Goal:

The OEDFS project is focused on enhancing the production process of medicinal mushroom food supplements by deploying sensors, automation, and control systems across various stages. The key objectives include:

• Development of automation to control temperature and pressure in the extraction column, solvent flow, solvent filling and emptying, and conducting leakage tests.
• Implementation of automation to manage evaporator functions, including scraper control, liquid extract dosing, temperature regulation, and pressure monitoring.
• Precise monitoring of freeze dryer vacuum pump operation and condition, including oil temperature and vane status, through sensors and automation.

Challenges addressed:

MycoMedica Ltd is a pioneering high-tech company specializing in organic medicinal mushroom food supplements. They oversee the entire production process, from fungal culture and cultivation to drying and extraction. As medicinal mushroom supplements gain recognition for their immune-boosting, antiviral, antibacterial, and neurological disease-fighting properties, the quality and consistency of production become paramount.

The OEDFS project aims to optimize the extraction of medicinal compounds, thereby improving product quality, production traceability, energy efficiency, time efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. By addressing these challenges, MycoMedica aims to maintain its position as a leading producer of medicinal mushroom food supplements in the EU.

Expected benefits:

The project's benefits are multifaceted and extend to various stakeholders. For MycoMedica, the integration of sensors and automation will provide a crucial link between existing components, ensuring seamless coordination, system protection, remote monitoring, and error alerts. This advancement will elevate their production process to the TRL9 development stage.

Specifically, the freeze-drying system for concentrated aqueous extracts will undergo significant improvements, connecting various components like the vacuum chamber, water vapor condenser, cooling compressor, cooler spirals, and vacuum pumps. This integration will also elevate the freeze-drying system to the TRL9 level.

Ultimately, the project's success will lead to enhanced product quality, reduced production costs, improved traceability, and decreased energy consumption for MycoMedica. Consumers will benefit from higher-quality medicinal mushroom supplements, and the wider market will gain access to more effective and affordable products. This project represents a significant step toward advancing medicinal mushroom food supplements and their impact on health and well-being.

Award date: 10/26/2023

Duration: 12 months

Partners:

• TURBO ENERGETIKA LTD. http://www.turbo-e.si/ (Slovenia)
• MYCOMEDICA LTD. https://www.goba.eu/ (Slovenia)