Methylcellulose Powder Dissolution Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Methylcellulose-type ethers have a low powder dissolution temperature, requiring cooling equipment for dissolution in water, which adds complexity and expense to the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A method to produce methylcellulose-type ethers in powder form with a higher powder dissolution temperature by providing a solution of methylcellulose in water, separating it to produce dried methylcellulose-type ether, and optionally subjecting it to mechanical stress to achieve the desired powder form, altering the crystal structure to increase the dissolution temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If methylcellulose-type ether is used in powder form with conventional dissolution properties, then the chemical composition and molecular properties are maintained, but the powder dissolution temperature is low (25°C or below) requiring cooling equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical parameters of methylcellulose during the drying process. Specifically, the controlled drying conditions (temperature, humidity, time) alter the molecular arrangement and crystallinity of the powder, which directly changes the dissolution temperature parameter from 25°C or below to above 25°C, thereby eliminating the need for cooling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure within the methylcellulose powder by controlling the drying process to achieve specific molecular arrangements. The resulting powder has a composite characteristics combining the original chemical composition with a modified physical structure (amorphous or semi-crystalline morphology) that raises the dissolution temperature without requiring additional materials or cooling systems
2Ease of manufacture
If cooling equipment is used to dissolve methylcellulose powder at low temperature, then dissolution can be achieved, but the manufacturing process complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manufacturing process by changing the dissolution temperature parameter through controlled drying of the powder. The dried methylcellulose powder dissolves at temperatures above 25°C, allowing dissolution to proceed without cooling equipment, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing expense while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the requirement for cooling equipment from the dissolution process by modifying the powder's dissolution properties through controlled drying. This removes the harmful factor (need for complex cooling systems) while preserving the essential function of dissolution, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
3Device complexity
If methylcellulose powder is produced with higher dissolution temperature, then cooling equipment is no longer needed, but the production method must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the production method by implementing controlled drying parameters (temperature, humidity, time) that transform the methylcellulose powder's physical structure. This parameter change during drying achieves the desired outcome of raising dissolution temperature above 25°C, eliminating cooling equipment needs while adding only a controlled drying step to the production process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing controlled drying of the methylcellulose solution before final powder formation. This preliminary drying step pre-establishes the molecular arrangement and physical structure that will result in higher dissolution temperature, preventing the need for cooling equipment before the powder is even used
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 method increases the powder dissolution temperature of methylcellulose-type ethers, reducing the need for refrigeration during the dissolution process and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the chemical composition and properties of the methylcellulose molecule.
Implementation Method 1
separating said methylcellulose-type ether from said water to produce dried methylcellulose-type ether
Implementation Method 2
powder x-ray diffraction spectrum at source x-ray wavelength 1.789 Å showing a peak at a 2θ value between 14.5 and 16.5 degrees
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Provided is a composition in powder form comprising methylcellulose, wherein said composition has a powder x-ray diffraction spectrum at source x-ray wavelength of 1.789 Å showing a peak at a 2Θ value between 14.5 and 16.5 degrees having intensity level Ipeak and a trough at a 2Θ value between 16.51 and 20 degrees having intensity level Itrough, wherein a peak index PIndex is defined as PIndex = (Ipeak - Itrough) / Itrough and wherein said PIndex is 0.01 or greater.