Pumpable Broth Filtration for High-Solids Protein Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preparing concentrated broth compositions from animal sources result in non-pumpable products that are difficult to handle and transport, often requiring enzymes or raw extraction steps.
Innovation Solution
A filtration process using specific pore-sized filtration means to separate permeate from retentate, eliminating the need for enzymes and raw extraction, resulting in a pumpable broth with high solids content and extended shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If concentrated broth composition is prepared from animal sources, then nutrition value and solids content are improved, but pumpability and ease of handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts collagen and gelatin components from the broth composition through controlled cooling and filtration. By removing these gelling agents that cause pumpability issues, the remaining permeate maintains high solids content while achieving pumpable consistency. The filtration step separates the retentate (containing collagen/gelatin) from the permeate (pumpable broth), effectively extracting the problematic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs filtration means with specific pore sizes to separate components based on their molecular characteristics. The porous filtration medium allows smaller molecules (amino acids, peptides, soluble proteins) to pass through while retaining larger collagen and gelatin structures, thereby producing a pumpable concentrate with high solids content from the permeate.
2Ease of operation
If enzymes are added to prepare pumpable broth, then pumpability is improved, but process complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces enzymatic digestion with a mechanical/physical filtration approach. Instead of using enzymes to break down proteins and improve pumpability, the method uses filtration means with specific pore sizes to physically separate collagen and gelatin from the broth. This mechanical separation achieves pumpability without adding enzymatic steps, reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (temperature, pressure, filtration pore size) to achieve pumpability. By controlling the filtration conditions and selecting appropriate pore sizes, the process transforms the physical state and flow properties of the broth, making it pumpable without requiring enzymatic modification of the protein structure.
3Quantity of substance
If raw extraction step is used to obtain protein composition, then protein content is improved, but processing time and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary concentration of the broth to high solids content (60-85%) before filtration. This preliminary action reduces the volume and water content that needs to be processed during filtration, thereby decreasing the time and energy required for the extraction step while maintaining high protein content in the final permeate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous filtration process where the concentrated broth is continuously passed through the filtration means. This continuous operation maintains efficient protein separation without interruption, reducing total processing time compared to batch extraction methods, while preserving high protein content in the permeate stream.
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 produces a pumpable broth with at least 50-90% solids, reduced collagen content, and enhanced essential amino acids, allowing for easier handling and storage at ambient temperatures for up to 24 months without refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
passing the starting composition through a filtration means to separate the flow into permeates and retentates
Implementation Method 2
the filtration means may have a pore size of about 10 micrometers (μm), 5 μm, 2 μm, 500 nanometers (nm), 250 nm, 100 nm, 90 nm, 80 nm, 70 nm, 60 nm, 50 nm, or smaller
Implementation Method 3
the composition may have 0.85, 0.80, 0.75, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5 or lower water activity. In one aspect, the higher solids of the disclosed pumpable broth composition may help control microbial growth and prevent spoilage
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a high quality soluble protein composition and the processes of making the same. According to the disclosed methods, a non-pumpable broth may be converted into a pumpable broth by using a filtration means. The resulting compositions are shelf-stable, easy to use and have excellent nutritional values as compared to other protein products.