1-MCP Generator Using Steam to Dissociate Cyclodextrin Complex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for releasing 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) from cyclodextrin or other solid matrices face challenges such as instability, safety concerns due to reactivity, foaming issues, and temperature effects, leading to incomplete release and impurity formation, which complicates regulatory compliance and practical application in plant storage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a 1-MCP generator that applies physical forces like rotation, stirring, or steam to dissociate 1-MCP from its carrier complex in water, minimizing foaming and impurity generation, and optimizing release efficiency across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is used to displace 1-MCP from α-cyclodextrin, then 1-MCP release is achieved, but α-cyclodextrin powder clumps and water column pressure hinders complete release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating water before introducing it to the α-cyclodextrin/1-MCP powder. This pre-heating prevents powder clumping by ensuring the water is warm enough to facilitate immediate and complete dispersal, while also creating sufficient vapor pressure to overcome the water column pressure and achieve complete 1-MCP release.
2Productivity
If air pump is used to create movement in water, then contact between water and α-cyclodextrin/1-MCP powder is facilitated, but foam forms causing overflow and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical air pump system with a thermal system. Instead of using mechanical agitation and air introduction to facilitate contact, the invention uses heated water whose thermal energy creates vapor pressure and convection currents that naturally promote complete contact between water and powder without generating foam.
3Productivity
If chemical additives are used to improve mixing and dispersing, then 1-MCP release is facilitated, but undesirable impurities are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates chemical additives from the system. By using only heated water, the invention removes the source of chemical impurities while maintaining effective 1-MCP release through thermal energy-driven mechanisms such as vapor pressure and convection.
4Ease of operation
If 1-MCP is stored as gas, then ease of handling is improved, but stability and safety concerns arise due to reactivity and flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by encapsulating 1-MCP gas molecules within the hollow cavity structure of α-cyclodextrin molecules. This nesting stabilizes the volatile and flammable 1-MCP gas, allowing safe storage and handling in solid form, while enabling controlled release when heated water is applied.
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 system achieves greater than 96% release of 1-MCP with minimal impurities and foaming, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and improving the efficiency and safety of 1-MCP application in plant storage.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element, via operational connection within the base, is capable of applying heat to the water in the water reservoir and heating the water to vapor phase, thereby generating steam
Implementation Method 2
heating the water to vapor phase, thereby generating steam. The steam, when it comes in contact with the carrier of the 1-MCP/carrier complex, promotes the dissociation of 1-MCP gas from the carrier
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a method for generating and releasing 1-MCP gas from a complex carrier through the use of a 1-MCP generator that enables the application of at least one physical, releasing force to a carrier complex and/or mixture comprising water and the carrier complex, or the interaction of steam with a carrier complex and/or mixture comprising water and the carrier complex, over a determined period of time.