Protein Extraction from Thin Stillage Using Solvent Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing high-protein products from bioethanol by-products like thin stillage result in low crude protein content and high energy consumption, with methods involving high temperatures, alkaline or acidic conditions, and complex separation processes, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the separation of thin stillage into solid and liquid phases using an aqueous or organic solvent, followed by further separation to increase the crude protein content significantly, reducing the need for thermal energy and chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high temperatures and alkaline/acidic conditions are used to extract proteins into solution, then protein extraction efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and chemical usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the extraction parameters from extreme conditions (high temperature, alkaline/acidic) to mild conditions (ambient temperature, neutral pH aqueous or organic solvent), achieving effective protein extraction without high energy consumption or chemical usage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermal and chemical extraction mechanisms with a mechanical/physical separation approach using aqueous or organic solvents, eliminating the need for high temperature heating and chemical reagents
2Manufacturing precision
If complex separation processes with multiple steps are used to increase crude protein content, then product purity is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the separation process into simple sequential steps: (a) initial solid-liquid separation of thin stillage, (b) extraction with aqueous/organic solvent, (c) second solid-liquid separation, achieving high crude protein content through straightforward staged separation rather than complex continuous processes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extracting proteins into solution and then precipitating them (conventional approach), the patent inverts the process by using solvent to wash and concentrate proteins directly in the solid phase, simplifying the separation mechanism
3Quantity of substance
If conventional extraction methods are used to increase crude protein content, then protein concentration is improved, but the crude protein content in the solid phase decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aqueous or organic solvent as an intermediary washing medium that selectively removes non-protein components from the solid phase while leaving proteins intact, thereby concentrating proteins in the solid phase and increasing crude protein content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts non-protein components (carbohydrates, fats, impurities) from the solid phase using aqueous or organic solvent, rather than extracting proteins into solution, thereby concentrating proteins in the remaining solid material
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 process achieves a substantial increase in crude protein content of the protein product, reducing energy consumption and process complexity while minimizing the use of acids and alkalis, contrary to prior methods that typically decrease protein content.
Implementation Method 1
separating a solid phase from the first mixture by means of a first solid-liquid separation
Implementation Method 2
producing a first mixture from i) thin stillage and ii) a first aqueous solution or a first organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for a protein product from thin stillage, the process comprising the steps of: producing a first mixture from i) thin stillage and ii) a first aqueous solution or a first organic solvent; separating a solid phase from the first mixture by means of a first solid-liquid separation; producing a second mixture from i) the solid phase and ii) a second aqueous solution or a second organic solvent, provided that the first mixture and/or the second mixture must contain an organic solvent; and separating a solid phase from the second mixture by means of a second solid-liquid separation, wherein the solid phase comprises or includes the protein product.