Citrus Fiber Modification Process for Enhanced Hydration and Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for citrus fiber extraction do not adequately enhance the hydration ability and viscosifying properties of citrus fiber, limiting its effectiveness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A process involving hydration, high shear treatment, solvent washing, and desolventization to modify citrus fiber, enhancing its hydration and viscosifying properties, with specific parameters for homogenization, solvent extraction, and optional enzyme treatment to improve fiber characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If citrus fiber is extracted using conventional processes, then citrus fiber is obtained, but the hydration ability and viscosifying properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-hydrating the citrus fiber before high shear treatment. This preparatory step allows the fiber to absorb water and swell, creating a more open cellular structure that enhances subsequent processing efficiency and final product hydration properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling temperature, shear rate, and treatment time during high shear processing. These parameter optimizations transform the fiber structure to improve hydration ability and viscosifying properties while maintaining process feasibility.
2Reliability
If high shear treatment is applied to citrus fiber, then viscosity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary hydration before high shear treatment, which pre-swells the fiber and opens cellular structures. This preliminary action reduces the energy required during subsequent high shear processing while still achieving the desired viscosity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled high shear treatment with optimized parameters rather than excessive processing. By applying just the right amount of shear energy needed to achieve viscosity improvement, the process avoids unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective viscosifying properties.
3Reliability
If organic solvent washing is performed on homogenized citrus fiber, then fiber purity is enhanced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs homogenization and preliminary treatment before organic solvent washing, which prepares the fiber structure for more efficient solvent extraction. This sequencing allows faster purification while maintaining high fiber purity levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extended mechanical washing processes with targeted organic solvent extraction. This substitution achieves superior purification in shorter time by utilizing chemical affinity rather than prolonged mechanical 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
The modified citrus fiber exhibits improved swelling, hydration, and viscosifying properties, with increased viscosity and whiteness, facilitating its use in food, feed, personal care, and detergent products.
Implementation Method 1
washing the homogenized citrus fiber with an organic solvent to obtain organic solvent washed citrus fiber
Implementation Method 2
citrus fiber is hydrated and treated to obtain homogenized citrus fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A process is disclosed for modifying citrus fiber. Citrus fiber is obtained having a c* close packing concentration value of less than 3.8 w %, anhydrous basis. The citrus fiber can have a viscosity of at least 1000 mPa·s, wherein said citrus fiber is dispersed in standardized water at a mixing speed of from 800 rpm to 1000 rpm, to a 3 w/w % citrus fiber/standardized water solution, and wherein said viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 5 s−1 at 20 C. Citrus fiber can be obtained having a CIELAB L* value of at least 90. The citrus fiber can be used in food products, feed products, beverages, personal care products, pharmaceutical products or detergent products.