Rotating Tissue Digestor for Alkaline Hydrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for disposing of animal and human remains, such as incineration and land burial, are energy-intensive and environmentally problematic, while existing alkaline hydrolysis systems are complex and not suitable for processing multiple carcasses in a non-pressurized, economical, and safe manner.
Innovation Solution
A tissue digester system comprising a container with an exterior and interior vessel creating a digestion chamber, where a liquid alkaline digestive fluid and heat are applied, and the interior vessel rotates to break down soft tissue, allowing for safe discharge of dissolved tissue fluid and processing of remaining bones into a powdered form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flame incineration is used to dispose of remains, then disposal is achieved, but large amounts of carbon dioxide are produced and extensive energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the disposal process by replacing high-temperature combustion (incineration) with controlled biological decomposition (composting). This parameter change transforms the process from an energy-intensive thermal process to a bio-chemical process that operates at ambient temperatures, thereby eliminating carbon dioxide emissions and reducing energy consumption while achieving complete disposal of remains
2Productivity
If conventional alkaline hydrolysis systems are used, then tissue digestion is achieved, but the systems are complex and not suitable for processing multiple carcasses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the disposal system into simple, modular components: a container for remains, a separate composting medium, and basic mixing/agitation mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple carcasses by simply adding more material to the container without requiring complex industrial infrastructure, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal system that can handle multiple types of remains (single carcasses, multiple carcasses, mixed organic material) using the same basic mechanism. The composting process serves multiple functions simultaneously: digestion of soft tissue, nutrient recycling, and safe disposal, making the system adaptable and versatile without increasing complexity
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 efficiently digests soft tissue, reducing processing time and environmental impact, while being simple, safe, and economical to operate, with the ability to handle multiple carcasses in a non-pressurized environment.
Implementation Method 1
With alkaline hydrolysis, 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
exposing soft tissue to a strong, heated alkaline solution for predetermined periods of time depending on the process temperatures and pressures
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.