Plant Support Infusion Adsorption via Hydroalcoholic Binder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for preparing teas and infusions face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of active ingredients on plant supports and minimizing ingredient loss due to agglomeration and adherence to tank walls, while also being energy and time-intensive for drying.
Innovation Solution
A process using a hydroalcoholic solution combined with gum arabic as a binder, where gum arabic is mixed with water and ethanol, applied to plant supports with active ingredients, and then dried, significantly reducing drying time and preventing agglomeration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an aqueous solution is used to mix active ingredient powder with plant supports, then the active ingredients can be distributed on the supports, but the active ingredients form local agglomerations and stick to tank walls, resulting in non-uniform distribution and ingredient loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the liquid medium from pure aqueous solution to a hydroalcoholic solution containing ethanol. This parameter change modifies the solubility and surface tension characteristics, preventing active ingredient agglomeration and adhesion to tank walls, thereby achieving uniform distribution without ingredient loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite liquid medium combining water and ethanol in specific proportions (5-50% ethanol by weight). This composite solution leverages the complementary properties of both solvents to achieve optimal wetting, dissolution, and distribution of active ingredients on plant supports while preventing unwanted adhesion
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional aqueous solutions with binders are used, then active ingredients can be adsorbed on plant supports, but the drying process consumes excessive energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the drying parameters by using a hydroalcoholic solution instead of pure aqueous solution. The presence of ethanol (lower boiling point than water) accelerates evaporation rate, significantly reducing drying time and energy consumption while maintaining effective active ingredient adsorption on plant supports
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of ethanol and water during drying. Ethanol evaporates more rapidly than water due to its lower boiling point and higher vapor pressure, creating a faster drying process that reduces energy consumption and production time while ensuring complete adsorption of active ingredients
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 ensures uniform adsorption of active ingredients without agglomeration, reduces ingredient loss, and shortens drying times, making the process more energy-efficient and economical.
Implementation Method 1
one or more active ingredient(s) adsorbed on the surface of said support
Implementation Method 2
drying the mixture obtained in step c)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing infusions or teas comprising a support consisting of whole plants or fragments thereof, and one or more active ingredient(s) adsorbed on the surface of said support, and a delivery system for one or more active ingredient(s) comprising infusions or teas obtained by implementing the method according to the invention.