Yacheng YC-010 Multifunctional Extraction and Concentration System

Overview

The Yacheng YC-010 Multifunctional Extraction and Concentration System is a compact, integrated laboratory-scale unit engineered for the simultaneous extraction, concentration, and volatile oil recovery of botanical matrices—including traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, functional food ingredients, tea extracts, and aromatic plant materials. Designed around a closed-loop thermodynamic architecture, it combines jacketed solvent extraction with vacuum-assisted falling-film evaporation and phase-separation-based essential oil recovery. Its operational principle leverages controlled heat transfer via thermal oil circulation (pressure-free jacket), dynamic reflux condensation, and differential density-driven oil–water separation—enabling reproducible, scalable process development under GLP-aligned conditions. With an effective vessel volume of 10 L and a footprint under 1 m², the YC-010 serves as a validated pilot platform for method transfer from R&D to process engineering, particularly where thermal sensitivity, solvent compatibility (aqueous or alcoholic), and aromatic compound preservation are critical parameters.

Key Features

• Compact modular design: Entire system fits within 1 m²; requires only standard electrical supply (220 V/50 Hz) and cooling water connection.
• Triple-layer stainless steel extraction vessel (AISI 316L): Inner chamber electropolished to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm; middle thermal oil heating jacket (no internal pressure); outer polyurethane insulation (≥50 mm).
• Integrated vacuum concentration module: Equipped with a tubular condenser (0.5 m² surface area), oil–water separator with sight glass, and vacuum-rated evaporator chamber capable of achieving final extract densities of 1.1–1.38 g/mL.
• PID-controlled temperature regulation: Omron digital temperature controller with real-time logging, setpoint range 20–120 °C, control precision ±2 °C.
• Multi-mode operation: Supports hot reflux extraction, alcohol-based extraction, ambient-pressure decoction, vacuum concentration, aqueous sedimentation, and optional ultrasonic-assisted extraction.
• Full-pressure-range compatibility: Functions reliably under vacuum (–0.08 MPa), atmospheric, and mild positive pressure (up to 0.15 MPa) conditions—validated per ASME BPE guidelines for contact surfaces.
• Hygienic filtration: Perforated stainless steel support plate (6 mm hole pitch) and 100-µm mesh filter basket included for solid–liquid separation post-extraction.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The YC-010 accommodates a broad spectrum of natural matrix types—including dried roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fermented biomass—with feed capacities ranging from 0.3 kg to 1.5 kg per batch. It is compatible with water, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, and other GRAS-listed solvents. All wetted components conform to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with optional touchscreen HMI (with audit trail, electronic signature, and data export via USB/Ethernet). The system meets ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and supports compliance documentation for GMP, USP , and ICH Q5C stability study protocols. Validation packages—including IQ/OQ documentation templates—are available upon request for regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

An optional 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI provides intuitive process monitoring and parameter adjustment. It records time-stamped temperature, vacuum level, condensate flow status, and heating power output at user-defined intervals (1–60 s). Data export is supported via USB mass storage or Ethernet TCP/IP protocol for integration into LIMS or ELN systems. When configured with full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance mode, the interface enforces role-based access control, operator authentication, and immutable audit trails—including event type, timestamp, user ID, and pre-/post-change values—for all critical setpoints and alarms.

Applications

• R&D-scale optimization of herbal extraction kinetics (e.g., solute diffusion modeling, solvent-to-solid ratio studies)
• Process validation for volatile oil recovery from citrus peels, mint, or lavender under low-temperature vacuum conditions
• Thermal degradation assessment of heat-labile actives (e.g., flavonoids, terpenoids) via comparative yield analysis across reflux vs. ultrasonic modes
• Concentration factor calibration for botanical liquid extracts intended for lyophilization or spray drying
• Teaching modules in pharmaceutical engineering, food science, and natural product chemistry curricula
• Preclinical formulation development requiring batch consistency under defined thermal history profiles

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable operating temperature of the extraction vessel?

The thermal oil jacket supports continuous operation up to 180 °C; however, the inner chamber’s process temperature is limited to 120 °C for safety and material compatibility.

Can the system be validated for GMP-compliant production?

Yes—when equipped with the compliant HMI option and accompanied by vendor-supplied IQ/OQ documentation, the YC-010 satisfies baseline qualification requirements for early-phase clinical trial material preparation.

Is cleaning-in-place (CIP) supported?

The unit features fully drainable geometry, 360° accessible sanitary fittings (clamp-type DIN 11851), and smooth internal welds meeting ASME BPE SR-1 surface finish criteria—enabling manual CIP with validated detergent cycles.

How does ultrasonic assistance improve extraction efficiency?

Ultrasonic cavitation induces localized microturbulence and transient cell wall disruption, enhancing mass transfer without elevating bulk temperature—particularly beneficial for anthocyanins, polysaccharides, and other thermolabile phytoconstituents.

What vacuum pump specifications are recommended for optimal performance?

A two-stage water-ring vacuum pump rated ≥100 m³/h at –0.08 MPa is supplied standard; alternative dry scroll or oil-lubricated rotary vane pumps may be integrated for solvent recovery applications requiring higher vapor tolerance.