PVPP Regeneration via Membrane Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing yeast fermented beverages, such as beer, require either significant waste generation with single-use PVPP or costly, sophisticated filter hardware for regenerable PVPP, and do not efficiently recover PVPP particles for reuse.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of PVPP particles to bind polyphenols and proteins in yeast fermented liquids, followed by filtration and regeneration using a membrane filter, allowing for the desorption of polyphenols and proteins with a high-pH regeneration liquid, and subsequent reuse of the regenerated PVPP particles without the need for expensive filter hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-use PVPP is used for stabilizing yeast fermented beverages, then colloidal stability is improved, but waste generation increases and recovery is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a regeneration process that recovers PVPP from the spent filter retentate. The PVPP particles are separated from the liquid phase using membrane filtration, then treated with caustic solution to desorb bound polyphenols and proteins. After washing and drying, the regenerated PVPP is reused for further stabilization cycles, transforming a single-use consumable into a recoverable and reusable material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filtration systems (such as plate filters or centrifuges) with membrane filtration technology. The membrane filter with specific pore sizes (0.1-5 μm) enables efficient separation of PVPP particles from the liquid phase under mild conditions, facilitating particle recovery without the need for complex mechanical equipment and enabling effective regeneration.
2Loss of substance
If regenerable PVPP with sophisticated filter hardware is used, then PVPP recovery is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical filtration systems (plate filters, centrifuges, hydrocyclones) with membrane filtration technology. The membrane filter with pore sizes of 0.1-5 μm enables efficient separation of PVPP particles from the liquid phase under mild conditions, facilitating particle recovery without the need for sophisticated mechanical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the filtration process by using membrane filters with specifically controlled pore sizes (0.1-5 μm). This parameter optimization allows effective PVPP particle recovery at lower pressures and temperatures compared to traditional mechanical systems, simplifying the overall equipment requirements while maintaining high recovery efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional filtration methods are used for PVPP removal, then separation is achieved, but particle recovery and reuse are not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filtration systems with membrane filtration technology. The membrane filter with pore sizes of 0.1-5 μm enables efficient separation of PVPP particles from the liquid phase, allowing the particles to be retained on the membrane surface for subsequent recovery and regeneration, rather than being discarded with the spent filter cake.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a comprehensive recovery process where PVPP particles separated by membrane filtration are not discarded but instead undergo regeneration treatment. The particles are treated with caustic solution to restore their adsorption capacity, then washed and dried for reuse, maximizing the quantity of PVPP material utilized and minimizing loss.
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 method enables efficient recovery and reuse of PVPP particles, reducing waste and costs by using a standard membrane filter for both clarification and regeneration, maintaining the stability of yeast fermented beverages while minimizing environmental impact and equipment expenses.
Implementation Method 1
combining a yeast fermented liquid with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) particles to bind at least a fraction of the polyphenols and/or the proteins contained in the fermented liquid to said PVPP particles
Implementation Method 2
filtering the fermented liquid containing the PVPP particles over a first membrane filter having a pore size in the range of 0.1-5 μm to produce a retentate containing PVPP particles
Implementation Method 3
combining the first retentate with a regeneration liquid to desorb polyphenols and/or protein from the PVPP particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a yeast fermented beverage is disclosed, comprising: (a) fermenting wort with yeast to produce a fermented liquid; (b) optionally removing the yeast; (c) mixing the fermented liquid with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) particles; (d) filtering the fermented liquid over a first membrane filter without employing a filter aid; (e) combining a first retentate with an aqueous regeneration liquid to desorb polyphenols and/or protein from the PVPP particles, wherein the aqueous regeneration liquid has a pH of at least 10.0; (f) filtering the combination retentate and regeneration liquid over a second membrane filter without employing a filter aid; and (g) after, optional further refining the regenerated PVPP particles from the second retentate, and recirculating the particles to step (c); wherein macromolecular components contained in the first retentate and/or retained on the second filter are degraded using a degradative agent selected from oxidants, enzymes and combinations thereof.