Cyclic Ketal Foam Agents for Potato Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foam control agents are inadequate for effectively managing foam in the manufacturing of food and beverage products, particularly in processes involving potato and sugar beet processing, where foaming can lead to decreased efficiency and product quality, and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

Cyclic ketal compounds with ketal side chains containing 4 or more carbon atoms are used as foam control agents, providing antifoam and defoaming characteristics compatible with foodstuff manufacturing processes, especially in neutral to basic environments, and can be effectively degraded in acidic media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional foam control agents are used in food and beverage processing, then foam generation is controlled to some extent, but the foam control effectiveness is insufficient particularly in potato and sugar beet processing systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam control effectivenessVSAvoidprocess efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of foam control agents by introducing cyclic ketal compounds with specific side chain configurations (at least one side chain with 4 or more carbon atoms). This structural parameter change enables the agent to effectively interact with foam-stabilizing substances in potato and sugar beet processing, thereby improving foam control reliability without compromising process efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite molecular structures combining cyclic ketal core units with varied hydrophobic side chains. This composite approach creates a multifunctional foam control agent that can address the complex foaming mechanisms in food processing systems, achieving both reliable foam control and maintained productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If foam control agents are used to manage foam in food processing, then foam formation is reduced, but the agents must be safe for human consumption which limits the available classes of agents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam control performanceVSAvoidavailability of agent classes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing cyclic ketal compounds where specific portions of the molecule (the side chains with 4 or more carbon atoms) provide the foam control functionality while the cyclic ketal core ensures compatibility with food processing requirements. This localized functional design allows the agent to be both effective and food-safe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By adjusting the side chain length parameter (minimum 4 carbon atoms) and composition of the cyclic ketal compounds, the invention creates a versatile class of food-safe foam control agents that can adapt to different processing conditions while maintaining safety for human consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical methods are used for foam management, then no chemical additives are required, but the effectiveness is limited and cannot adequately control foam generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of methodVSAvoidfoam control effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cyclic ketal compound acts as an intermediary substance that bridges mechanical foam control methods and chemical foam control agents. It provides the chemical effectiveness needed for reliable foam control while being used in such small quantities that it does not significantly alter the simplicity of the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Duration of action of moving object

If foam control agents provide long-lasting foam protection, then process efficiency is enhanced, but the agents may accumulate or require removal from the final product

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of foam protectionVSAvoidaccumulation or removal requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs cyclic ketal compounds that can be effectively removed or degraded after performing their foam control function. The specific molecular structure allows for controlled degradation or separation from the final food product, ensuring that the long-lasting foam protection does not lead to problematic accumulation in the finished product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11510429B2Cyclic ketal compounds having long side chains useful as foam control agents in the manufacture of food and beverage products

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Cyclic ketal compounds provide excellent foam protection when having at least one moiety of a threshold size (comprising 4 or more carbon atoms) pendant from a ketal carbon. The carbons in such moieties may be present in one or more chains. The cyclic ketal compounds of the present invention are compatible with foodstuff manufacturing. In particular, it has been discovered that the cyclic ketal compounds of the present invention exhibit excellent foam control performance in both potato and sugar beet processing systems.