Sunflower Protein Processing Without Soluble-Insoluble Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing sunflower protein products involve separate processing of soluble and insoluble protein species, which are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A process that integrates the preparation of sunflower protein products without separating soluble and insoluble species, involving solubilization, acidification, concentration, and optional steps like defatting, diafiltration, and drying, to produce a high-protein content product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate processing of soluble and insoluble protein species is performed, then processing precision is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing of soluble and insoluble protein species into a single integrated process. The acidified aqueous sunflower protein solution is processed without separating these protein species, eliminating the need for multiple processing lines and reducing operational complexity while maintaining product quality through unified process control
2Manufacturing precision
If separate processing of soluble and insoluble protein species is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous processing approach where acidified aqueous sunflower protein solution is processed without interruption or separation steps. The solution flows continuously through the processing system, eliminating downtime associated with separation, transfer, and setup of multiple processing lines, thereby reducing total processing time
3Manufacturing precision
If separate processing of soluble and insoluble protein species is performed, then product quality is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing streams for soluble and insoluble proteins into one unified process line. This integration allows both protein types to be processed simultaneously in the same equipment, increasing throughput and productivity while maintaining product quality through controlled acidification and processing parameters
4Manufacturing precision
If separation step to fractionate soluble and insoluble protein species is performed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the separation step from the traditional process flow. By eliminating the fractionation step that would require additional equipment for separating soluble and insoluble proteins, the process becomes simpler and more economical while still producing high-quality sunflower protein products through direct processing of the acidified solution
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 integrated process simplifies and economizes the production of sunflower protein products with a protein content of at least 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., enhancing yield and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
extracting sunflower protein from a sunflower protein source to cause solubilization of the sunflower protein from the sunflower protein source to produce an aqueous phase and a residual sunflower protein source
Implementation Method 2
defatting comprises the use of a three-phase centrifuge, such as a three-phase separator, for the simultaneous separation of fat and residual solids from the protein solution
Data Source
AI summary
Process for preparing a sunflower protein product with a protein content of greater than 60 wt % (N×6.25) on a dry weight basis, said process having three essential steps, performed in the following order: a) solubilization of a sunflower protein source into an aqueous phase and a residual solid phase, b) separating the aqueous phase from the residual solid phase, and c) acidifying the separated aqueous phase to a pH between 1.5 and 5.