Low-Oxygen Pasteurization Unit With Rapid Cooling for Cannabis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cannabis and hemp products are sensitive to heat and chemical exposure during pasteurization, leading to damage such as discoloration, flavor alteration, and loss of effectiveness, while conventional methods struggle to effectively pasteurize due to their flowable nature and high contaminant levels.

Innovation Solution

A pasteurization unit with separate heating and cooling chambers, using vapor and inert gas to maintain a low-oxygen environment, combined with rapid cooling to minimize heat exposure and preserve product integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pasteurization methods are used, then pasteurization effectiveness is improved, but product damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepasteurization effectivenessVSAvoidproduct damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling temperature, pressure, and exposure time during pasteurization. The system uses programmable temperature-pressure profiles that adjust parameters dynamically to achieve effective pasteurization while minimizing damage to heat-sensitive cannabis compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (liquid to vapor) during the pasteurization process. By controlling the phase change of water in the chamber, the system achieves uniform heat distribution and effective pasteurization while maintaining controlled exposure conditions that protect the product.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If vacuum pasteurization is used, then pasteurization effectiveness is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepasteurization effectivenessVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-conditioning the chamber atmosphere and product before the main pasteurization cycle. The system prepares the environment in advance with appropriate gas composition and temperature conditions, allowing the actual pasteurization to proceed more quickly and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through cyclic temperature and pressure variations during pasteurization. The system employs programmed cycles that alternate between different temperature-pressure conditions, achieving effective pasteurization in reduced time compared to continuous constant-condition methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If prolonged exposure to pasteurization reagents is used, then pasteurization effectiveness is improved, but product damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepasteurization effectivenessVSAvoidproduct damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the concentration and composition of pasteurization reagents over time. The system uses programmed variations in gas composition and reagent delivery rates to maintain effective pasteurization conditions while minimizing prolonged exposure that could damage sensitive product components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 unit effectively pasteurizes cannabis and hemp products by heating the core to eliminate contaminants while minimizing damage, preserving terpenes and cannabinoids, and allowing for rapid cooling to reduce heat exposure time.

Implementation Method 1

a vapor generator in fluid communication with the first chamber for introduction of vapor into the first chamber for pasteurization of the product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

introduction of vapor into the first chamber for pasteurization of the product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

cryogenic fluid inlets in fluid communication with a cryogenic fluid source, the cryogenic fluid inlets being arranged to direct cryogenic fluid into the interior volume of the second chamber to cool the product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic cooling: Cryogenics

Implementation Method 4

a circulation unit arranged in fluid communication with the vapor generator, the circulation unit comprising an inlet for receiving vapor from the vapor generator and an outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber for flowing vapor into the first chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12594352B2Pasteurization unit and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 SANFILIPPO TECH LLC

AI summary

A pasteurization unit and process for pasteurization of products such as cannabis and hemp.