High-efficiency enabling equipment for Chinese medicine liquid production and filling—JuKe Nitrogen Generator

I. Principle of Nitrogen's Function

The core function of a nitrogen generator is based on nitrogen’s inert properties—nitrogen does not react with any components in traditional Chinese medicine extracts and can effectively isolate oxygen. Traditional Chinese medicine extracts are rich in active ingredients such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which are prone to oxidation and degradation when exposed to oxygen. Moreover, the proliferation of oxygen-dependent microorganisms can also compromise the quality of these extracts. By continuously supplying high-purity nitrogen, a nitrogen generator creates an anaerobic or low-oxygen environment, thereby addressing these issues at their root and making it a crucial piece of equipment for ensuring quality and extending the shelf life of traditional Chinese medicine extracts.

II. Application in the Extraction Stage

In the process of extracting traditional Chinese medicine liquids, the application of nitrogen generators is mainly reflected in two aspects. On the one hand, for heat-sensitive and oxidation-prone active ingredients, introducing nitrogen gas can isolate oxygen from the extraction system, thereby preventing the degradation of these ingredients under high-temperature extraction conditions and maximizing the preservation of the medicinal efficacy of the Chinese medicine liquid. On the other hand, if organic solvents such as ethanol are used in the extraction process, nitrogen gas can reduce the contact area between the solvent and air, thus decreasing solvent volatilization. This not only minimizes raw material loss but also enhances the safety of the production environment.

3. Double-layered storage protection

Storage of traditional Chinese medicine liquids is a crucial step in ensuring product quality, and nitrogen generators play a dual protective role in this process. First, by filling the storage tanks with nitrogen, the air inside the tanks can be completely displaced, creating a sealed, inert protective atmosphere that blocks the contact between active ingredients and oxygen, thereby preventing discoloration of the liquid medicine and loss of effective components. Second, the nitrogen environment inhibits the growth and reproduction of aerobic microorganisms such as molds and bacteria, reducing the risk of microbial contamination and subsequent spoilage of the liquid medicine. At the same time, it allows for a reduction in the use of preservatives, aligning with the trend toward green production in traditional Chinese medicine preparations.

IV. Full-Process Protection During Filling

The filling process is a critical stage where Chinese medicinal liquids come into contact with air. The application of nitrogen generators can provide protection throughout the entire process. For common dosage forms such as oral liquids and compound preparations, after filling is complete, nitrogen gas is introduced into the packaging containers to displace any residual air, thereby preventing the medicinal liquid from coming into contact with oxygen during subsequent storage. On some high-end production lines, nitrogen-sealed conveying pipelines and filling equipment are also employed, ensuring that the medicinal liquid remains in an inert environment throughout its entire journey—from the storage tank all the way to the packaging containers, thus significantly extending the product’s shelf life.

V. Security and Compliance Assurance

When the production of traditional Chinese medicine liquids involves flammable and explosive solvents such as ethanol, nitrogen generators can play a crucial role in ensuring safety. Nitrogen gas can dilute the concentration of solvent vapors in the production workshop, keeping it below the explosion limits and effectively reducing safety risks such as fires and explosions. This application not only safeguards the personal safety of production personnel but also helps companies meet compliance requirements for safe production, thereby establishing a stable and reliable operational environment for the manufacture of traditional Chinese medicine liquids.

VI. Industry Application Value

The application of nitrogen generators in the production of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extracts fundamentally addresses the demands for “green production” and “safety compliance” in TCM preparations. By employing physical methods to prevent oxidation and inhibit microbial growth, these generators reduce reliance on chemical preservatives, minimize solvent loss and safety risks, and enhance both production efficiency and compliance levels. As the TCM industry continues to raise its standards for product quality, nitrogen generators have gradually evolved from being “optional equipment” to becoming “essential equipment,” providing robust support for the standardization and high-quality production of TCM extracts.