Seed Separation from Apple Pomace via Density Flotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating seeds from apple pomace in the fruit processing industry face inefficiencies, including seed damage, contamination, high energy consumption, and environmental issues due to oxidation, leading to loss of nutritional value and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A compact, energy-efficient apparatus with a vessel and agitator system that utilizes the difference in bulk density to separate seeds from pomace, minimizing seed damage and oxidation, featuring a foldable sieve and seed trap for effective seed collection and water recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional seed separation methods are used, then seeds can be separated from pomace, but seeds are damaged and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation parameter from mechanical force-based (rolling, vibration, impact) to density-based flotation. By controlling water density and using gentle agitation instead of harsh mechanical forces, seeds are separated intact through density differences without damage or contamination.
2Productivity
If open chamber separation is used, then seed separation can be performed, but oxidation occurs leading to loss of flavour and colour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a water-based submerged environment that acts as a physical barrier between the pomace and air. This water medium prevents direct air contact, eliminating oxidation reactions that would otherwise cause flavour and colour loss during separation.
3Speed
If high energy input methods are used, then separation speed increases, but energy consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as a hydraulic medium to facilitate separation. Gentle water agitation and natural density-driven flotation replace high-energy mechanical systems, achieving effective separation at low energy consumption while maintaining practical processing speeds.
4Productivity
If mechanical rolling methods are used, then seeds can be separated, but fragmentation occurs releasing undesirable compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the separation mechanism from mechanical rolling and impact to density-based flotation in water. This parameter change eliminates the mechanical forces that cause seed fragmentation, preventing the release of undesirable compounds while maintaining separation efficiency.
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 solution enables rapid, high-throughput, and efficient seed separation with minimal loss and contamination, preserving nutritional value and reducing environmental impact, while being economically viable and space-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
separate the solids from solids using liquid as carrying medium by taking advantage of difference in the bulk density of solids separated
Implementation Method 2
separate seeds from apple pomace available as a waste from the juice producing industries
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for separation of seeds from fruit pulp/skin/twigs, in general, coming out from juice producing industry as a waste and in particular from apple pomace. The method involves addition of apple pomace and water in a particular ratio to a vessel (1), mixing with an agitator (6, 8) at optimum rpm for sufficient period, allowed to stand followed by secondary agitation. Based on difference in bulk density, seeds were separated from pomace. The seedless pomace withdrawn from horizontal (13) or inclined (14) outlets and seeds collected in seed collection chamber were removed through bottom valve (11). The seed trap (15) provided at inclined outlet (14) helps in their retention in the vessel (1). The seedless pomace is recovered by filtration from water. This spent water can be recycled for few times and then purged. Easy to handle separation device is energy efficient, compactly designed and can be used to separate the seeds efficiently up to 97%.