The production possibilities of the GREENVIT facilities.
Plant extracts in powder form ordered by customers can be packed directly or mixed with additives and divided into fractions according to particle size. They are ready for shipment. Thoughtful and fully controlled extraction, separation, thickening and drying are all that Greenvit has to offer to meet the high expectations of customers from all over the world.
Extraction, separation, thickening and drying are carried out in such a way as to maximize the technical capabilities of our devices with an emphasis on ecological aspects.
Let’s start with the extraction. Three-jacket process tanks made of 316L steel, well-known to experts – it is a total of 6 extractors. Two of them are huge 6 m3 tanks. Thanks to the heating jacket, extraction can take place in a wide range of controlled temperatures (20-90 ° C). The processes use osmotic water with controlled conductivity or ethanol solutions with a wide range of concentrations (10-80% v / v). Percolation takes place in a flow matched to the raw material (5-30 m3 / h). Parameters such as volume, temperature, pH, concentrations are fully controlled and reproducible using the best automation solutions. The entire extraction area is explosion-proof (ATEX). After this process, the material goes for further processing.
What happens after the extraction?
The separation processes of the extraction material carried out in the Greenvit facility are the separation of the raw material from the extract and the separation of active substances in the extracts from unnecessary substances, the so-called ballast.
Depending on the properties of the plant raw material used, we use bottom screens, slot filter modules, which ensure initial clarification of the extract, and catch fine particles of the raw material. Alternatively, an advanced decanter centrifuge can be used to ensure maximum extract recovery. The filter press is designed to minimize the turbidity of the extract. The liquid (filtrate) after the press is clear.
And now something that makes us stand out on the production market. It is the use of the adsorption column module that allows for precise separation of active substances from ballast substances. The module consists of two columns and four tanks. The module is equipped with an absorbance and density sensor and a flow meter. This is all so that the extract for our customers is distinguished by the highest quality and maximum benefits of the preserved active substances.
The obtained liquid ethanol or water extract is usually not what our customers need. Controlled evaporation of water or ethanol makes it possible to obtain a concentrated plant extract. It becomes the final form – a thick extract or is redirected to drying in order to obtain a powder.
What makes us stand out?
A specialized falling film vacuum evaporator allows the evaporation process to be carried out continuously under reduced pressure. The use of such technology with the use of low-temperature energy ensures that all thermolabile active substances are not degraded. That is the biggest benefit in producing high-quality plant extracts – preservation.
We also do not forget about respect for the environment. The two-effect vacuum evaporator we use, uses the steam generated during condensation to heat the second stage of the evaporator. This approach minimizes the energy expenditure necessary to evaporate the water or ethanol from the extract.
Powdered plant extract is the most popular form of the product for our customers for further use. Stable and the easiest to store. For this purpose, we use a vacuum belt dryer or spray dryer in our facility.
The technologies eliminate the possibility of burning particles (a powder that is left in the dryer for too long can give the effect of a “spotted product”.)
The use of reduced pressure in the process causes the water evaporation process to be carried out in a very gentle way, the temperature of the product does not exceed 40 ° C. Controlling the various parameters makes it advantageous for hygroscopic powders and each product can have a minimum residence time inside the dryer.
And that’s almost it!
Botanical extracts in powder form ordered by customers can be packed directly or mixed with additives and divided into fractions according to particle size. They are ready for shipment.
Thoughtful and fully controlled extraction, separation, thickening and drying are all that Greenvit has to offer to meet the high expectations of customers from all over the world.