Probiotic Bacteria for Microorganism Control in Grass Paper Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of biocides in paper production to prevent microorganism growth in paper machines is environmentally critical, as they can contaminate wastewater and disrupt the ecological balance of 'grass paper', which is otherwise considered sustainable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing probiotic bacteria in the process water to inhibit microorganism growth, combined with monitoring and adjusting the pH value using a basic agent to maintain a target range, eliminating the need for biocides and ensuring continuous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides are added to process water to prevent microorganism growth, then microorganism-related problems are reduced, but environmental contamination and disruption of ecological balance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of nutrients in process water (which promote unwanted microorganism growth) into a beneficial effect by adding probiotic bacteria. These probiotics utilize the same nutrients to grow beneficial microorganisms that compete with and suppress harmful microbes, thereby converting the nutrient-rich environment from a hazard into an opportunity for biological control without chemical biocides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probiotic bacteria as an intermediary biological agent between the nutrients in process water and the harmful microorganisms. These probiotics act as mediators that interact with harmful microbes through competition for nutrients and space, and through production of inhibitory substances, thereby controlling harmful microorganism growth without direct chemical intervention.
2Productivity
If biocides are used to control microorganisms, then production continuity is maintained, but ecological balance and water quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the process water system to control its own microorganism population through the addition of probiotic bacteria. The probiotics self-regulate by competing with harmful microbes for available nutrients and by producing inhibitory metabolites, thereby maintaining production continuity through biological self-control rather than external chemical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a biological feedback mechanism where probiotic bacteria continuously monitor and respond to the presence of harmful microorganisms through nutrient competition and metabolic interactions. This feedback loop maintains microorganism balance dynamically, allowing production to continue uninterrupted while preventing ecological disruption through self-regulating biological processes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If probiotic bacteria are added to process water to prevent microorganism growth, then ecological benefits are maintained, but pH control becomes critical to ensure effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recognizes that the effectiveness of probiotic bacteria is highly dependent on pH parameters. By monitoring and adjusting pH to optimal ranges, the system enhances the probiotics' ability to suppress harmful microorganisms. This parameter control transforms the biological control mechanism from a simple addition into a optimized process that leverages pH-dependent microbial interactions.
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 approach effectively prevents microorganism-related issues without disrupting the ecological benefits of grass paper production, allowing for continuous operation and maintaining water quality within safe pH levels.
Implementation Method 1
probiotic bacteria are added to the process water for at least a reduction in the formation of process-damaging microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
when the pH value is found to drop below a threshold value, a basic agent is added in an increased dosage in order to adjust the pH value of the process water to a target value
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A process for producing paper containing recycled paper fibers and grass fibers is disclosed. Recycled paper material, grass material, and process water are introduced into a pulper. A mass containing recycled paper fibers provided by the recycled paper material and grass fibers provided by the grass material is applied to at least one carrier screen to form a paper web, with at least a portion of the process water being separated. At least a portion of the process water is recycled for reintroduction into the pulper. The process water is initially obtained from fresh water with a pH value in the range of 7.0 to 8.5. Probiotic bacteria, but not biocides, are added to the process water to reduce the formation of process-damaging microorganisms.The pH value of the process water is monitored, and if a drop below a threshold is detected, an alkaline agent is added in an increased dosage to adjust the pH value of the process water to a target value and maintain it at that target value. The pH threshold is at least 0.2, and in particular at least 0.3, higher than the target value.