PHA Separation via Plate and Frame Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost, low recovery rate, and low purity of Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) separation in existing methods hinder its industrialization due to the inefficiencies of multiple centrifugal separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving solid-liquid separation followed by plate and frame filtration with a pre-coated PHA layer on the filter cloth, which replaces traditional centrifugal separation, improving recovery rate and purity by optimizing the filtration conditions and cell wall breaking techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple centrifugal separation is adopted, then PHA can be separated, but the separation cost is high and the recovery rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal separation system with a filtration system using a plate and frame filter. The filter cloth with controlled pore size allows PHA particles to be separated through filtration rather than centrifugal force, reducing equipment complexity and improving recovery rate while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameter from centrifugal force to filtration pore size. By controlling the pore size of the filter cloth and optimizing filtration conditions (pressure, temperature, filtration time), the system achieves high recovery rate and purity without requiring multiple centrifugal separators.
2Reliability
If multiple centrifugal separators are used, then PHA separation can be achieved, but the device complexity and investment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes multiple centrifugal separators with a single plate and frame filtration system. This replacement reduces device complexity and investment cost while maintaining PHA separation capability through the filtration mechanism that separates PHA particles from the fermentation broth.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate and frame filter serves multiple functions: it filters PHA particles, concentrates the PHA product, and enables easy separation of PHA from the broth. This multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized centrifugal separators.
3Reliability
If traditional centrifugal separation is used, then PHA can be separated, but the operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex centrifugal operation with simpler filtration operation. The plate and frame filter system requires only pressure application and filtration time control, eliminating the need for precise centrifugal speed control and multiple separator coordination, thus reducing operational difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simplifies operation by changing from centrifugal parameter control (speed, time, pressure) to filtration parameter control (pressure, temperature, filtration time). These parameters are easier to control and optimize, reducing operational complexity while maintaining separation effectiveness.
4Reliability
If multiple centrifugal separations are performed, then PHA can be separated, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive centrifugal separation with lower-energy filtration. The filtration process requires only pressure differential and filtration time, consuming significantly less energy compared to multiple centrifugal separators that require continuous high-speed rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces energy consumption by changing from centrifugal force generation to pressure-driven filtration. The energy required is only for maintaining filtration pressure and temperature, which is much lower than the energy needed to operate multiple centrifugal separators at high speeds.
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 achieves a PHA recovery rate of at least 80% and a purity of at least 90%, reducing operational costs and simplifying the separation process while enhancing product quality.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting obtained wall-broken products to a plate and frame filtration to obtain PHA; wherein a filter cloth for the plate and frame filtration is pre-coated with a PHA layer
Implementation Method 2
subjecting a PHA fermentation broth to solid-liquid separation to obtain a thallus precipitate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided a method for separating PHA and PHA prepared therefrom. The method comprises the following steps: subjecting a PHA fermentation broth to solid-liquid separation to obtain a thallus precipitate; breaking cell walls of the thallus precipitate, and subjecting obtained wall-broken products to a plate and frame filtration to obtain PHA; a filter cloth for the plate and frame filtration is pre-coated with a PHA layer. The method adopts a plate and frame separation to replace the traditional centrifugal separation to prepare PHA, and the PHA layer is pre-coated on the filter cloth for the plate and frame filtration, thereby overcome the defects in the prior art such as high cost and operational difficulty caused by adopting multiple centrifugal separations; in addition, the method of the present disclosure also exhibits the advantages of high recovery rate of PHA and high purity of the prepared PHA product.