L-menthol Flake Production via Double-Belt Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing solid L-menthol are inefficient, as they often result in caking and require lengthy processes, making it difficult to achieve a free-flowing, stable alpha modification suitable for large-scale use.
Innovation Solution
A process involving an L-menthol melt being brought into contact with two spaced-apart cooled surfaces, maintaining contact until solidification is complete, to produce solid flakes with a low tendency to cake, predominantly in the alpha modification, using a double-belt cooler and seed crystals to ensure efficient and continuous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If L-menthol is delivered as solid crystals or shaped bodies, then it provides stable physical form, but it has strong tendency to cake and clump together
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy parameters of the solid L-menthol particles by applying a hydrophobic coating. This modifies the interfacial properties between particles, reducing adhesion forces and preventing caking while maintaining solid form stability. The coating alters surface tension and contact angle properties to achieve free-flowing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where solid L-menthol particles are coated with a hydrophobic substance. This composite approach combines the stable solid form of L-menthol with the anti-caking properties of hydrophobic materials, resulting in a material that maintains both structural integrity and free-flowing properties.
2Shape
If traditional crystallization in troughs or tubs is used, then large crystals are produced, but the process is lengthy and has low space-time yield
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical crystallization process (stirring, cooling in troughs) with a spray drying system. The melt is atomized into fine droplets that rapidly solidify in the spray chamber, producing uniform particles without the need for lengthy traditional crystallization. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces process time while maintaining crystal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes rapid phase transition from liquid melt to solid particles through spray drying. The L-menthol melt is sprayed into a controlled atmosphere where it rapidly solidifies, forming uniform particles in seconds rather than the days required by traditional crystallization. This controlled phase transition enables high productivity while producing consistent crystal structures.
3Ease of operation
If L-menthol is kept as melt in heated containers, then it remains liquid and easy to handle, but it requires continuous heating and specialized containers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the handling advantages of liquid melt (flowability, ease of pumping) while eliminating the need for heated containers by rapidly solidifying the material during processing. The spray drying process allows the melt to be handled in liquid form during feeding, then immediately converted to stable solid particles, removing the continuous heating requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary solidification action during the spraying process itself. The L-menthol melt is sprayed and solidifies during flight through the spray chamber, so by the time it reaches storage or packaging, it is already in stable solid form. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent heating or specialized container requirements.
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 achieves continuous, economical production of free-flowing L-menthol flakes with a stable alpha modification, reducing caking and maintaining smooth surface properties even after extended storage, suitable for incorporation into various consumer goods.
Implementation Method 1
by bringing an L-menthol melt into contact with two cooled surfaces... with the L-menthol melt solidifying to form L-menthol in solid form
Implementation Method 2
the L-menthol melt solidifying to form L-menthol in solid form... predominantly in the alpha modification
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing L-menthol in solid form, especially in the form of flakes, by contacting melted L-menthol with two interspaced cooled surfaces. The invention further relates to the L-menthol in solid form obtainable by the above method, and to the use thereof for incorporation into commodities and articles of consumption of all kinds.