Continuous Enzymatic Flow Path for Plant Beverage Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing plant-based beverages, such as grain-based drinks, are inefficient due to batch operations, which consume high energy and result in inconsistent product quality.
Innovation Solution
A continuous manufacturing process is implemented by conducting enzymatic treatments along a flow path, allowing for continuous operation and improved homogeneity, using a device with temperature maintaining sections and enzyme addition points strategically positioned along the flow path to optimize enzymatic reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batch processing is used for enzymatic treatment, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but productivity is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous enzymatic treatment by feeding raw material through a flow path where enzymes are continuously added and acted upon, eliminating the start-stop nature of batch processing. This continuous operation increases productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is divided into distinct functional sections: raw material storage, mixing chamber, flow path with enzyme addition points, temperature-maintaining sections, and product collection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together in a continuous process.
2Manufacturing precision
If batch processing is used, then process control is simpler, but product quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature-maintaining sections that monitor and regulate temperature conditions during enzymatic treatment. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent enzymatic activity and product quality while managing control complexity through automated temperature regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Enzymes are added to the raw material mixture before the enzymatic treatment begins, and temperature conditions are pre-established in the flow path. This preliminary preparation ensures uniform conditions throughout the continuous process, improving product quality consistency without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
3Loss of energy
If batch processing is used, then energy consumption per batch is manageable, but total energy consumption increases due to repeated heating and cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous flow path allows the raw material to undergo enzymatic treatment without repeated heating and cooling cycles. Once the system reaches operational temperature, it maintains that temperature throughout the continuous process, eliminating the energy waste associated with repeatedly heating and cooling equipment for each batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes temperature parameters along the flow path to match the specific requirements of different enzymatic treatments. By maintaining appropriate temperature conditions continuously rather than repeatedly heating and cooling, the system reduces energy consumption while sustaining high productivity.
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 reduces energy consumption, increases production quantities, and ensures a more consistent product quality by transitioning from batch to continuous operation and optimizing enzymatic treatment conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the raw material is subjected to at least one enzymatic treatment
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature-maintaining section is provided in the flow section, in which an added enzyme can act on the mixture of raw material and water
Data Source
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AI summary
In a process for producing at least one plant-based, in particular grain-based, beverage, in which at least one plant-based raw material is mixed with water and tempered, and the raw material is subjected to at least one enzymatic treatment, it is provided that the enzymatic treatment is carried out along at least one flow path for the raw material. A device for producing at least one plant-based, in particular grain-based, beverage, especially for carrying out the aforementioned process in which at least one plant-based raw material is mixed with water and tempered, and the raw material is subjected to at least one enzymatic treatment, is characterized in that it has at least one pipe section for the enzymatic treatment.