Macroalgae Grinding with Moisture-Controlled Twin-Screw Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for grinding macroalgae face challenges such as low mechanical efficiency when dry, clogging at medium moisture levels, and loss of constituents at high moisture levels, leading to inefficient processing and device wear.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a process chamber with a conveying device and grinding device that adjusts moisture content to a pasty state, using pressure, friction, and shearing to grind macroalgae efficiently without clogging, maintaining constituents, and a twin-screw extruder design for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dried macroalgae are ground, then they are tough to hard and can only be ground with low mechanical efficiency, but the heat generated during this process stresses the macroalgae and the grinding device is subject to high wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the moisture content of macroalgae to a specific range (40-70%) before grinding. This transforms the physical state of the material from dry and tough to optimally moist and pliable, enabling efficient grinding at low temperatures without generating excessive heat or causing device wear.
2Productivity
If macroalgae are ground at medium moisture contents, then they can be ground with better mechanical efficiency, but they are then present as a highly sticky paste that clogs the grinding device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the moisture content parameter within the optimal range of 40-70%, which transforms the macroalgae into a non-sticky, easily ground state. This parameter optimization prevents the formation of sticky paste that would otherwise clog the grinding device, ensuring continuous reliable operation.
3Productivity
If macroalgae are ground at very high moisture levels, then they can be easily ground, however, important constituents of the macroalgae go into solution with the liquid and are removed during subsequent drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the moisture content parameter to a specific range (40-70%) that is high enough to enable easy grinding but low enough to prevent constituents from dissolving into excess liquid. This precise parameter control allows efficient grinding while preserving valuable macroalgal constituents for downstream processing.
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
Enables efficient grinding of macroalgae in a medium moisture range with minimal force and heat, preventing clogging and constituent loss, suitable for producing bioplastics.
Implementation Method 1
grinding the macroalgae in the first grinding device by means of pressure and/or shearing
Implementation Method 2
grinding the macroalgae in the first grinding device by means of pressure and/or shearing
Implementation Method 3
grinding the macroalgae in the first grinding device by means of pressure and/or shearing
Implementation Method 4
grinding the macroalgae in the first grinding device by means of pressure and/or shearing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method (1) for comminuting macroalgae in a process chamber (4), wherein at least one first conveying device (7.1) and at least one first comminuting device (7.2) are arranged in the process chamber (4), the method (1) comprising the steps of: filling the macroalgae (8) into the first conveying device (7.1); feeding the macroalgae (8) to the first comminuting device (7.2) by means of the first conveying device (7.1); comminuting the macroalgae (8) in the first comminuting device (7.2) by means of pressure, friction and/or shearing; and discharging the comminuted macroalgae (8) from the first comminuting device (7.2) by means of subsequently conveyed macroalgae, wherein the moisture content of the macroalgae (8) in the first conveying device (7.1) is set so that the comminuted macroalgae (8) are pasty when they are discharged from the first comminuting device (7.2). The invention also relates to a corresponding device (3).