Fermentation Process for Carboxylic Acid Salts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing natural preservatives and nutritional supplements from short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids rely on petroleum-based sources, lacking flexibility and purity in application, especially in reaching the hindgut for gastrointestinal benefits.
Innovation Solution
A process involving mixed-acid fermentation with natural consortia of microorganisms to produce carboxylic acid salts, followed by recovery, purification, and neutralization to create pure, dry carboxylic acid salts suitable for use as natural preservatives and nutritional supplements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If petroleum-based sources are used to produce short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids, then production volume is sufficient, but purity and flexibility for reaching the hindgut are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the production method from petroleum-based chemical synthesis to fermentation-based biological production. This parameter change enables the production of pure carboxylic acid salts that can effectively reach the hindgut, while maintaining feasible production through controlled fermentation processes using natural microorganism consortia
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical petroleum refining process with a biological fermentation system. Natural consortia of microorganisms convert feedstock into carboxylic acids, which are then neutralized to form salts. This substitution achieves higher purity products suitable for hindgut delivery while maintaining production scalability
2Reliability
If natural consortia of microorganisms are used for fermentation, then natural and pure products are obtained, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal approach by using natural consortia of microorganisms that can process various feedstocks (agricultural waste, food waste, dedicated energy crops) to produce the same desired product - carboxylic acid salts. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain product naturalness while adapting to different原料 sources without increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation system uses natural microorganism consortia that self-regulate and maintain the fermentation process without requiring complex control mechanisms. The natural consortia perform the conversion of feedstock to carboxylic acids autonomously, reducing the need for complex process control equipment and operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If fermentation is used instead of petroleum-based production, then natural preservatives are obtained, but production efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-treating the feedstock (such as hydrolysis of agricultural waste or food waste) before fermentation. This preparation step breaks down complex materials into more accessible forms for the microorganisms, accelerating the fermentation process and improving production rate while maintaining the natural product quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous fermentation processes where feedstock is continuously fed to the microorganism consortia and products are continuously harvested. This continuous operation eliminates downtime between batches, maintaining high productivity while producing natural carboxylic acid salts with versatile applications as preservatives and nutritional supplements
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 allows for the production of natural, pure, and customizable carboxylic acid salts that can be used effectively as preservatives and supplements, addressing the limitations of petroleum-based sources and enhancing gastrointestinal health.
Implementation Method 1
fermenting biodegradable feedstock using natural consortia of microorganisms to produce a first product stream that includes carboxylic acid salts, suspended solids and water
Implementation Method 2
concentrating said second product stream to produce a third product stream
Implementation Method 3
Concentrating may include using reverse osmosis or evaporation, or both in that order
Implementation Method 4
further drying the third product stream to remove water and produce a fourth product stream that includes dry carboxylic acid salts
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing products containing organic salts from biodegradable feedstocks includes fermenting biodegradable feedstock using natural consortia of microorganisms to produce a first product stream comprising carboxylic acid salts, suspended solids and water; removing suspended solids from the first product stream to produce a second product stream comprising carboxylic acid salts; concentrating said second product stream to produce a third product stream and water; and further drying the third product stream to remove water and produce a fourth product stream comprising dry carboxylic acid salts.