Mannitol Crystal Powder Flow and Dust Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powdered mannitol compositions for chewing gum production are plagued by poor flow characteristics, instability, and the risk of asbestos contamination from talc, leading to quality issues and safety concerns due to fine particle size and hygroscopicity, which existing anti-caking agents fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A powder composition of mannitol crystals with a controlled particle size distribution, obtained through crystallization, drying, and selection processes, resulting in predominantly individualized crystals with a high percentage of particles greater than 75µm, improved flowability, and reduced dust generation, achieved through specific crystallization and particle selection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fine particle size mannitol powder is used to replace talc, then the organoleptic properties of chewing gum are improved, but the flow characteristics and handling properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of mannitol powder from fine (less than 40µm) to coarse (75-300µm), which fundamentally alters both the flow characteristics and organoleptic properties. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by selecting a particle size range that provides both good flowability and acceptable sensory properties in chewing gum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different particle sizes to different functional requirements: larger particles (75-300µm) are used for dusting and flow purposes, while the organoleptic properties are maintained through the specific selection of this particle size range that balances flowability with sensory acceptance.
2Ease of operation
If talc is used as dusting powder, then good flow characteristics are achieved, but asbestos contamination risk and safety issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces talc (which may be contaminated with asbestos) with mannitol powder as a safer alternative dusting agent. This substitution eliminates the harmful contamination risk while maintaining the necessary flow characteristics through proper particle size selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Mannitol powder acts as an intermediary substance that provides the flow-enhancing properties of talc without the associated contamination risks. The specific particle size range (75-300µm) ensures it performs the dusting function effectively while being safe for food applications.
3Ease of operation
If anti-caking agents are added to improve flowability, then handling properties are improved, but the purity and safety of the product deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for anti-caking agents by selecting a specific particle size range (75-300µm) that inherently provides good flow characteristics. This extraction approach removes potentially harmful additives while maintaining the desired handling properties through physical means alone.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If particle size is reduced to replace talc, then organoleptic properties are improved, but dust generation and handling difficulties increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter to a specific range (75-300µm) that balances organoleptic properties with dust generation concerns. This parameter optimization ensures particles are not so fine as to create excessive dust, yet fine enough to provide acceptable sensory properties in the final product.
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 solution provides a stable, non-sticky, and safe mannitol powder with enhanced flow characteristics, reducing waste and improving handling conditions by eliminating fine particles and potential asbestos risks, while maintaining the quality and organoleptic properties of chewing gum.
Implementation Method 1
crystallization of mannitol in a solvent, preferably in water
Implementation Method 2
crystallization of mannitol in a solvent, preferably in water followed by (ii) a step of separating the crystals from the suspension of crystals obtained (iii) a step of drying the crystals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a powder composition of mannitol crystals, produced by: (i) the crystallization of mannitol in a solvent; followed by (ii) a step of separating the crystals from the resulting crystal suspension; (iii) a step of drying said crystals; and (iv) a selection step, said composition having a particle size distribution, as determined by laser particle sizing, of 72 to 99.9 vol % of particles having a particle size greater than 75 µm, of 0.1 to 60 vol % of particles larger than 250 µm, and a mean diameter of between 100 and 300 µm. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a composition by means of a step of crystallizing a mannitol syrup followed by drying the mannitol crystals, a step of selecting particles, and a step of collecting a fraction of the powder composition including 72 to 99.9 % of particles having a particle size greater than 75 µm.