In-Line Grain Analysis and Separation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing and separating grain based on moisture and protein content are time-consuming, inaccurate, and result in inhomogeneous batches, which can affect the quality and processing of grain products.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus that continuously delivers an optically dense grain layer through an in-line measurement area, emitting light to detect spectral data, converting it into grain parameter values, and sorting grains based on these values to create homogeneous batches, using a controller to manage grain flow and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional batch analysis methods are used to measure moisture and protein content, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the analysis time becomes very time-consuming (2-3 hours per batch)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical analysis methods (weighing, drying, Kjeldahl method) with an optical measurement system that uses light reflection and spectral analysis to determine grain moisture and protein content. This substitution enables rapid in-line measurement without sacrificing accuracy, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes while maintaining reliable measurement of grain parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous in-line measurement of grain parameters as grain flows through the system, rather than interrupting the process for batch sampling and analysis. The optical measurement system continuously analyzes grain moisture and protein content throughout the flow, eliminating downtime and enabling real-time data collection for immediate separation decisions.
2Ease of operation
If average values from sampled batches are used for grain separation, then processing can be simplified, but the grain batches become inhomogeneous and quality cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grain flow into individual grain or small group measurements rather than analyzing bulk batches. By measuring each grain or small segment continuously as it passes through the optical system, the patent obtains detailed parameter data for separation into homogeneous sub-batches based on specific moisture and protein content ranges, ensuring composition stability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different separation criteria to different grain portions based on their measured local parameters. Instead of treating all grain uniformly with average values, the system identifies and separates grains with specific moisture and protein content characteristics into different batches, ensuring each batch has consistent quality properties suitable for its intended processing path.
3Productivity
If rapid measurement methods are used to reduce analysis time, then productivity increases, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical analysis methods with optical measurement technology that provides rapid results. The system uses light reflection and spectral analysis to determine moisture and protein content in seconds rather than hours, achieving both high productivity and maintained accuracy through the physical principles of light-grain interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from macroscopic physical changes (weight loss during drying, chemical nitrogen analysis) to optical parameters (light reflection intensity, spectral characteristics). This parameter change enables rapid measurement while maintaining accuracy, as the optical properties of grain directly correlate with moisture and protein content without requiring time-consuming physical or chemical transformations.
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 enables rapid, accurate separation of grains into homogeneous batches, optimizing storage and processing conditions, ensuring grain quality and safety, and facilitating documentation for food safety policies.
Implementation Method 1
analysing a quantity of the grain by emitting light onto the grain layer, the light being reflected from the quantity of grain passing the in-line measurement area and detecting the light reflected from the quantity of grain to provide a spectrum of the quantity of grain
Data Source
AI summary
A process and apparatus for analyzing quantities of grain in-line and separating the grain into batches on the basis of one or more grain parameter values is disclosed. The grain is separated in-line on the basis of the grain parameter value thus allowing the grain to be separated into homogeneous batches.