LC-PUFA Composition Drying for Self-Heating Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) compositions are susceptible to self-heating during storage, leading to spontaneous temperature increases, explosions, and fires, especially with higher LC-PUFA content and number of double bonds, posing safety risks and quality degradation concerns.
Innovation Solution
A composition with a moisture content between 1 and 20 wt.% and an oil content of at least 10 wt.% containing LC-PUFAs, where the oil comprises at least 40 wt.% of PUFAs with at least three double bonds, is dried at temperatures below 40 ºC, preferably below 35 ºC, to achieve a thermal induction time (T.I.T.) of greater than 24 hours at 40 ºC, minimizing the risk of self-heating and maintaining quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LC-PUFA content and number of double bonds are increased, then the nutritional value and functional properties are improved, but the susceptibility to self-heating and risk of spontaneous temperature increase increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the moisture content parameter (between 1 and 20 wt.%) to alter the thermal stability properties of the LC-PUFA composition. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling safe storage of high-nutritional-value compositions without spontaneous heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements prior cushioning by pre-establishing a moisture content range (1-20 wt.%) that prevents self-heating before it occurs. This preventive measure allows the composition to be stored and transported safely without the risk of spontaneous temperature increase, even when containing high levels of LC-PUFAs with multiple double bonds.
2Productivity
If drying temperature is increased, then the drying efficiency and productivity are improved, but the quality of LC-PUFA and risk of self-heating degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing a specific moisture content range (1-20 wt.%) as the critical control parameter. This parameter adjustment allows for optimized drying conditions that balance efficiency with quality preservation, preventing both self-heating degradation and excessive drying time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of using a temporary moisture content control strategy during processing, then transitioning to stable storage conditions. The moisture content is controlled during drying and storage, allowing the composition to be processed efficiently and then stored safely without continuous high-energy input.
3Reliability
If moisture content is reduced, then the stability and safety against self-heating are improved, but the drying time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining an optimal moisture content range (1-20 wt.%) that balances drying time with storage stability. This parameter optimization allows the composition to be dried efficiently to a level that ensures safety during storage without requiring excessive drying time or energy input.
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 composition exhibits improved safety by reducing the risk of spontaneous temperature increases and explosions, while maintaining the quality of LC-PUFAs and oils, with a thermal induction time of several days at 40 ºC, ensuring safer storage and handling.
Implementation Method 1
LC-PUFA-containing compositions are susceptible to self-heating. Viz. during storage, the temperature can increase spontaneously, ultimately resulting in unexpected explosions and fires.
Implementation Method 2
the composition has a moisture content between 1 and 20 wt.%, and an oil content of at least 10 wt.%, wherein the oil contains at least 40 wt.% of PUFAs with at least three double bonds
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid having at least 20 carbon atoms (LC-PUFA) and cells, which composition has a thermal induction time (T.I.T.) of > 24 hours at 40 °C. The invention also relates to a process for drying a composition comprising cells and a LC-PUFA, the process comprising drying the composition at a temperature of below 40 °C.