Week 1: The Class We've Been Waiting For

In lecture this week, we were introduced to the process of solid-liquid extraction (SLE) as well as its applications. We were shown the basic steps in the process and what equipment is used.

For example, we learned about a batch extractor and how that is often used in SLE to mix the solid and solvent before the solid is extracted.We also learned about semi-batch extractors and continuous extractors which are all used for the same purpose but in different ways.

Finally, we were introduced to types of biomass that we could select to use in our SLE as well as uses of these extractions. The overall purpose of this lecture was to inform us of what SLE is and how it is performed and what these extractions are used for.

In lab this week, we were instructed to brainstorm the SLE we would simulate with coffee. Each group member offered suggestions for applications of SLE, and as a group we narrowed down our choices to extracting gold from gold ore or using a plant such as lavender or mint to make essential oil. We ended up going with the essential oil option but wanted to do more research into other plants/herbs that could be used and what the benefits of their extracts were. In the article “What is an Herbal Tincture? Recipes and Uses” from Medical News Today, multiple common plants and their medicinal benefits were listed. Our group was most interested in using turmeric as our solid as it is an antioxidant and is great for combatting inflammation. After further research, we learned through the article “Why Choose Ethanol for Botanical Extractions?” on High Purity Extractions’ website that ethanol is the best choice for a solvent when doing an SLE for medicinal purposes. We also researched different methods of SLE and decided to try maceration, as it had multiple steps for ensuring a pure extraction and was easy to simulate with coffee.

After choosing the solid and solvent and method we were going to use in our project, we began constructing our flow diagram of the extraction process. This flow chart includes the amount of each substance used (for now, these are estimated values) and the equipment used for each step of maceration. The purpose of this flow chart is to aid both in communicating our process to fellow classmates and our professor, as well as to help organize the methods we will use.

Check the background page for resources!