality of oil. Oil extracted without the use of enzyme (control) had a lower free fatty acid (FFA) concentration than the oils extracted with MAEGSE. Even though the specific gravity (SG) and refractive index (RI) of extracted oils were not significantly different in the solvents, the saponification value (SV), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), and free fatty acid (FFA) were found to have minor differences among the extraction techniques.

Research on a Joint Extraction Method of Track Circuit Entities and Relations Integrating Global Pointer and Tensor Learning

To address the issue of efficiently reusing the massive amount of unstructured knowledge generated during the handling of track circuit equipment faults and to automate the construction of knowledge graphs in the railway maintenance domain, it is crucial to leverage knowledge extraction techniques to efficiently extract relational triplets from fault maintenance text data. Given the current lag in joint extraction technology within the railway domain and the inefficiency in resource utilization, this paper proposes a joint extraction model for track circuit entities and relations, integrating Global Pointer and tensor learning. Taking into account the associative characteristics of semantic relations, the nesting of domain-specific terms in the railway sector, and semantic diversity, this research views the relation extraction task as a tensor learning process and the entity recognition task as a span-based Global Pointer search process. First, a multi-layer dilate gated convolutional neural network with residual connections is used to extract key features and fuse the weighted information from the 12 different semantic layers of the RoBERTa-wwm-ext model, fully exploiting the performance of each encoding layer. Next, the Tucker decomposition method is utilized to capture the semantic correlations between relations, and an Efficient Global Pointer is employed to globally predict the start and end positions of subject and object entities, incorporating relative position information through rotary position embedding (RoPE). Finally, comparative experiments with existing mainstream joint extraction models were conducted, and the proposed model’s excellent performance was validated on the English public datasets NYT and WebNLG, the Chinese public dataset DuIE, and a private track circuit dataset. The F1 scores on the NYT, WebNLG, and DuIE public datasets reached 92.1%, 92.7%, and 78.2%, respectively.

Autonomous Extraction Technology for Aquaculture Ponds in Complex Geological Environments Based on Multispectral Feature Fusion of Medium-Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery

Coastal aquaculture plays a crucial role in global food security and the economic development of coastal regions, but it also causes environmental degradation in coastal ecosystems. Therefore, the automation, accurate extraction, and monitoring of coastal aquaculture areas are crucial for the scientific management of coastal ecological zones. This study proposes a novel deep learning- and attention-based median adaptive fusion U-Net (MAFU-Net) procedure aimed at precisely extracting individually separable aquaculture ponds (ISAPs) from medium-resolution remote sensing imagery. Initially, this study analyzes the spectral differences between aquaculture ponds and interfering objects such as saltwater fields in four typical aquaculture areas along the coast of Liaoning Province, China. It innovatively introduces a difference index for saltwater field aquaculture zones (DIAS) and integrates this index as a new band into remote sensing imagery to increase the expressiveness of features. A median augmented adaptive fusion module (MEA-FM), which adaptively selects channel receptive fields at various scales, integrates the information between channels, and captures multiscale spatial information to achieve improved extraction accuracy, is subsequently designed. Experimental and comparative results reveal that the proposed MAFU-Net method achieves an F1 score of 90.67% and an intersection over union (IoU) of 83.93% on the CHN-LN4-ISAPS-9 dataset, outperforming advanced methods such as U-Net, DeepLabV3+, SegNet, PSPNet, SKNet, UPS-Net, and SegFormer. This study’s results provide accurate data support for the scientific management of aquaculture areas, and the proposed MAFU-Net method provides an effective method for semantic segmentation tasks based on medium-resolution remote sensing images.

A key feedback loop: building electricity infrastructure and electrifying metals production.

Energy infrastructure requires metals, and metals production requires energy. A transparent, physical model of the metals-energy system is presented to explore under what conditions this dependence constrains or accelerates the transition to a net-zero economy. While the mineral (as high as 340 Mt yr-1 iron ore, 210 Mt yr-1 limestone, 250 Mt yr-1 bauxite and 5.5 Gt yr-1 copper ore in the 2040-2050 decade, assuming no improvements) and total energy (up to 22 EJ yr-1) requirements for building low-carbon energy infrastructure are significant, it compares favourably with the current extraction and energy use supporting the fossil fuel system (15 Gt yr-1 fossil minerals and ~38 EJ yr-1). There are levers to significantly reduce material use and associated impacts over time. The metals industry can play a key reinforcing role in the transition by adapting to the increasing supply of renewable electricity. Specifically, direct electrolysis can extract metal from ore close to the thermodynamic limit, to make efficient use of low-C electricity. The unique features of emerging technologies for iron extraction, molten oxide electrolysis and molten sulphide electrolysis are considered in this evolving system. Electrification enables elegant separations and provides a pathway to build out infrastructure while reducing environmental impacts, though material efficiency measures will still be crucial to meet 2050 carbon budgets.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Improving phosphorus availability in sewage sludge ash through a novel microwave‐based technology

AbstractThis work is connected with the increasing demand for fertilizers and the associated supply risks and market volatility in the European Union (EU). It highlights the reliance on phosphorus from Moroccan phosphate rocks and the environmental issues stemming from the overuse of phosphate‐based fertilizers. The paper suggests a shift in perspective, viewing waste as a valuable resource. Specifically, it explores the potential of recycling phosphorus from sewage sludge ash, which contains a high phosphorus concentration. The focus is on comparing two methods of phosphorus extraction from sewage sludge ashes: classical wet‐chemical extraction and a new microwave‐based technology. There is an increase in phosphorus bioavailability with the microwave treatment, making it a promising approach for waste management. An initial economic evaluation suggests that the microwave method is highly competitive, especially when compared with wet‐chemical extraction technologies. The resulting material from the microwave treatment is classified as a straight solid inorganic macronutrient fertilizer according to EU regulations.

Optimization of green extraction technologies for recovering bioactive compounds from Ixora coccinea waste flower biomass: A comparative response surface methodology and artificial neural network modeling

Red pigment from Ixora coccinea waste flower biomass was extracted using water as a cost-effective solvent for a sustainable source of organic color. The significant effect of selected variables on the method of extraction was studied for the green-extraction techniques, i.e., microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and conventional technique, i.e., heat-assisted extraction (HAE). Optimization of the pigment extraction was examined using response surface methodology (RSM) for each extraction technique. The parameters considered for MAE were power (W), time (s), pH, and solvent-to-sample ratio (mL/g) while temperature (°C), time (min), pH, and solvent-to-sample ratio (mL/g) were studied for both UAE and HAE. A training set for an artificial neural network (ANN) was created using the same design obtained from RSM. The modeling techniques (ANN and RSM) were then statistically differentiated by the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean square error (MSE) which revealed the superiority of the RSM regression design over the ANN model. It was found that the energy consumption of pigment extraction was minimal for MAE. The obtained pigment was further characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to reveal functional groups and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to define its bioactive constituents.

Ladder electrodialysis: Efficient up-concentration of lithium ion and its mechanisms behind

The development of lithium extraction technology from salt lakes has seen significant demand in recent years, driven by the surge in energy storage needs for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable power plants. Currently, evaporation technologies such as Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) are commonly employed to concentrate lithium chloride for subsequent lithium carbonate precipitation. However, these evaporation methods limit lithium yield and increase capital and operational costs, particularly in high latitude areas. Pressure-driven membrane processes like reverse osmosis are hindered by concentration polarization and cannot significantly increase lithium chloride concentration. This study proposes a new membrane stack configuration with a laddered compartment design, termed Ladder Electrodialysis (LED), which addresses the concentration polarization issue and achieves a lithium salt (LiCl) concentration of 16.39 % (196 g·L−1). Economic analysis shows that the energy consumption is only 0.42 kWh per kilogram of LiCl. Ladder electrodialysis is a novel salt concentration technology, with applications in brine valorization or disposal.

Low-Frequency Electrical Heating for In Situ Conversion of Shale Oil: Modeling Thermal Dynamics and Decomposition

In situ conversion presents a viable strategy for exploiting low to moderate maturity shale oil. Traditional methods, however, require dense well patterns and substantial energy, which are major hurdles. This study introduces a novel approach employing low-frequency electrical heating via production wells to enhance heat transfer without necessitating additional heating wells. Utilizing a self-developed simulator, we developed a numerical model to evaluate the efficacy of this method in augmenting reservoir temperature and facilitating substance decomposition. Findings indicate that low-frequency electrical heating significantly elevates reservoir temperatures, accelerates hydrocarbon cracking, and boosts fluid production. A sensitivity analysis on various heating strategies and reservoir characteristics showed that elevated heating power can further pyrolyze the heavy oil in the product to light oil, while higher porosity formations favor increased oil and gas output. The study also explores the effect of thermal conductivity on heating efficiency, suggesting that while better conductivity improves heat distribution, it may increase the proportion of heavy oils in the output. Overall, this investigation offers a theoretical foundation for refining in situ conversion technologies in shale oil extraction, enhancing both energy efficiency and production quality.

Review of methods for lithium extraction from geothermal brines

Lithium, a highly reactive and valuable metal, is essential for the clean energy transition, powering electronic devices, electric cars, and energy storage systems. With demand for lithium surging, environmentally responsible and economically viable extraction methods are crucial. Traditional sources include brines and mineral clays, but lithium-ion batteries have become a significant secondary source due to their high consumption of lithium. This review explores various extraction methods from geothermal brines, focusing on conventional techniques like solar evaporation, precipitation, and solvent extraction, highlighting their efficiency and limitations. Advanced electrochemical methods are also discussed, including the use of electrochemical ion pumping and electrodialysis, showcasing their potential for high-purity lithium recovery. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which offers over 90% recovery and reduces impurities by over 99%, is identified as a promising approach. The review underscores the need for large-scale field experiments and the development of new lithium sources to meet growing demand.

СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СПОСОБА ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ УСНИНОВОЙ КИСЛОТЫ ИЗ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОГО СЫРЬЯ ИСЛАНДСКОГО МХА

Relevance. Contemporary pharmaceutical industry requires constant search and development of new technologies for the production of pharmacological products. At the same time, the processing of plants, which contain substances with a therapeutic effect, is a promising direction. Their use in terms of economic and therapeutic effectiveness is sometimes very beneficial. It has been proven that lichen plants contain substances that have a therapeutic effect. Organisms of the genus Cladonia, which synthesize usnic acid, among them have a special significance and application. The extraction of usnic acid from lichen biomass is carried out using various organic solvents. At the same time, it is preferable to use techniques with the lowest cost with a high quantitative yield of extractives. In addition, extracts containing bioactive substances should exhibit significant biological activity. The aim is improving the technology of extraction of usnic acid from the vegetable raw materials of Cladonia rangiferina Hoff by determining the optimal components for its extraction. Materials and methods. The material for the study is raw material of Yagel (Deer Moss)/Cladonia rangiferina Hoff. The extractive properties of the most commonly used solvents (purified water, ethyl alcohol 40, 70 and 95%) were studied, among which the most effective was identified. The content of extractive substances was determined by the gravimetric analysis method. The results of the study. According to the results of a series of experiments to study extractive capabilities, of all solvents, the maximum extractive ability of extractive substances from Cladonia rangiferina Hoff was noted for 95% ethyl alcohol (7.38%). Ethyl alcohol 70% was produced with a high extraction capacity, however, it turned out to be less effective. The conclusion was made about these methods can be used to detect biologically active substances obtained from the raw materials of Cladonia rangiferina Hoff. The obtained developments create prerequisites for the development of regulatory documentation on the procedure and position of the relevant standard or a temporary pharmacopoeia article.

Automation of the Oil Extraction Process Performed by Means of A Screw Press

Abstract The continuous development of the oil-manufacturing industries causes the necessity of improving extraction technologies. In this case, the specific interest is focused on the control systems of screw presses. Among a great variety of such machines, the small household presses are in significant demand among consumers. Various seeds and kernels require different technological conditions to be provided in order to maximize the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the extracted oil. Therefore, the main objective of this research is developing and testing the control system allowing for automation of the oil extraction process. Particularly, the temperature parameters of the pressing chamber, extracted oil, and electric motor are to be monitored and limited. In addition, the consumer should be able to predefine the mass of the oil to be extracted. Considering the small household screw press LiangTai LTP200, the general algorithm (block diagram) of the control system operation is proposed and the corresponding experimental prototype is developed. The latter is based on the Arduino Mega microcontroller and is equipped with three temperature sensors, two coolers (fans), one heater, and one mass sensor. The proposed control system allows for continuous monitoring and limiting of the pressing chamber, oil, and electric motor temperatures, as well as the mass of the extracted oil. The experimental data show that the pressing chamber preheating process lasts for about 3 min (170…190 s) and its maximal temperature does not exceed 44°C. The temperature of the extracted oil does not rise over 61°C. The motor temperature changes within the range of 69...71°C. The oil extraction productivity is as follows: 1.2 kg/h (sunflower seeds), 1.06 kg/h (walnut kernels), 0.9 kg/h (almond kernels), and 0.78 kg/h (peanut kernels). The obtained results can used in further investigations focused on analyzing the influence of these parameters on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the extracted oil.

2D Membranes Interlayered with Bimetallic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Lithium Separation from Brines.

Efficient lithium extraction from salt lakes is essential for a sustainable resource supply. This study tackles the challenge of separating Li+ from Mg2+ in complex brines by innovatively integrating two-dimensional (2D) graphene oxide (GO) with bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Zn2+ and Co2+ ions are confined within GO interlayers through an in situ synthesis, forming a 2D Zn-Co MOFs/GO membrane (Zn-Co-GOM). This design exploits the unique advantages of bimetallic MOFs, including enhanced structural stability and superior ion separation capabilities due to the synergistic effects of Zn and Co. The Zn-Co-GOM demonstrates an impressive separation factor of 191 for Li+ over Mg2+, significantly surpassing traditional membranes. This exceptional selectivity is achieved through a combination of size exclusion effects and ion transport energy barriers. Our approach not only enhances the practical application of membrane technology for lithium extraction from salt lakes but also provides valuable insights into the underlying separation mechanisms.

Bromic acid-thiourea synergistic leaching of sulfide gold ore

Abstract Bromate–thiourea coordinated leaching of gold sulfide ore for gold sulfide ore as leaching object. The effects of leaching reagent, stirring speed, and leaching time on gold leaching were investigated in this article. The results showed that the optimum leaching conditions were potassium bromate 0.1 M, thiourea 0.6 g·L−1, hydrochloric acid 0.2 M, agitation speed 250 rpm, ratio of liquid to solid 4, and leaching time 10 min. Under these conditions, high efficiency and rapid leaching of gold can be achieved, and reagent consumption is reduced. The research results have theoretical and practical significance for expanding new green gold extraction technology.

Ultra-high pressure assisted extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera seed husks and their antioxidant activities

ABSTRACT The process conditions and antioxidant activity of ultra-high pressure assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera seed husks were studied. Taking the yield of polysaccharides as the index, the effects of degree of crushing, extraction pressure, holding pressure time and material-to-liquid ratio on the yield of polysaccharides from Moringa oleifera seed husks were investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were determined by single-factor test and orthogonal test: a holding time of 10 min, a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:25, an extraction pressure of 350 MPa, and a polysaccharide yield of 0.264%. Its antioxidant activity can be determined by measuring the total antioxidant capacity and their ability to scavenge DPPH and ·OH radicals. The results showed that the IC50 of Moringa oleifera seed husk polysaccharides on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals were 0.0662 g/L and 0.0844 g/L, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity was 0.1826 mm/g (expressed as the equivalent concentration of ferrous sulfate). Compared with hot water extraction methods, ultra-high pressure assisted extraction methods can shorten extraction time, improve extraction efficiency. The water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from Moringa oleifera seed husks by ultra-high pressure assisted extraction technology also have higher antioxidant activity than that by hot water extraction method at the same concentration.

Comprehensive Study of Sustainable Pressurized Liquid Extractions to Obtain Bioavailable Antioxidant Phenolic Compounds from Grape Seed By-Products

Few investigations have been conducted to evaluate pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) technology as a sustainable method for the recovery of phenolic compounds of grape seed by-products. In this study, PLE combined with an experimental design was evaluated for optimizing the sustainable extraction of phenolic compounds from grape seed by-products. The solvent ethanol content (X1, 0–100%), temperature (X2, 20–100 °C) and time (X3, 1–11 min) were studied as independent experimental factors. Yield, TPC, antioxidant activity and phenolic composition were analyzed as optimized dependent variables. Two optimal extraction conditions at different temperatures (20 °C and 100 °C) were found, but thermal degradations at 100 °C allowed for selecting the optimal condition as 75% ethanol, 11 min and 20 °C. The optimal extracts showed high phenolic content (TPC = 350.80 ± 3.97 mg GAE/g extract) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, 9.31 ± 0.33 mmol Trolox/g extract), mainly composed of polymeric and mono-oligomeric flavan-3-ols. The digestion process reduced the TPC and antioxidant activity due to the low bioaccessibility of the flavan-3-ols, mainly as catechin, epicatechin and polymeric proanthocyanidin losses during the digestion process. However, increases in the antioxidant activity of the basolateral side (DDPH, 0.061 ± 0.000 mmol Trolox/g extract) were determined after in vitro transepithelial transport, which is a consequence of bioavailable catechin and epicatechin and reduced amounts of dimer B2, dimer B1, epicatechin gallate and gallic acid. Consequently, PLE combined with hydroalcoholic solvents at a low temperature resulted in a valuable methodology to obtain sustainable extracts from grape seed by-products (contributing to the circular economy), containing bioavailable phenolic compounds, which are able to increase the antioxidant status.

Revealing the functional relationship between manganese dissolution potentials and lithium concentrations with diffusion coefficient for lithium intercalation in λ-MnO2 electrode

Electrochemical redox lithium extraction (ELE) with LiMn2O4/λ-MnO2 redox couple, stands out as the most prospective technology for efficient and selective lithium extraction from the salt lake brines owing to the high lithium intercalation capacity, selectivity, and recovery rate. However, the decreasing Li+ concentration induced electrode polarization, especially, at low concentrations, and inappropriately applied potentials can significantly accelerate manganese dissolution (MD). While no correlational research has established the relationship between the manganese dissolution potential (EMD) and Li+ concentration gradient. Herein, the inversely proportional relationship between EMD and the lithium concentration is first revealed through steady-state diffusion coefficients. This research sheds light on the MD mechanism at different lithium concentration gradients and lays the foundation for the industrial application of electrochemical lithium extraction with LiMn2O4/λ-MnO2 redox couple from salt lake brines.

Green and sustainable technologies for extraction of carotenoids from natural sources: a comprehensive review.

In recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and healthy convenient foods, the food industry has been shifting from synthetic to natural products. This shift is also reflected in the growing popularity of non-conventional extraction methods for pigments, which are favored for sustainability and environment-friendliness compared to conventional processes. This review aims to investigate the extraction of carotenoids from a variety of natural sources, including marine sources like fungus, microalgae, and crustaceans, as well as widely studied plants like tomatoes and carrots. Additionally, it delves into the recovery of valuable carotenoids from waste products like pomace and peels, highlighting the nutritional and environmental benefits. The review also emphasizes the role of green solvents such limonene, vegetable oils, ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and natural deep eutectic solvents in effective and ecologically friendly carotenoid extraction. These technologies support the ideas of a circular and sustainable economy in addition to having a smaller negative impact on the environment. Overall, the present study highlights the crucial importance of green extraction technologies in achieving the dual goals of sustainability and public safety.

Green Technology for Baru Oil Extraction Using Solar Energy: Assessing Extraction Efficiency and Process Parameters.

This study explores the application of solar concentrator technology for Baru oil extraction, a crucial resource in various industries. Through systematic experimental investigations, the effects of particle size and solvent flow rate on extraction efficiency were evaluated. Results demonstrate that smaller particle sizes (1.01 mm) significantly enhance extraction efficiency, achieving yields up to 89.25%, compared to larger particles (2.18 mm) with yields averaging 54.32% (±3.2%). Additionally, the solvent flow rate of 25 mL/min maximized extraction efficiency. These findings highlight the critical influence of particle size and solvent flow rate on extraction performance and underline the potential of solar-assisted leaching as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional extraction methods. The research provides a novel contribution to the field by advancing sustainable oil extraction practices and offering a viable solution for small-scale producers to increase the value of their agricultural products.

Impact of Various Extraction Technologies on Protein and Chlorophyll Yield from Stinging Nettle.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) has gained attention as a sustainable protein source due to its rich bioactive compound profile and medicinal properties, but research on optimizing its protein extraction remains limited. This research explores various cell disruption methods, including pulsed electric fields and high-pressure homogenization, combined with extraction techniques like isoelectric precipitation, ultrafiltration, and salting-out, to enhance protein yield and assess its impact on chlorophyll content. The findings indicate that high-pressure homogenization combined with isoelectric precipitation achieved the highest protein yield of 11.60%, while pulsed electric fields with ultrafiltration significantly reduced chlorophyll content from 4781.41 µg/g in raw leaves to 15.07 µg/g in the processed sample. Additionally, the findings suggest that innovative extraction technologies can improve the efficiency and sustainability of protein isolation from stinging nettle, offering a valuable addition to the repertoire of alternative protein sources. These advancements could pave the way for broader applications of stinging nettle in food fortification and functional ingredient development.

Research Progress on the Quality, Extraction Technology, Food Application, and Physiological Function of Rice Bran Oil.

Rice bran oil is recommended by the World Health Organization as one of the three major healthy edible oils (along with corn and sesame oils), owing to its unique fatty acid composition and functional components. This study screened, organized, and analyzed a large number of studies retrieved through keyword searches, and investigated the nutritional value and safety of rice bran oil. It reviews the stability of raw rice bran materials and the extraction and refining process of rice bran oil and discusses food applications and sub-health regulations. Research has found that a delayed stabilization treatment of rice bran seriously affects the overall quality of rice bran oil. Compared with traditional solvent extraction, the new extraction technologies have improved the yield and nutritional value of rice bran oil, but most of them are still in the research stage. Owing to the lack of economical and applicable supporting production equipment, extraction is difficult to industrialize, which is a challenging research area for the future. Rice bran oil has stronger antioxidant stability than other edible oils and is more beneficial to human health; however, its application scope and consumption are limited owing to the product price and lack of understanding. Rice bran oil has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, and neuroprotective effects. Further exploratory research on other unknown functions is required to lay a scientific basis for the application and development of rice bran oil.