Biodegradable Cellulose Foam Control Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foam control agents used in food processing are not biodegradable and can adversely affect industrial processes, including fermentation, and may form films that interfere with equipment function, while existing mechanical methods for foam management are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The use of cellulose derivatives, such as hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, which are biodegradable and effective in reducing or preventing foam formation during food processing, and can be used in various processing stages without forming films that affect equipment operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional foam control agents are used, then foam control capacity is achieved, but biodegradability and environmental safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of foam control agents from conventional non-biodegradable substances (ethylene oxide-based, propylene oxide-based, silicone-based) to biodegradable cellulose derivatives with specific molecular weight ranges (10,000-1,000,000 g/mol) and substitution degrees, achieving both effective foam control and environmental safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite cellulose derivative structures with specific combinations of hydroxyethyl groups and other substituents on the cellulose backbone, creating materials that maintain foam control efficacy while improving biodegradability and environmental compatibility
2Reliability
If conventional foam control agents are used, then foam control is achieved, but adverse effects on industrial processes and microorganisms occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of foam control agents to use cellulose derivatives with specific molecular weights and substitution patterns that are ineffective or less harmful to microorganisms used in fermentation processes, thereby eliminating adverse effects on industrial processes while maintaining foam control
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical methods are used for foam management, then no chemical additives are required, but foam control effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cellulose derivatives as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between mechanical foam management and conventional chemical agents, providing enhanced foam control effectiveness through their specific molecular structure and surface-active properties while maintaining biodegradability
4Reliability
If traditional foam control agents are used, then foam control is achieved, but film formation on equipment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of foam control agents to cellulose derivatives with specific molecular weights and hydrophilic-lipophilic balances that prevent film formation on equipment surfaces, thereby maintaining foam control effectiveness while avoiding interference with equipment function
Data Source
AI summary
Cellulose derivatives comprising a hydroxyethyl group, such as hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, are used as foam control agents in foodstuff processing. The cellulose derivatives are biodegradable while still providing excellent foam control capacity. In addition, cellulose derivatives foam control agents of the disclosure can be used with various apparatus while avoiding forming films that otherwise affect apparatus function. The cellulose derivatives can be used at various stages during industrial processing of vegetables (e.g., potatoes and beets) and fruits.