Continuous crystallization device for stevioside production

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for the technical field of stevioside production, and provides a continuous crystallization device for stevioside production, which comprises a crystallization tank and a filtering mechanism, the filtering mechanism comprises a first filtering tank, and the first filtering tank is communicated with the crystallizing tank through a first guide pipe; the filter screen is arranged in the first filter tank, and a second filter tank is communicated with one side, close to the filter screen, with lower inclination gradient through a second guide pipe; according to the stevioside crystallization tank, the uniformity of a solution can be ensured, aggregation and crystallization of stevioside molecules are promoted, meanwhile, the inner wall of the crystallization tank is kept clean, accumulation and caking of crystals are prevented, and therefore the production efficiency and purity of the stevioside crystals are improved; besides, the filtering mechanism realizes efficient and accurate separation of stevioside crystals and liquid, and the stevioside crystals and the liquid are respectively collected, so that efficient cyclic utilization of resources is realized, and the utilization rate of the resources is increased to the maximum extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of steviol glycoside production technology, and in particular relates to a continuous crystallization device for steviol glycoside production. Background Technology

[0002] Stevia is a high-intensity sweetener extracted from stevia leaves. It is mainly composed of various glycoside compounds such as rebaudioside A (RA) and steviol glycosides. In the production of steviol glycosides, the crystallization process is a crucial step.

[0003] However, the current equipment used for steviol glycoside crystallization has some problems during use. Specifically, crystals tend to adhere to the machine wall, which not only affects the purity and quality of the crystals but also leads to resource waste. In addition, the current equipment is inadequate in the recycling and management of crystals and the mixed solution. The mixed solution is often not effectively recycled and reused after crystallization, which not only wastes resources but may also have a negative impact on the environment. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a continuous crystallization device for the production of steviol glycosides, aiming to solve the problems of existing steviol glycoside crystallization devices where crystals easily adhere to the machine wall, affecting purity and quality, and causing resource waste; and the inadequate management of crystal and mixed liquid recycling, with the mixed liquid not being effectively recycled and reused, which wastes resources and may pollute the environment.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: a continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides includes a crystallization tank; a filtration mechanism located at the bottom of the crystallization tank; wherein the filtration mechanism includes: a first filter tank, which is connected to the crystallization tank via a first conduit; a filter screen disposed in the first filter tank, the filter screen being inclined; a second filter tank connected to the side of the filter screen with a lower inclination slope via a second conduit; a conveying auger arranged in a transverse direction rotatably fitted inside the second filter tank; a plurality of separation holes are opened at the front of the bottom of the second filter tank, and a feed inlet is opened at the rear of the bottom of the second filter tank; a receiving bin is provided at the bottom of the second filter tank, the receiving bin being divided into two independent chambers by a vertical plate, wherein the chamber located on the front side is arranged opposite to the plurality of separation holes, and the chamber located on the rear side is arranged opposite to the feed inlet.

[0006] Preferably, an electric push rod is provided on the side of the first filter tank away from the second filter tank, and a pusher block is provided at one end of the telescopic end of the electric push rod extending into the inner cavity of the first filter tank. The pusher block is adapted to the inclination slope of the filter screen.

[0007] Preferably, a first motor is provided on the side of the second filter tank away from the first filter tank, and the output end of the first motor is fixedly connected to the end of the conveying auger.

[0008] Preferably, the crystallization tank is rotatably fitted with a rotating rod arranged in the vertical direction, and a set of connecting rods is provided at the upper and lower parts of the rotating rod. The same scraper is provided at the outer side of two adjacent connecting rods on each side.

[0009] Preferably, a plurality of stirring rods are provided at the middle position of the rotating rod, and auxiliary blades are provided on the outer side wall of the stirring rods.

[0010] Preferably, a second motor is provided at the top of the crystallization tank, and the output end of the second motor is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom of the first filter tank and the bottom of the second filter tank in both chambers are provided with discharge ports.

[0012] Preferably, a one-way valve is provided on the first conduit.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this application have the following main advantages:

[0014] Firstly, the filtration mechanism of this device combines the functions of the first and second filter tanks, achieving efficient and precise separation of steviol glycoside crystals and liquid, and collecting them separately. This design not only ensures the high purity and excellent quality of the crystals, but also brings great convenience to subsequent processing steps. More importantly, the liquid collected by this filtration mechanism can be directly applied to other production processes, thereby achieving efficient recycling of resources and maximizing resource utilization.

[0015] Secondly, this device features a rotatable rotating rod with an attached stirring rod and auxiliary blades, which generate a strong stirring effect in the solution as the rod rotates. This stirring not only ensures the homogeneity of the solution but also significantly promotes the aggregation and crystallization of steviol glycoside molecules. Simultaneously, the scraper on the rotating rod efficiently removes steviol glycoside crystals or solution residues adhering to the inner wall of the crystallization tank. This function not only maintains the cleanliness of the crystallization tank's inner wall and effectively prevents crystal accumulation and clumping but also further enhances the mixing and flowability of the solution within the tank. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the crystallization tank of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a front sectional view of the crystallization tank of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Crystallization tank; 2. First filter tank; 3. First guide pipe; 4. Filter screen; 5. Second guide pipe; 6. Second filter tank; 7. Conveying auger; 8. Separation hole; 9. Feed inlet; 10. Receiving bin; 11. Vertical plate; 12. Electric push rod; 13. Pushing block; 14. First motor; 15. Rotating rod; 16. Connecting rod; 17. Scraper; 18. Stirring rod; 19. Auxiliary blades; 20. Second motor; 21. Discharge port; 22. One-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0024] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0025] This utility model embodiment provides a continuous crystallization apparatus for the production of steviol glycosides, such as... Figure 1-6As shown, the system includes a crystallization tank 1; a filtration mechanism located at the bottom of the crystallization tank 1; wherein the filtration mechanism includes: a first filter tank 2, which is connected to the crystallization tank 1 via a first conduit 3; a filter screen 4 disposed in the first filter tank 2, the filter screen 4 being inclined; a second filter tank 6 connected to the side of the filter screen 4 with a lower inclination via a second conduit 5; a conveying auger 7 rotatably fitted inside the second filter tank 6 and disposed in the transverse direction; a plurality of separation holes 8 are provided at the front of the bottom side of the second filter tank 6, and a guide port 9 is provided at the rear of the bottom side of the second filter tank 6; a receiving chamber 10 is provided at the bottom of the second filter tank 6, the receiving chamber 10 being divided into two independent chambers by a vertical plate 11, wherein the chamber located on the front side is opposite to the plurality of separation holes 8, and the chamber located on the rear side is opposite to the guide port 9.

[0026] It should be noted that existing steviol glycoside crystallization devices suffer from problems such as crystals easily adhering to the machine wall, affecting purity and quality, and causing resource waste; furthermore, the recycling and management of crystals and mixed liquid is insufficient, and the mixed liquid is not effectively recycled and reused, which not only wastes resources but may also pollute the environment. This solution addresses these issues by configuring a rotatable rotating rod 15 with a stirring rod 18 and auxiliary blades 19 on it. The device can generate a strong stirring effect in the solution, ensuring the homogeneity of the solution and promoting the aggregation and crystallization of steviol glycoside molecules, thereby improving the extraction efficiency of steviol glycosides. At the same time, the design of the scraper 17 effectively removes residues from the inner wall of the crystallization tank 1, maintaining cleanliness and preventing crystal accumulation and agglomeration, further enhancing the mixing and flowability of the solution.

[0027] In addition, the device's filtration mechanism enables efficient and precise separation of steviol glycoside crystals and liquid, which are then collected separately. This design not only ensures the high purity and excellent quality of the crystals but also greatly facilitates subsequent processing steps. More importantly, the liquid collected through this filtration mechanism can be directly applied to other production processes, achieving efficient recycling of resources and maximizing resource utilization.

[0028] Specifically, in this embodiment, the solution mainly includes a crystallization tank 1; the steviol glycoside solution undergoes a crystallization process in the crystallization tank 1 to form a mixture containing steviol glycoside crystals; when the mixture reaches a certain degree of crystallization, the mixture flows into a first filter tank 2 through a first conduit 3 located at the bottom of the crystallization tank 1; in the first filter tank 2, there is an inclined filter screen 4; the main function of this filter screen 4 is to initially filter out most of the liquid in the mixture, so that the steviol glycoside crystals can remain on the filter screen 4; since the filter screen 4 is inclined, the crystals will slide down to the lower side along the inclined slope of the filter screen 4 under the action of gravity;

[0029] When steviol glycoside crystals slide down to the side of the filter screen 4 with a lower incline, they are guided into the second filter tank 6 through the second conduit 5. Inside the second filter tank 6, there is a conveying auger 7 arranged in a transverse direction. The main function of this conveying auger 7 is to further convey the steviol glycoside crystals from the first filter tank 2. By rotating the conveying auger 7, the crystals can be more evenly distributed in the second filter tank 6, and residual liquid can be further removed.

[0030] At the bottom of the second filter tank 6, there are multiple separation holes 8 on the front side and a feed inlet 9 on the rear side; the purpose of these two openings is to achieve effective separation and collection of the processed steviol glycoside crystals; specifically, the liquid portion after preliminary treatment will flow into the front chamber of the receiving bin 10 through the separation holes 8 on the front side, and the main function of this chamber is to collect the separated liquids.

[0031] Meanwhile, the steviol glycoside crystals that are not completely filtered out continue to move along the conveying path of the conveying auger 7 until they reach the rear of the second filter tank 6. Subsequently, these crystals fall into the rear chamber of the receiving bin 10 through the rear feed port 9. This chamber is specifically designed to collect these crystals that are not completely filtered out. This design not only ensures the effective separation of steviol glycoside crystals from the liquid, but also enables their separate collection, which greatly facilitates subsequent processing.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, an electric push rod 12 is provided on the side of the first filter tank 2 away from the second filter tank 6. A pusher block 13 is provided at one end of the telescopic end of the electric push rod 12 extending into the inner cavity of the first filter tank 2. The pusher block 13 is adapted to the inclined slope of the filter screen 4.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the filtration process reaches a certain point, a certain amount of steviol glycoside crystals will accumulate on the filter screen 4. In order to effectively remove these accumulated substances from the filter screen 4, the telescopic end of the electric push rod 12 will extend into the inner cavity of the first filter tank 2 and push the pusher block 13 connected thereto. The design of the pusher block 13 is adapted to the inclination slope of the filter screen 4 it contacts, ensuring that it can closely fit the surface of the filter screen 4 during the pushing process, thereby effectively pushing the substances on the filter screen 4 forward.

[0034] As the pusher block 13 moves, the steviol glycoside crystals or other substances accumulated on the filter screen 4 are gradually pushed to the side closer to the second filter tank 6; in this way, not only is the continuous filtration capacity of the filter screen 4 maintained, but the continuity and efficiency of the filtration process are also ensured.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 4-6As shown, a first motor 14 is provided on the side of the second filter tank 6 away from the first filter tank 2, and the output end of the first motor 14 is fixedly connected to the end of the conveying auger 7.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first motor 14 provides power to the conveying auger 7. When the first motor 14 starts, its output end will drive the conveying auger 7, which is fixedly connected to it, to start rotating, so that the crystals are more evenly distributed in the tank.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, a rotating rod 15 arranged vertically is rotatably fitted inside the crystallization tank 1. A set of connecting rods 16 is provided at the upper and lower parts of the rotating rod 15. The same scraper 17 is provided on the outer side of two adjacent connecting rods 16 on each side.

[0038] In this embodiment, the rotating rod 15 is designed to create a stirring effect in the solution inside the tank. A set of connecting rods 16 are respectively provided at the upper and lower parts of the rotating rod 15. These connecting rods 16 serve as support and transmission structures, transmitting the rotational power of the rotating rod 15 to the scraper 17. The scraper 17 is designed to fit closely against the inner wall of the crystallization tank 1 and move as the rotating rod 15 rotates. When the rotating rod 15 starts to rotate, the scraper 17 slides up and down along the inner wall of the crystallization tank 1, scraping off the steviol glycoside crystals or solution residues adhering to the wall. This scraping action of the scraper 17 not only helps to keep the inner wall of the crystallization tank 1 clean and prevent crystal accumulation and agglomeration, but also promotes the mixing and flow of the solution inside the tank.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, a number of stirring rods 18 are provided at the middle position of the rotating rod 15, and auxiliary blades 19 are provided on the outer side wall of the stirring rod 18.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the rotating rod 15 starts to rotate, the stirring rod 18 and the auxiliary blade 19 will together produce a strong stirring effect in the solution. This stirring not only helps to maintain the homogeneity of the solution, but also promotes the aggregation and crystallization of steviol glycoside molecules.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 1-5 As shown, a second motor 20 is provided at the top of the crystallization tank 1, and the output end of the second motor 20 is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod 15.

[0042] In this embodiment, the function of the second motor 20 is to provide rotational power to the rotating rod 15, ensuring that the rotating rod 15 can be driven to rotate stably and efficiently during operation.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, discharge ports 21 are provided at the bottom of the first filter tank 2 and at the bottom of the second filter tank 6 in both chambers.

[0044] In this embodiment, for the chamber for collecting crystals, when the crystals accumulate to a certain extent, the crystals can be discharged by opening the discharge port 21 for subsequent drying, packaging and other processing. For the chamber for collecting liquids, the discharge port 21 is used to discharge the filtered liquid, which can be further used in other process steps.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, a one-way valve 22 is provided on the first conduit 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the one-way valve 22 not only helps to keep the system clean and stable, but also prevents problems such as blockage and contamination caused by material backflow.

[0047] Working principle: When this device is in use, the steviol glycoside solution crystallizes in the crystallization tank 1. During this process, the second motor 20 provides stable rotational power to the rotating rod 15. The rotating rod 15 is designed to generate an efficient stirring effect in the solution inside the tank. The stirring rod 18 and auxiliary blades 19 installed on it generate strong stirring in the solution as the rotating rod 15 rotates. This not only helps to maintain the homogeneity of the solution, but also effectively promotes the aggregation and crystallization of steviol glycoside molecules.

[0048] A set of connecting rods 16 are respectively provided at the upper and lower parts of the rotating rod 15. These connecting rods 16 not only serve a supporting function, but also transmit the rotational power of the rotating rod 15 to the scraper 17. The scraper 17 is designed to fit closely to the inner wall of the crystallization tank 1 and slide up and down with the rotation of the rotating rod 15, effectively scraping off the steviol glycoside crystals or solution residues adhering to the wall. This scraping action not only keeps the inner wall of the crystallization tank 1 clean and prevents the accumulation and agglomeration of crystals, but also promotes the mixing and flow of the solution in the tank.

[0049] Once the mixture reaches a certain degree of crystallization, it flows into the first filter tank 2 through the first conduit 3 located at the bottom of the crystallization tank 1. The one-way valve 22 installed on the first conduit 3 ensures the one-way flow of the material and prevents blockage and pollution caused by backflow of the material.

[0050] Inside the first filter tank 2, there is an inclined filter screen 4. The main function of the filter screen 4 is to initially filter out most of the liquid in the mixture, allowing steviol glycoside crystals to remain on the filter screen 4. Due to the inclined setting of the filter screen 4, the crystals will slide down to the lower side under the action of gravity. In addition, when the filtration process has progressed to a certain extent, a certain amount of steviol glycoside crystals will accumulate on the filter screen 4. In order to effectively remove these accumulated substances from the filter screen 4, the telescopic end of the electric push rod 12 extends into the inner cavity of the first filter tank 2 and pushes the pusher block 13 connected to it. The design of the pusher block 13 is adapted to the inclined slope of the filter screen 4 it contacts, so that it can fit tightly against the surface of the filter screen 4 and effectively push the substances on the filter screen 4 forward. As the pusher block 13 moves, the steviol glycoside crystals or other substances accumulated on the filter screen 4 will be gradually pushed to the side closer to the second filter tank 6, thereby maintaining the continuous filtration capacity of the filter screen 4 and the continuity and efficiency of the filtration process.

[0051] When steviol glycoside crystals slide down to the side of the filter screen 4 with a lower inclination, they are introduced into the second filter tank 6 through the second conduit 5. Inside the second filter tank 6, there is a conveying auger 7 arranged in a transverse direction. The first motor 14 provides power to the conveying auger 7, causing it to start rotating. The main function of the conveying auger 7 is to further convey and distribute the steviol glycoside crystals from the first filter tank 2, so that the crystals are more evenly distributed in the tank and to further remove residual liquid.

[0052] At the bottom of the second filter tank 6, multiple separation holes 8 are provided on the front side, and a feed inlet 9 is provided on the rear side. The design of these two openings is intended to achieve effective separation and collection of the processed steviol glycoside crystals. Specifically, the liquid portion after preliminary treatment will flow into the front chamber of the receiving bin 10 for collection through the separation holes 8 on the front side; while the steviol glycoside crystals that are not completely filtered out will continue to move along the conveying path of the conveying auger 7 until they reach the rear of the second filter tank 6, and fall into the rear chamber of the receiving bin 10 for collection through the feed inlet 9 on the rear side. This design ensures the effective separation and separate collection of steviol glycoside crystals and liquid, which greatly facilitates subsequent processing.

[0053] Finally, for the crystal collection chamber, when the crystals accumulate to a certain extent, the crystals can be discharged by opening the discharge port 21 for subsequent drying, packaging and other processing; while for the liquid collection chamber, the discharge port 21 is used to discharge the filtered liquid; this liquid can be further used in other process steps.

[0054] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to the present invention.

[0055] It should be understood that the disclosed apparatus can be implemented in other ways, given the several embodiments provided in this application. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units described above may be implemented in other ways in practice. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or communication connections shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; indirect coupling or communication connections between devices or units may be telecommunications or other forms.

[0056] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0057] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on these embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can still combine, add, delete, or otherwise adjust the features of the various embodiments of this utility model according to the circumstances without conflict or creative effort, thereby obtaining different technical solutions that do not fundamentally depart from the concept of this utility model. These technical solutions are also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides, characterized in that, include: Crystallization tank (1); A filtration mechanism is provided at the bottom side of the crystallization tank (1); The filtration mechanism includes: The first filter tank (2) is connected to the crystallization tank (1) via the first conduit (3); A filter screen (4) is provided inside the first filter tank (2), and the filter screen (4) is arranged at an angle; A second filter canister (6) is connected to the side of the filter screen (4) with a lower slope via a second conduit (5); The second filter tank (6) is rotatably fitted with a conveying auger (7) arranged in the transverse direction; The second filter tank (6) has several separation holes (8) at the front of the bottom side and a guide port (9) at the rear of the bottom side. The bottom of the second filter tank (6) is provided with a receiving hopper (10). The receiving hopper (10) is divided into two independent chambers by a vertical plate (11). The chamber on the front side is arranged opposite to several separation holes (8), and the chamber on the rear side is arranged opposite to the feed inlet (9).

2. The continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An electric push rod (12) is provided on the side of the first filter tank (2) away from the second filter tank (6). The telescopic end of the electric push rod (12) extends to one end of the inner cavity of the first filter tank (2) and is provided with a push block (13). The push block (13) is adapted to the inclined slope of the filter screen (4).

3. The continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second filter tank (6) is provided with a first motor (14) on the side away from the first filter tank (2), and the output end of the first motor (14) is fixedly connected to the end of the conveying auger (7).

4. The continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The crystallization tank (1) is rotatably fitted with a rotating rod (15) arranged in the vertical direction. A set of connecting rods (16) is provided at the upper and lower parts of the rotating rod (15). The same scraper (17) is provided at the outer side of two adjacent connecting rods (16) on each side.

5. A continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Several sets of stirring rods (18) are provided at the middle position of the rotating rod (15), and auxiliary blades (19) are provided on the outer side wall of the stirring rod (18).

6. The continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A second motor (20) is provided at the top of the crystallization tank (1), and the output end of the second motor (20) is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating rod (15).

7. The continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the first filter tank (2) and the bottom of the second filter tank (6) in both chambers are provided with discharge ports (21).

8. The continuous crystallization apparatus for producing steviol glycosides as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A one-way valve (22) is provided on the first conduit (3).

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