Methionine Crystallization Additive for Foam Control and Crystal Flowability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methionine crystallization processes face issues with foaming, leading to unstable operation and low bulk density and flowability of the resulting crystals, which are inconvenient for subsequent use.
Innovation Solution
A mixture of components A, B, and C is used as an additive in the methionine preparation process, where component A is a sodium taurate, component B is polyether-grafted silicone oil, and component C is silicone oil, to regulate crystal growth and inhibit foaming, resulting in high bulk density and good flowability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gaseous carbon dioxide is used for reaction crystallization, then methionine can be liberated from aqueous solution, but serious foaming occurs and the process cannot proceed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a defoaming agent as an intermediary substance to mediate between the carbon dioxide gas and the aqueous solution. This defoaming agent suppresses foam formation during the reaction crystallization process, enabling continuous operation. The defoaming agent acts as a mediator that allows the beneficial liberation of methionine while counteracting the harmful foaming effect.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional additives are used to control foaming, then foam can be suppressed, but the resulting crystals have low bulk density and poor flowability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite additive system comprising multiple components: a defoaming agent (silicone oil or fluorinated surfactant), a crystal growth regulator (polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylamide), and optionally a dispersing agent. This composite approach allows simultaneous control of foaming and optimization of crystal morphology, achieving both foam suppression and high bulk density spherical crystals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentrations and ratios of different additive components to achieve the desired dual effect. By carefully adjusting the parameters of additive composition and dosage, the process achieves both effective foam control and formation of spherical crystals with bulk density of 0.6 g/cc or higher.
3Productivity
If scale-like crystals are obtained by conventional crystallization, then methionine can be produced, but the crystals have poor flowability and are liable to powder floating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the crystallization parameters by introducing crystal growth regulators (polyvinyl alcohol or polyacrylamide) that modify the crystal habit from scale-like to spherical form. This parameter change in crystal morphology dramatically improves flowability and eliminates powder floating, while maintaining crystallization efficiency through optimized additive concentrations.
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 additive enables continuous and stable crystallization without foaming, producing methionine crystals with a bulk density of 786 g/L or more and improved flowability, facilitating smooth and efficient crystallization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a defoaming action of a defoaming agent
Implementation Method 2
a crystal growth regulating action of a crystal growth regulator
Implementation Method 3
acidification with carbon dioxide for reaction crystallization
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an additive used in a methionine preparation process, and a methionine preparation method. The additive provided by the present disclosure is a mixture containing components A, B, and C; component A has a structure represented by the following general formula (1); component B has a structure represented by the following general formula (2); component C is silicone oil; RCON(CH3)CH2CH2SO3Na (1). The methionine preparation method provided in the present invention comprises subjecting methionine to crystallization and/or recrystallization in the presence of the additive provided by the present disclosure. The additive provided by the present disclosure results in uniform emulsification, has good stability, can be used stably for a long time, and is suitable for a continuous crystallization process. The prepared methionine crystal has a good crystal form, a large bulk density, and good flowability. In addition, according to the methionine preparation method of the present disclosure, a crystallization system can operate continuously and stably for a long time without obvious foaming, and the crystallization process of the methionine product can proceed smoothly.