Importance

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Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for electrically altering the charge and conductivity of polar solvents are disclosed. Such alterations are effected via a system comprising, among other things, an electrolyzing apparatus which stimulates higher conductivity and increased interfacial contact between polar protic solvents and fluids to assist or promote the extraction and/or leaching of solutes, including hydrocarbons, such as lipids, from an admixture, an occluded biomass or another aqueous medium. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for reducing the amount of solvents used in liquid extraction processes and increasing solvent recovery through the concurrent introduction of amphoteric species, which assist in the removal of the polar solvent from its liquid phase to a recoverable and reusable form, are also disclosed.

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First Claim