Low-whiteness isomaltitol particles as well as preparation device, method and application thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a low-whiteness isomaltitol particle and a preparation device, method and application of the low-whiteness isomaltitol particle. The device comprises a straight-barrel distributing device, a powder discharging device, a vibration slope, a feeding pump, a screen and a powder receiving tank, and the straight-barrel distributing device is arranged above the vibration slope; array holes are formed in the bottom end of the straight-barrel distributing device in the direction towards the inclined surface; a powder discharger is arranged at the highest position of the vibration slope; the screen is arranged below the lowest position of the vibration slope, the powder receiving tank is arranged below the screen and connected with the feeding pump, and the feeding pump is connected with the powder discharging device. According to the invention, the straight barrel distributor is adopted and is matched with a slope gliding mode for granulation, so that the preparation of the low-whiteness isomaltitol granules can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of functional sugar technology, and in particular to a low-whiteness isomaltitol granule, its preparation apparatus, method and uses. Background Technology

[0002] Isomaltitol is a functional sugar alcohol composed of α-D-furanosel-1,6-D-sorbitol and α-D-pyranosel-1,1-D-mannitol. Its sweetness and calories are about half that of sucrose. It is non-hygroscopic, has a melting point range of 145-150℃, and is a non-cariogenic sugar. Furthermore, isomaltitol does not raise blood sugar levels, making it an ideal sweetener for diabetics. Isomaltitol has a high safety profile and is recognized as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) food by the US FDA. In my country, it is classified as a new resource food with a usage limit of ≤100 grams / day. Isomaltitol is mainly used in candies, chocolates, and biscuits, and its application varies depending on its whiteness.

[0003] Existing technology CN109608509A discloses a continuous preparation method for granular isomaltitol. The steps are as follows: using refined isomaltitol liquid as raw material, evaporating and concentrating it, then temporarily storing it in a buffer; first, adding powdered isomaltitol as seed crystals to an extruder, then adding the aforementioned refined isomaltitol liquid; extruding and mixing the concentrated isomaltitol liquid and the powdered isomaltitol seed crystals, then drying the discharged material using vacuum drying; finally, pulverizing and sieving the dried material to obtain the granular isomaltitol product. This patent uses a twin-screw extruder for granulation, resulting in irregular shapes after extrusion, requiring a second pulverization step. The whiteness is above 95, and the irregular shape of the pulverized particles affects the product's appearance quality.

[0004] Existing technology CN104028167A discloses a granulation process for isomaltitol, the steps of which are as follows: first, 2-5% activated carbon (by dry matter mass) is added to a 30-50% isomaltitol solution; after holding at 50-80℃ for 30 minutes, the solution is filtered to obtain an isomaltitol solution through ion exchange; the isomaltitol solution is then concentrated to a mass concentration of 40-70% using a rotary evaporator; then, granulation is performed using a spray drying tower, with the inlet air temperature controlled at 120-170℃ and the feed rate at 0.5L-2L / min during the spray drying process; the obtained isomaltitol is then sieved to obtain powdered isomaltitol. The spray granulation method used in this patent results in a low concentration of isomaltitol, yielding mostly powder or fine particles with high whiteness (above 95), showing little difference from conventional powder products.

[0005] Therefore, there is currently no method or apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles, and there is an urgent need to develop an apparatus and method for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides low-whiteness isomaltitol granules, their preparation apparatus, method, and applications. The invention employs a straight-cylinder feeder combined with a sloping downward sliding method for granulation, resulting in low-whiteness isomaltitol granules with broad application prospects.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The apparatus includes a cylindrical feeder, a powder feeder, a vibrating ramp, a feeding pump, a screen, and a powder receiving tank. The cylindrical feeder is positioned above the vibrating ramp, and an array of holes is formed at the bottom end of the cylindrical feeder facing the ramp. The powder feeder is positioned at the highest point of the vibrating ramp. The screen is positioned below the lowest point of the vibrating ramp. The powder receiving tank is positioned below the screen and connected to the feeding pump, which is connected to the powder feeder.

[0009] In this invention, the device includes a cylindrical distributor, a powder feeder, a vibrating ramp, a feeding pump, a screen, and a powder receiving tank. The cylindrical distributor is positioned above the vibrating ramp, and its bottom end has an array of holes oriented vertically downwards, allowing the liquid to drip vertically onto the vibrating ramp. The powder feeder is located at the highest point of the vibrating ramp to ensure that the powder is evenly dispersed on the ramp during feeding. The screen is positioned below the lowest point of the vibrating ramp to separate powder-laden particles rolling down from the ramp from the powder. The powder receiving tank is located below the screen and connected to the feeding pump, which is connected to the powder feeder. The powder receiving tank receives the powder sieved through the screen and returns it to the powder feeder via the feeding pump for recycling.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the straight cylindrical fabric distributor is equal to the width of the vibration ramp.

[0011] In this invention, the length of the straight cylindrical feeder is equal to the width of the vibrating ramp, so that the liquid dripping from the straight cylindrical feeder exactly covers the ramp.

[0012] Preferably, the vertical distance between the straight-tube fabric distributor and the highest point of the vibrating ramp is 1-1.5m, for example, it can be 1m, 1.1m, 1.2m, 1.3m, 1.4m or 1.5m, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0013] Preferably, the diameter of each array of holes at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical fabric distributor is independently 1.5-3mm, for example, it can be 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.1mm, 2.2mm, 2.3mm, 2.4mm, 2.5mm, 2.6mm, 2.7mm, 2.8mm, 2.9mm or 3.0mm, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0014] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent holes in the array of holes at the bottom of the straight cylindrical fabric feeder is 8-12mm, for example, it can be 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm or 12mm, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0015] In this invention, the particle size distribution is adjusted by regulating the aperture and height of the fabric feeder, resulting in isomaltitol granule products with different particle sizes and whiteness.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the slope of the vibration ramp is at an angle of 30°-40° to the horizontal direction, for example, it can be 30°, 32°, 34°, 36°, 38° or 40°, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0017] Preferably, the oscillation frequency of the vibration ramp is 5-10Hz, for example, it can be 5Hz, 6Hz, 7Hz, 8Hz, 9Hz or 10Hz, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0018] Preferably, the mesh size of the sieve is 100-150 mesh, for example, it can be 100 mesh, 110 mesh, 120 mesh, 130 mesh, 140 mesh or 150 mesh, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the powder feeder is located at both ends and the middle position of the highest point of the vibration slope.

[0020] In this invention, the powder feeder is positioned at both ends and the middle of the highest point of the vibrating slope, so that when the powder feeder feeds the powder, the powder is evenly dispersed on the vibrating slope and covers the entire slope.

[0021] Preferably, the feeding pump includes a vacuum feeding pump.

[0022] Preferably, the device further includes a vibrating fluidized bed connected to the screen;

[0023] Preferably, the vibrating fluidized bed includes a drying component and a screening component.

[0024] This invention uses a vibrating fluidized bed to screen and obtain products with different mesh sizes to meet market application needs.

[0025] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles, using the aforementioned apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles.

[0026] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0027] (1) After concentrating the isomalt liquid, it is kept at a constant temperature to obtain the concentrated isomalt liquid.

[0028] (2) Load the isomaltitol powder into the powder feeder, and turn on the powder feeder and the vibrating ramp;

[0029] (3) The concentrated isomalt liquid from step (1) is loaded into a straight-tube feeder and dripped through the holes of the feeder onto a slope covered with isomalt powder. It then automatically rolls down onto a screen and is sieved to obtain low-whiteness isomalt granules and sieved isomalt powder.

[0030] In this invention, a straight-cylinder feeder drips concentrated isomaltitol liquid onto a vibrating ramp covered with isomaltitol powder through an array of holes. The ramp vibrates, causing the droplets to pick up powder and slide down. As the liquid drips, its temperature decreases and it tends to melt, while the surface layer hardens, preventing the droplets from crumbling. At the same time, when the droplets fall onto the powder, there is a buffering force that prevents damage to the particle shape and accelerates particle hardening. The droplets can be further shaped as they roll down the ramp, resulting in better final particle shape. The isomaltitol powder and particles are separated by a screen connected at the bottom of the ramp, resulting in plump isomaltitol particles.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the following steps:

[0032] (4) The low whiteness isomaltitol particles described in step (3) are fed into a vibrating fluidized bed for drying, and then sieved and packaged at different mesh sizes;

[0033] (5) The isomaltitol powder after sieving in step (3) is put into the powder receiving tank and returned to step (2) for reuse via the feeding pump;

[0034] There is no specific order between steps (4) and (5).

[0035] This invention obtains products with different mesh sizes by vibrating fluidized bed sieving to meet market application needs; in step (5), the sieved isomaltitol powder is returned to the powder feeder by the feeding pump for recycling, realizing the reuse of isomaltitol powder.

[0036] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the temperature of the heat preservation in step (1) is 120-140℃, for example, it can be 120℃, 125℃, 130℃, 135℃ or 140℃, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0037] Preferably, the solid content in the concentrated isomaltitol solution in step (1) is 95-97%, for example, it can be 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5% or 97%, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0038] This invention obtains isomaltitol granule products with different particle sizes and low whiteness by limiting the heat preservation temperature and solid content after isomaltitol liquid concentration.

[0039] Preferably, the temperature of the vibrating fluidized bed in step (4) is 25-40°C, for example, it can be 25°C, 30°C, 35°C or 40°C, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0040] Preferably, the drying time in step (4) is 10-20 min, for example, it can be 10 min, 12 min, 14 min, 16 min, 18 min or 20 min, but it is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within the above range are also applicable.

[0041] Thirdly, the present invention provides a low-whiteness isomaltitol granule prepared according to the method provided in the second aspect, characterized in that the low-whiteness isomaltitol granule is a solid sphere and is semi-transparent.

[0042] In this invention, due to the surface powder, the isomaltitol particles are neither transparent nor pure white, but have a certain degree of whiteness.

[0043] Fourthly, the present invention provides the use of the low whiteness isomaltitol granules described in the third aspect, the use including application in solid beverages, meal replacement powders, lollipops or hard candies.

[0044] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0045] (1) The present invention uses a straight tube feeder in conjunction with a sloping downward method for granulation. During the dripping process of the liquid material, the temperature decreases and tends to melt, and the surface layer tends to harden, which protects the liquid droplets from loosening. At the same time, when the liquid drops onto the powder, there is a buffer force that will not destroy the shape of the particles and accelerates the hardening of the particles. During the rolling process on the slope, the particles can be further shaped to make the final particle shape better. The powder that rolls down the slope with the particles is returned to the powder feeder by the feeder to realize the reuse of the powder. The particles directly enter the next process to ensure the continuity of production.

[0046] (2) The present invention expands the types of isomaltitol particles, and due to the powder on the surface, the particles are neither transparent nor pure white, but have a certain degree of whiteness. The low whiteness isomaltitol particles prepared by the present invention have a certain market demand and are more conducive to application in solid beverages, meal replacement powders, lollipops, hard candies and other products, thus solving the application problem. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a front view of the device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a side view of the device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0049] Among them, 1-straight cylinder feeder, 2-powder feeder, 3-vibrating ramp, 4-feeding pump, 5-screen, 6-powder receiving tank, and 7-vibrating fluidized bed. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, the following examples are merely simplified examples of the present invention and do not represent or limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is determined by the claims.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "left", "upper", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The apparatus includes a straight cylindrical feeder 1, a powder feeder 2, a vibrating ramp 3, a feeding pump 4, a screen 5, a powder receiving tank 6, and a vibrating fluidized bed 7.

[0054] The straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is positioned above the vibrating ramp 3. The length of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is equal to the width of the vibrating ramp 3. An array of holes is formed at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 facing the ramp. The vertical distance between the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 and the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3 is 1.5m. The diameter of each hole in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 2mm. The distance between two adjacent holes in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 10mm.

[0055] The inclined plane of the vibration ramp 3 is at a 30° angle to the horizontal direction, the oscillation frequency of the vibration ramp 3 is 8 Hz, and the mesh size of the screen 5 is 100 mesh.

[0056] A powder feeder 2 is provided at the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the powder feeder 2 is located at both ends and the middle position of the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the feeding pump 4 includes a vacuum feeding pump; and the vibrating fluidized bed 7 includes a drying component.

[0057] The screen 5 is located below the lowest point of the vibrating ramp 3, the powder receiving tank 6 is located below the screen 5 and connected to the feeding pump 4, and the feeding pump 4 is connected to the powder feeder 2.

[0058] The device also includes a vibrating fluidized bed 7 connected to the screen 5.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The apparatus includes a straight cylindrical feeder 1, a powder feeder 2, a vibrating ramp 3, a feeding pump 4, a screen 5, a powder receiving tank 6, and a vibrating fluidized bed 7.

[0061] The straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is positioned above the vibrating ramp 3. The length of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is equal to the width of the vibrating ramp 3. An array of holes is formed at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 facing the ramp. The vertical distance between the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 and the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3 is 1.5m. The diameter of each hole in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 3mm. The distance between two adjacent holes in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 12mm.

[0062] The inclined plane of the vibration ramp 3 is at a 40° angle to the horizontal direction, the oscillation frequency of the vibration ramp 3 is 7Hz, and the mesh size of the screen 5 is 100 mesh.

[0063] A powder feeder 2 is provided at the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the powder feeder 2 is located at both ends and the middle position of the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the feeding pump 4 includes a vacuum feeding pump; and the vibrating fluidized bed 7 includes a drying component.

[0064] The screen 5 is located below the lowest point of the vibrating ramp 3, the powder receiving tank 6 is located below the screen 5 and connected to the feeding pump 4, and the feeding pump 4 is connected to the powder feeder 2.

[0065] The device also includes a vibrating fluidized bed 7 connected to the screen 5.

[0066] Example 3

[0067] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The apparatus includes a straight cylindrical feeder 1, a powder feeder 2, a vibrating ramp 3, a feeding pump 4, a screen 5, a powder receiving tank 6, and a vibrating fluidized bed 7.

[0068] The straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is positioned above the vibrating ramp 3. The length of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is equal to the width of the vibrating ramp 3. An array of holes is formed at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 facing the ramp. The vertical distance between the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 and the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3 is 1m. The diameter of each hole in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 1.5mm. The distance between two adjacent holes in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 8mm.

[0069] The inclined plane of the vibration ramp 3 is at 35° to the horizontal direction, the oscillation frequency of the vibration ramp 3 is 10Hz, and the mesh size of the screen 5 is 125 mesh.

[0070] A powder feeder 2 is provided at the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the powder feeder 2 is located at both ends and the middle position of the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the feeding pump 4 includes a vacuum feeding pump; and the vibrating fluidized bed 7 includes a drying component.

[0071] The screen 5 is located below the lowest point of the vibrating ramp 3, the powder receiving tank 6 is located below the screen 5 and connected to the feeding pump 4, and the feeding pump 4 is connected to the powder feeder 2.

[0072] The device also includes a vibrating fluidized bed 7 connected to the screen 5.

[0073] Example 4

[0074] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The apparatus includes a straight cylindrical feeder 1, a powder feeder 2, a vibrating ramp 3, a feeding pump 4, a screen 5, a powder receiving tank 6, and a vibrating fluidized bed 7.

[0075] The straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is positioned above the vibrating ramp 3. The length of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is equal to the width of the vibrating ramp 3. An array of holes is formed at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 facing the ramp. The vertical distance between the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 and the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3 is 1.25m. The diameter of each hole in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 1.5mm. The distance between two adjacent holes in the array at the bottom end of the straight cylindrical material distributor 1 is 8mm.

[0076] The inclined plane of the vibrating ramp 3 is at a 35° angle to the horizontal direction, the oscillation frequency of the vibrating ramp 3 is 5 Hz, and the mesh size of the screen 5 is 150 mesh.

[0077] A powder feeder 2 is provided at the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the powder feeder 2 is located at both ends and the middle position of the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3; the feeding pump 4 includes a vacuum feeding pump; and the vibrating fluidized bed 7 includes a drying component.

[0078] The screen 5 is located below the lowest point of the vibrating ramp 3, the powder receiving tank 6 is located below the screen 5 and connected to the feeding pump 4, and the feeding pump 4 is connected to the powder feeder 2.

[0079] The device also includes a vibrating fluidized bed 7 connected to the screen 5.

[0080] Example 5

[0081] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that, except that the diameter of each array hole at the bottom of the straight cylindrical feeder 1 is 4 mm, everything else is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0082] Example 6

[0083] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that, except that the diameter of each array hole at the bottom of the straight cylindrical feeder 1 is 1 mm, everything else is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0084] Example 7

[0085] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that, except that the vertical distance between the straight cylindrical feeder 1 and the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3 is 2m, everything else is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0086] Example 8

[0087] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that the vertical distance between the straight cylindrical feeder 1 and the highest point of the vibrating ramp 3 is 0.8m. All other aspects are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0088] Example 9

[0089] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that, except that the inclined plane of the vibration ramp 3 is at a 20° angle to the horizontal direction, everything else is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0090] Example 10

[0091] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that, except that the inclined plane of the vibration ramp 3 is at 50° to the horizontal direction, everything else is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0092] Example 11

[0093] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that, except that the oscillation frequency of the vibration ramp 3 is 3Hz, everything else is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0094] Example 12

[0095] This embodiment provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. The only difference from Embodiment 1 is that the oscillation frequency of the vibration ramp 3 is 12Hz, while the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0096] Comparative Example 1

[0097] This comparative example provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles, which differs from Example 1 only in that the powder feeder 2 is not provided.

[0098] Comparative Example 2

[0099] This comparative example provides an apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles. The only difference from Example 1 is that the ramp is a regular ramp without vibration function.

[0100] Application Example 1

[0101] This application example provides a method for using the apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules as described in Example 1, the method comprising the following steps:

[0102] (1) After concentrating the isomalt liquid, it was kept at 130°C to obtain a concentrated isomalt liquid with a solid content of 96%;

[0103] (2) Load the isomaltitol powder into the powder feeder 2, and turn on the powder feeder 2 and the vibrating ramp 3;

[0104] (3) The concentrated isomalt liquid from step (1) is loaded into a straight-tube feeder 1 and dripped through the holes of the straight-tube feeder 1 onto a slope covered with isomalt powder. It then automatically rolls down onto a screen 5 and is screened through the screen 5 to obtain low-whiteness isomalt granules and screened isomalt powder.

[0105] (4) The low whiteness isomaltitol particles described in step (3) are fed into a vibrating fluidized bed 7 for drying. The temperature of the vibrating fluidized bed is 30°C and the drying time is 15 min. After drying, the particles are sieved and packaged at different mesh sizes.

[0106] (5) The isomaltitol powder after sieving in step (3) is collected in the powder receiving tank 6 and returned to step (2) for reuse via the feeding pump 4;

[0107] There is no specific order between steps (4) and (5).

[0108] Application Example 2

[0109] This application example provides a method for using the apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules as described in Example 2, the method comprising the following steps:

[0110] (1) After concentrating the isomalt liquid, it was kept at 140°C to obtain a concentrated isomalt liquid with a solid content of 97%;

[0111] (2) Load the isomaltitol powder into the powder feeder 2, and turn on the powder feeder 2 and the vibrating ramp 3;

[0112] (3) The concentrated isomalt liquid from step (1) is loaded into a straight-tube feeder 1 and dripped through the holes of the straight-tube feeder onto a slope covered with isomalt powder. It then automatically rolls down onto a screen 5 and is screened through the screen 5 to obtain low-whiteness isomalt granules and screened isomalt powder.

[0113] (4) The low whiteness isomaltitol particles described in step (3) are fed into a vibrating fluidized bed 7 for drying. The temperature of the vibrating fluidized bed is 35°C and the drying time is 10 min. After drying, the particles are sieved and packaged at different mesh sizes.

[0114] (5) The isomaltitol powder after sieving in step (3) is collected in the powder receiving tank 6 and returned to step (2) for reuse via the feeding pump 4;

[0115] There is no specific order between steps (4) and (5).

[0116] Application Example 3

[0117] This application example provides a method for using the apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules as described in Example 3, the method comprising the following steps:

[0118] (1) After concentrating the isomalt liquid, it was kept at 120°C to obtain a concentrated isomalt liquid with a solid content of 95%;

[0119] (2) Load the isomaltitol powder into the powder feeder 2, and turn on the powder feeder 2 and the vibrating ramp 3;

[0120] (3) The concentrated isomalt liquid from step (1) is loaded into a straight-tube feeder 1 and dripped through the holes of the straight-tube feeder 1 onto a slope covered with isomalt powder. It then automatically rolls down onto a screen 5 and is screened to obtain low-whiteness isomalt granules and screened isomalt powder.

[0121] (4) The low whiteness isomaltitol particles described in step (3) are fed into a vibrating fluidized bed 7 for drying. The temperature of the vibrating fluidized bed is 40°C and the drying time is 20 min. After drying, the particles are sieved and packaged at different mesh sizes.

[0122] (5) The isomaltitol powder after sieving in step (3) is collected in the powder receiving tank 6 and returned to step (2) for reuse via the feeding pump 4;

[0123] There is no specific order between steps (4) and (5).

[0124] Application Example 4

[0125] This application example provides a method for using the apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol granules as described in Example 4, the method comprising the following steps:

[0126] (1) After concentrating the isomalt liquid, it was kept at 130°C to obtain a concentrated isomalt liquid with a solid content of 96%;

[0127] (2) Load the isomaltitol powder into the powder feeder 2, and turn on the powder feeder 2 and the vibrating ramp 3;

[0128] (3) The concentrated isomalt liquid from step (1) is loaded into a straight-tube feeder 1 and dripped through the holes of the straight-tube feeder 1 onto a slope covered with isomalt powder. It then automatically rolls down onto a screen 5 and is screened through the screen 5 to obtain low-whiteness isomalt granules and screened isomalt powder.

[0129] (4) The low whiteness isomaltitol particles described in step (3) are fed into a vibrating fluidized bed 7 for drying. The temperature of the vibrating fluidized bed is 25°C and the drying time is 20 min. After drying, the particles are sieved and packaged at different mesh sizes.

[0130] (5) The isomaltitol powder after sieving in step (3) is collected in the powder receiving tank 6 and returned to step (2) for reuse via the feeding pump 4;

[0131] There is no specific order between steps (4) and (5).

[0132] Application Example 5-12

[0133] The difference from Application Example 1 is that this Application Example provides a method of using the apparatus for preparing low-whiteness isomaltitol particles as described in Examples 5-12.

[0134] Application Example 13

[0135] The difference from Application Example 1 is that, except that the solid content in the concentrated isomaltitol solution described in step (1) is 93%, everything else is the same as in Application Example 1.

[0136] Application Example 14

[0137] The difference from Application Example 1 is that, except that the solid content in the concentrated isomaltitol solution described in step (1) is 98%, everything else is the same as in Application Example 1.

[0138] Application Example 15

[0139] The difference from Application Example 1 is that, except that the temperature of the isomaltitol liquid concentration after step (1) is 100°C, everything else is the same as Application Example 1.

[0140] Application Example 16

[0141] The difference from Application Example 1 is that, except for the isomaltitol liquid concentration temperature of 150°C described in step (1), everything else is the same as Application Example 1.

[0142] Application Comparative Example 1

[0143] The difference from Application Example 1 is that this Application Example provides a method of using the apparatus for preparing low whiteness isomaltitol particles as described in Comparative Example 1. In the method of use, it is not necessary to turn on the powder feeder 2 in step (2), and in step (3), the powder is dripped onto the slope 3 through the hole of the straight tube feeder 1. The isomaltitol powder is not laid on the slope. The rest is the same as Application Example 1.

[0144] Application Comparative Example 2

[0145] The difference from Application Example 1 is that this application example provides a method of using the apparatus for preparing low whiteness isomaltitol particles as described in Comparative Example 2. In the method of use, it is not necessary to turn on the vibrating ramp 3 in step (2), and in step (3), the powder is dripped through the holes of the straight tube feeder 1 onto a regular ramp covered with isomaltitol powder. This ramp has no vibration function.

[0146] Test method: Using WSB— The whiteness of the products in Examples 1-16 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were tested using an intelligent whiteness meter; the purity of the products in Examples 1-16 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were tested using a Waters e2695 high-performance liquid chromatography according to the component detection method in QB / T 4486-2013; and the moisture content of the products in Examples 1-16 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were tested using a DHG-9146A electric thermostatic drying oven according to the direct drying method in the national standard GB 5009.3 moisture detection method.

[0147] The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0148] Table 1

[0149]

[0150] The test results show that:

[0151] (1) As can be seen from Application Examples 1 to 4, the present invention can achieve the preparation of low whiteness isomaltitol particles by using a straight tube feeder to granulate in a sloping manner. The whiteness of the prepared isomaltitol particles is 80-85, the purity is ≥99%, and the moisture content is ≤3.0%.

[0152] (2) As can be seen from Application Examples 1 to 5-8, in Application Example 5, when the aperture of the straight cylindrical distributor is too large, the mass of a single drop of liquid is too large. When it flows down through the distributor, it hits the slope and forms a single-sided plane before vibrating and falling, failing to form regular particles. In Application Example 6, when the aperture of the straight cylindrical distributor is too small, the liquid does not easily flow down through the distributor, and the flowing material causes stringing due to rapid cooling. In Application Example 7, when the vertical distance between the straight cylindrical distributor and the highest point of the vibrating slope is too long, the surface hardening is greater, and the material dripping onto the slope... The amount of isomaltitol powder adhering to the material is greatly reduced, and the particles obtained after vibrating sieving will have high transparency, resulting in whiteness that does not meet the requirements. In application example 8, when the vertical distance between the straight cylindrical feeder and the highest point of the vibrating slope is too short, the drop path is short, the surface hardening degree is low, and there are more elliptical particles after vibration and rolling down, and the particles are irregular. It can be seen that the present invention obtains isomaltitol particle products with different particle sizes and low whiteness by limiting the aperture of the holes of the straight cylindrical feeder and the height of the straight cylindrical feeder and the vibrating slope.

[0153] (3) As can be seen from Application Examples 1 to 9-12, when the angle of the vibrating ramp in Application Example 9 is too small or the vibration frequency in Application Example 11 is too low, the droplets cannot pass through the ramp quickly after falling and all accumulate on the ramp. Moreover, due to incomplete hardening, they block the subsequent droplets from rolling down, and the liquid material accumulates on the ramp. Some of the rolling material is also irregularly elliptical or dome-shaped. The irregular particle size is not conducive to continuous production and output improvement. When the angle of the vibrating ramp in Application Example 10 is too large or the vibration frequency in Application Example 12 is too high, the droplets roll down the ramp too quickly after falling, and the surface of the droplets is not completely hardened. After falling on the ramp, they form irregularly shaped particles. At the same time, the rolling time on the ramp is insufficient, and the amount of powder adhering to the ramp may be reduced, which may lead to low whiteness. It can be seen that the present invention obtains isomaltitol particle products with different particle sizes and low whiteness by limiting the angle and vibration frequency of the vibrating ramp.

[0154] (4) As can be seen from Application Examples 1 and 13-16, when the solid content in the concentrated isomalt solution in Application Example 13 is low, the surface of the isomalt solution cannot harden after dripping, and it cannot form completely hardened particles after drying; when the solid content in the concentrated isomalt solution in Application Example 14 is high, the concentrated isomalt solution is not easy to drip, the dripping speed is slow, the droplets show a tailing phenomenon and irregular shape, and at the same time, because the material is closer to the molten state, it will lead to excessive whiteness; when the holding temperature after the concentration of isomalt liquid in Application Example 15 is too low, the viscosity of the solution increases and the fluidity is poor; when the holding temperature after the concentration of isomalt liquid in Application Example 16 is too high, its chemical purity will not be affected at high temperature, but the physical state will change and slight side reactions may occur, thus affecting the component detection data and causing the component detection value to decrease slightly. Meanwhile, high temperatures may cause water to evaporate too quickly, resulting in an excessively high local solids concentration and a sharp increase in viscosity, which in turn reduces fluidity and hinders dripping. Therefore, this invention obtains isomaltitol granule products with different particle sizes and low whiteness by limiting the heat preservation temperature and solids content after isomaltitol liquid concentration.

[0155] (5) As can be seen from Application Example 1 and Application Comparative Example 1-2, when the powder feeder and vibrating ramp are not used, the powder cannot be fed normally, and it is impossible to obtain isomaltitol granules with different particle sizes and low whiteness.

[0156] In summary, this invention uses a straight-cylinder feeder with a sloping downward sliding method for granulation. At the same time, when the powder drips onto the surface, there is a buffering force that does not damage the particle shape and accelerates particle hardening. During the rolling process on the slope, the particles can be further shaped, resulting in a better final particle shape. Furthermore, due to the surface powder, the particles are neither transparent nor pure white, but have a certain degree of whiteness, which can achieve the preparation of low-whiteness isomaltitol particles.

[0157] The applicant declares that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention fall within the protection and disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for preparing low whiteness isomalt granules, characterized in that, The device comprises a straight cylinder distributor, a powder feeder, a vibrating slope, a feeding pump, a screen and a powder receiving tank, the straight cylinder distributor is arranged above the vibrating slope, and arrayed holes are arranged at the bottom end of the straight cylinder distributor towards the direction of the slope; the powder feeder is arranged at the highest position of the vibrating slope; the screen is arranged below the lowest position of the vibrating slope, the powder receiving tank is arranged below the screen and connected with the feeding pump, and the feeding pump is connected with the powder feeder.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The length of the straight cylinder distributor is equal to the width of the vibrating slope; Preferably, the vertical distance between the straight cylinder distributor and the highest position of the vibrating slope is 1-1.5 m; Preferably, the diameter of each of the arrayed holes at the bottom end of the straight cylinder distributor is independently 1.5-3 mm; Preferably, the distance between two adjacent holes of the arrayed holes at the bottom end of the straight cylinder distributor is 8-12 mm.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The slope of the vibrating slope is 30°-40° to the horizontal direction; Preferably, the oscillation frequency of the vibrating slope is 5-10 Hz; Preferably, the mesh number of the screen is 100-150 mesh.

4. The device according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that The powder feeder is arranged at the two ends and the middle position of the highest position of the vibrating slope; Preferably, the feeding pump comprises a vacuum feeding pump; Preferably, the device further comprises a vibrating fluidized bed connected with the screen; Preferably, the vibrating fluidized bed comprises a drying assembly and a screening assembly.

5. A method of preparing low whiteness isomalt granules, characterized in that, The method is carried out by using the device for preparing low-whiteness isomalt granules according to any one of claims 1-4.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method comprises the following steps: (1) concentrating isomalt liquid and then heat preserving to obtain concentrated isomalt liquid; (2) loading isomalt powder into the powder feeder, and then starting the powder feeder and the vibrating slope; (3) loading the concentrated isomalt liquid of step (1) into the straight cylinder distributor, and then dripping through the holes of the straight cylinder distributor to the slope covered with isomalt powder, and then automatically rolling down to the screen to be screened to obtain low-whiteness isomalt granules and screened isomalt powder.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: (4) loading the low-whiteness isomalt granules of step (3) into the vibrating fluidized bed for drying, and then screening with different mesh numbers and packaging; (5) loading the screened isomalt powder of step (3) into the powder receiving tank, and then returning to step (2) by the feeding pump for repeated use; Steps (4) and (5) have no sequence.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The heat preserving temperature of step (1) is 120-140℃; Preferably, the solid content of the concentrated isomalt liquid of step (1) is 95-97%; Preferably, the temperature of the vibrating fluidized bed of step (4) is 25-40℃; Preferably, the drying time of step (4) is 10-20 min.

9. A low brightness isomalt granulate prepared according to the method of any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The low-whiteness isomalt granules are solid spherical and translucent.

10. Use of the low- brightness isomaltulose particles according to claim 9, characterized in that The use includes application in solid beverage, meal replacement powder, lollipop or hard candy.

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