Sheared Plant Fiber Dewatering via Organic Solvent Slurry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dewatering efficiency of sheared plant fibers is low due to their increased water holding capacity, making it difficult to separate the solid phase from the liquid phase effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the dispersion of comminuted depectinated plant fibers in a solution with an organic solvent, applying shear to the slurry using a pressure drop or homogenizer, and recovering the fibers, which includes using isopropanol as a solvent and applying shear energy via a rotor/stator homogenizer to enhance dewatering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shear is applied to fiber slurry to functionalize the fiber, then the rheology and sensory properties are improved, but the water holding capacity increases making dewatering difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organic solvent (such as ethanol, isopropanol, or butanol) as an intermediary substance to replace part of the water in the fiber slurry. This intermediary solvent modifies the liquid phase properties, allowing the sheared fiber to be functionalized while reducing water holding capacity and improving dewatering efficiency. The organic solvent acts as a mediator between the fiber structure and the liquid phase, enabling both functionalization and efficient separation.
2Reliability
If more shear is applied to increase water holding capacity, then functional properties are enhanced, but the difficulty of separating solid phase from liquid phase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the liquid phase by introducing organic solvents. This parameter change (replacing water with organic solvent mixture) fundamentally alters the interaction between the sheared fiber and the liquid phase, reducing water holding capacity while maintaining functional properties. The parameter change enables both enhanced functional characteristics and improved phase separation ease.
3Productivity
If organic solvent is used to improve dewatering, then liquid phase removal is enhanced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the liquid phase composition parameter by adding organic solvents in controlled amounts (5-50% v/v). This parameter change simplifies the dewatering process by reducing water holding capacity, and the organic solvent can be easily removed or recovered, actually reducing overall process complexity compared to dealing with high moisture content materials.
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 significantly improves the dewatering efficiency of sheared plant fibers, allowing for the removal of at least 10-40% of the liquid phase, resulting in a product with reduced moisture content and enhanced functional properties such as viscosity and water holding capacity.
Implementation Method 1
dispersing a comminuted depectinated plant fiber in a solution comprising an organic solvent to form a slurry having a solid phase and an aqueous phase
Implementation Method 2
applying shear to the slurry
Implementation Method 3
applying shear energy via a pressure drop across a restricted orifice or nozzle
Implementation Method 4
applying shear to the slurry using a rotor/stator homogenizer
Data Source
AI summary
The technology disclosed in this specification pertains to methods for increasing the dewatering efficiency of a sheared plant fiber, for example citrus fiber, by shearing the plant material in a slurry of water and organic solvent. The plant fibers obtained from the method provide significant viscosity even when using little alcohol. The obtained citrus fibers may be used in edible, cosmetic, household, or an industrial compositions.