Low-Temperature Agitation Drying for Shelf-Stable Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing bio-inactive biomass from bioactive feedstocks require high capital expenditures, long processing times, and high temperatures, leading to nutrient degradation and rancidity.
Innovation Solution
A process involving initial dewatering of bioactive biomass feedstock using low-cost equipment, stabilization with antioxidants or UV radiation, followed by controlled agitation drying with specific humidity and temperature control, and final sterilization to produce a shelf-stable bio-inactive biomass with reduced capital costs and processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature thermal drying is used to produce bio-inactive biomass, then the biomass becomes shelf stable, but nutrients are degraded and proteins become less digestible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the drying temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures (above 100°C, up to 343°C) to low temperatures (below 100°C, preferably below 60°C). This parameter change allows the biomass to achieve shelf stability through low temperature drying while preserving nutrients and protein digestibility, directly resolving the contradiction between shelf stability and nutrient degradation.
2Productivity
If conventional thermal drying equipment is used, then biomass can be dried effectively, but large capital expenditures and operating costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex conventional thermal drying equipment with simple, low-cost drying structures that can be constructed from basic materials. The patent describes using simple frameworks with drying surfaces that cost a fraction of tunnel dryers or spray dryers, making effective drying accessible without large capital expenditures.
3Loss of time
If high temperature drying is used to reduce processing time, then drying speed increases, but fat converts to free fatty acids promoting rancidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter to low temperatures (below 100°C, preferably below 60°C) and extends the drying time accordingly. This parameter change prevents the conversion of fats to free fatty acids that occurs at high temperatures, eliminating rancidity while still achieving effective drying through the extended low temperature process.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple low-cost drying equipment is used, then capital expenditure is reduced, but processing time increases and bioactivity may not be fully eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses continuous low temperature drying processes that maintain consistent drying conditions over extended periods. By continuously exposing biomass to low temperature drying conditions (below 60°C) for sufficient duration, the process reliably eliminates bioactivity while preserving nutrients, achieving both simplicity and effectiveness.
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 efficiently produces bio-inactive, shelf-stable biomass with preserved nutrients, minimizing degradation and rancidity, while reducing operational costs and processing time, resulting in a stable product viable for extended storage.
Implementation Method 1
The biomass may be stabilized by adding a stabilizer, such as an antioxidant, or by subjecting the dewatered biomass to ultraviolet light or radiation
Implementation Method 2
The biomass may be stabilized by adding a stabilizer, such as an antioxidant, or by subjecting the dewatered biomass to ultraviolet light or radiation
Implementation Method 3
The granular back blended biomass is then subjected to controlled agitation drying wherein shear mechanical energy is imparted to the back blended biomass under controlled environmental conditions
Implementation Method 4
An airflow may be forced over, around or through the back blended biomass during the controlled agitation drying process
Implementation Method 5
The surface may be heated from above and/or below utilizing radiant, conductive and convective heat sources
Implementation Method 6
An exemplary heating element is configured in the surface and may include a resistive heating element or a conduit for receiving a flow of heated fluid through the conduit, which heats the surface through radiant, conductive and convective means
Implementation Method 7
An airflow may be forced over, around or through the back blended biomass during the controlled agitation drying process
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing a bio-inactive and shelf stable biomass matter derived from bioactive biomass feedstock includes processes that can be performed in an effective way with equipment that does not require large expenditures. The biomass feedstock may be dewatered and then stabilized to prevent degradation. The stabilized biomass may then be back blended with a dried back blending biomass having a water concentration of less than 10% and a particle size that produces back blended biomass that can be effectively processed by controlled agitation drying wherein the thickness is maintained at less than 100 mm while an airflow is formed over the back blended biomass and shear mechanical energy is imparted. The entire process may be performed in less than 12 hours to produce a shelf-stable dried biomass.