Crystalline Kestose Particle Sizing for Flowability and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powdery kestose is amorphous and highly hygroscopic, leading to stickiness and poor flowability, making it inconvenient to handle during storage and use.
Innovation Solution
Production of crystalline kestose with a specific particle size distribution, characterized by an average particle size of 200 µm or more and a low content of fine particles, achieved through controlled crystallization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If powdery kestose is produced, then production efficiency is improved, but hygroscopicity increases and flowability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of kestose from amorphous powder to crystalline form, and controls particle size distribution (D4,3 ≥ 200 μm, fine particles ≤ 35%) to simultaneously improve flowability and reduce hygroscopicity while maintaining production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from amorphous to crystalline state through controlled crystallization process, transforming the physical form of kestose to achieve reduced hygroscopicity and improved flowability
2Productivity
If powdery kestose is produced, then production efficiency is improved, but storage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from amorphous powder to crystalline form with controlled particle size, which fundamentally alters the storage stability characteristics by reducing hygroscopicity and preventing hardening during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transition from amorphous to crystalline state through controlled crystallization, which inherently improves storage stability by reducing molecular mobility and hygroscopicity in the crystalline structure
3Speed
If fine particles are increased, then dissolution rate is improved, but hygroscopicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle size distribution parameters to achieve a balance where fine particles are limited (≤ 35% at 70 μm or less) to control hygroscopicity, while the overall crystalline structure and size distribution (D4,3 ≥ 200 μm) maintain adequate dissolution rate
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 crystalline kestose exhibits reduced hygroscopicity, improved dissolution rate, and enhanced storage stability, facilitating easy handling and application in various fields.
Implementation Method 1
a step of generating crystal nuclei at a temperature where the supersaturation degree of a kestose solution is more than 1 and less than 1.4; and a step of growing crystals
Implementation Method 2
the supersaturation degree of a kestose solution having a nystose content of less than 10 wt% based on a solid content of 100 wt% and a pH of 5 or higher, is more than 1 and less than 1.4
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to kestose in a crystalline form and a manufacturing method therefor.