Cyclone Separation of Eggshell and Membrane Portions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing eggshell residues are economically and environmentally inefficient due to the need for extensive water use, centrifuging, and high-temperature drying, which also deteriorate the quality of protein-rich membrane portions.
Innovation Solution
A method that omits washing and centrifuging steps, uses a low-temperature, high-speed cyclone to separate eggshell and membrane portions, and employs controlled feeding rates to minimize energy consumption and processing time, followed by sorting and optional drying and milling of the separated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If washing and centrifuging steps are used to separate eggshell and membrane portions, then separation effectiveness is improved, but water consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the washing and centrifuging steps from the traditional processing method. By using a cyclone separator that directly separates eggshell and membrane portions based on density and particle size differences, the method eliminates the need for water-based washing and subsequent centrifuging, thereby reducing water consumption while maintaining separation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical washing and centrifuging system with a pneumatic cyclone separation system. The cyclone separator uses centrifugal force generated by rotating airflow to separate particles based on their physical properties, substituting the traditional mechanical approach with a more efficient pneumatic mechanism
2Loss of substance
If high-temperature drying at 90°C is used to reduce moisture content, then moisture removal is improved, but protein quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high (90°C) to low (below 45°C process gas temperature). By using cold or ambient temperature process gas in the cyclone separator, the method achieves moisture removal through the separation process itself without subjecting proteins to high temperatures that would cause denaturation or quality deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention skips the high-temperature drying step entirely by integrating moisture removal into the cyclone separation process. The rapid separation and the use of cold process gas allow moisture to be removed without the need for subsequent high-temperature drying, thus preserving protein quality
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing steps including washing, centrifuging, and drying are used, then separation completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate processing steps (washing, centrifuging, drying) into a single integrated cyclone separation process. By combining these functions into one step that uses cold process gas to simultaneously separate and dry the eggshell and membrane portions, the method reduces the number of operational steps and associated energy consumption while maintaining separation completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous processing where eggshell residues are continuously fed into the cyclone separator and separated in real-time. This continuous action eliminates the need for intermittent washing, centrifuging, and drying cycles, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining consistent separation quality
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 operational costs, minimizes environmental impact, and preserves protein quality by avoiding high temperatures, resulting in efficient and high-quality separation of eggshell and membrane portions suitable for commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
vortex processing of the eggshell residues in that cyclone to reduce particle size and to peel off said membrane portions
Implementation Method 2
egg processing venturi, to reduce particle size and to peel said membrane portions off of said eggshell portions
Implementation Method 3
centrifuging the eggshell residues prior to feeding them into said cyclone
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention concerns a method of processing eggshell residues, which emanate from an egg breaking unit (1) and comprise eggshell portions as well as membrane portions. The method comprises feeding of the eggshell residues into a cyclone (5), which is driven by a process gas having a temperature of less than 85°C. In said cyclone (5) vortex processing of the eggshell residues leads to peeling of said membrane portions off of said eggshell portions, such that said eggshell portions become separated from said membrane portions. A mix mainly of process gas, vapour and droplets is released through a top outlet (6) of said cyclone (5), whereas a mixture mainly of separated eggshell portions and membrane portions is released through a bottom outlet (7) of said cyclone (5). Finally in a sorting device (8) sorting of said released mixture is performed into an eggshell portion part and a membrane portion part.