Modified Collagen Absorbent Leather Product
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing absorbent products from leather scraps are hindered by climatic dependence and result in low-quality products due to prolonged processing times, necessitating the development of a controlled and efficient method for producing high-quality absorbents for hydrocarbons and oils.
Innovation Solution
A method involving aeration of leather pieces for 15-45 days, followed by controlled heat treatment in a stainless steel drying oven between 120°C and 285°C to reduce relative humidity to 0.5-5%, resulting in modified collagen products with hollow cells capable of absorbing hydrocarbons and oils, while being hydrophobic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If leather scraps are dried using natural air exposure, then the process avoids high temperatures and simple tools are sufficient, but the processing time extends to months and production is dependent on climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from ambient (natural drying) to a controlled range of 50-150°C, achieving a balance between equipment simplicity and processing efficiency. This parameter optimization reduces drying time from months to days while avoiding complex high-temperature equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical turning operations with a controlled thermal field system. Instead of requiring labor-intensive manual handling to standardize drying, the patent uses uniform heat distribution through controlled temperature exposure, substituting mechanical intervention with a more efficient thermal process
2Productivity
If leather scraps are dried using high-temperature ovens above 500°C, then the processing time is considerably accelerated, but the quality of the absorbent product deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the temperature parameter by establishing a controlled range of 50-150°C, which is significantly lower than the >500°C conventional method. This parameter change maintains adequate drying speed while preserving collagen structure and product quality, resolving the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a moderate temperature level (50-150°C) that is sufficient but not excessive for the drying requirement. This partial action approach achieves the necessary moisture removal without the harmful effects of extreme high-temperature exposure, maintaining product quality while still accelerating the process compared to natural drying
3Manufacturing precision
If leather scraps are dried for extended periods to ensure complete moisture removal, then the product achieves low relative humidity, but the processing time increases to months
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the time parameter by introducing controlled temperature exposure (50-150°C) that accelerates moisture removal. This parameter modification achieves the target relative humidity of 0.5-5% in days rather than months, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements monitoring of relative humidity during the drying process to determine when the target range of 0.5-5% is achieved. This feedback mechanism allows for precise control of the drying duration, preventing both under-drying and excessive prolonged exposure, thereby optimizing both quality and time efficiency
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 produces high-quality, hydrophobic collagen absorbents with enhanced absorption capacity, environmental sustainability, and reduced processing time, ensuring effective absorption of hydrocarbons and oils without compromising product quality.
Implementation Method 1
applying heat in the drying oven so that the leather pieces are exposed to a temperature of between 120°C and 285°C during a time period; controlling the temperature applied during the time period so that the relative humidity is reduced to a final value of between 0.5 and 5% in the leather pieces
Implementation Method 2
the modified collagen product obtained has the capacity of absorbing, by capillarity, all types of hydrocarbons and oils, both vegetable and synthetic, whilst being hydrophobic
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for obtaining a modified collagen absorbent product from leather, which comprises aerating flat pieces of leather during a time period of between 15 and 45 days; collecting the pieces with an initial relative humidity value of 45% or less; grading the pieces by size; obtaining pieces with a maximum final length of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm; placing the pieces in a drying oven; applying heat in the drying oven so that the pieces are exposed to a temperature of 285°C or less during a time period; controlling the temperature applied during the time period so that the relative humidity is reduced to a final value of between 0.5% and 5% in the pieces; reducing the temperature of the pieces to an ambient temperature; and obtaining the modified collagen absorbent product from leather.