Starch Concentration Measurement Using Iodine Absorbance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spectrophotometric methods for determining starch concentration in industrial liquids are unreliable due to variations in starch absorbance and turbidity, requiring calibration for each starch type and being unpredictable in processes with varying turbidity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the addition of an iodine solution to a liquid sample, followed by measuring light absorbance or transmittance at a wavelength longer than 650 nm, preferably 700 nm, to convert the measurement into starch concentration using a predefined correlation, while eliminating the influence of unreacted iodine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional iodine starch method is used to measure starch concentration, then the measurement can be performed quickly, but the reliability of the measurement deteriorates due to turbidity variations and starch type differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from traditional absorbance at 580 nm to absorbance at wavelengths longer than 650 nm (preferably 700 nm). This parameter change allows the measurement to be independent of starch type and degree of modification, while also mitigating the effects of turbidity, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing measurement speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional univariate calibration approach with a multivariate calibration approach that uses the whole absorption spectrum between 500 nm and 900 nm. This substitution of the measurement methodology eliminates the need for independent calibration for different starch types and provides reliable results even with varying turbidity
2Measurement precision
If measurement is performed at traditional wavelength (580 nm), then the absorbance maximum is captured, but the measurement becomes dependent on starch type and modification degree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement wavelength from 580 nm to longer than 650 nm (preferably 700 nm). At these longer wavelengths, the absorbance is no longer dependent on starch type or degree of modification, making the measurement universally applicable to different starches while maintaining precision
3Device complexity
If univariate calibration method is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the reliability deteriorates when turbidity varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from univariate calibration (single wavelength) to multivariate calibration (whole spectrum from 500 nm to 900 nm). This dimensional expansion allows the measurement to capture information that compensates for turbidity variations, improving reliability while the added complexity is managed through automated spectral analysis
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 provides a fast and reliable analysis of starch concentration, independent of starch type and degree of modification, and mitigates the effects of turbidity, simplifying the measurement process and eliminating the need for multiple calibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The method is based on the reaction between iodine/potassium iodide and starch. Iodine/potassium iodide changes color when combined with amylose and amylopectin
Implementation Method 2
Iodine/potassium iodide changes color when combined with amylose and amylopectin with absorption maxima at 605 nm (nanometers) and 530 nm, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
In a starch concentration measurement, a liquid sample is conducted from a liquid sample such as pulp suspension or filtrate of a paper, board or tissue process. An iodine solution is added to the sample, and a light absorbance or transmittance of the sample is measured at a wavelength longer than about 650 nm, for example longer than about 700 nm. The measured absorbance or transmittance of the sample is converted into the starch concentration of the sample by a predefined correlation between a starch concentration and a light absorbance or transmittance.