Temperature-Controlled Spelt Hulling for Grain Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hulling technologies for spelt grains, such as hulling mills and compressed air impact hullers, often result in grain damage and compromised germination ability, while lower course hulling devices can cause surface damage and reduce the viability of the grain.
Innovation Solution
A hulling apparatus with temperature-controlled disks and air or fluid flow systems to maintain spelt grains within a specified temperature range during the hulling process, using plastic disks and controlled heat application to enhance germination ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional hulling mills or compressed air impact hullers are used, then hull removal is achieved, but grain damage occurs and germination ability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies temperature control as a critical parameter change to soften the hull material during hulling. By heating the hulling device to a controlled temperature range, the hull becomes more pliable and easier to remove without requiring excessive mechanical force that would damage the grain. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling effective hull removal while preserving grain integrity and germination ability.
2Loss of substance
If lower course hulling devices with stone disks are used, then hulling is achieved, but grain surface damage occurs reducing viability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical stone disk system with a temperature-controlled hulling device. Instead of relying solely on mechanical abrasion from stone disks that cause surface damage, the new system uses controlled thermal energy to soften the hull, followed by gentler mechanical removal. This substitution of the primary hulling mechanism from purely mechanical to thermally-assisted resolves the contradiction by maintaining grain surface integrity while achieving effective hull removal.
3Loss of substance
If higher working pressure is applied in compressed air hullers, then hull breaking is improved, but grain fracturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the working parameter from high pressure/compression to controlled temperature. By heating the hulling device to an optimal temperature range, the hull material softens and becomes easier to break apart with significantly reduced force requirements. This parameter change from pressure-based to temperature-based hulling resolves the contradiction by achieving effective hull breakage while maintaining grain structural integrity and preventing fracturing.
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 controlled temperature hulling process achieves a germination ability of 95% to 98% in hulled spelt seeds, ensuring the integrity and viability of the grain.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of the apparatus can be controlled in the region of at least one of the disk faces
Implementation Method 2
A further embodiment provides that the temperature control is carried out by means of a temperature-controlled air flow which is supplied via one or more hose lines
Data Source
AI summary
In a hulling apparatus for producing hulled spelt seed including a lower course hulling device, and a method for producing hulled seed of a spelt grain, the hulling apparatus contains two disks, as rotor and stator, which are movable relative to each other, wherein at least one disk can be driven about a vertical rotation axis, and the disks enclose a flat annular working chamber between disk faces which face each other and are vertically spaced apart from each other, for receiving spelt products to be hulled, wherein at least one of the disk faces has a surface made of a plastic material, and the temperature of the apparatus can be controlled in the region of at least one of the disk faces.