Allulose Crystallization via Seed Initiation and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to efficiently produce allulose crystals in a controlled and high-yield manner, as allulose is challenging to crystallize effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving cooling and agitating a mixture of allulose syrup and seed crystals to initiate crystallization, followed by separation and potential re-crystallization steps to achieve targeted yields of allulose crystals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional crystallization methods are used for allulose, then the process is simple, but the crystallization efficiency is low and yield is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystallization efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting epimerization of fructose to allulose before crystallization, and by using seed crystals to initiate the crystallization process. The method also involves preliminary concentration of the allulose solution to achieve supersaturation, which facilitates efficient crystallization. These preliminary steps prepare the system in advance to overcome the low crystallization efficiency of conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by controlling temperature gradients during crystallization, adjusting pH levels, and modifying concentration parameters. The process involves cooling the allulose solution to specific temperature ranges and maintaining controlled agitation speeds to optimize crystal formation. These parameter adjustments significantly improve crystallization efficiency and crystal quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple processing steps are added to improve crystal quality, then crystal purity and consistency improve, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystal size and shape consistencyVSAvoidnumber of processing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the crystallization process into distinct stages: nucleation phase with seed crystals, growth phase with controlled cooling, and harvesting phase. Each stage has specific parameter ranges and durations optimized for crystal quality. This segmented approach ensures consistent crystal size and shape while maintaining manageable process complexity through clear stage definitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring crystal formation progress, temperature, and agitation parameters throughout the process. Adjustments are made based on observed crystal development to maintain optimal conditions for consistency. This feedback mechanism ensures high manufacturing precision without requiring excessive processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If rapid crystallization is pursued, then productivity increases, but crystal quality and purity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidcrystal purity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining constant agitation throughout the crystallization process and by continuously controlling temperature at optimal levels. The epimerization reaction is also conducted continuously to supply allulose for crystallization. This continuous action ensures both high productivity and high crystal purity by preventing premature termination of beneficial processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary purification of the allulose solution before crystallization to remove impurities that would compromise crystal purity. The seed crystals are also pre-prepared with high purity to ensure clean crystal formation. These preliminary actions enable rapid crystallization while maintaining high product quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables the production of high-purity, free-flowing allulose crystals with improved size and shape consistency, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing handling and processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

cooling and agitating a first admixture comprised of a first portion of allulose syrup and allulose seed crystals and initiating crystallization of allulose dissolved in the allulose syrup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

cooling and agitating a first admixture comprised of a first portion of allulose syrup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

cooling and agitating a first admixture comprised of a first portion of allulose syrup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAgitation: Stirring

Data Source

PatentUS20250171483A1Method for producing allulose crystals

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 TATE & LYLE SOLUTIONS USA LLC

AI summary

Allulose crystals are efficiently produced from an allulose syrup using seed crystals.