The Procter Gamble Company

John H Phillips

Lowen R Morrison, Jr

Melisse N Elder

This invention relates to a method for removal of residual solvent from decaffeinated coffee beans. In particular, differential pressure stripping comprises a method of flash evaporation of solvent from the beans by means of an alternating cycle of pressure variations. The time and steam requirements for desolventizing are reduced when compared to traditional methods for removal of the same solvent. This reduces the residence time of the coffee beans in conditions of high temperature and high moisture, thereby preventing negative flavor changes in the resultant coffee products.

Desolventizing process

This invention relates to an improved countercurrent extraction process for accelerated decaffeination of coffee beans, and to the novel decaffeinated coffee product generated thereby. In particular, turbulent flow of the extracting solvent is used to obtain a substantially accelerated decaffeination rate involving a caffeine extraction time of only from about 3 to about 5 hours. Since the rate of extraction of non-caffeine coffee solubles is not correspondingly accelerated, the decrease in extraction time minimizes the loss of these valuable materials. Use of multiple vessels in countercurrent operation also decreases the loss of non-caffeine coffee solubles, resulting in an improved decaffeinated coffee.

Accelerated decaffeination process

An improved extract decaffeination process. Roast coffee extract is contacted with a water-immiscible organic solvent to form decaffeinated extract and caffeine-containing spent solvent. The spent solvent is contacted with water to form decaffeinated spent solvent and caffeine-containing spent water. The spent water can be concentrated to a caffeine content of from about 7 to about 30% by weight. The caffeine in the concentrated spent water can be crystallized out and then separated from the residual spent water. The noncaffeine solubles present in the residual spent water can then be recovered.

Growing community of inventors

Fairfield, OH, United States of America

John H Phillips