Humic Acid Extract from Grape Pomace via Segmented Composting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing humic acid extracts from grape pomace are inefficient and costly, with issues in breaking down anaerobically composted material for effective aerobic composting and achieving optimal humic substance yield.
Innovation Solution
A process involving anaerobic composting of grape pomace followed by compaction to reduce surface area, multiple cycles of crushing and aerobic composting with oxygen-respiring microorganisms, and subsequent extraction and maturation of humic substances to enhance yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grape pomace is compacted during anaerobic composting to reduce surface area, then gas exchange is reduced and anaerobic microorganism activity is maintained, but the material becomes difficult to break down in subsequent aerobic composting
Solution Approach 1:
The composting process is divided into distinct anaerobic and aerobic phases with specific timing. The material is compacted during anaerobic phase (5-8 months) to maintain anaerobic conditions, then uncompact and undergo aerobic composting (6-8 weeks) to break down the compacted structure and achieve humic substance formation. This segmentation allows each phase to function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The material is pre-composted anaerobically for 5-8 months before aerobic composting begins. This preliminary anaerobic treatment creates the necessary structural and chemical conditions that facilitate subsequent aerobic breakdown and humic substance formation, making the material more susceptible to aerobic microorganism action while maintaining the benefits of anaerobic compaction.
2Quantity of substance
If the anaerobic composting process is extended to increase humic substance content, then humic substance yield improves, but the aerobic composting process is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The process duration for anaerobic composting is dynamically optimized to 5-8 months, which is sufficient to generate adequate humic substances but not so extended as to create excessive compaction or microbial adaptation that would hinder subsequent aerobic processing. This dynamic timing allows the system to transition smoothly from anaerobic to aerobic phase with optimal humic substance accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anaerobic and aerobic composting phases are conducted in continuous sequence without interruption. The anaerobic phase (5-8 months) is immediately followed by the aerobic phase (6-8 weeks), ensuring continuous humic substance formation while preventing any significant delay that would reduce overall productivity. The transition between phases maintains useful action throughout the entire process.
3Quantity of substance
If the aerobic composting process is extended to increase humic substance yield, then humic substance concentration improves, but the process becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The aerobic composting process is monitored using temperature as a feedback indicator. When the temperature drops noticeably during the 6-8 week period, it signals that the aerobic microorganism activity is declining and the process should be terminated. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal humic substance formation within the shortest effective time, preventing unnecessary extension that would reduce efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes temperature parameter changes to determine the optimal termination point for aerobic composting. By monitoring temperature fluctuations during the 6-8 week period, the system identifies the precise moment when humic substance formation is maximized but further extension would be counterproductive. This parameter-based control optimizes both yield and time efficiency.
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 process results in a high-quality humic acid extract suitable as a dietary supplement or feed additive, reducing methane gas production and improving animal health, while being cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
grape pomace is first composted anaerobically. Microorganisms that require no oxygen are used for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
The pre-composted grape pomace is then crushed, whereby the specific type of crushing is unimportant. The only important thing about the crushing is that the effective surface area of this material is increased accordingly in order to achieve effective air and gas exchange. This material is then composted aerobically with the addition of air and/or oxygen. Oxygen-respiring microorganisms are used for this purpose.
Implementation Method 3
To extract the humic acid extract from this compost, it is mixed with water so that the humic substances contained in the compost are released into the water
Implementation Method 4
The mixture is then filtered and/or settled to separate a solid phase from a liquid phase
Implementation Method 5
The mixture is then filtered and/or settled to separate a solid phase from a liquid phase
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b1
AI summary
A humic acid extract (15) is produced from grape pomace (1). The grape pomace (1) is first composted anaerobically, then crushed and composted aerobically with the addition of air and/or oxygen. The resulting intermediate product is then mixed with water, releasing humic substances into the water. A liquid phase (12) is separated by filtration and/or sedimentation, forming the humic acid extract (15).