Seeded Allulose Crystallization for Yield and Crystal Shape Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods struggle to produce allulose crystals in a controlled and efficient manner, resulting in unsuitable shape and size with low yield.

Innovation Solution

A method involving cooling and agitation of allulose syrup with seed crystals to initiate crystallization, followed by separation and optional reuse of massecuite, with controlled temperature and agitation to achieve target yields in multiple stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional crystallization methods are used for allulose, then the process is simple, but the crystal shape and size are unsuitable and yield is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystallization yieldVSAvoidcrystal shape and size control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying temperature, agitation speed, and supersaturation level during crystallization. The process uses controlled cooling rates and specific temperature profiles to achieve both high yield and proper crystal morphology, transforming the unsuitable crystals from conventional methods into desirable crystalline forms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action through seed crystal addition and pre-nucleation steps. By introducing seed crystals before main crystallization and performing preliminary cooling or concentration steps, the process establishes controlled nucleation conditions that lead to both high yield and properly formed crystals, avoiding the uncontrolled crystallization of conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple processing steps are added to improve crystal quality, then crystal shape and size are suitable, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystal shape and sizeVSAvoidprocess steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single crystallization reactor by combining cooling, agitation, seed crystal addition, and crystal growth steps in one integrated process. This consolidation achieves suitable crystal morphology without requiring separate processing units or multiple sequential steps, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If crystallization is conducted without controlled agitation, then the process is simple, but crystal formation is inefficient and yield is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystallization efficiencyVSAvoidagitation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using variable agitation speeds throughout the crystallization process. Agitation intensity is adjusted at different stages: higher speeds during nucleation to promote uniform crystal formation, and lower speeds during growth to prevent crystal breakage. This dynamic control approach efficiently produces high-yield crystals while maintaining operational simplicity through automated speed profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Produces allulose crystals of desired shape and size in high yield, suitable for use in consumable products.

Implementation Method 1

cooling and agitating a first admixture comprised of a first portion of allulose syrup and allulose seed crystals and initiating crystallization of allulose dissolved in the allulose syrup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation