Stevia Sweetener Granulation for High Solubility Without Binders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing granulated Stevia sweeteners, particularly Rebaudioside A, result in low solubility forms due to polymorphism and require high energy processes like spray drying or use of binders, which affect the physical and chemical characteristics of the sweetener.
Innovation Solution
A process involving particle size reduction, thermal treatment under vacuum, nitrogen cooling, and dry roll compaction to produce a high solubility form of Stevia sweeteners without dilution or high energy processes, resulting in a stable and highly soluble granulated product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spray drying or binder use is employed to produce granulated Stevia sweeteners, then handling and industrial applicability are improved, but solubility decreases and physical/chemical characteristics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the Stevia sweetener through controlled granulation processes (particle size, density, moisture content) to achieve a form that is both easy to handle and highly soluble. By optimizing granulation parameters without using binders or spray drying, the patent maintains the natural solubility characteristics while improving handling properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition principles in the granulation process, transforming the Stevia sweetener from a fine powder through controlled compression and agglomeration phases to a granulated form. This phase change enables improved handling while preserving solubility, avoiding the need for chemical binders that would alter the product's characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If high energy processes like spray drying are used, then granulated product is achieved, but energy consumption increases and product characteristics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces high-energy thermal processes (spray drying) with a mechanical granulation system that uses controlled compression and agglomeration. This mechanical approach achieves the same granulated product form with significantly lower energy consumption and without the harsh conditions that affect product characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more economical granulation process that does not require expensive energy-intensive equipment like spray dryers. The mechanical granulation system uses readily available equipment and operates under milder conditions, reducing both capital and operational costs while maintaining product quality.
3Shape
If binders are used in granulation, then granulated structure is achieved, but purity and natural characteristics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the Stevia sweetener to self-agglomerate into granulated form through controlled mechanical compression and interparticle forces, eliminating the need for external binders. The material's own physical properties facilitate the granulation process, preserving purity and natural characteristics while achieving the desired granulated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or eliminates the need for binders from the granulation process entirely. By using mechanical granulation methods that rely on the inherent properties of the Stevia sweetener, the invention removes harmful or compromising additives, achieving a pure, binder-free granulated 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 process achieves a solubility of over 30% for Rebaudioside A, improving handling and industrial applicability while maintaining the sweetener's physical and chemical properties, and enhances dissolution rates through granulation.
Implementation Method 1
drying the Rebaudioside A particles using a thermal treatment process
Implementation Method 2
cooling down the treated Stevia sweetener powder
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a granulated Stevia sweetener is described. The resulting sweetener has a desirably high solubility level.