Alternatives for clarifying glucose syrup obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of starch

Abstract

The present paper studies some routes for separating and purifying glucose syrup obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of potato starch. The clarifying process is done in three stages. The first one (solids remotion) is done by applying conventional solid-liquid separation techniques such as sedimentation, centrifugation and filtration, as well as studying the effect of using flocculant and coagulant agents, prior to the already mentioned operations. Purification is done by adding decoloring agents, followed by ultrafiltration of the syrup. The last step (concentration) is done by vacuum evaporation. The results showed that separation, centrifuging and sedimentation reached 50% yield whilst filtration and ultrafiltration achieved 78% and 98% respectively. It was found that adsorbent agents such as activated carbon and diatomaceous earth were effective in removing color during the purification stage. The most suitable alternative for separation can be suggested from the foregoing, allowing a syrup to be obtained having similar characteristics and properties to the commercial product. The most appropriate technological module for carrying out the operation is also represented.