Method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, relating to the field of xylose production. The invention includes equipment for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, comprising: a sieving machine for removing dust and fine debris from the corn cobs; and a drum-type washing machine for cleaning the dust and debris from the corn cobs. This invention, through a specially designed soaking device and a timed control system, precisely controls the absorption amount, allowing for more complete hydrolysis of hemicellulose in the corn cob particles into xylose. This reduces incomplete reactions or side reactions caused by insufficient or excessive absorption. The process eliminates the need for frequent manual intervention and can automatically perform detection at preset time intervals, significantly saving labor and time costs. Because the weight of dilute sulfuric acid absorbed by the corn cob particles can be precisely controlled, the reaction conditions for each batch are more consistent, thus ensuring the stability and consistency of the xylose syrup product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of xylose production technology, and more specifically, to a method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs. Background Technology

[0002] Corn cob is mainly composed of three components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Hemicellulose is relatively high and is the main source of xylose. After proper hydrolysis, the xylan in hemicellulose can be efficiently converted into xylose, providing a rich material basis for the subsequent production of xylose syrup.

[0003] Traditional high-temperature and high-pressure hydrolysis methods can completely extract xylose from corn cobs, but this requires two high-temperature and high-pressure hydrolysis processes and two washing processes. The high-temperature and high-pressure hydrolysis process usually consumes a lot of energy to maintain the required temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in high energy consumption. Although high temperature and high pressure can accelerate the reaction rate, in some cases the reaction time is still long, affecting production efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, we have made improvements and proposed a method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the issue that while traditional high-temperature and high-pressure hydrolysis methods can completely extract xylose from corn cobs, they require two high-temperature and high-pressure hydrolysis processes and two washing processes. The high-temperature and high-pressure hydrolysis process usually consumes a large amount of energy to maintain the required temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in high energy consumption. Although high temperature and high pressure can accelerate the reaction rate, in some cases the reaction time is still relatively long, affecting production efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] The application is as follows:

[0008] A device for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs includes:

[0009] A sieving machine is used to remove dust and fine debris from corn cobs;

[0010] A drum-type washing machine is used to clean dust and debris from corn cobs.

[0011] A pulverizer is used to crush corn cobs into appropriate particle sizes.

[0012] A cooking tank is used to remove the gum and some of the hemicellulose from corn cobs;

[0013] Bleaching tanks are used to remove pigments and some impurities from corn cobs.

[0014] Soaking device for absorbing dilute sulfuric acid solution from corn cobs;

[0015] Hydrolysis reactor, used for hydrolyzing corn cobs;

[0016] Neutralization tank, used to neutralize the pH value of the hydrolysate;

[0017] A filtration device for filtering hydrolysate, separating solid residue and liquid containing xylose;

[0018] A decolorizing device used to remove impurities and pigments from liquids containing xylose;

[0019] An ion exchanger removes mineral and metal ions from a liquid containing xylose using an ion exchange resin.

[0020] A vacuum evaporator is used to concentrate xylose solution by vacuum evaporation.

[0021] Preferably, the soaking device includes a base plate, an adjusting component is installed on the top of the base plate, a hanging scale is installed at the output end of the adjusting component, multiple hanging ropes are installed at the bottom of the hanging scale, multiple hooks are installed at the other end of the hanging ropes, a soaking tank is installed on the top of the base plate, a water receiving hopper is installed on the top of the soaking tank, a liquid inlet is installed at the top of the side of the soaking tank, a liquid outlet is installed at the bottom of the side of the soaking tank, a mesh basket is provided inside the soaking tank, multiple through holes are opened on the mesh basket, a connecting block is installed on the top of the mesh basket, a rotating ball is rotatably connected inside the connecting block, a lifting ring is installed on the rotating ball, and the lifting ring cooperates with the rotating ball.

[0022] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes a mounting platform installed on the top of the base plate, the mounting platform having a mounting cavity, a limit groove being formed at the top of the mounting cavity, a motor being installed at the bottom of the mounting cavity, a limit block being movably connected in the limit groove, the output end of the motor being fixedly connected to the limit block, a support column being installed at the top of the limit block, a support plate being installed at the top of the support column, a hydraulic cylinder being installed at the bottom of the support plate, and the output end of the hydraulic cylinder being fixedly connected to the crane scale.

[0023] A method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, comprising: the xylose syrup extraction equipment described in any one of the above-mentioned methods, wherein the specific steps are as follows:

[0024] SA1. Collect the dried corn cobs and use a sieve cleaner to remove dust and small debris. Then, use a drum washing machine to wash away the dust and debris from the corn cobs.

[0025] SA2. Feed the cleaned corn cobs into a pulverizer and pulverize them into corn cob particles of appropriate size.

[0026] SA3. The corn cob kernels are fed into a cooking tank and treated by soaking in hot water and then cooked at a higher temperature to remove the gum and some of the hemicellulose from the corn cob kernels.

[0027] SA4. The corn cob particles are sent into the bleaching tank and bleached using sodium hypochlorite bleaching agent to remove pigments and some impurities.

[0028] SA5. Add corn cob kernels to the mesh basket in the soaking tank. Weigh the corn cob kernels in the mesh basket using a hanging scale and record the weight. Add dilute sulfuric acid solution to the soaking tank. Move the mesh basket using the adjusting component to completely submerge the corn cob kernels. The timer control system controls the mesh basket to rise at regular intervals to drain excess solution from the surface of the corn cob kernels. The hanging scale detects the weight of the sulfuric acid solution absorbed by the corn cob kernels. When the weight of the absorbed sulfuric acid solution reaches 2-3 times the weight of the corn cob kernels, send the corn cob kernels to the hydrolysis kettle.

[0029] SA6. Add 2% to 3% dilute sulfuric acid to the hydrolysis vessel and hydrolyze the corn cob at 120-125℃ for 240 minutes to decompose hemicellulose into xylose. After hydrolysis, separate and collect the hydrolysate.

[0030] SA7. Measure the pH value of the hydrolysate and send the hydrolysate into the neutralization tank. Add a 1% to 5% dilute alkali solution to the neutralization tank to neutralize the acid in the hydrolysate until the pH value of the hydrolysate reaches 7.

[0031] SA8. The hydrolysate with a pH of 7 is filtered through a filtration device to separate solid residue and liquid containing xylose.

[0032] SA9. The liquid containing xylose is fed into a decolorizing device, and activated carbon decolorizing agent is used to remove impurities and pigments from the liquid containing xylose to obtain a colorless and transparent liquid.

[0033] SA10. A colorless and transparent liquid is fed into an ion exchanger, and the remaining calcium sulfate is removed by cation exchange and anion exchange in sequence to obtain a xylose solution.

[0034] SA11. The xylose solution is fed into a vacuum evaporator and concentrated to the required concentration to obtain xylose syrup.

[0035] Preferably, in step SA3, the cooking temperature is 100°C and the cooking time is 90 minutes.

[0036] Preferably, in step SA5, the concentration of the dilute sulfuric acid solution is 0.5% to 2.0%, and the soaking temperature is 20-100°C.

[0037] Preferably, in step SA5, the timing control system includes the following specific operations:

[0038] SB1, Start Operation;

[0039] SB2. Measure the weight of the net basket using a crane scale, record the weight of the net basket, and name the weight of the net basket L;

[0040] SB3. After adding the corn cob kernels to the basket, use a hanging scale to measure the total weight of the basket and the corn cob kernels. Name the total weight Z and the weight of the corn cob kernels N. Calculate the value of N using ZL=N and record the value of N.

[0041] SB3. By starting the hydraulic cylinder, the basket is moved downwards so that the corn cob particles in the basket are completely submerged in the dilute sulfuric acid solution in the soaking tank, and the start time is recorded.

[0042] SB4. Based on the start time of SB3, 4 hours after the start time, the hydraulic cylinder is activated to move the basket upwards to drain the excess solution from the surface of the corn cob particles. The total weight of the basket, corn cob particles and absorbed sulfuric acid solution is measured by a hanging scale and named Z1. The weight of the absorbed sulfuric acid solution is named X. The value of X is obtained by calculating Z1-LN=X and the value of X is recorded.

[0043] SB5. Based on N and X, determine whether "3N≥X≥2N" is true. If it is true, proceed to step SB7; if it is false, proceed to step SB6.

[0044] SB6. By starting the hydraulic cylinder, the basket is moved downwards, so that the corn cob particles in the basket are completely immersed in the dilute sulfuric acid solution in the soaking tank again. After 10 minutes, the hydraulic cylinder is started again, and the basket is moved upwards to drain the excess solution from the surface of the corn cob particles. The value of Z1 is checked again by the crane scale, and the value of X is calculated again by Z1-LN=X. The value of X is recorded, and then step SB5 is performed.

[0045] SB7. The corn cob particles are fed to the hydrolysis reactor by adjusting the components;

[0046] SB8, End Operation.

[0047] Preferably, in step SA7, the hydrolysate contains about 0.6% to 0.8% sulfuric acid, has a pH of about 1, a neutralization temperature of 75 to 80°C, and the temperature at which the dilute alkali solution is added is 15°C.

[0048] Preferably, in step SA9, the amount of activated carbon decolorizing agent used is 10% of the liquid containing xylose, and the temperature of the liquid containing xylose during decolorization is 75-80°C.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0050] 1. Dilute sulfuric acid can act as a catalyst to accelerate the hydrolysis of xylan in corn cobs, breaking the long chains of xylan into smaller fragments, making it easier to convert into xylose and increasing the yield of xylose. Xylan is the main component of hemicellulose in corn cobs. Through the catalytic action of dilute sulfuric acid, it can be hydrolyzed efficiently under relatively mild conditions, providing more raw materials for xylose extraction.

[0051] 2. During the soaking process with dilute sulfuric acid, the sulfuric acid can penetrate evenly into the interior of the corn cob particles, ensuring that all parts of the corn cob particles are fully in contact with the acid solution. This guarantees that the hydrolysis reaction proceeds uniformly throughout the corn cob particles, improving the overall efficiency of the reaction and reducing the differences in xylose yield and quality caused by uneven reaction. In addition to xylan, corn cob particles also contain a certain amount of lignin. The presence of lignin can affect the extraction of xylose and the subsequent purification process. Soaking with dilute sulfuric acid can degrade or dissolve some of the lignin, thereby reducing the lignin content in the corn cob, reducing its interference with xylose extraction, and improving the purity of xylose.

[0052] 3. After absorbing dilute sulfuric acid, the internal structure of corn cob particles changes to a certain extent, becoming more porous, which increases the permeability of the material. This allows the subsequent extraction solvent to more easily enter the interior of the corn cob particles and fully contact components such as xylan, improving the extraction effect. It also facilitates the diffusion and separation of the reaction product xylose. The porous material structure allows enzymes or other reaction reagents to more fully contact the xylan in the corn cob, improving the accessibility of the reaction, accelerating the reaction rate, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0053] 4. By using a soaking device and a timed control system, the absorption amount can be precisely controlled, allowing the hemicellulose in the corn cob particles to be more fully hydrolyzed into xylose. This reduces incomplete reactions or side reactions caused by insufficient or excessive absorption. The detection process can be automatically performed at preset time intervals without frequent manual intervention, greatly saving manpower and time costs. Because the weight of dilute sulfuric acid absorbed by the corn cob particles can be precisely controlled, the reaction conditions for each batch are more consistent, thus ensuring the stability and consistency of the xylose syrup product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the soaking device of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the soaking device of this application;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the mounting platform in this application;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the basket structure in this application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the connecting block in this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to this application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control flow of the timing control system of this application.

[0061] The image shows:

[0062] 1. Base plate; 2. Mounting platform; 3. Mounting cavity; 4. Limiting groove; 5. Motor; 6. Limiting block; 7. Support column; 8. Support plate; 9. Hydraulic cylinder; 10. Hanging scale; 11. Lifting rope; 12. Lifting hook; 13. Lifting ring; 14. Rotating ball; 15. Connecting block; 16. Net basket; 17. Through hole; 18. Immersion tank; 19. Liquid inlet; 20. Liquid outlet; 21. Water receiving basin. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0064] Therefore, the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely illustrates some embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0066] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0067] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. These terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0068] As described in the background art, although the traditional high temperature and high pressure hydrolysis method can completely extract xylose from corn cobs, it requires two high temperature and high pressure hydrolysis processes and two washing processes. The high temperature and high pressure hydrolysis process usually consumes a lot of energy to maintain the required temperature and pressure conditions, resulting in high energy consumption. Although high temperature and high pressure can accelerate the reaction rate, in some cases the reaction time is still long, affecting production efficiency.

[0069] To solve this technical problem, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0070] Please refer to Figure 1-7 A device for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, comprising:

[0071] A sieving machine is used to remove dust and fine debris from corn cobs;

[0072] A drum-type washing machine is used to clean dust and debris from corn cobs.

[0073] A pulverizer is used to crush corn cobs into appropriate particle sizes.

[0074] A cooking tank is used to remove the gum and some of the hemicellulose from corn cobs;

[0075] Bleaching tanks are used to remove pigments and some impurities from corn cobs.

[0076] Soaking device for absorbing dilute sulfuric acid solution from corn cobs;

[0077] Hydrolysis reactor, used for hydrolyzing corn cobs;

[0078] Neutralization tank, used to neutralize the pH value of the hydrolysate;

[0079] A filtration device for filtering hydrolysate, separating solid residue and liquid containing xylose;

[0080] A decolorizing device used to remove impurities and pigments from liquids containing xylose;

[0081] An ion exchanger removes mineral and metal ions from a liquid containing xylose using an ion exchange resin.

[0082] A vacuum evaporator is used to concentrate xylose solution by vacuum evaporation.

[0083] The soaking device includes a base plate 1, an adjustment component on the top of the base plate 1, a hanging scale 10 at the output end of the adjustment component, multiple hanging ropes 11 at the bottom of the hanging scale 10, and multiple hooks 12 at the other end of the hanging ropes 11. A soaking tank 18 is installed on the top of the base plate 1, a water receiving hopper 21 is installed on the top of the soaking tank 18, a liquid inlet 19 is installed at the top of the side of the soaking tank 18, a liquid outlet 20 is installed at the bottom of the side of the soaking tank 18, a net basket 16 is provided inside the soaking tank 18, multiple through holes 17 are opened on the net basket 16, a connecting block 15 is installed on the top of the net basket 16, a rotating ball 14 is rotatably connected inside the connecting block 15, and a lifting ring 13 is installed on the rotating ball 14, which cooperates with the rotating ball 14. The adjustment assembly includes a mounting platform 2 installed on the top of the base plate 1. The mounting platform 2 has a mounting cavity 3. A limit groove 4 is opened on the top of the mounting cavity 3. A motor 5 is installed at the bottom of the mounting cavity 3. A limit block 6 is movably connected in the limit groove 4. The output end of the motor 5 is fixedly connected to the limit block 6. A support column 7 is installed on the top of the limit block 6. A support plate 8 is installed on the top of the support column 7. A hydraulic cylinder 9 is installed at the bottom of the support plate 8. The output end of the hydraulic cylinder 9 is fixedly connected to the crane scale 10.

[0084] A method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, comprising: the xylose syrup extraction equipment described in any one of the above-mentioned methods, wherein the specific steps are as follows:

[0085] SA1. Collect the dried corn cobs and use a sieve cleaner to remove dust and small debris. Then, use a drum washing machine to wash away the dust and debris from the corn cobs.

[0086] SA2. Feed the cleaned corn cobs into a pulverizer and pulverize them into corn cob particles of appropriate size.

[0087] SA3. The corn cob kernels are fed into a cooking tank and treated by soaking in hot water and then cooking at a higher temperature to remove the gum and some hemicellulose from the corn cob kernels. The cooking temperature is 100℃ and the cooking time is 90 minutes.

[0088] SA4. The corn cob particles are sent into the bleaching tank and bleached using sodium hypochlorite bleaching agent to remove pigments and some impurities.

[0089] SA5. Add corn cob kernels to the mesh basket 16 in the soaking tank 18. Weigh the corn cob kernels in the mesh basket 16 using the hanging scale 10 and record the weight of the corn cob kernels. Add dilute sulfuric acid solution to the soaking tank 18. Move the mesh basket 16 using the adjusting component to completely submerge the corn cob kernels in the mesh basket 16. The timing control system controls the mesh basket 16 to rise in a timed manner using the adjusting component to drain excess solution from the surface of the corn cob kernels. The hanging scale 10 detects the weight of the sulfuric acid solution absorbed by the corn cob kernels. When the weight of the absorbed sulfuric acid solution reaches 2-3 times the weight of the corn cob kernels, send the corn cob kernels to the hydrolysis kettle. The concentration of the dilute sulfuric acid solution is 0.5% to 2.0%, and the soaking temperature is 20-100℃.

[0090] The timing control system includes the following specific operations:

[0091] SB1, Start Operation;

[0092] SB2. Measure the weight of the net basket 16 using the hanging scale 10, record the weight of the net basket 16, and name the weight of the net basket 16 as L;

[0093] SB3. After adding the corn cob kernels to the mesh basket 16, use the hanging scale 10 to measure the total weight of the mesh basket 16 and the corn cob kernels. Name the total weight Z and the weight of the corn cob kernels N. Calculate the value of N using ZL=N and record the value of N.

[0094] SB3. By starting the hydraulic cylinder 9, the basket 16 is moved downwards so that the corn cob particles in the basket 16 are completely immersed in the dilute sulfuric acid solution in the soaking tank 18, and the start time is recorded.

[0095] SB4. Based on the start time of SB3, 4 hours after the start time, the hydraulic cylinder 9 is activated to move the basket 16 upward to drain the excess solution on the surface of the corn cob particles. The total weight of the basket 16, the corn cob particles and the absorbed sulfuric acid solution is detected by the hanging scale 10 and named Z1. The weight of the absorbed sulfuric acid solution is named X. The value of X is obtained by calculating Z1-LN=X and the value of X is recorded.

[0096] SB5. Based on N and X, determine whether "3N≥X≥2N" is true. If it is true, proceed to step SB7; if it is false, proceed to step SB6.

[0097] SB6. By starting the hydraulic cylinder 9, the basket 16 is moved downwards, so that the corn cob particles in the basket 16 are completely immersed in the dilute sulfuric acid solution in the soaking tank 18 again. After 10 minutes, the hydraulic cylinder 9 is started again, and the basket 16 is moved upwards to drain the excess solution from the surface of the corn cob particles. The value of Z1 is detected again by the hanging scale 10, and the value of X is calculated again by Z1-LN=X. The value of X is recorded, and then step SB5 is performed.

[0098] SB7. The corn cob particles are fed to the hydrolysis reactor by adjusting the components;

[0099] SB8, End Operation.

[0100] SA6. Add 2% to 3% dilute sulfuric acid to the hydrolysis vessel and hydrolyze the corn cob at 120-125℃ for 240 minutes to decompose hemicellulose into xylose. After hydrolysis, separate and collect the hydrolysate.

[0101] SA7. Measure the pH value of the hydrolysate and send the hydrolysate into a neutralization tank. Add a 1% to 5% dilute alkali solution to the neutralization tank to neutralize the acid in the hydrolysate until the pH value of the hydrolysate reaches 7. The hydrolysate contains about 0.6% to 0.8% sulfuric acid, with a pH value of about 1. The neutralization temperature is 75 to 80°C, and the temperature at which the dilute alkali solution is added is 15°C.

[0102] SA8. The hydrolysate with a pH of 7 is filtered through a filtration device to separate solid residue and liquid containing xylose.

[0103] SA9. The xylose-containing liquid is fed into a decolorizing device, and activated carbon decolorizing agent is used to remove impurities and pigments from the xylose-containing liquid to obtain a colorless and transparent liquid. The amount of activated carbon decolorizing agent used is 10% of the xylose-containing liquid, and the temperature of the xylose-containing liquid during decolorization is 75-80℃.

[0104] SA10. A colorless and transparent liquid is fed into an ion exchanger, and the remaining calcium sulfate is removed by cation exchange and anion exchange in sequence to obtain a xylose solution.

[0105] SA11. The xylose solution is fed into a vacuum evaporator and concentrated to the desired concentration to obtain xylose syrup. In summary, the method of extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs has the following beneficial effects:

[0106] 1. Dilute sulfuric acid can act as a catalyst to accelerate the hydrolysis of xylan in corn cobs, breaking the long chains of xylan into smaller fragments, making it easier to convert into xylose and increasing the yield of xylose. Xylan is the main component of hemicellulose in corn cobs. Through the catalytic action of dilute sulfuric acid, it can be hydrolyzed efficiently under relatively mild conditions, providing more raw materials for xylose extraction.

[0107] 2. During the soaking process with dilute sulfuric acid, the sulfuric acid can penetrate evenly into the interior of the corn cob particles, ensuring that all parts of the corn cob particles are fully in contact with the acid solution. This guarantees that the hydrolysis reaction proceeds uniformly throughout the corn cob particles, improving the overall efficiency of the reaction and reducing the differences in xylose yield and quality caused by uneven reaction. In addition to xylan, corn cob particles also contain a certain amount of lignin. The presence of lignin can affect the extraction of xylose and the subsequent purification process. Soaking with dilute sulfuric acid can degrade or dissolve some of the lignin, thereby reducing the lignin content in the corn cob, reducing its interference with xylose extraction, and improving the purity of xylose.

[0108] 3. After absorbing dilute sulfuric acid, the internal structure of corn cob particles changes to a certain extent, becoming more porous, which increases the permeability of the material. This allows the subsequent extraction solvent to more easily enter the interior of the corn cob particles and fully contact components such as xylan, improving the extraction effect. It also facilitates the diffusion and separation of the reaction product xylose. The porous material structure allows enzymes or other reaction reagents to more fully contact the xylan in the corn cob, improving the accessibility of the reaction, accelerating the reaction rate, shortening the production cycle, and improving production efficiency.

[0109] 4. By using a soaking device and a timed control system, the absorption amount can be precisely controlled, allowing the hemicellulose in the corn cob particles to be more fully hydrolyzed into xylose. This reduces incomplete reactions or side reactions caused by insufficient or excessive absorption. The detection process can be automatically performed at preset time intervals without frequent manual intervention, greatly saving manpower and time costs. Because the weight of dilute sulfuric acid absorbed by the corn cob particles can be precisely controlled, the reaction conditions for each batch are more consistent, thus ensuring the stability and consistency of the xylose syrup product quality.

[0110] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0112] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0113] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described herein. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Therefore, any modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention, as well as all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, are covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, characterized in that, include: A sieving machine is used to remove dust and fine debris from corn cobs; A drum-type washing machine is used to clean dust and debris from corn cobs. A pulverizer is used to crush corn cobs into appropriate particle sizes. A cooking tank is used to remove the gum and some of the hemicellulose from corn cobs; Bleaching tanks are used to remove pigments and some impurities from corn cobs. Soaking device for absorbing dilute sulfuric acid solution from corn cobs; Hydrolysis reactor, used for hydrolyzing corn cobs; Neutralization tank, used to neutralize the pH value of the hydrolysate; A filtration device for filtering hydrolysate, separating solid residue and liquid containing xylose; A decolorizing device used to remove impurities and pigments from liquids containing xylose; An ion exchanger removes mineral and metal ions from a liquid containing xylose using an ion exchange resin. A vacuum evaporator is used to concentrate xylose solution by vacuum evaporation.

2. The equipment for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soaking device includes a base plate (1), an adjustment assembly is installed on the top of the base plate (1), a hanging scale (10) is installed at the output end of the adjustment assembly, a plurality of hanging ropes (11) are installed at the bottom end of the hanging scale (10), a plurality of hooks (12) are installed at the other end of the hanging ropes (11), a soaking tank (18) is installed on the top of the base plate (1), a water receiving hopper (21) is installed on the top of the soaking tank (18), and a water receiving hopper (21) is installed on the top of the side of the soaking tank (18). The soaking tank (18) has an inlet (19) and a drain (20) at the bottom of its side. The soaking tank (18) is equipped with a mesh basket (16) with multiple through holes (17). The top of the mesh basket (16) is equipped with a connecting block (15). A rotating ball (14) is rotatably connected inside the connecting block (15). A hanging ring (13) is installed on the rotating ball (14), and the hanging ring (13) cooperates with the rotating ball (14).

3. The equipment for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a mounting platform (2) installed on the top of the base plate (1), a mounting cavity (3) is provided in the mounting platform (2), a limit groove (4) is opened on the top of the mounting cavity (3), a motor (5) is installed at the bottom of the mounting cavity (3), a limit block (6) is movably connected in the limit groove (4), the output end of the motor (5) is fixedly connected to the limit block (6), a support column (7) is installed on the top of the limit block (6), a support plate (8) is installed on the top of the support column (7), a hydraulic cylinder (9) is installed at the bottom of the support plate (8), and the output end of the hydraulic cylinder (9) is fixedly connected to the crane scale (10).

4. A method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs, characterized in that, include: The equipment for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to any one of claims 1-3 comprises the following specific steps: SA1. Collect the dried corn cobs and use a sieve cleaner to remove dust and small debris. Then, use a drum washing machine to wash away the dust and debris from the corn cobs. SA2. The cleaned corn cobs are fed into a pulverizer, which pulverizes the corn cobs into corn cob particles of appropriate size. SA3. The corn cob kernels are fed into a cooking tank and treated by soaking in hot water and then cooked at a higher temperature to remove the gum and some of the hemicellulose from the corn cob kernels. SA4. The corn cob particles are sent into the bleaching tank and bleached using sodium hypochlorite bleaching agent to remove pigments and some impurities. SA5. Add corn cob particles to the mesh basket (16) in the soaking tank (18). Weigh the corn cob particles in the mesh basket (16) using the hanging scale (10) and record the weight of the corn cob particles. Add dilute sulfuric acid solution to the soaking tank (18). Move the mesh basket (16) by adjusting the component to completely submerge the corn cob particles in the mesh basket (16). The timing control system controls the mesh basket (16) to rise in a timed manner by adjusting the component to drain the excess solution on the surface of the corn cob particles. The hanging scale (10) detects the weight of the sulfuric acid solution absorbed by the corn cob particles. When the weight of the absorbed sulfuric acid solution reaches 2-3 times the weight of the corn cob particles, send the corn cob particles to the hydrolysis kettle. SA6. Add 2% to 3% dilute sulfuric acid to the hydrolysis vessel and hydrolyze the corn cob at 120-125℃ for 240 minutes to decompose hemicellulose into xylose. After hydrolysis, separate and collect the hydrolysate. SA7. Measure the pH value of the hydrolysate and send the hydrolysate into the neutralization tank. Add a 1% to 5% dilute alkali solution to the neutralization tank to neutralize the acid in the hydrolysate until the pH value of the hydrolysate reaches 7. SA8. The hydrolysate with a pH of 7 is filtered through a filtration device to separate solid residue and liquid containing xylose. SA9. The liquid containing xylose is fed into a decolorizing device, and activated carbon decolorizing agent is used to remove impurities and pigments from the liquid containing xylose to obtain a colorless and transparent liquid. SA10. A colorless and transparent liquid is fed into an ion exchanger, and the remaining calcium sulfate is removed by cation exchange and anion exchange in sequence to obtain a xylose solution. SA11. The xylose solution is fed into a vacuum evaporator and concentrated to the required concentration to obtain xylose syrup.

5. A method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step SA3, the cooking temperature is 100°C and the cooking time is 90 minutes.

6. The method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step SA5, the concentration of the dilute sulfuric acid solution is 0.5% to 2.0%, and the soaking temperature is 20-100℃.

7. The method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step SA5, the timing control system includes the following specific operations: SB1, Start Operation; SB2. The weight of the net basket (16) is measured by the hanging scale (10), the weight of the net basket (16) is recorded, and the weight of the net basket (16) is named L; SB3. After adding the corn cob kernels into the basket (16), the total weight of the basket (16) and the corn cob kernels is measured by the hanging scale (10). The total weight is named Z, and the weight of the corn cob kernels is named N. The value of N is obtained by calculating ZL=N, and the value of N is recorded. SB3. By starting the hydraulic cylinder (9), the basket (16) is moved downwards so that the corn cob particles in the basket (16) are completely immersed in the dilute sulfuric acid solution in the soaking tank (18), and the start time is recorded. SB4. Based on the start time of SB3, 4 hours after the start time, the hydraulic cylinder (9) is started to move the basket (16) upward to drain the excess solution on the surface of the corn cob particles. The total weight of the basket (16), corn cob particles and absorbed sulfuric acid solution is detected by the hanging scale (10), and the total weight is named Z1. The weight of the absorbed sulfuric acid solution is named X. The value of X is obtained by calculating Z1-LN=X and the value of X is recorded. SB5. Based on N and X, determine whether "3N≥X≥2N" is true. If it is true, proceed to step SB7; if it is false, proceed to step SB6. SB6. By starting the hydraulic cylinder (9), the basket (16) is moved downwards, so that the corn cob particles in the basket (16) are completely immersed in the dilute sulfuric acid solution in the soaking tank (18) again. After 10 minutes, the hydraulic cylinder (9) is started again, and the hydraulic cylinder (9) moves the basket (16) upwards to drain the excess solution on the surface of the corn cob particles. The value of Z1 is detected again by the hanging scale (10), and the value of X is calculated again by Z1-LN=X. The value of X is recorded, and then step SB5 is performed. SB7. The corn cob particles are fed to the hydrolysis reactor by adjusting the components; SB8, End Operation.

8. A method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step SA7, the hydrolysate contains approximately 0.6% to 0.8% sulfuric acid, has a pH of around 1, a neutralization temperature of 75 to 80°C, and is added at 15°C.

9. A method for extracting xylose syrup from corn cobs according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step SA9, the amount of activated carbon decolorizing agent used is 10% of the liquid containing xylose, and the temperature of the liquid containing xylose during decolorization is 75-80°C.

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