Beet Cossette Electroporation via Fluid Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for extracting contents from plant materials, such as sugar beets, face issues with mechanical damage and low efficiency due to forced conveyance methods, which lead to blockages and reduced extraction yields.
Innovation Solution
A process involving comminution of plant material into a solid phase, mixing with a transporting liquid, pressureless washing into a contactlessly operating reaction chamber for energy application, and suction-assisted discharge, which prevents mechanical stress and allows for high packing density and efficient extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If forced conveyance methods (belts, rollers, conveying drums) are used to transport beet cossettes into the electroporation device, then the cossettes can be transported through the reaction chamber, but the mechanical stress causes the cossettes to break and become damaged before extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical conveyance systems (belts, rollers, drums) with a fluid-based transport system. Beet cossettes are transported through the electroporation reaction chamber using a liquid medium that flows through the chamber, eliminating direct mechanical contact and the associated damage while maintaining transport functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using a liquid flow to convey the beet cossettes through the reaction chamber. The liquid medium carries the cossettes through the electroporation zone without requiring mechanical conveying elements, thus preserving cossette integrity while achieving transport.
2Productivity
If a mixture of cossettes and liquid is pumped into the electroporation device, then transport is achieved, but the cossettes must be largely individually separated to prevent blockage and clogging, resulting in low packing density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow parameters of the liquid medium to optimize both transport and packing density. By adjusting flow rate, pressure, and velocity parameters, the system can handle higher concentrations of cossettes without blockage while maintaining efficient electroporation conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and packing density.
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 method ensures gentle handling and high extraction efficiency by minimizing mechanical damage and enabling high packing densities, resulting in improved yield and reduced material destruction during the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
the process of electroporation has been known for several decades. By applying a voltage, it is possible to permeabilize the cell membranes
Implementation Method 2
suction-assisted discharging of the liquid and solid phases having the extracted contents, the liquid phase being sucked away by means of a sucking element
Data Source
AI summary
A process and an installation for the improved extraction and subsequent recovery of contents from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) or from sugar beet cossettes.