Microwave-Assisted Hydro-Distillation for Beer Grain Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods do not effectively extract and utilize arabino-xylans, proteins, and essential oils from beer grains, particularly for incorporation into liquid food products like beer.

Innovation Solution

A process and plant for extracting arabino-xylans, proteins, and essential oils from beer grains using microwave-assisted hydro-distillation, followed by stabilization and incorporation into liquid food products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If beer grains are preserved by pressing or drying to reduce water content below 10%, then shelf life is extended, but the extraction efficiency of arabino-xylans, proteins, and essential oils is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing extraction conditions (pH, temperature, solvent composition) to efficiently extract compounds from dried grains with water content below 10%. The process uses specific pH ranges (3-5 for arabino-xylans, 8-10 for proteins) and temperature conditions to maximize extraction efficiency despite the low moisture content of the substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical extraction methods with chemical extraction methods using buffered solutions and organic solvents. This substitution allows efficient extraction of target compounds from dried grains without relying on mechanical disruption, thereby maintaining high extraction efficiency even from low-moisture substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If beer grains are used immediately after production, then extraction efficiency is maintained, but transport and storage costs increase due to 80% water content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidtransport and storage costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by drying the beer grains to reduce water content below 10% before extraction. This pre-treatment step preserves extraction efficiency while enabling cost-effective transport and storage, as the dried grains can be stored for extended periods without microbial contamination or growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by selectively extracting specific compounds (arabino-xylans, proteins, essential oils) from the dried grains using targeted extraction conditions. This allows efficient recovery of valuable components from the dried substrate without requiring the entire grain material to be processed immediately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If traditional extraction methods are used on dried grains, then extraction efficiency is reduced, but the infrastructure and storage costs are lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure costsVSAvoidextraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using optimized extraction conditions including specific pH buffers (citrate buffer at pH 3-5 for arabino-xylans, carbonate buffer at pH 8-10 for proteins), temperature control, and organic solvents (ethyl acetate, hexane) to achieve high extraction efficiency from dried grains using simple infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical extraction systems with simpler chemical extraction methods using buffered solutions and solvent systems. This substitution achieves efficient extraction of target compounds from dried grains without requiring complex mechanical disruption equipment or infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables the efficient extraction and utilization of these valuable compounds in liquid food products, enhancing their nutritional and organoleptic properties.

Implementation Method 1

extraction of essential oils from beer grains through microwave-assisted hydro-distillation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

extraction of essential oils from beer grains through microwave-assisted hydro-distillation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydro-distillation: Distillation

Data Source

PatentEP4495216A1Process and system for the extraction of arabino-xylanes, proteins and essential oils from beer grains and their use in liquid food products

Publication Date: 2025.01.22 B BOTANIC SRL

AI summary

A process and a system for the extraction of arabino-xylans, proteins and essential oils from beer grains and their use in liquid food products are described; the procedure includes the steps of: extraction of arabino-xylans from beer grains; extraction of proteins from beer grains; extraction of essential oils from beer grains through microwave-assisted hydro-distillation; delivery of arabino-xylans, proteins and essential oils within liquid food products, in particular beverages.