Allulose Crystallization Yield via Impurity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in preparing allulose crystals with high crystallization yield and particle size, as allulose is difficult to crystallize due to its low crystallinity and the presence of impurities, which affects the purity and productivity of the crystallization process.
Innovation Solution
Controlling the content of impurities, specifically allulose conversion materials (Impurity-S), to 2 wt/wt% or lower, through processes like pH management, temperature control, and activated carbon treatment, to inhibit their production and removal, thereby enhancing crystal growth and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If allulose solution is concentrated to increase crystallization yield, then allulose conversion materials (Impurity-S) are generated through degradation, but these impurities inhibit crystal growth and reduce particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling the content of allulose conversion materials (Impurity-S) to 2 wt/wt% or lower before the crystallization step. This is achieved through pH management (maintaining pH 4-7), temperature control (keeping temperature ≤70°C during concentration), and activated carbon treatment to remove impurities in advance, preventing their negative impact on crystal growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing pH (maintaining 4-7), temperature (≤70°C), and Impurity-S content (≤2 wt/wt%) to create favorable conditions for crystal growth. These parameter controls prevent allulose degradation and inhibit the formation of growth-inhibiting impurities during the concentration process
2Productivity
If allulose solution is concentrated at high temperature to improve productivity, then concentration efficiency increases, but allulose degradation to Impurity-S accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature to ≤70°C during concentration and maintaining pH 4-7. This optimization balances concentration efficiency with allulose stability, preventing excessive degradation to Impurity-S while still achieving practical concentration rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses activated carbon as an intermediary substance to adsorb and remove allulose conversion materials (Impurity-S) from the solution. This mediator prevents impurities from accumulating and inhibiting subsequent crystal growth, allowing effective impurity removal without affecting allulose
3Manufacturing precision
If Impurity-S content is reduced to enhance crystal growth, then additional purification steps are required, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing pH (4-7) and temperature (≤70°C) during concentration to minimize Impurity-S generation at the source. This preventive approach reduces impurity formation during processing, decreasing the burden on subsequent purification steps while maintaining crystal growth quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs activated carbon as a simple yet effective intermediary for impurity removal. This single-step adsorption process efficiently reduces Impurity-S content without requiring complex multi-stage purification systems, maintaining process simplicity while achieving the desired crystal growth conditions
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 approach results in allulose crystals with uniform particle size and increased crystallization yield, reducing losses and improving productivity by minimizing the impact of impurities on the crystallization process.
Implementation Method 1
activated carbon treatment, to inhibit their production and removal
Implementation Method 2
Since the allulose is more unstable, as pH is lower and the temperature is higher, the content of allulose is changed in the actual production process, particularly the concentration step
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a crystalline functional sweetener, and more specifically, relates to a method for preparing a crystalline functional sweetener for raising the crystallization yield and increasing the particle size by controlling the content of impurities or production of impurities comprised in a solution for preparing the crystal.