Electrolytic Temper Fluid Generation for Low-Moisture Grain Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grain treatment methods fail to effectively remove pathogens and pesticides without exceeding moisture limits, risking microbial contamination and chemical residues that impact product quality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the combination of chlorite salt and sodium hypochlorite solutions with an oxidative acidic fluid and anodic gas to create an electrolytic temper fluid for treating grain, which is then applied to the grain to remove pathogens and pesticides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical disinfectants (chlorine, bleach) are added to conditioning water to reduce contaminants, then pathogen reduction is improved, but chemical residues carry over into final product impacting quality and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the tempering fluid by using electrolytically generated chlorine dioxide instead of conventional chlorine or bleach. This alternative chemical has effective pathogen reduction capabilities while avoiding harmful residues in the final grain product, thus resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and chemical residue contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical addition methods with an electrolytic generation system. Instead of adding pre-mixed chemical disinfectants to the tempering water, the system generates chlorine dioxide in-situ through electrolysis of chlorite salts, providing a more controlled and residue-free disinfection process
2Reliability
If chlorine-based chemicals are added to conditioning water to achieve biocidal capacity, then contaminant reduction is improved, but residual chlorine impacts yeast viability in final product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by substituting chlorine-based disinfectants with chlorine dioxide generated through electrolysis. This parameter change maintains effective biocidal capacity against contaminants while eliminating the harmful effect of residual chlorine on yeast viability in the final grain product
3Stability of the object's composition
If damp grain is placed in dark bins without high contaminant reduction, then moisture absorption and swelling are improved, but contaminant load increases due to microbial activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the grain with electrolytically generated chlorine dioxide during the tempering process before the grain is placed in conditioning bins. This pre-treatment reduces the contaminant load on the grain surface and within the grain structure, preventing microbial activation and spore germination during the subsequent dark bin storage period, thus allowing the grain to swell and absorb moisture without increasing contaminant load
4Ease of operation
If conditioning water is added to grain to soften exterior shell and enable milling, then grain processing capability is improved, but moisture content increases limiting downstream handling and milling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by integrating the electrolytic tempering treatment as a continuous process that occurs during the conditioning water addition phase. The electrolysis system operates continuously as the grain absorbs the conditioning water, maintaining effective disinfection throughout the moisture absorption process without requiring separate treatment steps that would exceed moisture limitations
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
The electrolytic temper fluid effectively reduces microbial contamination and pesticide residues while maintaining moisture levels within safe limits, ensuring high-quality grain processing without chemical carry-over issues.
Implementation Method 1
Electrolytic methods and systems for generating temper fluid... combining a chlorite salt solution with a sodium hypochlorite solution... combining an oxidative acidic fluid with the first composition... combining an anodic gas with the second composition to thereby provide an electrolytic temper fluid
Implementation Method 2
combining an oxidative acidic fluid with the first composition to thereby provide a second composition; and combining an anodic gas with the second composition to thereby provide an electrolytic temper fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating a highly energized fluid formula for use in tempering grains and other foodstuffs is described. The temper fluid described herein is capable of reducing pathogens and/or pesticide residues on grains and other foodstuffs. The tempering fluid may include chlorine dioxide with an oxidative carrier solution, and may further include carboxylic acids. The methods described herein may include an alkaline fluid pre-rinse prior to treatment of the grain with the energized fluid formula.