D-psicose Crystallization via Metastable Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing D-psicose crystals are inefficient due to low yields, high production costs, and the use of organic solvents, which result in fine powders with low flowability and purity issues, making it difficult to economically produce high-purity D-psicose crystals suitable for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the removal of impurities from a D-psicose solution through decoloration and desalting, followed by concentration and crystallization under a metastable zone to produce D-psicose crystals without using organic solvents, maintaining the solution in a supersaturated state to achieve appropriate crystal sizes and high purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If D-psicose is produced by enzymatic reaction, then D-psicose can be obtained, but the yield is low and production cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing a specific catalyst (ammonium formate and formic acid) to transform the enzymatic reaction conditions into favorable conditions for D-psicose formation, thereby increasing yield and reducing production cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses formic acid and ammonium formate as intermediary substances that facilitate the transformation of fructose to D-psicose, acting as catalysts that enable the reaction to proceed with higher efficiency and lower cost
2Ease of manufacture
If organic solvents such as ethanol are used to remove unreacted fructose, then fructose can be removed, but expensive facilities are required and product purity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unreacted fructose from the reaction mixture through filtration and centrifugation processes, separating it from the D-psicose product without requiring complex explosion-proof facilities or organic solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive filtration and centrifugation methods instead of expensive explosion-proof facilities, using disposable or reusable filters and centrifuges that are readily available and cost-effective
3Productivity
If D-psicose is produced as fine powders, then the product can be obtained, but flowability is poor and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition by concentrating the reaction mixture through evaporation to obtain a supersaturated solution, from which D-psicose crystallizes in a solid phase with good flowability, avoiding the fine powder form
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the solution by evaporating solvent to reach supersaturation, inducing crystallization of D-psicose in a form with improved flowability and reduced manufacturing costs
4Productivity
If D-psicose is produced as fine powders, then the product can be obtained, but volume increases significantly leading to higher packaging and distribution costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition from liquid solution to solid crystalline form by evaporation and supersaturation, producing D-psicose with compact structure and reduced volume, thereby lowering packaging and distribution costs
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 pure D-psicose crystals with improved flowability and reduced manufacturing costs, suitable for industrial use, by controlling temperature and concentration to maintain the solution in a metastable zone, resulting in crystals of appropriate size and high purity.
Implementation Method 1
concentrating the purified D-psicose solution
Implementation Method 2
crystallizing D-psicose from the concentrated D-psicose solution in a supersaturated state under a metastable zone
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of producing D-psicose crystals from a D-psicose solution by using supersaturation.