Oscillating Agitator Crystallizer for Uniform Fat Crystal Morphology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crystallization processes for edible oils and fats face challenges such as incomplete emptying of crystallizers, non-uniform agitation leading to crystal morphology issues, and the need for complex and expensive constructions to enhance cooling surface area and heat transfer coefficients.

Innovation Solution

A crystallizer design featuring an agitator or agitator assembly that moves with substantially the same linear speed throughout its motion, either through oscillating or rotating motions around a horizontal or vertical axis, within a crystallization vessel with a polygonal cross-section, enhancing uniform crystal size and morphology, and allowing for efficient handling of high solid fat content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional agitators with rotating motion are used in crystallizers, then mixing action is provided, but non-uniform agitation occurs leading to non-uniform crystal size and morphology

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal size and morphology uniformityVSAvoidagitation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a conventional rotating agitator to an oscillating agitator that moves back and forth in a reciprocating motion. This dynamic change in motion pattern ensures that all points on the agitator experience substantially the same linear speed during oscillation, creating uniform agitation throughout the crystallization process. The oscillating motion pattern, where the agitator moves forward and backward along a linear path, eliminates the radial speed variations inherent in rotary motion, thereby producing uniform crystal size and morphology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If cooling coils or extended cooling surfaces are added to increase cooling surface area, then heat transfer is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer coefficientVSAvoidcrystallizer construction
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex cooling coils and extended cooling surfaces from the crystallizer design. Instead of adding these complex heat transfer enhancement features, the invention achieves effective heat transfer through the simplified oscillating agitator design that promotes uniform crystal formation and suspension. This extraction of unnecessary complex components reduces device complexity and construction cost while maintaining adequate temperature control for crystallization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If batch crystallization process is used, then control of crystallization parameters is improved, but productivity is lower compared to continuous process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystallization parameter controlVSAvoidfractionation throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the motion parameter of the agitator from continuous rotation to oscillating reciprocating motion. This parameter change in agitator movement creates uniform agitation that improves crystal uniformity and can enhance the efficiency of both batch and continuous operations. The oscillating motion pattern allows for better control of crystal formation while maintaining higher productivity potential compared to conventional batch processes, as it can be more easily integrated into continuous operation modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution results in uniform crystal size and morphology, improved filtration characteristics, increased yield, and the ability to handle high solid fat content in a single fractionation step, making the process more efficient and cost-effective for both batch and continuous operations.

Implementation Method 1

said drive provides said agitator or agitator assembly with an oscillating motion (e.g. a reciprocating motion) and/or a rotating motion around an axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating motion:

Implementation Method 2

said drive provides said agitator or agitator assembly with an oscillating motion (e.g. a reciprocating motion) and/or a rotating motion around an axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReciprocating motion:

Implementation Method 3

within the crystallizer at least one cooling element is provided for cooling the liquid medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the cooling element is subdivided into a plurality of tubular heat transfer elements, which move in closed paths and that all the heat transfer elements are moved essentially with the same speed relative to the medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOscillating motion:

Implementation Method 5

the temperature of the solution or melt is lowered causing the solution or melt to become supersaturated and generate crystal nuclei. On further cooling, these nuclei grow into macroscopic crystals and form a crystal slurry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 6

the temperature of the solution or melt is lowered causing the solution or melt to become supersaturated and generate crystal nuclei

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSupersaturation: Supersaturation

Data Source

PatentUS8203014B2Fractionation processes and devices for oils and fats
Publication Date: 2012.06.19 DESMET BELGIUM
  • US8203014B2 patent drawing
  • US8203014B2 patent drawing
  • US8203014B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides operating the dry or solvent fractionation of oils and fats in a crystallizer comprising a crystallization vessel (1,2), an agitator, cooling means and a drive, wherein said drive provides said agitator with an oscillating motion, and/or a rotating motion around an axis, with the proviso that each point of said agitator moves at substantially the same linear speed.The invention also provides a crystallizer comprising a crystallization vessel (1,2) having a polygonal cross-section, an agitator and a drive, wherein said drive provides said agitator with an oscillating motion, and wherein said agitator is not inclined to the moving direction.