DE102020205224A1 - Process for the continuous production of transformed sucrose compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose compositions from a sucrose-containing starting solution containing at least one sucrose and at least one non-sucrose substance, as well as the products obtained from this process, in particular transformed sucrose compositions, in particular lump-free free-flowing ones Sucrose composition.

Description

The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose compositions from a sucrose-containing starting solution containing at least one sucrose and at least one non-sucrose substance, as well as the products obtained from this process, in particular transformed sucrose compositions, in particular lump-free free-flowing ones Sucrose compositions.

In a classic crystallization, which is a cleaning of a substance, for example sugar, from water-soluble and insoluble components, the syrup film solidifies amorphously on the crystals after the separation of the phases by, for example, centrifugation while drying. This could lead to clumping when water is reabsorbed or recrystallized. The amorphous portion must therefore be recrystallized in a targeted manner and under controlled conditions through a conditioning step. In addition, the syrup film can contain impurities that hinder recrystallization. Possible impurities on the crystal surface can increase the hygroscopicity and disrupt post-crystallization during conditioning.

The disadvantage of certain sucrose compositions, in particular for crystalline sugar, is that, with an increased water content (> 0.05% by weight, based on the total mass of the crystalline sugar), clumps and a loss of flowability occur. In addition, substances remaining on the crystal surface can increase the hygroscopicity.

The present invention is based on the technical problem of providing methods which allow sucrose compositions to be produced continuously, in particular those which are free of lumps and are free flowing. In addition, it should be made possible to avoid post-crystallization disruptive effects caused by impurities.

The present invention solves the underlying technical problem by providing the teachings of the independent claims.

1. a) Bereitstellen einer Saccharose-haltigen Ausgangslösung, enthaltend mindestens Saccharose, und mindestens eines Nicht-Saccharosestoffs,
2. b) kontinuierliches Einleiten der Saccharose-haltigen Ausgangslösung in eine unter einem Eindickdruck stehende Kochvorrichtung und Halten in der Kochvorrichtung unter Einstellen einer Eindicktemperatur zum Erreichen der Siedetemperatur der Saccharose-haltigen Ausgangslösung, sodass es bei Siedetemperatur zum kontinuierlichen Erhalt einer eingedickten Saccharose-haltigen Lösung kommt,
3. c) kontinuierliches oder getaktetes Überführen eines Anteils der gemäß Verfahrensschritt b) erhaltenen eingedickten Saccharose-haltigen Lösung enthaltend den mindestens einen Nicht-Saccharosestoff in eine Vakuummischvorrichtung,
4. d) kontinuierliche Verfestigung der Trockensubstanz in der eingedickten Saccharose-haltigen Lösung unter kontinuierlicher Durchmischung und Einstellen eines Verfestigungsdrucks in der Vakuummischvorrichtung zum Erhalt einer transformierten, den mindestens einen Nicht-Saccharosestoff enthaltenden Saccharosezusammensetzung und
5. e) kontinuierlicher Erhalt der transformierten, insbesondere verklumpungsfreien frei fließenden, Saccharosezusammensetzung,

wobei der mindestens eine Nicht-Saccharosestoff in der in Verfahrensschritt a) bereitgestellten Saccharose-haltigen Ausgangslösung vorhanden ist und/oder spätestens in Verfahrensschritt b) der Saccharose-haltigen Ausgangslösung oder der eingedickten Saccharose-haltigen Lösung hinzugefügt wird.The present invention therefore relates to a process for the continuous production of transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose compositions from at least one carbohydrate and at least one non-sucrose substance, comprising the following process steps:

1. a) providing a sucrose-containing starting solution containing at least one sucrose and at least one non-sucrose substance,
2. b) continuous introduction of the sucrose-containing starting solution into a boiling device under a concentration pressure and holding in the boiling device while setting a thickening temperature to reach the boiling temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution, so that a thickened sucrose-containing solution is continuously obtained at boiling temperature,
3. c) continuous or cyclical transfer of a portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in process step b) and containing the at least one non-sucrose substance into a vacuum mixing device,
4. d) continuous solidification of the dry substance in the thickened sucrose-containing solution with continuous mixing and setting of a solidification pressure in the vacuum mixing device to obtain a transformed sucrose composition containing the at least one non-sucrose substance and
5. e) continuous maintenance of the transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose composition,

wherein the at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in method step a) and / or is added to the sucrose-containing starting solution or the thickened sucrose-containing solution at the latest in method step b).

The present invention accordingly provides a process for the continuous production of transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose compositions from a sucrose-containing starting solution containing at least one non-sucrose and at least one non-sucrose substance, and also transformed sucrose compositions produced by means of the process, in particular free-flowing sucrose flowing, sucrose compositions.

The invention provides that in a first method step a) a sucrose-containing starting solution which contains at least sucrose and optionally at least one non-sucrose substance and at least one non-sucrose substance are provided.

The sucrose-containing solution or the sucrose-containing solution containing the at least one provided non-sucrose substance is continuously transferred in process step b) into a boiling device under a concentration pressure.

In the second process step b), a thickening temperature is set in the boiling device under a concentration pressure to reach the boiling point of the sucrose-containing solution, which may already contain at least one non-sucrose substance, so that, in particular when the sucrose-containing starting solution is saturated, 7 to 1.5 of sucrose, when the boiling temperature is reached, optionally with the addition of at least one non-sucrose substance, the sucrose-containing solution is boiled and thickened.

The procedure according to the invention accordingly provides in process step b) setting a thickening temperature to reach the boiling point of the sucrose-containing solution so that at boiling temperature the sucrose-containing solution boils and thickens to continuously obtain a thickened sucrose-containing solution.

The thickening temperature, which is to be set in order to reach the boiling point of the sucrose-containing solution according to process step b), in particular at the specified degree of saturation, for example by heating the sucrose-containing solution before or in process step b), results from the dry matter content the sucrose-containing solution and the thickening pressure. Likewise, depending on the dry matter content present in process step b) and the set thickening temperature, the thickening pressure to be set, which has to be present in the cooking device, in particular to be set in order to boil the sucrose-containing solution, in particular in the specified range of the degree of saturation, also results come.

Process step b) is carried out in a preferred embodiment in such a way that before, during or after the boiling of the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step b), there is no substantial crystallization, in particular no crystallization, of sucrose in the starting solution. Process step b) is to be carried out in a preferred embodiment in particular that the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in process step b) has at most 30% by weight (based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution) sucrose in crystalline form.

According to the invention, accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, no crystallized, thickened sucrose-containing solution is continuously transferred into the vacuum mixing device. In particular, the thickened sucrose solution obtained in process step b) has a maximum of 30% by weight (based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution) sucrose in crystalline form, i.e. a maximum of 30% by weight of sucrose crystal content. The thickened sucrose-containing solution that is then proportionately subsequently to be continuously transferred and transferred into the vacuum mixing device in process step c) is therefore not a crystallized sucrose solution, in particular it has at most 30% by weight of sucrose in crystalline form. Accordingly, in process step d), solidification of dry matter in the thickened sucrose-containing solution is achieved, the thickened sucrose-containing solution in particular having a maximum content of 30% by weight (based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution) of sucrose in has crystalline form. In particular, the thickened sucrose-containing solution used and to be solidified in process step d) has at most 20, at most 18, at most 15, at most 12, at most 10, at most 5, at most 1, in particular at most 0.9% by weight, in particular at most 0 , 85% by weight, in particular at most 0.80% by weight, in particular at most 0.75% by weight, in particular at most 0.70% by weight, in particular at most 0.65% by weight, in particular at most 0 , 60 wt .-% (each based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution) sucrose in crystalline form.

In process step b) at the latest, the at least one non-sucrose substance is added to the sucrose-containing starting solution or to the thickened sucrose-containing solution. The sucrose-containing starting solution or the thickened sucrose-containing solution therefore contains the at least one non-sucrose substance at the latest in process step b).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, no non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) and at least one non-sucrose substance is added to the sucrose-containing starting solution or the thickened sucrose-containing solution in process step b).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) and the same non-sucrose substance is additionally added in process step b).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) and another non-sucrose substance is additionally added in process step b).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) and no further non-sucrose substance is added.

While a thickened sucrose-containing solution is continuously obtained, a portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution is transferred continuously or cyclically, in particular continuously, into a vacuum mixing device in a process step c). At this point in time, the thickened sucrose-containing solution contains the at least one non-sucrose substance.

While the thickened sucrose-containing solution is stirred in a vacuum mixing device in the subsequent process step d), a solidification pressure is set. This leads to a continuous solidification of the dry substance, in particular the sucrose and the at least one non-sucrose substance in the thickened sucrose-containing solution to obtain a transformed sucrose composition containing the at least one non-sucrose substance.

The solidification pressure set in process step d), which in a particularly preferred embodiment is lower than the concentration pressure, advantageously and in a preferred embodiment leads to the evaporation of water and thus to a further thickening of the thickened sucrose-containing solution transferred in process step c), with a transformed Sugar comprising sucrose crystals, in which the at least one non-sucrose substance is incorporated. The at least one non-sucrose substance can preferably be incorporated homogeneously or heterogeneously. The at least one non-sucrose substance can preferably be incorporated homogeneously. The at least one non-sucrose substance can preferably be incorporated heterogeneously.

In the subsequent process step e), the transformed sucrose composition, in particular a lump-free, free-flowing sucrose composition, is continuously obtained and can be further processed in conventional process steps, for example by cooling, sieving, metering, drying, filling or a combination of two or more of these steps, especially all of these steps.

The transformed sucrose composition thus solidified may consist of crystals, amorphous solids, or components of both. The transformed sucrose composition solidified in this way can contain a higher proportion of water than sucrose compositions which have not been produced by a method according to the invention. For example, sucrose can consist of crystalline or amorphous sucrose or parts of both.

Without being bound by theory, the continuous procedure and the solidification of the dry substance in the thickened sucrose-containing solution under application of a solidification pressure and with stirring leads to a phase separation in which the water is predominantly in the gas phase and the sucrose in the solid phase is solidified. In particular, the rapid solidification in a continuous process step by a vacuum, i.e. the negative pressure in the form of a solidification pressure, as well as shear forces lead to a rapid inclusion of syrup residues, impurities and the at least one non-sucrose substance in aggregates of the solidified sucrose without a syrup film to form the crystal, as is common, for example, in a classic crystallization with subsequent centrifugation. In this way it can advantageously be avoided that possible superficial impurities are accumulated which, in a syrup film present on the crystals according to a classical crystallization, interfere with the recrystallization of the amorphous layer on the surface. Likewise can through the continuous procedure of the vacuum drying according to the invention, compared to a semicontinuous or batch procedure of classical crystallization, advantageous transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing, transformed sucrose compositions are produced, which are characterized in particular by the presence of aggregates of sucrose crystals.

In a preferred embodiment, centrifugation and / or drying with subsequent conditioning can be dispensed with.

In particular, the method leads to the fact that a higher proportion of water can be present in the transformed sucrose composition and, in particular, at the same time better storability, flowability, throwability and / or dosability is made possible, in particular without further process steps, for example centrifugation and / or drying with subsequent conditioning required. In particular, the transformed sucrose composition solidified according to the invention does not compact.

In a particular embodiment, the procedure according to the invention is not a batch procedure.

The process according to the invention is carried out in a reactor system which comprises at least one cooking device, in particular for carrying out process step b), and at least one vacuum mixing apparatus, in particular for carrying out process step d).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system additionally has at least one storage tank for the sucrose-containing starting solution. In particular, the sucrose-containing starting solution is stored in this at least one storage tank before being made available in accordance with method step a).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cooking device is preceded by a device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution. In a particularly preferred embodiment, no negative pressure is applied to the device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a negative pressure, ie a pressure below atmospheric pressure, for example a pressure of 100 to 600 mbar, can be applied to the device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upstream device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution is a two-stage evaporation station.

According to the invention, the reactor system has a continuously operated cooking apparatus as the cooking device. Optionally, according to this embodiment, the continuously operated cooking apparatus can have an overflow into a circulation line, via which part of the thickened sucrose-containing solution is pumped back into the cooking apparatus. The other part is transferred to the vacuum mixing device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system also has a condenser.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system additionally has a vapor filter.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one vacuum mixing device has at least one discharge lock.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system also has a weighing container.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system additionally has a cooling device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system also has a screening system. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the screening system is also designed as a cooling device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system additionally has a filling device for filling the transformed sucrose composition into packaging.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reactor system has, in addition to the at least one cooking device and the at least one vacuum mixing device, at least one storage tank, an upstream device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution, a condenser, a vapor filter, a discharge lock assigned to the vacuum mixing device, a weighing container , a cooling device, a screening system and a filling device.

According to the invention, the at least one vacuum mixing device has a stirring device for continuous mixing. This stirring device is operated in particular at a speed which reduces, in particular prevents, clumping, in particular in the form of lumps, of the contents of the vacuum mixing device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stirring device is set at a speed of rotation from 0.05 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.2 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.0 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 0.6 m / s , in particular 0.1 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.2 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.0 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 0.6 m / s, in particular 0.4 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1, 2 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.0 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 0.6 m / s, in particular 1.0 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 2 , 0 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 1.2 m / s, in particular 1.2 to 4.0 m / s, in particular these operated from 1.2 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 1.2 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 1.2 to 1.5 m / s. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stirring device is operated at a speed of 0.1 to 1.0 m / s.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to sucrose, precisely one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a).

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to sucrose, at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a sucrose content of at least 65% by weight, in particular at least 70% by weight, in particular at least 75% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight. -%, in particular at least 85% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight, in particular at least 95% by weight, in particular at least 97% by weight, in particular at least 99% by weight, in particular 65% by weight, in particular 70% by weight, in particular 75% by weight, in particular 80% by weight, in particular 90% by weight, in particular 95% by weight, in particular 97% by weight, in particular 99% by weight, (in each case based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a sucrose content of 65 to 99.90% by weight, in particular 65 to 99% by weight, in particular 65 to 97% by weight, in particular from 65 to 95% by weight, in particular from 65 to 90% by weight, in particular from 65 to 85% by weight, in particular from 65 to 80% by weight, in particular from 65 to 75% by weight, in particular from 65 to 70% by weight, in particular from 70 to 99% by weight, in particular from 70 to 97% by weight, in particular from 70 to 95% by weight, in particular from 70 to 90% by weight, in particular from 70 to 85% by weight, in particular from 70 to 80% by weight, in particular from 70 to 75% by weight, in particular 75 to 99% by weight, in particular from 75 to 97% by weight, in particular from 75 to 95% by weight, in particular from 75 to 90% by weight, in particular from 75 to 85% by weight, in particular from 75 to 80% by weight, in particular 80 to 99% by weight, in particular 80 to 97% by weight, in particular from 80 to 9 5% by weight, in particular from 80 to 90% by weight, in particular from 80 to 85% by weight (in each case based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a content of 70 to 99.90% by weight sucrose (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a non-sucrose content of a maximum of 35% by weight, in particular a maximum of 30% by weight, in particular a maximum of 25% by weight, in particular a maximum 20% by weight, in particular a maximum of 15% by weight, in particular a maximum of 10% by weight, in particular a maximum of 5% by weight, in particular a maximum of 3% by weight, in particular a maximum of 1% by weight, in particular 35% by weight, in particular 30% by weight. -%, in particular 25% by weight, in particular 20% by weight, in particular 15% by weight, in particular 10% by weight, in particular 5% by weight, in particular 3% by weight, in particular 1% by weight , (each based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 35% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 10% by weight, in particular 0.1 up to 1.0% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, in particular 1 to 35% by weight, in particular from 3 to 35% by weight, in particular from 5 to 35% by weight , in particular from 10 to 35% by weight, in particular from 15 to 35% by weight, in particular from 20 to 35% by weight, in particular from 25 to 35% by weight, in particular from 30 to 35% by weight, in particular from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from 3 to 30% by weight, in particular from 5 to 30% by weight, in particular from 10 to 30% by weight, in particular from 15 to 30% by weight, in particular from 20 to 30% by weight, in particular from 25 to 30% by weight, in particular from 1 to 25% by weight, in particular from 3 to 25% by weight, in particular from 5 to 25% by weight, in particular from 10 to 25% by weight, in particular from 15 to 25% by weight, in particular from 20 to 25% by weight (each based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 35% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 30% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 10% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 10% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 1.0% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 1.0% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 1 to 30% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 1 to 10% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 0.5% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of non-sucrose to sucrose in the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) is from 20 to 80% by weight to 0.001 to 99.999% by weight, in particular 10 to 90% by weight. % to 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, in particular 5 to 95% by weight to 1 to 99% by weight (based in each case on the total dry matter content of the non-sucrose substance and the sucrose).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a dry matter content of at least 65% by weight, in particular at least 70% by weight, in particular at least 75% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight , in particular at least 85% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight, in particular at least 95% by weight, in particular at least 97% by weight, in particular at least 99% by weight, in particular 65% by weight, in particular 70 % By weight, in particular 75% by weight, in particular 80% by weight, in particular 90% by weight, in particular 95% by weight, in particular 97% by weight, in particular 99% by weight, (in each case based on Total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a dry matter content of 65 to 99% by weight, in particular 65 to 97% by weight, in particular 65 to 95% by weight, in particular 65 to 90% by weight, in particular from 65 to 85% by weight, in particular from 65 to 80% by weight, in particular from 65 to 75% by weight, in particular from 65 to 70% by weight, in particular 70 to 99% by weight, in particular from 70 to 97% by weight, in particular from 70 to 95% by weight, in particular from 70 to 90% by weight, in particular from 70 to 85% by weight, in particular from 70 to 80% by weight, in particular from 70 to 75% by weight, in particular 75 to 99% by weight, in particular from 75 to 97% by weight, in particular from 75 to 95% by weight, in particular from 75 to 90 % By weight, in particular from 75 to 85% by weight, in particular from 75 to 80% by weight, in particular 80 to 99% by weight, in particular from 80 to 97% by weight, in particular from 80 to 95% by weight .-%, in particular from 80 to 90% by weight, in particular from 80 to 85% by weight (in each case based on the total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) has a dry matter content of 70 to 80% by weight (based on the total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is selected from the group consisting of sugars other than sucrose, sugar alcohols, sugar substitutes, oligomeric carbohydrates, polymeric carbohydrates, high-intensity sweeteners, lipids, pH regulators, in particular food acids, amino acids, Colors, fiber, proteins, flavors, minerals, metal oxides, vitamins, and combinations thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one non-sucrose substance is fructose, glucose, isomaltulose, maltose, lactose, sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, in particular isomalt GS, in particular isomalt ST, starch, hydrolyzed starch, in particular hydrolyzed rice starch, a pharmaceutical active ingredient, cellulose , Nitrocellulose, NaCl, SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, vanillin, tea extract, glutamate, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D or vitamin E, or a combination thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is a pH regulator, in particular sodium hydroxide or an edible acid.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is an edible acid, in particular tartaric acid, in particular citric acid.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is sodium hydroxide.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is starch, in particular rice starch.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is hydrolyzed starch, in particular hydrolyzed rice starch.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is a vitamin, in particular folic acid, in particular vitamin C, in particular vitamin B 12, in particular vitamin D, in particular vitamin E.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one non-sucrose substance is a metal oxide, in particular SiO ₂ , in particular TiO 2.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution according to process step a) is in an aqueous medium, in particular in an aqueous solution, dissolved or suspended sucrose.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solvent of the sucrose-containing starting solution and the thickened sucrose-containing solution is an aqueous medium, in particular an aqueous solution, in particular water. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous solution can be an aqueous plant extract solution.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) is a sucrose-containing starting solution derived from plant materials, in particular sugar-containing materials, in particular sugar beet or sugar cane, in particular one that is derived from a conventional extraction process from plant origin materials, in particular a thin juice, a thick juice or a drained syrup from sugar production.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the drain syrup can be a syrup obtained by centrifugation of magma obtained from thick juice crystallization. A drain syrup can also be a drain syrup obtained after crystallization and centrifugation of a drain syrup obtained by centrifuging a magma from a thick juice crystallization.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) can be a synthetically produced sucrose-containing starting solution in which the sucrose is dissolved in an aqueous medium, in particular an aqueous solution, for example water or a drain syrup from sugar production or is suspended. In such an embodiment of the present invention, besides the sucrose, the aqueous medium, the aqueous solution, for example the water and optionally the at least one non-sucrose substance, no further substance is present.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in process step a) is at room temperature.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing starting solution in process step a) is provided in a heated state. In particular, the sucrose-containing starting solution is at a temperature of 20 to 90 ° C, in particular 30 to 90 ° C, in particular 40 to 90 ° C, in particular 50 to 90 ° C, in particular 60 to 90 ° C, in particular 20 to 80 ° C, in particular from 30 to 80 ° C, in particular from 40 to 80 ° C, in particular from 50 to 80 ° C, in particular from 60 to 80 ° C, in particular from 20 to 70 ° C, in particular from 30 to 70 ° C, in particular from 40 to 70 ° C, in particular from 50 to 70 ° C, in particular from 60 to 70 ° C, in particular from 20 to 60 ° C, in particular from 30 to 60 ° C, in particular from 40 to 60 ° C., in particular from 50 to 60 ° C., in particular from 20 to 50 ° C., in particular from 30 to 50 ° C., in particular from 40 to 50 ° C., provided. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution is provided in process step a) at a temperature of 70 to 80.degree.

In a preferred embodiment, the dry matter content and / or the temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution is set in a method step a0) before method step a), in particular in a device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution.

In a preferred embodiment, the dry matter content and the temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution are set in a method step a0) before method step a), in particular in a device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution.

In a preferred embodiment, the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution is set in a method step a0) before method step a), in particular in a device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution.

In a preferred embodiment, the temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution is set in a method step a0) before method step a), in particular in a device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in process step a0), the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution is at least 65% by weight, in particular at least 70% by weight, in particular at least 75% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, in particular at least 85% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight, in particular at least 95% by weight, in particular at least 97% by weight, in particular at least 99% by weight, in particular 65% by weight, in particular 70% by weight. -%, in particular 75% by weight, in particular 80% by weight, in particular 90% by weight, in particular 95 % By weight, in particular 97% by weight, in particular 99% by weight, (each based on the total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in method step a0), the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution is adjusted to a dry matter content of 65 to 99% by weight, in particular 65 to 97% by weight, in particular 65 to 95% by weight, in particular from 65 to 90% by weight, in particular from 65 to 85% by weight, in particular from 65 to 80% by weight, in particular from 65 to 75% by weight, in particular from 65 to 70% by weight, in particular 70 to 99% by weight, in particular from 70 to 97% by weight, in particular from 70 to 95% by weight, in particular from 70 to 90% by weight, in particular from 70 to 85% by weight, in particular from 70 to 80% by weight, in particular from 70 to 75% by weight, in particular 75 to 99% by weight, in particular from 75 to 97% by weight, in particular from 75 to 95% by weight, in particular from 75 to 90% by weight, in particular from 75 to 85% by weight, in particular from 75 to 80% by weight, in particular 80 to 99% by weight, in particular from 80 to 97% by weight, in particular from 80 to 95% by weight, in particular e from 80 to 90% by weight, in particular from 80 to 85% by weight (based in each case on the total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment, in process step a0) the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution is adjusted to a dry matter content of 70 to 80% by weight (based on the total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution is raised to a temperature of 20 to 90 ° C, in particular 30 to 90 ° C, in particular 40 to 90 ° C, in particular 50 to 90 ° C, in process step a0) , in particular from 60 to 90 ° C, in particular 20 to 80 ° C, in particular from 30 to 80 ° C, in particular from 40 to 80 ° C, in particular from 50 to 80 ° C, in particular from 60 to 80 ° C, in particular 20 to 70 ° C, in particular from 30 to 70 ° C, in particular from 40 to 70 ° C, in particular from 50 to 70 ° C, in particular from 60 to 70 ° C, in particular from 20 to 60 ° C, in particular from 30 to 60 ° C, in particular from 40 to 60 ° C, in particular from 50 to 60 ° C, in particular from 20 to 50 ° C, in particular from 30 to 50 ° C, in particular from 40 to 50 ° C. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution is set to a temperature of 60 to 80 ° C. in process step a0).

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a negative pressure is applied in method step a0), in particular a pressure of 100 to 600 mbar. A pressure of 150 to 550 mbar is particularly preferably applied.

In a preferred embodiment, in process step b), the thickening temperature is to be set in the boiling device under a concentration pressure so that, when the boiling point is reached, the saturation level of the sucrose-containing starting solution in process step b) is 0.7 to 1.5, in particular 0.8 to 1.5, especially 0.9 to 1.5, especially 1.0 to 1.5, especially 1.1 to 1.5, especially 1.2 to 1.5, especially 0.7 to 1.4, especially 0.7 to 1.3, especially 0.7 to 1.2, especially 0.7 to 1.1, especially 0.7 to 1.0, especially 0.8 to 1.4, especially 0.8 to 1 , 3, in particular 0.8 to 1.2, in particular 0.9 to 1.1, of sucrose.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickening temperature in process step b) is from 20 to 160 ° C, in particular from 30 to 130 ° C, in particular 50 to 110 ° C, in particular 65 to 115 ° C, in particular 85 to 98 ° C, in particular 100 to 106 ° C. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickening temperature in process step b) is 80 to 98.degree.

In connection with the present invention, a thickening temperature is understood to mean the temperature that is to be set in process step b) in order to bring the sucrose-containing starting solution to the boil at the dry matter content and the prevailing pressure in process step b), i.e. to the boiling point heat.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickening pressure in process step b) is a negative pressure. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure in process step b) is> 0 to 950 mbar, in particular> 0 to 800 mbar, in particular> 0 to 650 mbar, in particular> 0 to 550 mbar, in particular 50 to 950 mbar, in particular 50 to 800 mbar, especially 50 to 650 mbar, especially 50 to 550 mbar, especially 50 to 500 mbar, especially 100 to 950 mbar, especially 100 to 800 mbar, especially 100 to 650 mbar, especially 100 to 550 mbar, especially 100 to 500 mbar, in particular 200 to 950 mbar, in particular 200 to 800 mbar, in particular 200 to 650 mbar, in particular 200 to 550 mbar, in particular 200 to 500 mbar, in particular 250 to 950 mbar, in particular 250 to 800 mbar, in particular 250 to 650 mbar, in particular 250 up to 550 mbar, in particular 250 to 500 mbar, in particular 300 to 950 mbar, especially 300 to 800 mbar, especially 300 to 650 mbar, especially 300 to 550 mbar, especially 300 to 500 mbar, especially 400 to 950 mbar, especially 400 to 800 mbar, especially 400 to 650 mbar, especially 400 to 550 mbar, in particular 400 to 500 mbar. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickening pressure in process step b) is 400 to 500 mbar.

In connection with the present invention, a thickening pressure is understood to mean the pressure that is to be set in process step b) in order to bring the sucrose-containing starting solution to the boil at the dry matter content and the prevailing temperature in process step b).

In a preferred embodiment, the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in process step b) has a sucrose crystal content of at most 30% by weight, in particular at most 20% by weight, in particular at most 18% by weight, in particular at most 15% by weight. %, in particular at most 12% by weight, in particular at most 10% by weight, in particular at most 5% by weight, in particular at most 1% by weight, in particular at most 0.9% by weight, in particular at most 0.85% by weight %, in particular at most 0.80% by weight, in particular at most 0.75% by weight, in particular at most 0.70% by weight, in particular at most 0.65% by weight, in particular at most 0.60% by weight. -% (each based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution).

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to sucrose, precisely one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to sucrose, at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of a maximum of 35% by weight, in particular a maximum of 30% by weight, in particular a maximum of 25% by weight, in particular a maximum of 20% by weight. -%, in particular a maximum of 15% by weight, in particular a maximum of 10% by weight, in particular a maximum of 5% by weight, in particular a maximum of 3% by weight, in particular a maximum of 1% by weight, in particular 35% by weight, in particular 30% by weight, in particular 25% by weight, in particular 20% by weight, in particular 15% by weight, in particular 10% by weight, in particular 5% by weight, in particular 3% by weight, in particular 1 % By weight (each based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 35% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 10% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 1.0 % By weight, in particular 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, in particular 1 to 35% by weight, in particular 3 to 35% by weight, in particular 5 to 35% by weight, in particular 10 to 35% by weight, in particular 15 to 35% by weight, in particular from 20 to 35% by weight, in particular from 25 to 35% by weight, in particular from 30 to 35% by weight, in particular from 1 to 30% by weight, in particular from 3 to 30% by weight, in particular from 5 to 30% by weight, in particular from 10 to 30% by weight, in particular from 15 to 30% by weight, in particular from 20 to 30% by weight, in particular from 25 to 30% by weight, in particular from 1 to 25% by weight, in particular from 3 to 25% by weight, in particular from 5 to 25% by weight, in particular from 10 to 25% by weight, in particular from 15 to 25% by weight, in particular from 20 to 25% by weight, (each because based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution).

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 35% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, there is a content in the sucrose-containing starting solution of non-sucrose substance from 0.2 to 30% by weight present (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 10% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 10% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 1.0% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 1.0% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 1 to 30% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 1 to 10% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). In a further preferred embodiment, the sucrose-containing starting solution has a non-sucrose content of 0.2 to 0.5% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight ratio of non-sucrose to sucrose in the sucrose-containing thickened starting solution is from 20 to 80% by weight to 0.001 to 99.999% by weight, in particular 10 to 90% by weight to 0 , 1 to 99.9% by weight, in particular 5 to 95% by weight to 1 to 99% by weight (in each case based on the total dry substance content of the non-sucrose substance and the sucrose).

In a preferred embodiment, the thickened sucrose-containing solution after receipt in process step b) has a dry matter content of at least 65% by weight, in particular at least 70% by weight, in particular at least 75% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight , in particular at least 85% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight, in particular at least 95% by weight, in particular at least 97% by weight, in particular at least 99% by weight, in particular 65% by weight, in particular 70 % By weight, in particular 75% by weight, in particular 80% by weight, in particular 90% by weight, in particular 95% by weight, in particular 97% by weight, in particular 99% by weight, (in each case based on on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution).

In a preferred embodiment, the thickened sucrose-containing solution has a dry matter content of 65 to 99% by weight, in particular 65 to 97% by weight, in particular 65 to 95% by weight, in particular of 65 to 90% by weight, in particular from 65 to 85% by weight, in particular from 65 to 80% by weight, in particular from 65 to 75% by weight, in particular from 65 to 70% by weight, in particular 70 to 99% by weight, in particular from 70 to 97% by weight, in particular from 70 to 95% by weight, in particular from 70 to 90% by weight, in particular from 70 to 85% by weight, in particular from 70 to 80% by weight, in particular from 70 to 75% by weight, in particular 75 to 99% by weight, in particular from 75 to 97% by weight, in particular from 75 to 95% by weight, in particular from 75 to 90 % By weight, in particular from 75 to 85% by weight, in particular from 75 to 80% by weight, in particular 80 to 99% by weight, in particular from 80 to 97% by weight, in particular from 80 to 95% by weight .-%, in particular from 80 to 90% by weight, esp especial from 80 to 85 wt .-% (each based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickened sucrose-containing solution has a dry matter content of 70 to 95% by weight (based on the total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution) after it has been received in process step b).

According to the invention, in process step c) a portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution is transferred into the vacuum mixing device. The remaining non-transferred portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution can continue to circulate in the cooking device in a preferred embodiment.

The portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution that is not transferred into the vacuum mixing device can be removed from the cooking device, for example via a circulation line, and fed back into the cooking device.

The remaining portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution that is not transferred into the vacuum mixing device can also be removed from the boiling device, preferably mixed with non-thickened sucrose-containing solution and provided as a sucrose-containing starting solution in process step a).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the consolidation pressure in process step d) is an absolute pressure of at most 1 bar, in particular at most 900 mbar, in particular at most 750 mbar, in particular at most 600 mbar, in particular at most 500 mbar, 350 mbar, in particular at most 300 mbar, in particular a maximum of 250 mbar, in particular a maximum of 200 mbar, in particular at most 170 mbar, in particular at most 150 mbar, in particular at most 100 mbar, in particular at most 50 mbar. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the consolidation pressure in process step d) is 40 to 55 mbar.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thickened sucrose-containing solution is in process step d) at a speed of 0.05 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 0, 05 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.2 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 1.0 m / s, in particular from 0.05 to 0.6 m / s, in particular 0.1 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.2 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 1.0 m / s, in particular from 0.1 to 0.6 m / s , in particular 0.4 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.5 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.2 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 1.0 m / s, in particular from 0.4 to 0.6 m / s, in particular 1.0 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 1.8 m / s, in particular from 1.0 to 1.5 m / s, in particular Others from 1.0 to 1.2 m / s, in particular 1.2 to 4.0 m / s, in particular from 1.2 to 2.0 m / s, in particular from 1.2 to 1.8 m / s , in particular from 1.2 to 1.5 m / s, mixed, in particular stirred. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickened sucrose-containing solution is mixed, in particular stirred, in process step d) at a speed of 0.1 to 1.0 m / s.

In one embodiment of the invention, after process step b), in particular in process step c) and / or d), in particular in process step d), at least one inoculating substance is added to the thickened sucrose-containing solution.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the following invention, the inoculating substance comprises sucrose, in particular the inoculating substance has sucrose crystals, in particular they consist of sucrose, in particular sucrose crystals. Optionally, at least two different inoculants can also be added. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inoculating substance is powdered sugar. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inoculating substance is a sucrose crystal suspension. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inoculum is coarse refined sugar.

In one embodiment, a non-sucrose substance can be used as the sole inoculum. In particular, in one embodiment, the non-sucrose substance can be used together with another inoculating substance, for example sucrose, as the inoculating substance.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, after process step b), in particular in process step c) and / or process step d), no inoculum is added to the thickened sucrose-containing solution.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the context of the method according to the invention, no inoculation is carried out, in particular none of the sucrose-containing solutions, in particular the sucrose-containing starting solution and the thickened sucrose-containing solution, no or more than one inoculating substance is added.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transformed sucrose composition obtained in process step e), in particular the lump-free, free-flowing sucrose composition, has a water content of 0.05 to 4% by weight, in particular 0.05 to 3% by weight, in particular 0 .05 to 2% by weight, in particular 0.05 to 1% by weight, in particular 0.05 to 0.5% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 4% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 3 % By weight, in particular 0.1 to 2% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 1% by weight, in particular 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, in particular 0.5 to 4% by weight , in particular 0.5 to 3% by weight, in particular 0.5 to 2% by weight, in particular 0.5 to 1% by weight, in particular 1 to 4% by weight, in particular 1 to 3% by weight %, in particular 1 to 2% by weight (in each case based on the total weight of the sucrose composition). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transformed sucrose composition obtained in process step e) has a water content of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight (based on the total weight of the sucrose composition).

According to the invention, the water content is preferably determined by means of the Karl Fischer titrimetric method.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the transformed sucrose composition obtained in process step e) is sorted into at least two fractions of different size distributions of sucrose particles via a sieve system.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second sucrose particle fraction has sucrose particles with a smaller size in relation to the at least one first sucrose particle fraction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one second sucrose particle fraction is further processed with the smaller sucrose particles, in particular packaged, and the at least one first sucrose particle fraction is used for the production of the sucrose-containing starting solution. For this purpose, the at least one first sucrose particle fraction can in particular be comminuted and / or dissolved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thickening temperature for the sucrose-containing starting solution in process step b) is 85 to 98 ° C., the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in process step b) has a dry matter content of 75 to 90% by weight (based on the Total mass of the thickened sucrose-containing solution), the solidification pressure in the vacuum mixing device for the sucrose-containing starting solution is at most 100 mbar and the thickened sucrose-containing solution is mixed in process step d) at a speed of 0.1 to 1 m / s , especially stirred.

The present invention also relates to transformed sucrose compositions, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose compositions which can be produced, in particular produced, by a method according to the invention.

In connection with the present invention, a “transformed sucrose composition” is understood to mean a solid, in particular an aggregate, which contains at least one sucrose, in particular in crystalline and / or amorphous form, in particular in crystalline form, in particular in amorphous form, and at least one non- Sucrose substance, in particular in physically associated form, and wherein this solid is obtained from a sucrose-containing starting solution by solidification of the dry substance of the sucrose-containing starting solution.

In connection with the present invention, a “non-sucrose substance” is understood to mean a substance that is not sucrose and is present in liquid and / or solid form.

In connection with the present invention, a “sucrose-containing starting solution” is understood to mean a liquid solution containing dissolved sucrose or a suspension, ie a sucrose solution containing sucrose crystals, which in a solvent, in particular an aqueous medium, comprises at least sucrose, and optionally at least one Non-sucrose substance, in particular consisting essentially of these, in particular consisting. According to the invention it is provided that the at least one non-sucrose substance is present in the sucrose-containing starting solution before provision in process step a) and / or is added to the sucrose-containing starting solution or thickened sucrose-containing solution at the latest in process step b).

In connection with the present invention, a “thickened sucrose-containing solution” is understood to mean a sucrose-containing solution which has a dry matter content of at least 65% by weight, in particular at least 70% by weight, in particular at least 75% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, in particular at least 85% by weight, in particular at least 90% by weight, in particular at least 95% by weight, in particular at least 97% by weight, in particular at least 99% by weight, in particular 65 % By weight, in particular 70% by weight, in particular 75% by weight, in particular 80% by weight, in particular 90% by weight, in particular 95% by weight, in particular 97% by weight, in particular 99% by weight having .-% (each based on total weight of the preserved sucrose-containing solution) and can which as a liquid solution containing dissolved sucrose, or as a suspension, that is, a sucrose crystals having sucrose solution are present, and wherein the solvent can be, in particular an aqueous medium .In the In connection with the present invention, “dissolved sucrose” is understood to mean sucrose which is present in dissolved form in a certain amount in water (in each case at a given constant temperature and pressure).

In connection with the present invention, a “saturated sucrose solution” is understood to mean a solution in which just such a large amount of the dissolved sucrose is dissolved in the amount of water present that just no further sucrose can be dissolved in it ( each at a constant given temperature and pressure).

In connection with the present invention, the term “degree of saturation” is understood to mean the ratio of the amount of sucrose actually dissolved to the amount of sucrose that is present in a saturated solution (in each case at a given constant temperature and pressure). In the event that less sucrose is dissolved than is present in a saturated solution, there is an “undersaturation” / “undersaturated solution” (degree of saturation <1) (in each case at a given constant temperature and pressure). In the event that such an amount of sucrose is dissolved that can be present in a saturated solution, there is a “saturation” / “saturated solution” (degree of saturation = 1) (in each case at a given constant temperature and pressure). In the event that more of the sucrose is dissolved than is present in a saturated solution, there is a “supersaturation” / “supersaturated solution” (degree of saturation> 1) (in each case at a given constant temperature and pressure).

In connection with the present invention, the degree of saturation of sucrose can preferably be determined by measuring the sucrose and dry matter content of a solution and then determining the degree of saturation using values known from the literature (Sugar Technologist Manual, Bartens, 8th Edition). Alternatively, the degree of saturation of the solution to be examined can be determined by adding a defined amount of sucrose and completely separating off the undissolved sucrose after the equilibrium has been reached. The degree of saturation can be determined by calculating the difference in the amount of sucrose and comparing it with literature data.

In connection with the present invention, the boiling temperature can preferably be determined by determining the dry matter content of a solution and then using values known from the literature (Sugar Technologist Manual, Bartens, 8th Edition) to determine the boiling temperature at a given constant pressure. Alternatively, the boiling temperature can be determined experimentally by heating a solution at a given constant pressure until it starts to boil.

In connection with the present invention, “inoculating” is understood to mean that an inoculating substance, for example in the form of sucrose, in particular sucrose crystals, is added to a sucrose solution.

In connection with the present invention, an “inoculating substance” is understood to mean a substance or a substance mixture which is suitable for triggering crystal growth, in particular sucrose crystals. This can also be a non-sucrose substance used according to the invention.

In connection with the present invention, “heating” is understood to mean that a solution is heated to a certain temperature and this temperature is then maintained, unless otherwise stated.

In connection with the present invention, a “thin juice” is understood to mean a purified sucrose-containing solution which is produced during the lime-carbonic acid extraction of sucrose from sugar beets.

In connection with the present invention, a “thick juice” is understood to mean a thickened thin juice.

In connection with the present invention, a “sucrose particle fraction with different size distribution of sucrose particles” is understood to mean a fraction of a sucrose composition which sucrose particles, in particular sucrose crystals, in particular agglomerates containing sucrose crystals, with sizes, in particular Having diameters within a certain range.

If a value for a pressure is given in connection with the present invention, this is to be understood as absolute pressure and not as pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. A negative pressure is a pressure which is lower than the prevailing atmospheric pressure (1 bar). A vacuum is understood to mean, in particular, a negative pressure.

In connection with the present invention, a “free-flowing composition” is understood to mean, in particular, a composition in which the pourability funnel test, which is carried out in accordance with Ph. Eur. 2.9.16 (Pharmacopeia Europaea), is positive, in particular in the case of the Flowability funnel test using an ERWEKA Granulate Tester GT, (ERWEKA Flow Tester GT, v. 1.3.04.19) turns out positive.

The pourability funnel test provides that a defined mass of a solid or a composition, in particular a crystalline solid, in particular a crystalline composition, is placed in a funnel and it is measured how long the solid or the composition needs to pass through the lower, narrower opening to flow. The pourability test is positive when the entire amount of solid flows through the lower, narrower opening. A maximum time can be defined within which the quantity should flow through the opening, in particular 2 minutes, preferably 1 minute. If the total amount has not flowed through the opening within the specified time, the test is considered negative.

In connection with the present invention, “solidification” is understood to mean a phase transition from a solution to a solid state.

In connection with the present invention, “by continuous mixing” is understood to mean a procedure in which a composition is moved in particular continuously, in particular without interruption.

In connection with the present invention, a “continuous transfer” of a portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in process step b) is understood to mean that the portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in process step b) is permanently transferred, that is to say without temporarily Interruptions. In a preferred embodiment, continuous transfer can be implemented by transferring by means of one or more continuously operated nozzles.

In connection with the present invention, a “clocked transfer” of a portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained according to method step b) is understood to mean that the portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained in method step b) is transferred semicontinuously, that is, continuously with temporary interruptions. In a preferred embodiment, a clocked transfer can be implemented by transferring by means of one or more nozzles that are alternately switched on and off.

In connection with the present invention, the term “isomalt” refers to a mixture of 6-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol (1,6-GPS) and 1-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-mannitol (1 , 1-GPM) and optionally 1-0-α-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol (1,1-GPS), in particular isomalt GS or isomalt ST.

In connection with the present invention, “Isomalt GS” means a mixture of 72 to 78% by weight, preferably 75% by weight, 1,6-GPS and 22 to 28% by weight, in particular 25% by weight, 1,1-GPM (in each case based on the dry substance of the isomalt GS) understood.

In connection with the present invention, “isomalt ST” is understood to mean a mixture of 53 to 47% by weight 1,6-GPS and 47 to 53% by weight 1,1-GPM (based on the dry weight of the isomalt GS).

Insofar as quantitative information, in particular percentages, of components of a product or a composition is given in connection with the present invention, these add up together with the other components of the composition or of the composition or of the other components of the composition or of the composition which are explicitly stated or are technically apparent, unless explicitly stated otherwise Product to 100% of the composition and / or the product.

If, in connection with the present invention, a “presence”, “containing” or “having” a component is expressed, mentioned or implied in an amount of 0% by weight, this means that the respective component is not in a measurable amount present, in particular not present, is.

Further advantageous refinements emerge from the subclaims.

List of reference symbols

100

Cooking device,

110

Storage tank,

120

Device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution,

130

Circulation line,

200

Vacuum mixing device,

210

Vapor filter,

220

Capacitor,

310

Weighing container,

320

Screening plant,

325

Cooling device,

330

Filling device.

340

Discharge lock

The invention is explained in more detail with the aid of the following examples and figures.

Figure list

• 1 ein beispielhaftes Schema einer erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensweise, wobei der optionale Verfahrensschritt a0) sowie die optionalen Ausführungsformen dargestellt sind, gemäß denen eine Zirkulation des nicht-überführten Anteils der eingedickten Saccharose-Lösung in der Kochvorrichtung (kreisförmige Pfeil innerhalb Verfahrensschrittes b)), eine Entnahme und Wiedereinspeisung des nicht-überführten Anteils der eingedickten Saccharose-Lösung in die Kochvorrichtung (Pfeil von Verfahrensschritt c) zurück zu Verfahrensschritt b)) und eine Entnahme des nicht-überführten Anteils der eingedickten Saccharose-Lösung aus der Kochvorrichtung, Vermischung mit nicht-eingedickter Saccharose-Lösung und Bereitstellung dieser Mischung in Verfahrensschritt a) (Pfeil von Verfahrensschritt c) zu Verfahrensschritt a)) stattfinden kann, und
• 2 ein Schema eines beispielhaften Reaktorsystems, in welchem das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann, wobei das Reaktorsystem eine Kochvorrichtung (100), einen Lagertank (110), eine Vorrichtung zur Veränderung des Trockensubstanzgehaltes der Saccharose-haltigen Ausganslösung (120), eine Zirkulationsleitung (130), eine Vakuummischvorrichtung (200), einen Brüdenfilter (210), einen Kondensator (220), eine Austragsschleuse (340), einen Wiegebehälter (310), eine Siebanlage/Kühleinrichtung (320/325) und eine Abfüllvorrichtung (330) umfasst.

The figures show

• 1 an exemplary scheme of a procedure according to the invention, the optional process step a0) and the optional embodiments are shown, according to which a circulation of the non-transferred portion of the thickened sucrose solution in the cooking device (circular arrow within process step b)), a withdrawal and re-feeding of the non-transferred portion of the thickened sucrose solution into the cooking device (arrow from process step c) back to method step b)) and a removal of the non-transferred portion of the thickened sucrose solution from the cooking device, mixing with non-thickened sucrose solution and providing this mixture in process step a) (arrow from process step c) to process step a)) can take place, and
• 2 a diagram of an exemplary reactor system in which the process according to the invention can be carried out, the reactor system being a cooking device ( 100 ), a storage tank ( 110 ), a device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution ( 120 ), a circulation line ( 130 ), a vacuum mixing device ( 200 ), a vapor filter ( 210 ), a capacitor ( 220 ), a discharge lock ( 340 ), a weigh bin ( 310 ), a screening plant / cooling device ( 320 / 325 ) and a filling device ( 330 ) includes.

example 1

The manufacture of a lump-free, free flowing, transformed sucrose composition begins with the provision of crystalline sucrose. The sucrose was dissolved in water. The sugar syrup produced in this way was stored in storage tanks ( 110 ) and taken from these tanks for the further process.
In these in the storage tanks ( 110 ) the stored sugar syrup was metered in the SiO2 and stirred.
The sugar syrup with SiO ₂ was stirred by means of a stirrer in order to keep the SiO2 homogeneously distributed. Then, as described in the next paragraph, they were transferred from these tanks to the buffer tank.
The sugar syrup was fed via a pipeline bridge into a buffer tank and stored there. If necessary, the syrup was circulated and kept moving by means of a centrifugal pump. The syrup was pumped from the buffer tank into a two-stage evaporation station (upstream device for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution, 120), in which the dry matter content (DS) of the syrup in a process step a0) to approx. 75% DS at approx. 69 ° C, or 75% TS was increased at 69 ° C.

After setting the TS, the syrup (sucrose-containing starting solution) prepared in this way according to process step a) was transferred to a continuously operated cooking device ( 100 ) pumped. In this, applying a thickening pressure of approx. 400-650 mbar and a corresponding thickening temperature of 85 to 98 ° C., the TS was further increased to approx. 80% TS (see Examples 2 and 3). The syrup ran from the cooking device via an overflow into a circulation line ( 130 ), through which part of the syrup (thickened sucrose-containing solution) is returned to the cooking device ( 100 ) was pumped. A portion of the syrup (thickened sucrose-containing solution) was in process step c) via a positive displacement pump via one or more feed points into the vacuum mixing device ( 200 ) pumped. There, according to process step d), the sucrose composition was continuously solidified in that most of the water was evaporated by applying a vacuum at a reduced pressure of 45 to 50 mbar. That in the surface capacitor ( 220 ) The separated condensate was discharged into the wastewater. Any dust that occurred was in the vapor filter ( 210 ) separated and cycled into the vacuum mixing device ( 200 ) cleaned.

The solidified sucrose composition obtained in this way continuously in process step e) was collected under reduced pressure in the discharge lock. This was at regular intervals from the vacuum mixing device ( 200 ) separated and ventilated. By opening the discharge flap, the product was released through the discharge lock ( 340 ) into the weigh bin ( 310 ) transferred. A first quantity recording was carried out there by weighing.

The sucrose composition was extracted from the weighing container via the vibrating channel (sieve system ( 320 ), which is also used here as a cooling device ( 325 ) serves) discharged, wherein the sucrose composition was cooled and sieved (see Example 4).

Then the good product (second sucrose particle fraction) and oversized grain (first sucrose particle fraction) were conveyed to the filling device ( 330 ), in which the fractions were filled into big bags or other small containers.

The oversized grain (first sucrose particle fraction) can be returned to the process. For this purpose, the oversized grain (first sucrose particle fraction) can either be dissolved or crushed.

Example 2

Using the device and procedure according to Example 1, the sucrose-containing starting solution shown in Table 1 below and containing 99.77% by weight of sucrose and 0.23% by weight of non-sucrose material SiO2 (each based on total dry matter) was dissolved in water according to the invention solidified into a free flowing, lump free transformed sucrose composition. Table 1 parameter value method Starting materials / conditions TS salary 64.6 g / 100 g refractometric temperature 35 ° C Pt100 Sucrose content 99.77% TS HPLC Non-sucrose substance SiO2 Non-sucrose content 0.23% / TS gravimetric Ratio of non-sucrose to sucrose 0.0023 calculated Device for changing the dry matter (TS) content (steps a0) and a)) contraption Two-stage evaporation station Indentation 240mbar manometer Thickening temperature level 1 75 ° C Pt100 Thickening temperature level 2 69 ° C Pt100 Concentration TS content 75g / 100g refractometric Thickening in the cooking device (step b)) Indentation 465 mbar manometer Thickening temperature 90 ° C Pt100 Eindick TS content 79g / 100g refractometric Saturation level 0.88 calculated Continuous solidification in a vacuum mixing device (step d)) Consolidation pressure 45 - 50 mbar manometer Mixer rotation speed 0.5m / s calculated

Pt100: platinum resistance thermometer, g / 100g: gTS per 100 g total mass

Example 3

Using the device and procedure according to Example 1, the sucrose-containing starting solution shown in Table 2 below, containing 99.77 wt solidified into a free flowing, lump free transformed sucrose composition. Table 2 parameter value method Starting materials and conditions TS salary 64.7 g / 100 g refractometric temperature 35 ° C Pt100 Sucrose content 99.77% TS HPLC Non-sucrose substance SiO ₂ Non-sucrose content 0.23% / TS gravimetric Ratio of non-sucrose to sucrose 0.0023 calculated Device for changing the dry matter (TS) content (steps a0) and a)) contraption Two-stage evaporation station Indentation 235mbar manometer Thickening temperature level 1 77 ° C Pt100 Thickening temperature level 2 69 ° C Pt100 Concentration TS content 75 g / 100 g refractometric Thickening in the cooking device (step b)) Indentation 620mbar manometer Thickening temperature 97 ° C Pt100 Eindick TS content 80 g / 100 g refractometric Saturation level 0.84 calculated Continuous solidification in a vacuum mixing device (step d)) Consolidation pressure 45 - 50 mbar manometer Mixer rotation speed 0.5m / s calculated

Example 4

The transformed sucrose compositions prepared according to Examples 2 and 3 were examined with regard to their flowability and the water content.

To determine the flowability, the flowability funnel test was carried out using an ERWEKA granulate tester GT in accordance with Ph. Eur. 2.9.16 (data in seconds (s) per 100 g of sucrose composition). The angle of repose was determined in accordance with DIN 53916 and the water content in accordance with the Karl Fischer titrimetric method (KF) (data in g of water per 100 g of sucrose composition). Table 3 Approach angle Pourability Pourability Water content Sample number: 6 mm nozzle 8 mm nozzle total after theatrical version opto-electric chronometric chronometric titrimetric DIN 53916 Ph.Eur. 2.9.16 Ph.Eur. 2.9.16 s / 100g s / 100g g / 100g Average Average Average Average 1 sucrose composition according to example 2 (0.1-0.4 mm sieved) 33.4 30.3 13.8 0.35 2 Sucrose composition according to Example 2 (0.4-0.71 mm sieved) 34.4 27.9 11.7 3 Sucrose composition according to Example 2 (0.71 - 1.0 mm sieved) 35.8 36.6 14.7 4 Sucrose composition according to Example 3 (0.1-0.4 mm sieved) 32.6 26.0 11.6 0.18 5 Sucrose composition according to Example 3 (0.4-0.71 mm sieved) 34.1 28.1 11.8 6 sucrose composition according to example 3 (0.71 - 1.0 mm sieved) 36.0 39.2 16.0 7 crystals (wet sucrose control) WZ1 (white sugar 1) Sample is not free-flowing Sample is not free-flowing Sample is not free-flowing 0.34

It can be seen that the transformed sucrose compositions of samples 1 to 6 prepared according to the invention are free-flowing and free-flowing, even though their water content corresponds to that of wet sugar (sample 7), i.e. a sugar that is briefly present immediately after the centrifugation station and before drying.

Claims (15)

Process for the continuous production of transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose compositions from at least one sucrose and at least one non-sucrose substance, comprising the following process steps: a) providing a sucrose-containing starting solution containing at least sucrose and at least one non-sucrose substance, b) continuously introducing the sucrose-containing starting solution into a boiling device (100) under a concentration pressure and holding it in the boiling device (100) while setting a thickening temperature to reach the boiling temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution, so that it is thickened at boiling temperature to continuously obtain a thickened Sucrose-containing solution comes, c) continuous or cyclical transfer of a portion of the thickened sucrose-containing solution obtained according to process step b) and containing the at least one non-sucrose substance into a vacuum mixing device (200), d) continuous solidification of the dry substance in the thickened sucrose-containing solution with continuous mixing and setting of a solidification pressure in the vacuum mixing device (200) to obtain a transformed sucrose composition containing the at least one non-sucrose substance and e) Continuous preservation of the transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing sucrose composition, the at least one non-sucrose substance being present in the sucrose-containing starting solution provided in method step a) and / or at the latest in method step b) the sucrose-containing starting solution or the thickened one Sucrose-containing solution is added. Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein the transformed, in particular lump-free, free-flowing, sucrose composition has a water content of 0.05 to 4% by weight (based on the total weight of the sucrose composition). Method according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , the sucrose-containing starting solution in process step a) having a content of at least 80% by weight of the sucrose (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sucrose-containing starting solution in method step a) has a non-sucrose content of at most 20% by weight (based on the total dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution). Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the% by weight ratio of non-sucrose substance to sucrose in the sucrose-containing starting solution in process step a) is from 20 to 80% by weight to 0.001 to 99.999% by weight (based on total dry matter content of non-sucrose and sucrose). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one non-sucrose substance is selected from the group consisting of sugars other than sucrose, sugar alcohols, sugar substitutes, oligomeric carbohydrates, polymeric carbohydrates, high-intensity sweeteners, lipids, pH regulators, in particular food acids, amino acids , Colors, fiber, proteins, flavors, minerals, metal oxides, vitamins, and combinations thereof. Procedure according to Claim 6 , wherein the at least one non-sucrose substance fructose, glucose, isomaltulose, maltose, lactose, sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, in particular isomalt GS, in particular isomalt ST, starch, hydrolyzed starch, in particular hydrolyzed rice starch, a pharmaceutical active ingredient, cellulose, nitrocellulose, NaCl , SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, vanillin, tea extract, glutamate, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D or vitamin E or a combination thereof. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sucrose-containing starting solution was obtained by mixing sucrose with at least one non-sucrose substance, in particular in an aqueous medium. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickening pressure in method step b) is> 0 to 950 mbar. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a method step a0) before method step a) the dry matter content and / or the temperature of the sucrose-containing starting solution, in particular in a device (120) for changing the dry matter content of the sucrose-containing starting solution, is set. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickening temperature in process step b) is 20 to 160 ° C. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein method step b) is carried out in such a way that a degree of saturation of 0.7 to 1.5 of sucrose is achieved in the thickened sucrose-containing solution. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consolidation pressure in method step d) is at most 1.0 bar. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sucrose-containing starting solution in method step a) has a dry matter content of at least 65% by weight (based on the total mass of the sucrose-containing starting solution). Transformed sucrose composition, in particular a lump-free, free-flowing sucrose composition, producible, in particular produced, by a method of Claims 1 until 14th .

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