Sentinel Chambers for Microorganism Reduction Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for validating composting or fermentation processes to reduce microorganisms in organic materials are inefficient, particularly when indicator microorganisms are present in low concentrations or in protective niches, and are challenged by inhibitory effects from the substrate, making it difficult to reliably measure reduction rates and detect pathogenic microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of containers with initial predetermined numbers of microorganism indicator species added to fermenting organic material, where the reduction in viable units is determined over time, allowing for the calculation of the biocidal effect without the need for sterilization or direct detection of microorganisms in the material, using non-sterilized organic material and containers made from materials like metal or synthetic plastics that can expand with biogas production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the input-output procedure is used to measure indicator microorganism reduction, then the reduction can be determined, but the method fails when indicator microorganisms are present in low concentrations or in protective niches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (sentinel chambers with surrogate microorganisms) that mediates between the fermentation process and the measurement system. The sentinel chambers contain surrogate microorganisms that are more easily detectable than native indicator microorganisms, allowing reliable measurement of reduction even when native indicators are present in low concentrations or protected niches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surrogate microorganisms as copies of the native indicator microorganisms. These surrogates are introduced into sentinel chambers and subjected to the same fermentation conditions, providing a replicable model that can be reliably detected and measured, thus copying the behavior of native indicators without suffering from their detection limitations.
2Reliability
If thermophilic fermentation or composting is used to reduce microorganisms, then sufficient reduction is achieved, but it is difficult to validate the process when indicator microorganisms are present in low concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The sentinel chambers act as intermediaries that facilitate validation of the thermophilic fermentation process. By introducing surrogate microorganisms into these chambers and subjecting them to the fermentation conditions, the system provides a measurable proxy that overcomes the difficulty of detecting native indicator microorganisms at low concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of detectability by using surrogate microorganisms with higher detectability than native indicator microorganisms. This parameter change allows for reliable measurement and validation of the thermophilic fermentation process even when native indicators are present in low concentrations or protected niches.
3Reliability
If a pasteurization tank or unit is implemented to achieve required temperature and time, then microorganism reduction is guaranteed, but additional investments and operational costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fermentation system to self-validate by using sentinel chambers that are processed alongside the organic material. The system uses its own process conditions to reduce surrogate microorganisms in the sentinel chambers, eliminating the need for separate pasteurization equipment while still achieving reliable microorganism reduction validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation system serves multiple functions: it processes the organic material for biogas production and simultaneously validates its own microorganism reduction effectiveness through the sentinel chambers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pasteurization equipment, reducing device complexity and costs.
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 provides a quick, reliable, and efficient means to establish the biocidal effect of fermentation processes, overcoming technical challenges in detecting microorganism reductions and avoiding issues with inhibitory substances, thus ensuring compliance with regulations like EC 1774/2002 by demonstrating sufficient microorganism reduction.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the containers are made from a metal or a synthetic material, preferably a plastic, wherein air is squeezed out of one or more containers before air tightly closing them
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the reduction in the amount of micro-organisms present in fermenting or composting organic material, comprising the steps of: a) adding one or more containers each comprising an initial predetermined number of at least one micro-organism indicator species and non-sterilized suitable organic material to composting or fermenting organic material, b) holding the one or more containers in the composting or fermenting organic material for a period of time, c) determining the residual number of viable units of the at least one micro-organism species present in the one or more containers, d) calculating the reduction in viable units of the at least one micro-organism species to determine the reduction in the number of viable species in the fermenting or composting organic material.