Vegetable-Based Weatherizing Coating for Animal Feed Granules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weather-resistant animal feeds are costly due to the use of petroleum-based products or time-consuming processes, and they often require specialized equipment, leading to high shipping costs and inefficiencies in nutrient retention when exposed to water.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the reduction of granule surface area using agglomerating agents and coating with a vegetable-based weatherizing agent to create a hydrophobic barrier, reducing mineral leaching when exposed to water, while utilizing commonly available equipment and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petroleum-based weatherizing agents are used, then weather resistance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive petroleum-based weatherizing agents with cheaper vegetable-based alternatives. The coating composition uses plant-derived oils and waxes that are significantly less costly than synthetic petroleum products, while still providing adequate weather resistance for the intended application lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the weatherizing agent from petroleum-based hydrocarbons to vegetable-based lipids. This parameter change includes using fats, oils, and waxes from plant sources, which alters the chemical properties but maintains the functional property of water repellency at lower cost.
2Reliability
If multiple processing steps are used, then weather resistance is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing operations into a single integrated step. The coating composition is applied and dried in one continuous operation rather than through separate coating, curing, and drying steps. This merging of operations reduces production time while maintaining the weather-resistant properties of the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates all necessary coating components into a pre-mixed composition before application. The vegetable-based oils, waxes, and additives are prepared in advance as a ready-to-apply coating, eliminating the need for on-site mixing or multiple application steps during the coating process.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized processing equipment is used, then coating quality is improved, but shipping cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coating process to use standard, commonly available processing equipment that serves multiple functions in feed production facilities. The coating can be applied using existing mixers, coaters, or even simple spraying equipment already present in most feed mills, eliminating the need for specialized equipment and reducing shipping costs for equipment or expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating composition is designed to be self-applying through standard feed processing equipment. The viscosity and adhesion properties of the vegetable-based coating allow it to be applied effectively using existing facility equipment without requiring specialized application devices or external services.
4Reliability
If granule surface area is reduced, then water resistance is improved, but nutrient retention may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the weatherizing coating specifically to the outer surface of the granules where water contact occurs, while leaving the internal nutrient composition unchanged. This localized application provides water resistance at the surface without affecting the nutrient integrity in the core, preventing nutrient loss while maintaining water repellency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure with a vegetable-based coating layer on the granule surface. This composite material combines the water-repellent properties of plant oils and waxes with the nutrient-rich granule core, achieving both water resistance and nutrient retention in a single product.
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 process results in a cost-effective, water-resistant composition that retains nutrients effectively, with less than 25,000 ppm of minerals leaching into water, improving the efficiency and economy of weatherized animal feeds and microbial nutrient delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic weatherizing agent of a plant origin that coats at least a portion of the outer surface of the granule
Data Source
AI summary
Processes for producing weather resistant compositions are disclosed. Weather resistant compositions and uses thereof are also disclosed.