Chromatographic Fractionation of Fructose Run-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fructose crystallization methods face inefficiencies due to the presence of crystallization inhibitors like dimeric sugars, which reduce the yield of crystalline fructose and lead to the use of crystallization run-offs for producing liquid fructose syrups instead of further crystallization.
Innovation Solution
A process involving chromatographic fractionation of fructose crystallization run-offs using cation exchange resins in two different ion forms, specifically Ca2+ and Na+ forms, to separate and remove disaccharides, thereby increasing the yield of crystalline fructose by recycling the purified fructose fraction back into crystallization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fructose crystallization is performed using conventional methods, then crystalline fructose can be produced, but the yield is reduced due to the presence of crystallization inhibitors like dimeric sugars in the run-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by using chromatographic separation with cation exchange resins to remove crystallization inhibitors (dimeric sugars) from the fructose run-off. The cation exchange resin selectively binds the inhibitor molecules, extracting them from the solution and allowing the purified fructose to be recovered in high yield through subsequent crystallization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the ion form of the cation exchange resin (using both Ca2+ and Na+ forms in sequence) to optimize the removal of crystallization inhibitors. The change in resin ion form alters the separation characteristics, enabling effective removal of dimeric sugars that would otherwise prevent high-yield crystallization.
2Manufacturing precision
If cation exchange resin in Ca2+ form is used for chromatographic separation, then disaccharides can be removed effectively, but the resin requires regeneration which adds process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two different cation exchange resins (Ca2+ form and Na+ form) into a single integrated separation process. The Ca2+ form resin removes disaccharides effectively, while the Na+ form resin handles the regeneration and further purification, combining multiple functions into one continuous process that maintains high purity without requiring complex separate regeneration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the Na+ form cation exchange resin as an intermediary between the Ca2+ form resin and the final product. The Na+ resin serves as a mediator that facilitates the regeneration process and provides an additional separation stage, enabling the Ca2+ resin to be regenerated efficiently while maintaining high fructose purity in the final fraction.
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 process enhances the overall yield of crystalline fructose to 93-98% based on the fructose feed, improving the efficiency by effectively removing crystallization inhibitors and allowing for multiple passes of crystallization to maximize fructose recovery.
Implementation Method 1
chromatographic fractionation of at least part of said one or more crystallization run-offs in a separation system, which comprises two or more cation exchange resin beds, whereby at least one of said cation exchange resin beds is in a Ca2+ form
Implementation Method 2
at least one other cation exchange resin bed of said two or more cation exchange resin beds is in a Na+ form
Implementation Method 3
introduction of the fructose fractions thus obtained into further crystallization for the production of crystalline fructose
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved process of producing crystalline fructose. The process is based on chromatographic fractionation of one or more fructose crystallization run-offs obtained from the crystallization, followed by introducing the fructose fraction(s) thus obtaine into further crystallization for the production of crystalline fructose. The chromatographic fractionation is carried out in a separation system, which comprises a cation exchange resin in two different ion forms, whereby at least one of the resins is in a Ca2+ form.