Compacted Gelatin Particles for Rapid Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of gelatin solutions for food products, such as confectionery and desserts, often faces challenges due to the low density and poor wettability of gelatin and other components, leading to incomplete dissolution, lump formation, and inefficient processing times, which can be mitigated by mechanical crushing or aggressive agitation causing foam formation.
Innovation Solution
A composition of compacted particles with at least 5% by weight of gelatin and/or collagen hydrolyzate, produced by pressing fine powdery starting materials, achieving an average particle diameter of 0.8 to 4.2 mm and a bulk density of 350 to 800 g/l, allowing for faster and more efficient dissolution in water without lump or foam formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gelatin and other components are used in powder form to produce high concentration solutions, then the required high concentration can be achieved, but incomplete dissolution and lump formation occur due to low density and poor wettability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gelatin and other components into compacted particles with controlled size distribution (mean diameter 0.8 to 4.2 mm). This segmentation improves wettability and dissolution by creating particles that are small enough to dissolve completely but large enough to maintain good flow properties and avoid lump formation during the dissolution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gelatin and components by compacting them into particles with specific bulk density (350 to 800 g/l) and size distribution. This parameter change transforms the poor wettability of conventional powders into improved surface contact with water, enabling complete dissolution without lumps while maintaining high concentration.
2Reliability
If mechanical grinding is used to dissolve lumps, then dissolution can be achieved, but the process requires uneconomically long waiting times and additional mechanical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-compacting the gelatin and components into optimally sized particles before dissolution. This pre-processing ensures that the particles have the right size and density for rapid, complete dissolution without requiring subsequent mechanical grinding or extended waiting times to break down lumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical grinding systems with a compaction process that creates particles designed for automatic, rapid dissolution. The compacted particles dissolve quickly through water absorption alone, eliminating the need for additional mechanical processing equipment and operations.
3Reliability
If strong agitation is used to prevent lump formation, then dissolution can be maintained, but undesirable foaming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size and density parameters to achieve optimal dissolution behavior. The compacted particles with mean diameter 0.8 to 4.2 mm and bulk density 350 to 800 g/l dissolve uniformly through gentle water absorption without requiring strong agitation, thereby preventing foam formation while maintaining dissolution uniformity.
4Reliability
If multiple dissolution steps with specific addition sequences are used, then complete dissolution can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dissolution steps into a single step by using compacted particles of gelatin and other components with compatible size and density characteristics. All components dissolve simultaneously in one water addition step, eliminating the need for complex multi-step processes and specific addition sequences, thereby simplifying the overall dissolution process.
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 approach enables quick and effective production of gelatin solutions by reducing the need for specific dissolution sequences and minimizing foam formation, allowing all components to be dissolved in a single step, thereby simplifying and accelerating the process.
Implementation Method 1
the compacted particles are produced by pressing a finely powdered starting material by applying a force from two opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
compaction leads to an overall faster and less technically complex dissolution in water or an aqueous medium
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition in the form of compacted particles, comprising at least 5 wt%, preferably at least 10 wt%, more preferably at least 15 wt%, of gelatin and/or collagen hydrolysate.