Hydrogen-Containing Composition Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrogen-containing compositions, such as water and beverages, face challenges in achieving hydrogen concentrations greater than 3.0 ppm due to hydrogen's volatility and rapid evaporation, and there is a need for products that provide longer shelf life and enhanced antioxidant benefits amidst reduced phytonutrient levels in food products.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogen-containing composition comprising a carrier liquid with molecular hydrogen concentrations greater than 3 ppm, often between 3.5 ppm to 6 ppm, utilizing an oxygen scavenger like citric acid or ascorbic acid, and a method involving degassing, agitation, and chilling with hydrogen introduction at pressures above atmospheric pressure to stabilize hydrogen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hydrogen is added to water or beverage compositions, then antioxidant properties are enhanced, but hydrogen rapidly evaporates and concentration cannot be maintained above 3.0 ppm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and concentration parameters of hydrogen in the composition. Specifically, it maintains hydrogen concentration above 3.0 ppm (increasing from typical low levels) and controls temperature and pressure parameters to prevent evaporation, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high hydrogen concentration and maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-saturating the carrier liquid with hydrogen under controlled conditions (temperature, pressure, agitation) before use. This preliminary hydrogenation process ensures that the composition starts with maximum hydrogen content, which then needs to be maintained rather than continuously replenished, addressing the evaporation issue.
2Quantity of substance
If hydrogen concentration is increased in carrier liquids, then antioxidant benefits are enhanced, but shelf life is reduced due to rapid evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters (temperature, pressure) to maintain hydrogen concentration over extended periods. By controlling these parameters, the composition achieves both high hydrogen content (>3.0 ppm) and extended shelf life, resolving the contradiction between quantity and duration.
3Ease of operation
If natural phytonutrients are reduced in food products to improve taste and shelf life, then consumer preference increases, but antioxidant health benefits are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hydrogen as an intermediary antioxidant substance that can be added to processed foods and beverages. This intermediary provides the antioxidant health benefits that were lost during food processing, allowing manufacturers to maintain both improved taste/shelf life and health benefits through hydrogen supplementation rather than relying on natural phytonutrients.
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 method effectively maintains higher hydrogen concentrations in carrier liquids for extended periods, enhancing the antioxidant properties of beverages and skin care compositions, thereby providing longer shelf life and improved health benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen-containing composition comprising a carrier liquid and molecular hydrogen. The concentration of molecular hydrogen in the carrier liquid is greater than 3 ppm
Implementation Method 2
The carrier liquid further comprises an oxygen scavenger in some embodiments. The oxygen scavenger comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of citric acid, ascorbic acid, sodium bicarbonate, calcium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrogen-containing composition for ingestion or topical use and method of producing the hydrogen-containing composition are provided. The composition includes a carrier liquid and molecular hydrogen. The concentration of molecular hydrogen in the carrier liquid is greater than 3 ppm.