Biodegradable Polyester Foam Control Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foam control agents used in food processing are often non-biodegradable and can have adverse effects on industrial processes and microorganisms, posing environmental and safety concerns, while existing mechanical methods for foam management are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyesters, specifically those formed from polyols and diacids or anhydrides, which are biocompatible and can be designed to reduce or prevent foam formation during foodstuff processing, offering both anti-foaming and defoaming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional foam control agents (ethylene oxide-based, propylene oxide-based, silicone-based) are used to control foam formation during food processing, then foam generation is reduced, but the agents are non-biodegradable and pose environmental safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of foam control agents from conventional non-biodegradable substances (ethylene oxide-based, propylene oxide-based, silicone-based) to biodegradable polyesters with specific molecular structures (Formula I). This parameter change maintains foam control effectiveness while eliminating environmental persistence and toxicity concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite polyester structures combining specific repeating units (Formula I) with variable R1, R2, R3 groups to create materials that exhibit both foam control properties and biodegradability. The composite nature allows optimization of both functional performance and environmental compatibility.
2Productivity
If conventional foam control agents are used to prevent foam formation, then process continuity is maintained, but the agents may have adverse effects on microorganisms used in industrial fermentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts biodegradable polyesters that act as temporary foam control agents during processing, which then break down into harmless components. This disposable approach eliminates long-term persistence in fermentation systems, protecting microorganisms while maintaining process continuity during the actual processing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of foam control agents to be biocompatible and non-toxic to microorganisms. The polyester structure with specific repeating units (Formula I) and variable groups (R1, R2, R3) is designed to be ineffective against microbial cells while maintaining foam control properties during food processing operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical methods are used for foam management, then no chemical agents are added, but the methods have limited effectiveness in controlling foam formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biodegradable polyester foam control agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the desire to avoid mechanical foam control limitations and the need to minimize chemical additions. These agents provide effective foam control through chemical means while being environmentally benign, serving as a bridge between mechanical and chemical approaches.
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 polyester-based foam control agents effectively minimize foam generation in food processing, ensuring process flow continuity and safety by being biodegradable and non-toxic, thus addressing the limitations of conventional agents.
Implementation Method 1
the polyester is capable of reducing or preventing foaming during processing
Data Source
AI summary
Polyesters, such as those formed using polyols and di- or tri-carboxylic acids or anhydrides or salts thereof, are used as foam control agents in foodstuff processing. The polyesters are biodegradable and biocompatible while still providing excellent foam control capacity. In addition, polyesters foam control agents of the disclosure can be used with various apparatus while avoiding forming films that otherwise affect apparatus function. The polyesters can be used at various stages during industrial processing of vegetables (e.g., potatoes and beets) and fruits.