High Shear Oil Processing for Oxidation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vegetable oils are prone to rancidification and degradation due to oxidation, leading to undesirable odors, flavors, and nutritional value loss, necessitating improved processing methods for stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A high shear device is used to mix an inert or reactive gas with oil, creating a supersaturated solution or dispersion that reduces oxygen levels and provides an internal blanketing effect on unsaturated triglycerides, thereby preventing oxidation and stabilizing the oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional oil processing methods are used, then the oil can be produced efficiently, but the oil is prone to rancidification and degradation due to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere by introducing inert gases (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or noble gases) into the oil system to displace oxygen and create an inert environment. This prevents oxidation of unsaturated triglycerides and other sensitive compounds, thereby resolving the contradiction between production efficiency and oil stability against oxidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inert gases as intermediary substances that mediate between the oil and oxygen. These gases form a protective barrier and facilitate mass transfer while preventing direct contact between oxygen and oxidizable components in the oil, thus maintaining oil stability without affecting processing efficiency.
2Reliability
If high shear device is used to mix gas with oil, then oxidation is prevented and oil stability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the high shear device to simultaneously perform multiple functions: mixing the inert gas with the oil, dispersing the gas uniformly throughout the oil volume, and creating the necessary shear forces for effective mass transfer. This consolidates multiple operations into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining oil stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gas mixing and oil processing functions into a single integrated high shear device. By combining the inert gas introduction system with the high shear mixing mechanism, the patent reduces the number of separate equipment components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving effective oxidation prevention.
3Reliability
If high shear processing is applied, then valuable compounds like Omega-3 fatty acids are preserved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing the inert gas into the oil system before the high shear processing begins. This pre-saturation of the oil with protective inert gas ensures that oxidation prevention is established before the energy-intensive shear mixing occurs, allowing the high shear device to focus solely on uniform distribution rather than simultaneous oxidation prevention, thus reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that the inert gas remains dissolved and distributed throughout the oil during and after the high shear processing. This continuous presence of protective gas molecules ensures ongoing oxidation prevention without requiring additional energy input, making the energy consumption of the high shear device justified by the continuous benefit of compound preservation.
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 high shear processing method significantly increases oil stability, retards oxidation, and preserves valuable compounds like Omega-3 fatty acids, enhancing the oil's shelf life and quality.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device... forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solution is saturated or supersaturated with the gas. In some embodiments, the solution is no less than 5% supersaturated with the gas.
Implementation Method 2
A high shear device is used to mix an inert or reactive gas with oil, creating a supersaturated solution or dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.