WO2018083618A1 - Production of liquid biostimulants extracted from seaweed - Google Patents

Production of liquid biostimulants extracted from seaweed Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018083618A1
WO2018083618A1 PCT/IB2017/056815 IB2017056815W WO2018083618A1 WO 2018083618 A1 WO2018083618 A1 WO 2018083618A1 IB 2017056815 W IB2017056815 W IB 2017056815W WO 2018083618 A1 WO2018083618 A1 WO 2018083618A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
pressure
chamber
seaweed
membrane
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2017/056815
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Janine DAHMS
Adriaan Francois LOURENS
Noko Elizabeth MAKHURA
Heino Benoni PAPENFUS
Original Assignee
Dahms Janine
Lourens Adriaan Francois
Makhura Noko Elizabeth
Papenfus Heino Benoni
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dahms Janine, Lourens Adriaan Francois, Makhura Noko Elizabeth, Papenfus Heino Benoni filed Critical Dahms Janine
Publication of WO2018083618A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018083618A1/en
Priority to ZA201902649A priority Critical patent/ZA201902649B/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
    • B01D61/02—Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
    • B01D61/04—Feed pretreatment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
    • A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/04—Specific process operations in the feed stream; Feed pretreatment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2311/00—Details relating to membrane separation process operations and control
    • B01D2311/26—Further operations combined with membrane separation processes
    • B01D2311/2676—Centrifugal separation

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the production of liquid biostimulants extracted from seaweed.
  • One process used for this purpose involves subjecting the kelp, after it has been cut into small pieces, to high pressure in a closed chamber.
  • the cells of the kelp are consequently pressurised.
  • the pressure to which the kelp is being subjected is then decreased at a rapid rate.
  • the pressure differential between the interior of the cells and the reduced pressure in the chamber causes the cells to burst.
  • the resultant intermediate product which comprises both liquid and solids, is then centrifuged to separate them.
  • the resultant solid material is in the form of a mash or pulp. Currently this solid material is not treated further to extract additional liquid product but is used as a component of a solid horticultural compost mix.
  • the liquid component after suitable filtration and dilution if necessary, is the end product of the procedure.
  • the biostimulant liquid extracted from kelp is subjected to reverse osmosis by feeding it into a semi-permeable membrane of a reverse osmosis unit so that some water from the liquid passes through the membrane of the unit and constitutes a permeate, the remainder of the liquid constituting the concentrate and passing through the unit without permeating through the membrane.
  • Said concentrate can be diluted with water after emerging from said reverse osmosis unit.
  • the pulp which remains after the step of extracting biostimulant liquid from the seaweed is blended with water until a homogenous product is obtained, the product is centrifuged and the liquid which is thereby separated from the pulp is subjected to reverse osmosis by feeding it into the semi-permeable membrane of a reverse osmosis unit so that some water from the liquid passes through the membrane of the unit and constitutes a permeate, the remainder of the liquid constituting the concentrate and passing through the unit without permeating through the membrane.
  • the biostimulant liquid is preferably extracted from seaweed by mincing the seaweed, placing it in a chamber, increasing the pressure in the chamber so that the internal pressure in the cells of the seaweed increases, and dropping the pressure in the chamber to create a pressure differential between the pressure in the chamber and the pressure in the cells so that the cells burst.
  • apparatus comprising a chamber, means for increasing the pressure in the chamber so that seaweed in the chamber is subjected to pressure which increases the pressure in the cells of the seaweed, an outlet valve to the chamber which, when opened, permits the pressure in the chamber to drop so that the difference between the internal pressure of the cells and the lowered chamber pressure causes the cells to burst and provide a product comprising a liquid component and a solid component, a centrifuge for separating the liquid component from the solid component and a reverse osmosis membrane for extracting water from the liquid component and providing a concentrate.
  • Freshly harvested kelp of the Ecklonia maxima, Macrocystis pyrifera, Laminaria pallida, Durvillaea antarctica species is sorted to separate the stipes (stems) from the fronds (leaves). The stipes are chopped to provide small pieces. The stipes and fronds are washed separately.
  • the chopped stipes and the fronds are then mixed, minced to a micronized state and then treated with a preservative.
  • the micronized kelp is then placed in a pressure chamber, the pressure in which is increased steadily.
  • the internal pressure of the kelp cells rises with the pressure in the chamber. Once the requisite maximum pressure has been reached, it is allowed to drop rapidly. The result is that the internal pressure of the cells exceeds the lowered pressure in the vessel and the cells burst.
  • the mass of kelp in the pressure chamber is, after removal from the chamber, mixed with water and additional preservative and then passed through a centrifuge to separate the liquid from the solids.
  • the liquid which is thereby separated from the solid material is the requisite seaweed extract biostimulant.
  • the residual pulp is used in its solid form as it contains insufficient valuable liquid product to justify further processing using present methods.
  • the present invention is mixed with water and blended until it forms a homogenous mass. This is then centrifuged again to separate the liquid content from the solid content. Only at this stage is the solid material consigned to use as a compost additive, soil improvement and plant growth enhancement medium.
  • the liquid from the centrifuge is fed through a reverse osmosis unit. Water passes through the membrane of the unit to form a permeate.
  • the concentrate, which does not permeate through the membrane has biostimulant properties.
  • the liquid which is recovered from the previous centrifuging step can also be fed through a reverse osmosis unit. Water permeates through the membrane and the recovered liquid which does not permeate through the membrane is consequently concentrated. Entirely surprisingly it is found that if the concentrate is thereafter diluted, the resultant product has properties which are superior to those of the liquid which was separated from the solids in the centrifuge.
  • the product recovered from the reverse osmosis treatment of the two streams can be blended to obtain marketable products with the requisite biostimulant properties.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Nanotechnology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)

Abstract

To extract biosimulant liquid from seaweed, the seaweed is minced and placed in a chamber. The pressure in the chamber is increased to increase the pressure in the cells of the seaweed. The pressure is then dropped rapidly to create a pressure differential between the chamber and the cells so that the cells burst. The liquid produced by the process is passed through a reverse osmosis membrane.

Description

PRODUCTION OF LIQUID BIOSTIMULANTS EXTRACTED FROM SEAWEED FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the production of liquid biostimulants extracted from seaweed.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Various species of kelp are harvested worldwide and subjected to a range of manufacturing processes to prepare a liquid biostimulant.
One process used for this purpose involves subjecting the kelp, after it has been cut into small pieces, to high pressure in a closed chamber. The cells of the kelp are consequently pressurised. The pressure to which the kelp is being subjected is then decreased at a rapid rate. The pressure differential between the interior of the cells and the reduced pressure in the chamber causes the cells to burst.
The resultant intermediate product, which comprises both liquid and solids, is then centrifuged to separate them. The resultant solid material is in the form of a mash or pulp. Currently this solid material is not treated further to extract additional liquid product but is used as a component of a solid horticultural compost mix.
The liquid component, after suitable filtration and dilution if necessary, is the end product of the procedure.
Other production methods involve comminuting and pressing the kelp followed by chemical extraction of the biosimulants. With all these methods biosimulant liquid is obtained and there is a residue of solid material which is effectively treated as waste simply to be disposed-of. The present invention provides an improvement in these known methods which enables a greater yield of usable liquid seaweed extract biostimulant to be obtained from a specific weight of raw kelp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention the biostimulant liquid extracted from kelp is subjected to reverse osmosis by feeding it into a semi-permeable membrane of a reverse osmosis unit so that some water from the liquid passes through the membrane of the unit and constitutes a permeate, the remainder of the liquid constituting the concentrate and passing through the unit without permeating through the membrane.
Said concentrate can be diluted with water after emerging from said reverse osmosis unit.
According to a further aspect of the present invention the pulp which remains after the step of extracting biostimulant liquid from the seaweed is blended with water until a homogenous product is obtained, the product is centrifuged and the liquid which is thereby separated from the pulp is subjected to reverse osmosis by feeding it into the semi-permeable membrane of a reverse osmosis unit so that some water from the liquid passes through the membrane of the unit and constitutes a permeate, the remainder of the liquid constituting the concentrate and passing through the unit without permeating through the membrane.
The biostimulant liquid is preferably extracted from seaweed by mincing the seaweed, placing it in a chamber, increasing the pressure in the chamber so that the internal pressure in the cells of the seaweed increases, and dropping the pressure in the chamber to create a pressure differential between the pressure in the chamber and the pressure in the cells so that the cells burst.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus comprising a chamber, means for increasing the pressure in the chamber so that seaweed in the chamber is subjected to pressure which increases the pressure in the cells of the seaweed, an outlet valve to the chamber which, when opened, permits the pressure in the chamber to drop so that the difference between the internal pressure of the cells and the lowered chamber pressure causes the cells to burst and provide a product comprising a liquid component and a solid component, a centrifuge for separating the liquid component from the solid component and a reverse osmosis membrane for extracting water from the liquid component and providing a concentrate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Freshly harvested kelp of the Ecklonia maxima, Macrocystis pyrifera, Laminaria pallida, Durvillaea antarctica species is sorted to separate the stipes (stems) from the fronds (leaves). The stipes are chopped to provide small pieces. The stipes and fronds are washed separately.
The chopped stipes and the fronds are then mixed, minced to a micronized state and then treated with a preservative.
The micronized kelp is then placed in a pressure chamber, the pressure in which is increased steadily. The internal pressure of the kelp cells rises with the pressure in the chamber. Once the requisite maximum pressure has been reached, it is allowed to drop rapidly. The result is that the internal pressure of the cells exceeds the lowered pressure in the vessel and the cells burst. The mass of kelp in the pressure chamber is, after removal from the chamber, mixed with water and additional preservative and then passed through a centrifuge to separate the liquid from the solids. The liquid which is thereby separated from the solid material is the requisite seaweed extract biostimulant. Currently the residual pulp is used in its solid form as it contains insufficient valuable liquid product to justify further processing using present methods. However, in accordance with the present invention, it is mixed with water and blended until it forms a homogenous mass. This is then centrifuged again to separate the liquid content from the solid content. Only at this stage is the solid material consigned to use as a compost additive, soil improvement and plant growth enhancement medium. The liquid from the centrifuge is fed through a reverse osmosis unit. Water passes through the membrane of the unit to form a permeate. The concentrate, which does not permeate through the membrane, has biostimulant properties. The liquid which is recovered from the previous centrifuging step can also be fed through a reverse osmosis unit. Water permeates through the membrane and the recovered liquid which does not permeate through the membrane is consequently concentrated. Entirely surprisingly it is found that if the concentrate is thereafter diluted, the resultant product has properties which are superior to those of the liquid which was separated from the solids in the centrifuge.
The product recovered from the reverse osmosis treatment of the two streams can be blended to obtain marketable products with the requisite biostimulant properties.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1 . A method which comprises subjecting the biostimulant liquid extracted from seaweed to reverse osmosis by feeding it into a semi-permeable membrane of a reverse osmosis unit so that some water from the liquid passes through the membrane of the unit and constitutes a permeate, the remainder of the liquid constituting the concentrate and passing through the unit without passing through the membrane.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said concentrate is diluted with water after emerging from said reverse osmosis unit.
3. A method which comprises blending the pulp which remains after the step of extracting biostimulant liquid from seaweed with water until a homogenous product is obtained, the product thereafter being centrifuged and the liquid which is thereby separated from the pulp being subjected to reverse osmosis by feeding it into the semi-permeable membrane of a reverse osmosis unit so that some water from the liquid passes through the membrane of the unit and constitutes a permeate, the remainder of the liquid constituting the concentrate and passing through the unit without passing through the membrane.
4. Apparatus comprising a chamber, means for increasing the pressure in the chamber so that seaweed in the chamber is subjected to pressure which increases the pressure in the cells of the seaweed, an outlet valve to the chamber which, when opened, permits the pressure in the chamber to drop so that the difference between the internal pressure of the cells and the lowered chamber pressure causes the cells to burst and provide a product comprising a liquid component and a solid component, a centrifuge for separating the liquid component from the solid component and a reverse osmosis membrane for extracting water from the liquid component and providing a concentrate.
PCT/IB2017/056815 2016-11-02 2017-11-02 Production of liquid biostimulants extracted from seaweed WO2018083618A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA201902649A ZA201902649B (en) 2016-11-02 2019-04-26 Production of liquid biostimulants extracted from seaweed

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2016/07549 2016-11-02
ZA201607549 2016-11-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018083618A1 true WO2018083618A1 (en) 2018-05-11

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WO (1) WO2018083618A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201902649B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112521197A (en) * 2021-02-08 2021-03-19 中国农业科学院农业环境与可持续发展研究所 Special film changing machine for continuous film-covering aerobic fermentation
WO2024025417A1 (en) 2022-07-26 2024-02-01 Kelp Blue Biotech B.V. Liquid biostimulant

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4125392A (en) * 1975-02-14 1978-11-14 Primo Angelo M Seaweed extract product and methods of producing and utilizing same
JPH0411871A (en) * 1990-03-17 1992-01-16 Nippon Serufuuzu Kenkyusho:Kk Production of food containing gruel-like kelp extract
CN1112543A (en) * 1994-08-13 1995-11-29 国家海洋局杭州水处理技术研究开发中心 Method for extracting mannitol from laminaria leach liquor
CN104207274A (en) * 2014-07-31 2014-12-17 河南科技大学 Oral liquid containing hair weeds and stachys floridana and preparation method thereof
CN106146652A (en) * 2015-04-21 2016-11-23 上海宥佳医药科技有限公司 A kind of method for extraction and purification of middle phycocyanin of delivering vegetables

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4125392A (en) * 1975-02-14 1978-11-14 Primo Angelo M Seaweed extract product and methods of producing and utilizing same
JPH0411871A (en) * 1990-03-17 1992-01-16 Nippon Serufuuzu Kenkyusho:Kk Production of food containing gruel-like kelp extract
CN1112543A (en) * 1994-08-13 1995-11-29 国家海洋局杭州水处理技术研究开发中心 Method for extracting mannitol from laminaria leach liquor
CN104207274A (en) * 2014-07-31 2014-12-17 河南科技大学 Oral liquid containing hair weeds and stachys floridana and preparation method thereof
CN106146652A (en) * 2015-04-21 2016-11-23 上海宥佳医药科技有限公司 A kind of method for extraction and purification of middle phycocyanin of delivering vegetables

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"World seaweed resources", SOUTH AFRICA JOURNAL OF BOTANY, vol. 72, no. 4, November 2006 (2006-11-01), pages 2, XP024992334, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:DOI:10.1016/j.sajb.2006.06.007> *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112521197A (en) * 2021-02-08 2021-03-19 中国农业科学院农业环境与可持续发展研究所 Special film changing machine for continuous film-covering aerobic fermentation
CN112521197B (en) * 2021-02-08 2021-05-18 中国农业科学院农业环境与可持续发展研究所 Special film changing machine for continuous film-covering aerobic fermentation
WO2024025417A1 (en) 2022-07-26 2024-02-01 Kelp Blue Biotech B.V. Liquid biostimulant

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