Activated Carbon Decolorization of Beetroot Juice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumption of beetroot products can lead to beeturia, a condition causing red or pink urine, which can be mistaken for other health issues and results in unwanted staining, making it difficult to obtain nutritional benefits without the associated problems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of activated carbon to decolorize beet products, where the beet liquid is combined with a sufficient amount of activated carbon, often acidified to a pH between 3.3 and 4.4, and then separated, to produce a processed beet product that does not cause beeturia and can be further evaporated to a solid form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beetroot products are consumed for nutritional benefits, then health benefits are obtained, but beeturia occurs causing red urine and staining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the betalain pigments (betacyanins) from beetroot products through processing methods such as activated carbon filtration, ion exchange resins, or enzymatic treatment. This separates the harmful colored compounds from the beneficial nutrients like nitrates, allowing consumption of health benefits without the beeturia side effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting pH levels, using heat treatment, or employing chemical treatments to alter the stability and solubility of betalain pigments. These parameter changes facilitate selective removal of pigments while preserving nutritional components, resolving the contradiction between health benefits and harmful discoloration
2Quantity of substance
If beetroot extract is used for nutrition, then dietary nitrate is obtained, but red coloring stains clothes and solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs extraction techniques using activated carbon, ion exchange resins, or selective precipitation to remove betalain pigments from beetroot extracts. This selectively extracts the harmful colored compounds while retaining the beneficial dietary nitrate and other nutrients in the solution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials such as activated carbon with high surface area and porous structure to adsorb betalain pigments from the beetroot extract. The porous material selectively binds to the colored compounds through adsorption, allowing the nitrate-rich solution to pass through without staining
3Object-affected harmful factors
If beetroot products are processed to remove color, then beeturia is prevented, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable activated carbon filters or single-use ion exchange resin columns that can be easily discarded after use. These simple, inexpensive materials provide effective color removal without requiring complex equipment or multiple processing steps, maintaining simplicity while preventing beeturia
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances such as activated carbon or ion exchange resins that mediate between the beetroot extract and the final product. These intermediaries selectively bind to betalain pigments, facilitating color removal through simple filtration or decanting steps without complex processing equipment
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
The method effectively removes the red color from beet products, preventing beeturia and staining, while maintaining nutritional benefits, and results in a product with improved flavor and higher nitrate concentration, suitable for use in energy drinks and supplements.
Implementation Method 1
combining the activated carbon and the beet liquid to produce a processed beet product
Implementation Method 2
the method further comprises acidifying the beet liquid prior to the step of combining the activated carbon and the beet liquid
Implementation Method 3
the step of evaporating the decolorized beet liquid follows the method of removing red color from a beet product
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods of producing decolorized beet products and compositions produced therefrom. In some implementations, the decolorized beet product is decolorized beetroot juice.