Method and apparatus for electrostatic separation of glandular trichomes
OwnerCharles MacGowaninventor
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Abstract
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electrostatic separation of trichomes from plant biomass, addressing the limitations of conventional separation techniques. The method relies on differences in electrical properties of trichomes and plant material, utilizing an external electric field. A multi-component electrostatic separation assembly may prepare and separate one or more samples, thereby incorporating a dispensing component, a pipeline component, and a separation chamber comprising at least one electrode assembly. Moreover, the present invention may also provide for electrode assemblies that feature self-cleaning mechanisms.
Claims25
An apparatus for electrostatic separation of glandular trichomes from a sample of trichome-bearing plant biomass including cannabis, hemp, or hops, comprising:
- an electrostatic separation assembly, said electrostatic separation assembly comprising:
- a vibrating dispenser configured to dispense a first sample, said first sample comprising glandular trichomes and having a moisture content monitored by sensor technologies,
- a spiral pipeline configured to pneumatically channel said first sample and triboelectrically generate an electrostatic charge on said first sample while directing said first sample in a circular aerodynamic flow to reduce particle agglomeration, and
- a separation chamber comprising at least one electrode assembly configured to generate an electric field, said separation chamber configured to facilitate a separation of said first sample at a purity of at least 95% by weight.
An apparatus for electrostatic separation of glandular trichomes from a sample of trichome-bearing plant biomass including cannabis, hemp, or hops, comprising:
- an electrostatic separation assembly, said electrostatic separation assembly comprising:
- a vibrating dispenser configured to dispense a first sample, said first sample comprising glandular trichomes and having a moisture content monitored by sensor technologies,
- a spiral pipeline configured to pneumatically channel said first sample and triboelectrically generate an electrostatic charge on said first sample while directing said first sample in a circular aerodynamic flow to reduce particle agglomeration, and
- a separation chamber comprising at least one electrode assembly configured to generate an electric field, said separation chamber configured to facilitate a separation of said first sample at a purity of at least 95% by weight,
- said at least one electrode assembly comprising:
- an electroconductive belt, and
- a motor, said motor configured to facilitate movement of said electroconductive belt.
A method for electrostatic separation of glandular trichomes from a sample of trichome-bearing plant biomass including cannabis, hemp, or hops, comprising:
- dispensing a first sample using a vibrating dispenser, the first sample comprising glandular trichomes and having a moisture content monitored by sensor technologies,
- channeling the first sample through spiral pipeline configured to pneumatically direct said first sample in a circular aerodynamic flow and triboelectrically generate an electrostatic charge on the first sample while reducing particle agglomeration, and
- injecting the first sample into a separation chamber comprising at least one electrode assembly configured to generate an electric field, the separation chamber configured to facilitate a separation of said glandular trichomes from said first sample at a purity of at least 95% by weight.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.