Pulse Cleaning System Flame Disinfection Grains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack an effective method for disinfecting untreated grains and pulses without the use of chemical additives, particularly for organic food production where pesticide residues are limited or prohibited.

Innovation Solution

A pulse cleaning system comprising an outer body with a top and bottom opening, a conveyor, and burner assemblies that create a variable flame, allowing for the cleaning and disinfection of grains and pulses by passing them through a controlled flame environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chemical additives are used to disinfect grains and pulses, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but pesticide residues and chemical contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidpesticide residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical disinfection methods with a thermal-mechanical flame treatment system. Grains and pulses are passed through a controlled flame environment where heat and oxidative conditions eliminate pests and reduce toxins without introducing chemical residues, thus substituting chemical additives with a physical-thermal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls temperature parameters within a specific range (50-200°F) during flame treatment to achieve effective disinfection and toxin reduction while preventing grain damage. By precisely controlling thermal parameters and exposure time, the process eliminates pests and reduces aflatoxin/fumonisin levels without chemical contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high temperature flame treatment is applied to remove pests and toxins, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but grain quality and integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest and toxin eliminationVSAvoidgrain integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts flame intensity, temperature, and exposure duration based on grain type and contamination level. The moving flame front and controlled residence time in the treatment zone ensure sufficient thermal exposure for pest elimination while preventing overheating that would damage grain structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature parameters are precisely controlled within 50-200°F range with specific exposure times to achieve effective toxin reduction and pest elimination. The controlled thermal parameters ensure disinfection effectiveness while maintaining grain integrity and preventing quality deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional roasting methods are used to treat grains, then pest elimination is achieved, but energy consumption increases and process efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest eliminationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses intermittent flame treatment with periodic cycles of exposure and cooling as grains move through the treatment zone. This pulsed thermal action achieves effective pest elimination and toxin reduction while minimizing total energy input compared to continuous high-temperature roasting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Grains are rapidly passed through the flame treatment zone with short residence time, achieving effective disinfection in a single quick pass rather than prolonged heating. This rush-through approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining pest elimination effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 system effectively removes pests and minimizes toxin residues on grains and pulses, achieving a significant reduction in alpha-toxins and pham residues to single-digit parts per million, thereby ensuring compliance with strict shipping regulations for organic foods.

Implementation Method 1

each among one or more exterior burner assemblies and an interior chamber strip burner is configured to create variable flame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS12302916B2Process for eradicating insects, semi sterilizing, and reducing aflatoxin and fumonisin in dry commodities, and method of use

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 CK NICKELS INC

AI summary

A pulse cleaning system for disinfecting untreated grains and pulses. The pulse cleaning system comprises an outer body, a top end, a top outer edge, a bottom end, and a conveyor. The pulse cleaning system is useful in cleaning a dry commodity by inserting the dry commodity into the top end, cleaning the dry commodity within the outer body, releasing the dry commodity at the bottom end, and collecting the dry commodity on the conveyor. The outer body comprises a top opening at the top end, and a bottom opening at the bottom end. each among one or more exterior burner assemblies and an interior chamber strip burner is configured to create variable flame according to an end user's preference, or according to amounts of a fuel provided. after treatment by the pulse cleaning system, the dry commodity is referred to as a treated grains and pulses.