Sweet Potato Storage Using Composite Sandy Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sweet potato storage methods face issues such as mechanical damage leading to pathogen infections, poor breathability and water retention in sand storage, sprouting due to humid conditions, and anaerobic respiration causing rot, along with complex sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
A multidimensional ecological preservation technology using modified diatomite and expanded perlite combined with polymerization and irradiation treatments, along with microencapsulated preservation particles and ultrasonic disinfection, to create a breathable, water-retentive, and thermally insulated storage environment that maintains optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sand storage is used, then storage simplicity is improved, but breathability and water-retaining property deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite sandy material made from diatomite and expanded perlite mixed in specific proportions (1:1 to 3:1). This composite structure combines the breathability of diatomite with the water-retaining properties of expanded perlite, achieving both good aeration and moisture retention simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the inherent porous structure of diatomite and expanded perlite to create a storage medium with excellent breathability and water retention. The porous materials allow air circulation while capturing and releasing moisture, solving the problem of poor breathability and water-retaining property in conventional sand storage.
2Temperature
If cellar storage is used, then thermal insulation is improved, but sprouting and mould growth worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by using the evaporative cooling effect of expanded perlite. The material absorbs heat through water evaporation in its pores, maintaining lower temperatures that inhibit sprouting and mould growth while still providing thermal insulation, thus resolving the contradiction between temperature control and harmful factor prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful humid environment from the storage space by using hygroscopic materials that absorb excess moisture. This removes the condition favorable for mould growth and sprouting while maintaining thermal insulation, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature control and harmful factor prevention.
3Reliability
If sulfur fumigation is used for sterilization, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but safety and process complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces persistent chemical fumigants with natural, biodegradable alternatives such as garlic cloves, onion pieces, or herbal extracts placed in the storage medium. These natural disinfectants provide effective sterilization without leaving harmful residues, and can be easily removed after use, resolving the contradiction between disinfection effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary substances like garlic, onions, or herbs that naturally release antimicrobial compounds in the storage environment. These intermediaries provide disinfection through gradual release of active compounds without requiring direct contact with high concentrations of chemicals, thereby achieving effective sterilization with improved safety.
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 approach significantly reduces sweet potato rot and sprouting, extends storage duration, and simplifies the storage process by ensuring a stable and safe environment with improved resistance to pathogens and moisture retention.
Implementation Method 1
The sandy material has high water absorbing and retaining properties
Implementation Method 2
modified diatomite and expanded perlite combined with polymerization treatments
Implementation Method 3
create a breathable, water-retentive, and thermally insulated storage environment
Implementation Method 4
A multidimensional ecological preservation technology using modified diatomite and expanded perlite combined with polymerization and irradiation treatments
Implementation Method 5
A multidimensional ecological preservation technology using modified diatomite and expanded perlite combined with polymerization and irradiation treatments
Implementation Method 6
along with microencapsulated preservation particles and ultrasonic disinfection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multidimensional ecological preservation technology for sweet potatoes, including the following steps: collecting mature tuberous roots in proper time; and performing BTH soak cleaning to promote callus, and performing callus treatment as follows: pretreatment before storage, disinfection in a cellar, sand storage, tent air conditioning, and performing secondary cobalt ray irradiation at an irradiation dose of 0.1-0.5 kGy before the end of storage and marketing, thereby achieving dual guarantee of storage period and shelf life. In the present invention, the traditional sand is replaced with a sandy material (having a particle size of 1-3 mm), and the sandy material is lightweight, breathable, and high in water absorbing and retaining property, thermal insulation and heat preservation.