Apple Peel Polyphenol Extraction via Water Counter-Current Wash
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting polyphenols from fruit or vegetable matter using solvents like ethanol or methanol are costly due to solvent removal requirements and can damage products, while enzymatic treatments can harm valuable compounds like pectin, necessitating a solvent and treatment-free process.
Innovation Solution
A counter-current wash process using water as a solvent, involving multiple centrifuges and ultrafiltration to concentrate and purify polyphenols without enzymatic pre-treatment, ensuring pectin integrity and reducing extraction costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If enzymatic treatment is used to improve extraction efficiency, then polyphenol recovery is improved, but pectin integrity is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts polyphenols from apple peel using water-based solvents and physical separation methods (centrifugation, filtration) without employing enzymatic treatment, thereby achieving polyphenol recovery while preserving pectin integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using water or aqueous solutions instead of enzymes, and controls temperature and pressure conditions to optimize polyphenol extraction while avoiding pectin degradation
2Productivity
If ethanol or methanol solvents are used to improve polyphenol extraction yield, then extraction efficiency is improved, but process cost increases due to solvent removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as a solvent instead of expensive ethanol or methanol, eliminating the need for costly solvent removal equipment and complex purification steps, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining extraction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic solvents (ethanol/methanol) to water or aqueous solutions, which eliminates the need for solvent evaporation and removal equipment, simplifying the process while achieving comparable extraction yields
3Productivity
If multiple successive wash steps are applied to achieve same extraction level with water, then extraction yield is improved, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extraction process into multiple sequential wash steps using water, where each wash step targets different polyphenol fractions, achieving comprehensive extraction while managing process time through efficient sequential operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous water circulation and multiple successive wash steps that maintain extraction efficiency without requiring long idle times, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the extraction process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process effectively concentrates polyphenols up to 85% dry weight basis, reduces operational costs, and preserves pectin integrity, achieving high yields and purity without the need for expensive solvent removal or enzymatic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a separator, for extracting the at least one product from the source of fruit or vegetable matter in a solvent comprising at least a first separator centrifuge
Implementation Method 2
an ultrafiltration unit in fluid communication with the extract exit and comprising a filter
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a system and a process for the extraction of several products from apple peel. There are several unit operations involved including an ultrafiltration unit, concentration unit, and a three stage counter current separator centrifuge wherein water is used as the solvent. The final products that are extracted from apple peel include pectin, syrup, fibers, as well as soluble and dried retentate fractions.