Microbial Biomass Drying via Conduction-Convection Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing PUFA-containing fats and oils from microbial biomass face inefficiencies in drying processes, leading to quality loss and increased energy costs, particularly due to limitations in convection and conduction heating methods, which affect the yield and quality of the final product.
Innovation Solution
A novel drying method combining conduction heating for primary drying and convection heating for secondary drying, followed by cooling and packaging, to achieve a desirable moisture content and quality of PUFA-containing crude oils and phospholipids, optimizing the drying process to enhance economic efficiency and product quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If convection heating method is used for drying microbial biomass, then drying speed is improved, but energy cost increases and product quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is divided into two distinct stages: primary drying using conduction heating and secondary drying using convection heating. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate heating method for its specific requirements, optimizing both energy efficiency and drying speed at different phases of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Primary drying using conduction heating is performed before secondary drying with convection heating. This preliminary action removes the bulk of moisture using energy-efficient conduction heating, preparing the material for the final drying stage where convection heating completes the process with minimal energy input.
2Loss of energy
If conduction heating method is used for drying microbial biomass, then energy cost is reduced, but drying speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is divided into two distinct stages: primary drying using conduction heating and secondary drying using convection heating. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate heating method for its specific requirements, optimizing both energy efficiency and drying speed at different phases of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Primary drying using conduction heating is performed before secondary drying with convection heating. This preliminary action removes the bulk of moisture using energy-efficient conduction heating, preparing the material for the final drying stage where convection heating completes the process with minimal energy input.
3Productivity
If high temperature drying is used, then drying efficiency is improved, but PUFA quality deteriorates due to oxidation and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The drying process is divided into two distinct stages: primary drying using conduction heating and secondary drying using convection heating. This segmentation allows each stage to use the most appropriate heating method for its specific requirements, optimizing both energy efficiency and drying speed at different phases of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Primary drying using conduction heating is performed before secondary drying with convection heating. This preliminary action removes the bulk of moisture using energy-efficient conduction heating, preparing the material for the final drying stage where convection heating completes the process with minimal 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
This method significantly improves the economy of the drying step, reduces energy costs, and maintains the quality of PUFA-containing crude oils and phospholipids, enabling the production of high-quality refined products for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the wet cells to primary drying with a conduction heating system to obtain primary dried cells
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the primary dried cells to secondary drying with a convection heating system to obtain secondary dried cells
Implementation Method 3
The secondary dried cells are supplied after cooling treatment by supplying air
Data Source
AI summary
A method for isolating one compound or more than one compound from a biomass which contains microorganisms that have produced the compound or compounds, the method comprising the following steps: (a) preparing or obtaining wet cells having an average moisture content of between 30% and 80%; (b) subjecting the wet cells to primary drying to obtain primary dried cells having an average moisture content of between 5% and 50%; (c) subjecting the primary dried cells obtained in (b) to secondary drying to obtain secondary dried cells having an average moisture content of no greater than 10%; and (d) extracting or isolating, purifying and/or refining the compound or each of the compounds from the secondary dried cells obtained in (c).