Extraction of compounds under vacuum conditions and subsequent concentration through vacuum evaporation are specialized processing methods used to produce highly concentrated extracts while preserving the properties of heat-sensitive raw ingredients by processing them at low temperatures under vacuum conditions. These processes are widely utilized across industries including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics production to isolate and enhance the concentration of valuable compounds without compromising their beneficial qualities.
The principles behind extracting compounds under vacuum
The process of extraction under vacuum conditions allows manufacturers to isolate bioactive compounds, oils, flavors and nutrients from raw materials such as medicinal plants, coffee, tea and botanicals at low temperatures. Unlike conventional methods that rely on high temperatures, vacuum extraction operates at reduced atmospheric pressure, lowering the boiling point of liquids. This minimizes heat exposure, preventing the degradation of heat-sensitive compounds while retaining the natural integrity and taste of the extracted compounds.
During the process, raw materials are subjected to controlled temperatures under vacuum, ensuring a gentle extraction process. This makes the technique ideal for products where aroma, taste, and nutritional value are critical. Materials such as coffee beans and medicinal herbs benefit greatly, as their delicate essential oils and active compounds remain intact.
Making concentrated extracts using vacuum technology
Once extraction is complete, vacuum concentration is used to remove excess water from the extract, increasing its potency. This step is particularly important in creating products such as herbal tinctures, flavor concentrates, or nutrient-dense supplements. By evaporating water under vacuum conditions, the process maintains the extract’s original properties while achieving the desired viscosity and density.
This method provides manufacturers with multiple advantages, including increased shelf stability by reducing water content to prevent spoilage, higher potency through richer flavors and enhanced bioactivity. The concentrated extracts can be used for further processing, turning them into syrups, powders or capsules.
The entire process of vacuum extraction of herbal or other plant-based bioactive compounds and their subsequent concentration can be performed using a single multifunctional cooking machine, the Idealfry Vac 20L.
This vacuum cooking machine which can also be used as a frying machine integrates both vacuum extraction and concentration processes into one versatile system, along with additional functions like an in-built centrifuge for removing excess surface water or oil. Its advanced design enables efficient, low-temperature processing for a wide variety of raw materials.
The process begins by placing the raw material, such as coffee or medicinal herbs, into the system’s 10-liter spinning basket. Once sealed, the device can be tilted, after which the basket will begin to spin, while operating under a vacuum of 0.5 bar, ensuring optimal conditions for low-temperature extraction. The spinning basket enhances extraction by evenly exposing the solid material to the liquid. Its tilting design also facilitates easy unloading after processing.
Post-extraction, after emptying the working vessel by draining most of the liquid base, the mixing system also acts as a centrifuge, rapidly spinning the basket to further separate remaining liquid from the solid residues. This ensures maximum degree of extraction of the valuable extract while minimizing waste, which also helps achieve greater accuracy when following specific recipes. Once the liquid is collected, the vacuum enables efficient concentration by gently evaporating water from the extract. This results in a dense, rich product ready for further applications.
Applications of equipment for compound extraction and concentration across industries
The concentrated extracts produced using vacuum extraction and evaporation technology are used in various industries:
- Food and beverages - Natural flavors, syrups, herbal tea concentrates, and essences for functional foods or drinks.
- Pharmaceuticals - Herbal concentrates, extracts for therapeutic use.
- Cosmetics - Plant-based actives for skincare and personal care products.
- Nutraceuticals - Nutrient-dense supplements in liquid or powder form.
In addition to these primary functions, the Idealfry Vac 20L can also be used for vacuum cooking and vacuum frying, enabling the production of healthy products at low temperatures like vegetable chips with minimal oil. It also allows companies to develop new recipes using complex production methods in smaller quantities, before investing in industrial versions of these devices. These capabilities expand its usability across industries, offering businesses flexibility in product development.
Vacuum extraction of useful compounds from plants and their vacuum concentration are essential for producing concentrated extracts from heat-sensitive raw materials. The 20L Idealfry Vac cooking unit provides a universal solution for all the necessary processes to create such products that require highly specialized equipment, which ensures that the products retain the majority of their beneficial natural properties. By incorporating this advanced all-in-one system, manufacturers can expand their production capabilities and product offerings.
