Extrudate Cooling for Uniform Pelletizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing active ingredients for comestibles result in non-uniform extrudate pieces, making the milling process inefficient due to varying energy requirements for grinding into desired sizes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving an extruder that forms an extrudate, which is cooled to a first temperature above its glass transition temperature, allowing it to be cut into substantially identical pieces, and further cooled to a second temperature for efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the extrudate is cooled to a low temperature before cutting, then the extrudate becomes brittle and breaks into non-uniform pieces, but if it is cooled to a high temperature, then the extrudate remains malleable and can be cut into uniform pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the cooling temperature of the extrudate to a specific range (above glass transition temperature but below melting point) to achieve optimal malleability for uniform cutting. This temperature parameter control allows the extrudate to be cut into substantially identical pieces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by positioning the cooling temperature above the glass transition temperature of the extrudate material. This phase transition point is critical as it allows the material to transition from a rigid glassy state to a more malleable state, enabling uniform cutting while preventing brittleness.
2Strength
If the extrudate is cooled to a low temperature, then the material becomes more rigid, but this increases the energy required to grind it into desired particle sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the extrudate pieces before milling to be above the glass transition temperature. This temperature control maintains sufficient rigidity for handling while reducing the energy required for milling, as the material is more malleable and requires less force to reduce to desired particle sizes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional cooling methods are used, then the extrudate is cooled uniformly, but this results in non-uniform pieces when broken due to brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by controlling the cooling process to maintain temperature above the glass transition point. This phase transition control prevents the extrudate from becoming brittle while maintaining temperature uniformity, allowing the material to be cut into substantially identical pieces through controlled mechanical cutting rather than breaking.
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 ensures the production of uniformly sized pieces, enhancing the efficiency and consistency of the milling operation by maintaining the extrudate's malleability during cutting, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The extrudate is cooled to a first temperature. The first temperature is greater than the second temperature.
Implementation Method 2
The encapsulate composition is cooled to a first temperature above a glass transition temperature of the encapsulate composition
Implementation Method 3
The extruder is further cooled to a second temperature.
Implementation Method 4
The pelletizer is configured to cut said extrudate into a plurality of substantially identical pieces
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a first component of a comestible composition is provided including forming an extrudate of the first component. The extrudate is cooled to a first temperature. The extruder is further cooled to a second temperature. The first temperature is greater than the second temperature.