Process Systems for Thickening Agents
The key issue when processing thickening agents such as gelatin is cross contamination. Thickening agents, also known as gelling agents and stabilizers, are high molecular weight compounds. Their composition makes them difficult to process when wet, and cause difficulties when cleaning equipment in the processing line.
Hosokawa Micron is an expert in the design of complete systems for processing thickening agents: complete systems that will avoid cross contamination and minimize residue. Hosokawa’s complete solutions for processing thickening agents typically incorporate powder premixing with Nauta® conical screw mixers, powder dosing, pneumatic conveying, powder milling, product classification (sieving) and handling, packaging and storage of the final product.
The advantages to this combination are precise mixing of different grades and different types of thickening agents; flexible batch sizes; variable mixing processes; minimal residue after unloading the blender and no more need to segregate whilst discharging.
Starch Modification
In the food industry, starch is an important binding agent for sauces, soups, sweets, liquorice and ice cream, etc. In the chemical industry, it is used in glue, and as a stiffening agent for paper and textiles. Industrial modification of raw starch results in better solubility in (cold) water, modification into different types of sugars, such as dextrose, fructose or even base material for sweeteners. However, one of the largest food applications is transferral into glucose products.
Hosokawa Micron has developed a continuous processing system, very suitable for the modification of starch: the Hosokawa continuous agglomeration system, comprising a Flexomix mixer/agglomerator, fluid bed dryer/cooler.
Modifying Starch with Hosokawa Process Equipment
- Raw Starch
During the milling of starches the humidity content decreases to below the desired product specification. By applying the Flexomix next, you can achieve a homogeneous product with exactly the specified moisture content.
- Dry cationisation
Cationic starch is often used for special applications in the pulp and paper industries. The major advantage of this application is that the reaction agents and required amount of caustic soda can be added and distributed homogeneously in exactly the required amount, without overdosing, during a residence time of approximately 1 second. The mixture can be neutralized after a certain residence time.
- Agglomeration and instantization
Pre-gelatinized starch is difficult to disperse in water. The fine powder typically stays on the liquid surface. Wet agglomeration produces an agglomerate with an open structure and optimal dispersion characteristics. Mixtures for instant sauces can also be produced in this way. In general, the result will be an agglomerate with optimal flow properties, minimal dust and optimal dispersion characteristics.
- Starch derivatives
Maltodextrine and (for example) dextrose can be agglomerated to obtain optimal flow properties. Starch derivatives can be applied as a carrier in tablet making to optimize the performance of the tablet press.
EHEDG Hygienic Design
Our total solutions for use in the food industry are designed in accordance with the latest EHEDG hygienic design regulations and ATEX directives and we are constantly updating our product range to meet the latest customer and industry requirements for hygiene, cleaning and dust explosivity.
Testing & Process Development
Our Test and Process Development Centre in the Netherlands offers unique possibilities for testing your product to determine the most efficient process, system or plant prior to final design. We can provide laboratory-level as well as production-sized trials.
Whether you wish to test a single machine or a complete powder processing system, the same skilled and experienced staff are here to help ensure that your requirements are met, and that you are entirely satisfied with the results.
We offer process equipment and technologies from individual units to large scale bespoke system solutions. Our principle is to deliver high performance yet affordable solutions that meet our customers' demands and long term challenges.
Talk to Our Experts
Let our process specialists help you develop the optimal solution for your powder and bulk solids processing – from the first trial in our test centre to a full-scale industrial production system.
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Sustainable Process Technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 15% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
