Technology
"Supercritical fluid technology," which is useful for processes such as component separation, is a key aspect of Agro-Engineering which bridges agriculture and engineering
By adjusting temperature and pressure, substances can be given properties that are intermediate between those of a gas and a liquid
Strength
Enables manufacturing under efficient conditions with low environmental impact during the production process
A "green solvent" technology that is gentle on both people and the environment
Use Case
①
Separation of Useful Components from Natural Products
A:Production of decaffeinated coffee by optimally removing caffeine from coffee beans without compromising flavor components
B:Extraction of essential oils from Yuzu peels after pressing, and other similar processes
②
Reusing Biomass Resources to Produce Energy and Materials
A:Recovering and modifying cellulose, a raw material for plastics, from unused resources such as agricultural residues, food waste, and discarded clothing
B:Treating industrial wastewater to render it harmless while reusing the generated heat as energy
③
Producing Energy and Materials through Waste Recycling
Recovering and effectively utilizing resources by separating and extracting metals from discarded lithium-ion batteries using methods with lower environmental impact when compared to conventional techniques
④
CO₂ Separation, Recovery, and Utilization
Separating and recovering CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere and fixing it into chemical products containing CO₂
⑤
High-Value Utilization of Bio-Carbon
While graphite with high environmental impact has been used for lithium-ion battery electrodes. Biomass-derived electrodes (biochar graphite) with lower environmental impact can be developed through this method
Business Model Examples
This section shows examples of companies using this technology for its businesses. The sections is intened for illustrating how the technology is used in the real world as food for thoughs for the applicants. Applicants doesn't necessarily follow the exact business model when developing their own business ideas.
Storyline Inc.
Business Moodel
Developing and selling decaffeinated coffee using a unique method that preserves aroma and flavor components
After purchasing coffee beans at fair prices from farmers in Rwanda, Africa, the beans are processed using the Watanabe labs technology. This adds value and results in the company being able to sell “ultra-premium decaffeinated coffee beans" and "coffee beans with customizable caffeine levels." The extracted caffeine components are also sold
Social Issues
Awareness of the challenges in the low-income structure for agricultural producers, especially in developing countries
In countries like Rwanda, Africa, coffee bean farmers produce crops at low prices, while high-value-added processes such as roasting are carried out in developed countries. This creates a structure where wealth is extracted from developing to developed countries
Solution
Adding Value to Agricultural Products through Component Extraction using "Supercritical Fluid Technology"
Optimally extracting caffeine from natural coffee beans to produce high-quality decaffeinated coffee and separately selling the extracted caffeine. This approach is being considered not only for coffee but also for adding value to other agricultural products
Value
Enhancing Value for Upstream Players in the Agricultural Value Chain, Including Producers in Developing Countries
Achieving income improvement and stabilization for coffee bean farmers in Rwanda, Africa. Exploring ways to enhance profitability in other agricultural production regions as well
Message from the Lab
What I Want to Know
Graduate School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tohoku University
Supercritical Solvent Engineering Research Center
Prof. Masaru Watanabe
What kinds of "wasteful" resources and processes exist in the value chains of various agricultural products across different countries?
Desired Candidate Profile
Students with a strong passion and sense of purpose for adding high value to their country's agricultural value chains
Especially desirable are students who are self-motivated learners with an interest or who have foundational knowledge in chemical engineering
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