Valine Crystallization With pH and PVA for Low-Moisture Granules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing valine granules require significant energy for drying due to high moisture content, as valine crystals form at low solid content, necessitating extensive water evaporation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving pH adjustment of the fermentation broth, addition of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and separation of valine crystals with moisture, followed by mixing with seeds to form granules, reduces moisture content and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If moisture is evaporated to increase solid content in fermentation broth, then granulation can be achieved, but large amount of energy is required for drying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegranulation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption for drying

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter of the fermentation broth to induce valine crystal formation at lower solid content levels. By adjusting pH to specific ranges (4.0-6.0), valine crystallizes early in the evaporation process, allowing granulation to proceed with much lower energy consumption for moisture removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary pH adjustment and PVA addition before the evaporation and granulation steps. This preliminary action prepares the system to form crystals at optimal points during evaporation, preventing the need to evaporate excessive moisture and reducing subsequent drying energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If pH is adjusted and PVA is added to reduce moisture content, then energy consumption decreases, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumption for dryingVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes pH adjustment as a simple parameter change to trigger crystal formation. This chemical parameter modification is straightforward to implement and control, adding minimal complexity while achieving the goal of reduced moisture content and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) as an intermediary substance that facilitates crystal formation and granulation. PVA acts as a mediating agent that helps valine crystals form and aggregate properly, enabling the process to achieve low moisture content without requiring complex equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method results in valine crystals and granules with reduced moisture, facilitating energy-efficient production by minimizing the need for drying.

Implementation Method 1

a step of adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to the fermentation broth; and a step of separating valine crystals comprising moisture from the fermentation broth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4729624A1Method for preparing l-valine crystals and/or granules using ph adjustment and PVA addition

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 CJ CHEILJEDANG CORP

Figure 1(a)~1(b)

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing valine crystals and/or valine granules using pH adjustment and PVA addition.