YaCheng YC-020 Pilot-Scale Multifunctional Extraction, Concentration & Solvent Recovery System
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | YC-020 |
| Price | USD 7,700 (FOB Shanghai) |
| Extraction Vessel Volume | 25 L |
| Batch Feed Capacity | 0.3–5 kg |
| Minimum Feed | 0.3 kg |
| Evaporation Rate (Water) | 4–6 kg/h |
| Concentrated Extract Density Range | 1.10–1.38 g/mL |
| Vacuum Level in Evaporator Chamber | –0.08 MPa (absolute) |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±2 °C |
| Heating Power | 4.5 kW @ 380 V AC |
| Cooling Water Consumption | 1 m³/h @ <0.3 MPa pressure |
| Construction Material | AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Overall Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1500 × 800 × 1900 mm |
| Footprint | ~2.4 m² |
Overview
The YaCheng YC-020 Pilot-Scale Multifunctional Extraction, Concentration & Solvent Recovery System is an integrated, closed-loop laboratory and pilot-scale processing platform engineered for the controlled isolation, concentration, and solvent recovery of thermolabile phytochemicals from botanical matrices. It operates on established unit operations in natural product processing—including solid–liquid extraction (static or reflux), external-loop vacuum evaporation, and condensable organic solvent recovery—within a single, modular, GMP-aligned architecture. The system employs jacketed indirect heating via thermostatically regulated thermal oil circulation (no pressurized jackets), enabling safe operation with flammable solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or ethyl acetate. Its design conforms to fundamental engineering principles of mass and energy balance in batch extraction processes, supporting both aqueous and alcoholic extraction under atmospheric or reduced pressure conditions. The YC-020 serves as a bridge between benchtop screening and production-scale manufacturing, delivering reproducible process data suitable for technology transfer, regulatory filing (e.g., herbal drug monographs), and formulation development.
Key Features
- Modular, all-in-one configuration integrating extraction, concentration, and solvent recovery into a single stainless-steel frame—eliminating inter-unit transfer losses and cross-contamination risks.
- Thermal oil–heated extraction vessel (25 L capacity) with precise ±2 °C temperature control, enabling optimization of heat-sensitive compound stability during prolonged extraction cycles.
- Dual-mode operation: atmospheric reflux extraction with integrated condensation and oil–water separation; and vacuum-assisted concentration (down to –0.08 MPa absolute) for low-temperature evaporation of heat-labile fractions.
- External forced-circulation evaporator with vertical tube bundle design—enhancing heat transfer coefficient and mitigating fouling at high-viscosity stages (e.g., final concentration to density ≥1.30 g/mL).
- Full AISI 304 stainless-steel wetted parts, ASME BPE–compatible surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm), and pressure-rated components certified for operation across –0.1 to +0.3 MPa gauge range.
- Self-contained cooling circuit (1 m³/h flow requirement) with dedicated condensers for both reflux and solvent recovery loops, ensuring consistent phase separation and high solvent recovery yield (>92% for ethanol, typical).
- Compact footprint (2.4 m²), plug-and-play utility interface (380 V / 4.5 kW / 3-phase), and standardized sanitary tri-clamp connections compliant with ISO 2852 and DIN 11851.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The YC-020 accommodates heterogeneous solid botanical materials—including dried herbs, tea leaves, fruit pomace, and powdered roots—with particle size ranges typical of laboratory milling (≤2 mm). It supports aqueous, hydroalcoholic (10–95% v/v ethanol), and low-boiling organic solvent systems (e.g., acetone, dichloromethane), provided vapor pressure and flash point are within ASME Section VIII Div. 1 design limits. All process vessels and piping meet PED 2014/68/EU requirements for pressure equipment. The system’s closed-loop design inherently satisfies OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 (HCS) and EU REACH Annex XVII provisions for containment of hazardous vapors. Documentation packages include material traceability records (MTRs), weld maps, and FAT/SAT protocols—supporting GLP-compliant validation per ICH Q5C and USP .
Software & Data Management
The YC-020 is equipped with a programmable logic controller (PLC) featuring HMI touchscreen interface (IP65 rated), enabling recipe-based operation with configurable setpoints for temperature, vacuum level, and cycle timing. Process data—including real-time vessel temperature, jacket oil temperature, evaporator vacuum, condensate flow rate, and total operating time—is logged at 1-second intervals and exportable via USB or Ethernet to CSV format. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated third-party SCADA software (e.g., Ignition SCADA or Siemens Desigo CC). Optional Ethernet/IP integration enables remote monitoring and synchronization with LIMS platforms for sample tracking and batch record generation.
Applications
- Process development of herbal extracts for nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications—supporting DOE studies on solvent ratio, temperature, and cycle duration.
- Preparative isolation of volatile oils (e.g., eucalyptus, peppermint, citrus) using integrated oil–water separator and aromatic collector.
- Concentration of heat-sensitive fruit juices, green tea infusions, and enzyme-containing botanical broths under mild vacuum (<60 °C).
- Solvent recovery and reuse workflows aligned with ISO 14001 environmental management systems—reducing disposal costs and VOC emissions.
- Teaching and method validation in university pharmacognosy and food engineering laboratories, where hands-on training in unit operation integration is required.
- Small-batch production of clinical trial materials under cGMP Annex 15 guidelines, with full traceability of critical process parameters (CPPs).
FAQ
Can the YC-020 be used for supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)?
No—the system is designed exclusively for liquid–solid extraction and vacuum evaporation. SFE requires high-pressure CO₂ delivery, specialized extraction cells, and pressure-regulated separators not included in this configuration.
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) provided?
Yes—standard package includes Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, material certifications, and electrical safety compliance (CE, RoHS). Site-specific IQ/OQ protocols and PQ support are available upon request.
What is the maximum allowable ethanol concentration for safe operation?
The system is rated for continuous operation with up to 95% (v/v) aqueous ethanol at temperatures ≤85 °C and vacuum levels ≥–0.08 MPa. Higher concentrations require additional explosion-proof instrumentation per ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU.
Does the system support continuous feed mode?
No—it operates in batch mode only. Continuous feed would require upstream screw feeder integration and modified control logic, which is outside standard scope.
Can the evaporator handle viscous extracts above 2,000 cP?
Yes—external circulation design maintains turbulent flow even at viscosities up to 5,000 cP. For sustained operation >3,000 cP, optional variable-frequency drive (VFD) on the circulation pump is recommended.
