Egg Shell Membrane Separation via Alkaline Swirling Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating egg shells and egg shell membranes require large-scale and complex equipment, making them inefficient and costly for small-scale operations.

Innovation Solution

Adding an egg shell with an attached membrane to a swirling alkaline solution allows for the detachment and separation of the membrane from the shell, utilizing the difference in specific gravity and the alkaline solution's properties to efficiently recover both components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional separation methods using jet mills or hydraulic cyclones are employed, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and scale increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameter of the separation medium by using alkaline solution instead of water or air. The alkaline solution chemically dissolves the eggshell membrane while leaving the eggshell intact, achieving separation through chemical parameter change rather than mechanical force or density difference. This simplifies the equipment to essentially a container for the chemical reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical separation systems (jet mills, hydraulic cyclones, vibrating sifters) with a chemical separation system. Instead of using mechanical energy to crush and separate components, the alkaline solution chemically removes the membrane, substituting a chemical process for complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional separation methods are used, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces energy-intensive mechanical separation processes with a low-energy chemical process. The alkaline solution separates the membrane from the shell through chemical dissolution rather than mechanical force, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes from physical separation parameters (velocity, pressure, density) to chemical separation parameters (pH, chemical reactivity). This parameter change enables separation at ambient temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for high-energy mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If simple separation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but separation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidseparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses chemical parameter change (alkaline dissolution) to achieve complete separation in a simple container. The chemical reaction selectively removes the membrane while preserving the shell, achieving high separation efficiency without complex mechanical systems or multiple processing stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the membrane from the eggshell through chemical dissolution in alkaline solution. The membrane is selectively removed while the shell remains intact, achieving separation by taking out the unwanted component through chemical means rather than mechanical separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If mechanical crushing methods are used, then separation is achieved, but the eggshell membrane degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation achievementVSAvoidmembrane degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical crushing with chemical dissolution to separate the membrane. The alkaline solution chemically removes the membrane without mechanical force, preventing degradation and maintaining the membrane's structural integrity for potential further use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes from mechanical separation parameters to chemical separation parameters. The alkaline solution selectively dissolves the membrane through chemical reaction rather than mechanical force, avoiding the harmful mechanical stress that causes degradation while achieving complete separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables effective separation of egg shells and egg shell membranes on a small scale using simpler equipment, reducing degradation and operational costs while maintaining high separation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

adding an egg shell with an egg shell membrane attached thereto into a swirling flow of an alkaline solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirling flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

separation of the egg shell and the egg shell membrane from each other by the difference in specific gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpecific gravity difference: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3939704B1Method and apparatus for separating egg shell and egg shell membrane from each other
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 BIOAPATITE KK
  • EP3939704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3939704B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3939704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method that enables sufficient separation of an egg shell and an egg shell membrane from each other even in a small scale, using a simpler configuration than conventional methods. The method for separating an egg shell and an egg shell membrane from each other includes a step of adding an egg shell with an egg shell membrane attached thereto to a swirling flow of an alkaline solution.