Rotating Tissue Digestor for Alkaline Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disposing of animal and human remains, such as incineration and land burial, are energy-intensive and environmentally unsustainable, and existing alkaline hydrolysis systems are not efficient for processing multiple carcasses in a simple, safe, and economical manner.
Innovation Solution
A tissue digester system comprising a container with an exterior and interior vessel, capable of receiving a liquid alkaline digestive fluid and rotating to efficiently break down soft tissue while separating it from solid bone material, with a control system for temperature, fluid flow, and cycle control, allowing for safe discharge of dissolved tissue fluid and processing of remaining bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flame incineration is used to dispose of remains, then the remains are completely destroyed, but large amounts of carbon dioxide are produced and extensive energy consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the destruction process by replacing high-temperature combustion (incineration) with low-temperature alkaline hydrolysis. The system uses elevated temperature (160-200°F) and pressure conditions with alkaline solutions to achieve tissue dissolution without the extensive energy consumption and CO2 emissions of flame incineration, while still completely destroying organic remains
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the thermal-mechanical combustion process with a chemical hydrolysis process. Instead of using mechanical/thermal energy to vaporize and burn remains, the system employs chemical reactions with alkaline solutions to dissolve soft tissues, significantly reducing energy requirements while achieving complete destruction of organic material
2Reliability
If flame incineration is used to dispose of remains, then the remains are completely destroyed, but large amounts of carbon dioxide are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful combustion process into a beneficial chemical hydrolysis process. By using alkaline solutions to dissolve tissues rather than burning them, the system eliminates CO2 emissions while still achieving complete destruction of remains. The process transforms a harmful environmental outcome (combustion emissions) into a beneficial one (controlled chemical dissolution with minimal environmental impact)
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a controlled chemical environment using alkaline solutions that prevent the formation of harmful combustion byproducts. The hydrolysis process occurs in an oxygen-limited environment that prevents combustion reactions, thereby eliminating CO2 emissions while maintaining complete destruction of organic remains through chemical dissolution
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing alkaline hydrolysis systems are used to process multiple carcasses, then the process is environmentally friendly, but the systems are not efficient and require complex operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the processing system into separate chambers (first chamber for initial hydrolysis, second chamber for secondary processing) that can handle multiple carcasses simultaneously or in sequence. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple remains while maintaining the environmentally friendly alkaline hydrolysis process, thereby improving productivity without compromising environmental benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with universal components and protocols that can process different types of carcasses (animals, humans, pets) through the same alkaline hydrolysis process. The standardized multi-chamber design and control systems enable efficient handling of various remain types without requiring separate specialized equipment, improving both productivity and operational simplicity
4Object-generated harmful factors
If existing alkaline hydrolysis systems are used to process multiple carcasses, then the process is environmentally friendly, but the systems are not simple or economical to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple processing functions into an integrated multi-chamber system that handles sequential and parallel processing of multiple carcasses. By combining hydrolysis, separation, and processing functions in a unified system with standardized components, the invention reduces operational complexity while maintaining environmental friendliness and improving efficiency for processing multiple remains
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 provides a cost-effective and energy-efficient means to accelerate the alkaline hydrolysis process, enabling safe and environmentally friendly disposal of animal remains by efficiently dissolving soft tissue and allowing for the safe discharge of sterile fluid, while leaving mineral ash for further processing.
Implementation Method 1
the process includes exposing soft tissue to a strong, heated alkaline solution for predetermined periods of time depending on the process temperatures and pressures
Implementation Method 2
The container is configured to receive a liquid, such as an alkaline digestive fluid, receive heat, and rotate, thereby creating an environment wherein the soft tissue will be safely dissolved
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue digester system includes a container for housing a digestion chamber having an exterior vessel for holding digestor fluid and an interior vessel, the container extending from a first end to a second end, the interior vessel having perforations and having baffles extending from an interior surface of the interior vessel; a lid secured to the exterior vessel and to provide access to the digestion chamber; one or more heating elements positioned to apply heat to the digestion chamber; a motor engaged with the interior vessel and to create rotational movement of the interior vessel; a control system, having a temperature controller; and a movement controller; the control system is to rotate the interior vessel and heat the digestion chamber based on user commands; and the digestion chamber is to break down remains through application of the digestor fluid to the tissue remains.