Belt Separator Processing for Low-Chitin Insect Protein Powders

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for high-quality, renewable protein sources in animal nutrition that can replace fishmeal, which are easily digestible and have a reduced chitin content, as chitin is difficult for certain animals to digest.

Innovation Solution

A process involving the separation of insect cuticles from the soft part using a belt separator, followed by maturation, separation into fractions, and optional concentration and mixing, to produce powders with reduced chitin content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If insect meals are used as a substitute for fishmeal to provide high-quality protein sources, then renewable protein availability is improved, but digestibility deteriorates due to high chitin content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotein contentVSAvoiddigestibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies extraction by separating the cuticle (containing chitin) from the soft part of the insect using a belt separator. This removes the harmful chitin component while retaining the valuable protein-rich soft tissue, thereby improving digestibility without sacrificing protein content. The separated cuticle can be discarded or used for other purposes, while the soft part is processed into high-quality insect meal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the entire insect is processed into powder without separation, then production efficiency is improved, but chitin content remains high reducing nutritional quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidchitin content control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insect body into two distinct components: the cuticle (exoskeleton containing chitin) and the soft part (muscle tissue containing protein). This segmentation is achieved through the belt separator which mechanically separates these components based on their physical differences. The soft part is then processed into powder while the cuticle is removed, enabling both high production efficiency and precise control over chitin content in the final product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 process results in powders with high protein content and reduced chitin, facilitating digestion and providing a sustainable alternative to fishmeal.

Implementation Method 1

separation is carried out using a belt separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

belt separator comprises a squeezing belt and a perforated drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12446597B2Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects using a belt separator

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 YNSECT

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for treating insects, comprising the separation of the cuticles from the soft part of the insects, wherein the separation is performed using a belt separator. The invention further relates to powders, in particular a powder obtainable by the method of treating insects according to the invention, and to the use of these powders in food.