Phytase Treatment for Ethanol Scale From Phytic Acid Deposits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethanol processing equipment faces significant challenges due to the tenacious precipitation of phytic acid with soluble metals, leading to insoluble organometallic salt deposits or scale that impede heat transfer and interfere with equipment operation, necessitating effective methods to reduce or prevent such deposition.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adding a phytase enzyme to ethanol-processing fluids after fermentation to convert phytic acid salts into soluble inorganic phosphates, thereby improving metal solubility and reducing deposition on processing equipment. This includes identifying and removing the soluble orthophosphate residue, which is formed from the breakdown of phytate, thereby preventing the formation of insoluble deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phytic acid is present in ethanol-processing fluids, then metal solubility is maintained, but insoluble organometallic salt deposits form on processing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of phosphate from organic (phytate) to inorganic by adding phytase enzyme. This parameter change in chemical composition transforms the interaction with metals, preventing insoluble organometallic salt formation while maintaining metal solubility in the processing fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
Phytase enzyme acts as an intermediary substance that catalyzes the conversion of phytic acid to inorganic phosphate. This intermediary facilitates the transformation without being consumed, continuously preventing deposit formation while allowing metal ions to remain soluble in the ethanol-processing fluid.
2Loss of energy
If scale deposits form on processing equipment, then heat transfer is impaired, but production interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding phytase enzyme before scale deposits can form on equipment surfaces. The enzyme proactively converts phytic acid to inorganic phosphate, preventing the harmful precipitation reaction between phytate and metals that would otherwise create insulating scale layers on heat transfer surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of phytic acid (which causes insoluble deposit formation) into a beneficial outcome by using phytase to transform it into inorganic phosphate. The original harmful substance is converted into a harmless or even beneficial form that maintains metal solubility without causing deposits, thus protecting heat transfer efficiency and preventing production interruptions.
3Ease of operation
If existing methods are used to remove deposits, then equipment cleaning is required, but processing interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously adding phytase enzyme to the processing fluid to prevent deposit formation in the first place. This proactive approach eliminates the need for subsequent cleaning operations and associated production interruptions, as scale deposits never form on the equipment surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system becomes self-protecting through the continuous action of phytase enzyme that automatically converts phytic acid to inorganic phosphate. The system self-regulates to prevent deposit formation without requiring external intervention or shutdown for cleaning, maintaining continuous operation and improving ease of equipment maintenance.
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 use of phytase enzyme effectively converts phytate into soluble orthophosphate, allowing for easy removal and significantly reducing the formation of insoluble deposits on equipment, thereby enhancing ethanol processing efficiency by maintaining heat transfer and preventing production interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
adding an enzyme with phytase activity to the ethanol-processing fluids after fermentation; converting the phytate to orthophosphate by action of the enzyme
Implementation Method 2
converting phytic acid salts or phytates to inorganic phosphates
Implementation Method 3
phytic acid tenaciously precipitates with soluble metals in food or fuel ethanol-processing fluid, producing insoluble organometallic salt deposit or scale
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that phytic acid tenaciously precipitates with soluble metals in food or fuel ethanol-processing fluid, producing insoluble organometallic salt deposit or scale on the processing equipment that must be removed in order to facilitate further ethanol processing. The present invention relates to converting phytic acid salts or phytates to inorganic phosphates to improve metal solubility and reduce deposition within processing equipment.