Clarifying Reagent for Emulsion Transparency and Microbial Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clarifying oil/fat-in-water emulsions are inadequate for analytical purposes, as they either fail to produce a transparent liquid quickly at low temperatures, or they damage microorganisms, leading to incorrect contamination counts due to incomplete clarification or microbial proliferation.
Innovation Solution
A reagent comprising an aqueous solution of high-solubility salts and a combination of nonionic surfactants with specific HLB values and Cloud Points is used to clarify emulsions, maintaining compatibility with microorganisms and achieving transparency at room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional clarification methods are used, then emulsion transparency is improved, but microorganisms are damaged or proliferate leading to incorrect counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the clarification system by using a specific combination of salts (NaCl, KCl, CaCl2) with defined concentrations and two nonionic surfactants (Triton X-114 and Brij 35) with specific HLB values. This parameter optimization allows clarification at lower temperatures (4-25°C) compared to conventional methods, preventing microorganism damage while achieving transparency for accurate counting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite clarification reagent system combining multiple salts and two different nonionic surfactants with complementary properties. The surfactants have different HLB values (9.6 for Triton X-114 and 16.7 for Brij 35) and different cloud points, creating a synergistic effect that enhances clarification efficiency while maintaining microorganism viability, overcoming the limitations of single-agent methods.
2Measurement precision
If clarification is performed at high temperature for extended time, then emulsion transparency is improved, but microorganisms are destroyed or proliferate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the temperature parameter by enabling effective clarification at lower temperatures (4-25°C) through the use of the specific salt-surfactant combination. This eliminates the need for high-temperature processing that would damage or proliferate microorganisms, while still achieving complete transparency for accurate optical measurement of microorganism counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces thermal energy input (heating) with chemically-driven clarification mechanisms. The salt-surfactant system provides the necessary interfacial activity and micelle formation capabilities without requiring high thermal energy, thus avoiding microorganism damage while achieving the same transparency endpoint that conventional thermal methods produce.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional surfactants are used, then emulsion breakdown is achieved, but complete transparency is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite surfactant system combining two nonionic surfactants with different HLB values and cloud points. Triton X-114 (HLB 9.6, cloud point 25°C) and Brij 35 (HLB 16.7, cloud point 70°C) work synergistically to completely break down the emulsion structure and achieve full transparency. The different properties of each surfactant complement each other, ensuring complete emulsion destabilization and optical clarity that single surfactants cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different functional properties to different components of the surfactant system. Triton X-114 provides low-temperature micelle formation and initial emulsion disruption, while Brij 35 provides higher temperature stability and complete interfacial coverage. This local functional differentiation within the surfactant system ensures thorough emulsion breakdown and complete transparency across a wide temperature range.
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 reagent effectively clarifies emulsions into transparent liquids, allowing for accurate and rapid determination of microorganisms without damaging them, ensuring correct contamination counts and maintaining microbial integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The clarification of milk by means of an aqueous salt solution
Implementation Method 2
one or more first nonionic surfactant(s) having an HLB value of from about 8.0 to about 13.0 and a Cloud Point of from about 0°C to about 45°C
Data Source
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AI summary
A novel reagent for clarification of an emulsion containing a salt and first and second surfactants is used in a method of clarifying emulsions which may contain inorganic, organic or biological particles to be measured. The reagent may be proved as kit of parts for in situ preparation thereof.