Decaffeinating Catechin Composition via Adsorbent Solvent System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing caffeine from caffeine-containing catechin compositions either require substantial investment in equipment, modify the catechin composition, or result in hue deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the dissolution of caffeine-containing catechin compositions in a specific mixed water/organic solvent solution, followed by contact with activated carbon or a combination of activated carbon and acid clay, to selectively remove caffeine without altering the catechin composition or hue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If supercritical extraction technique is used to remove caffeine, then caffeine can be selectively removed, but substantial investment on process equipment is required and it modifies the composition of catechins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts caffeine from the catechin composition using activated carbon or activated clay as adsorbents. The caffeine-containing composition is brought into contact with these adsorbents, which selectively adsorb caffeine while leaving catechins in the solution, achieving selective removal without complex equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters by using different solvents (water, ethanol, or their mixed solutions) and controlling the contact conditions between the caffeine-containing composition and adsorbents. This allows selective adsorption of caffeine while maintaining catechin composition intact
2Manufacturing precision
If activated clay or acid clay is used to remove caffeine, then caffeine can be selectively removed, but the hue may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water or ethanol as an intermediary solvent to dissolve the caffeine-containing catechin composition before contact with activated carbon. This intermediary medium enables selective caffeine adsorption while protecting the catechin composition from direct interaction with the adsorbent that could cause hue deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines activated carbon with water or ethanol to create a composite adsorption system. This composite approach leverages the selective adsorption capability of activated carbon while the solvent medium protects the catechin hue, achieving both caffeine removal and hue preservation
3Quantity of substance
If high concentration of catechins is added to beverages, then the physiological effects can be achieved, but the ingestion requires drinking 4 to 5 cups of tea in a day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts caffeine from the tea extract to create a decaffeinated catechin concentrate. This extraction process removes the stimulant while concentrating the catechins, allowing high-dose catechin supplementation in a single serving rather than requiring multiple cups of tea over time
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 process effectively removes caffeine while maintaining the stability and hue of the catechin composition, making it suitable for use in beverages.
Implementation Method 1
bringing the resultant solution into contact with activated carbon
Implementation Method 2
bringing the resultant solution into contact with activated carbon and acid clay or activated clay
Data Source
AI summary
A process for selectively removing caffeine from a caffeine-containing catechin composition, which includes dissolving the caffeine-containing catechin composition in a 9/1 to 1/9 by weight mixed solution of an organic solvent and water, and then bringing the resultant solution into contact with activated carbon alone or with activated carbon and also acid clay or activated clay; and a packaged beverage containing such a decaffeinated composition.