SMB Chromatography for Tertiary Allulose Separation From HFCS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing allulose from crystalline fructose are costly and time-consuming due to the need for high-purity fructose feedstock, which is expensive and requires extensive processing.
Innovation Solution
A process using simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) to separate allulose, fructose, and glucose from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), achieving high purity and yield by employing a ternary chromatography method that simultaneously separates allulose from fructose and glucose in one zone and fructose from glucose in another, with recycling of enriched fructose fractions for further conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods use crystalline fructose as feedstock, then allulose purity can be achieved, but production cost and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the feedstock parameter from crystalline fructose to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and adjusts the chromatography conditions (mobile phase composition, flow rates, temperature) to achieve effective separation and purification of allulose, maintaining high purity while reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simulated moving bed chromatography system divided into multiple zones (adsorption zone, desorption zone, purification zone, and regeneration zone) that operate simultaneously and continuously, enabling efficient separation of allulose from HFCS components while maintaining high purity
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods use crystalline fructose as feedstock, then allulose purity can be achieved, but production time increases due to extensive processing
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated moving bed chromatography system operates continuously with multiple zones functioning simultaneously - adsorption, desorption, purification, and regeneration occur in parallel, eliminating the need for batch processing and extensive intermediate steps, thereby significantly reducing processing time while maintaining high allulose purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary enzymatic isomerization of fructose to allulose before chromatography, and the chromatography system is pre-configured with optimized zones for immediate separation and purification, reducing overall processing time while ensuring high purity
3Ease of manufacture
If HFCS is used as feedstock, then production cost decreases, but separation complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The chromatography system is segmented into specialized zones: adsorption zone for initial separation, desorption zone for elution, purification zone for removing HFCS components, and regeneration zone for resin recovery. This segmentation handles the complexity of separating allulose from multiple HFCS components systematically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary purification zone with specific mobile phase conditions (adjusting pH, ionic strength, and organic modifiers) that facilitates the separation of allulose from HFCS components, managing the complexity of multi-component separation while maintaining cost-effectiveness
4Quantity of substance
If enzymatic isomerization is used to convert fructose to allulose, then allulose can be produced, but conversion efficiency is limited to 15-30%
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous simulated moving bed chromatography system operates in parallel with the enzymatic isomerization, continuously removing allulose from the reaction mixture and recycling unconverted fructose back to the enzyme reactor, thereby increasing overall conversion efficiency beyond the 15-30% limitation of batch enzymatic processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the chromatography system continuously monitors and recycles unconverted fructose back to the enzymatic isomerization step, and adjusts operating parameters based on allulose concentration and purity requirements, maximizing conversion efficiency and yield
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 high-purity allulose and fructose at lower costs by utilizing a more affordable feedstock, such as HFCS, with allulose purity of at least 95% and fructose purity of at least 80%, facilitating continuous and efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
separating comprises using simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously separating a fraction enriched with allulose from a fraction enriched with fructose and glucose by sorbent chromatography through the chromatographic bed material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention advantages over conventional methods and products. In an aspect, a method comprises separating a mixture of allulose, fructose, glucose, and gluco-oligosaccharides, wherein the separating comprises using simulated moving bed chromatography, and recovering allulose at a high purity and yield. In an aspect, the simulated moving bed (“SMB”) chromatography to separate a fraction enriched with allulose from a fraction enriched with fructose and glucose, and to separate a fraction enriched with fructose from a fraction enriched with glucose. In an aspect, the method provides separation of an allulose from a mixture of allulose, fructose, and D-glucose, wherein the mixture is produced from high fructose corn syrup (“HFCS”) when HFCS is contacted with an allulose epimerase. In an aspect, the method produces a high quality allulose product. In an aspect, the fraction enriched with fructose can be recycled to contact the allulose epimerase.