Abstract: To provide a bottled carbonated drink containing indigestible dextrin, capable of reducing exuding of a dissolved carbon dioxide. The bottled carbonated drink containing indigestible dextrin, including a caramel pigment and a high-intensity sweetener is provided.

Abstract: A process for modifying starch comprises atomising an aqueous slurry of non-pregelatinised starch into an internal chamber in a bi-fluid nozzle of a spray dryer and treating the atomized slurry, in the internal chamber, with superheated steam to cause partial gelatinisation of the starch. The aqueous slurry containing partially gelatinised starch is discharged through an outlet in the internal chamber into a reactor where the droplets containing the partially gelatinised starch are subjected to further treatment with superheated steam, resulting in the completion of the gelatinisation of the starch in the reactor. Also disclosed is a bi-fluid nozzle for use in spray drying starch which comprises a nozzle body, a nozzle cap and an internal chamber located between the nozzle body and the nozzle cap.

Abstract: A washing machine for automatically adding the detergent by negative pressure comprises a water inlet, a detergent container and a tub. A main inflow waterway and a rinse waterway are provided between the water inlet and the tub. A dosing container which communicates with the detergent container is provided between the rinse waterway and the tub. A venturi tube is provided in the main inflow waterway. Due to venturi effect, the main inflow water stream becomes narrower and the water inflowing velocity is accelerated, so that a relative vacuum area which communicates with the dosing container is formed at the rear side of the venturi tube outlet, negative pressure is generated in the dosing container, and the detergent in the detergent container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in the steeping process of corn wet milling and a steeping system therefore. The process for steeping corn includes subjecting corn situated in a battery of no less than four steeping tanks to a countercurrent flow of steep water. The first steeping tank defines a new corn receiving tank and the last steeping tank defines a discharge tank. The countercurrent flow of steep water includes sulfur dioxide and flows in a direction from the discharge tank to the new corn receiving tank. The sulfur dioxide concentration in the steep water of the first steeping tank is greater than the sulfur dioxide concentrations in a plurality of the remainder of the steeping tanks, which maintain sulfur dioxide levels that are substantially equivalent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking and dispensing starch to a commercial laundry machine comprising a mixing tank for mixing and storing a starch and water solution which is attached to a means for discharging the starch and water solution to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a shell and tube heat exchanger, either one-phase or two-phase, used for cooking the starch and water solution to form cooked starch. As the starch and water solution is passed through the tube side of the heat exchanger, it is cooked using heat energy from a heating source contained in the shell side of the heat exchanger. The cooked starch is then dispensed through a manifold valve system to one or more commercial laundry machines. After the cooked starch is dispensed, a solenoid valve opened to flush the apparatus with fresh water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in the steeping process of corn wet milling and a steeping system therefore. The process for steeping corn includes subjecting corn situated in a battery of no less than four steeping tanks to a countercurrent flow of steep water. The first steeping tank defines a new corn receiving tank and the last steeping tank defines a discharge tank. The countercurrent flow of steep water includes sulfur dioxide and flows in a direction from the discharge tank to the new corn receiving tank. The sulfur dioxide concentration in the steep water of the first steeping tank is greater than the sulfur dioxide concentrations in a plurality of the remainder of the steeping tanks, which maintain sulfur dioxide levels that are substantially equivalent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for continuous multistage processing of particulate solids that can control the distribution of residence times of processed particles. One disclosed method includes admitting fluidizing gas into transfer tunnels between fluidized bed vessel stages, using gas inlets located in or outputting directly into the transfer tunnel to promote flow of the fluidized solids through the transfer tunnel. A common gas distributor plate can supply gas to the stage vessels and to any transfer tunnels having gas inlets. The distributor plate can be separable from the system or openable to provide access for removal of obstructions and for maintenance. A common base plate can incorporate lower portions of the stage vessels and the sides and roofs of the transfer tunnels, the bottoms of the vessels and tunnels optionally being provided by the gas distributor plate. Some multistage systems and processing methods have from 15 to 200 or more stages.

Abstract: The reactor pump for hydrolytic splitting of cellulose is configured to pump cellulose, under high pressure, with low availability of sugar into a reactor. The reactor has an upstream transition segment connected to a downstream reaction chamber. The transition segment has an inlet that is smaller than the outlet. The inner walls taper outward. The chamber has an inlet that is larger than the discharge outlet. The inner walls taper inward. The transition segment outlet has an area that is substantially the same as the area of the chamber inlet. Back pressure in the chamber forms a cellulose plug within the inlet of the transition segment. The plug stops cellulose from escaping out the inlet. High pressure pumping forms a cellulose plug within the discharge outlet of the chamber. The plug slows downstream movement of the cooking cellulose giving the cellulose time to cook. Cooking cellulose begins to breakdown under heat and the injection of acid, if required.

Abstract: A reactor for hydrolytic splitting of cellulose under high pressure and heat has an inlet and outlet each with a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the reactor. The pressure and heat in the reactor forms a cellulose plug within the inlet and the outlet. The inlet plug stops cellulose from escaping out the inlet. Cellulose begins to breakdown under heat, pressure, and if required an acid or a lubricant. The outlet plug slows downstream movement of cooking cellulose. Cellulose may be pre-treated by the addition of water, a weak acid, a lubricant, or a combination of the foregoing. The outer surface of the plug cooks faster than the inner core of the plug, becomes a liquefied slurry, and slides faster towards the outlet than the inner core.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an apparatus and method for continuous fluidization which comprises at least two cells connected by an aperture permitting the solid material to be introduced into the next downstream cell by fluidized horizontal flow, an isolated freeboard within each cell, at least two filter sticks contained within the isolated freeboard of each cell, and at least one blow back valve contained within each filter stick. The apparatus allows processing of materials that are typically difficult to fluidize by maintaining a substantially constant pressure difference between each isolated freeboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a starch solution and then dispensing that cooked starch solution to a commercial laundry washer provides a vessel with an interior surrounded by a wall for holding a volume of liquid, a water supply inlet for supplying water to the vessel interior, an opening for adding dry starch to the vessel interior, and a steam supply inlet for adding steam to the vessel interior so that the volume of liquid within the vessel can be heated. A level controller controls the level of fluid within the vessel in between the minimum and maximum levels that is fabricated of a generally low or non-heat conductive material. A recirculation flow line has an inlet and outlet that each communicate with the vessel interior. A centrifugal pump mounted in the recirculation flow line pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet in a recirculating fashion, the pump having a filter disposed on the inlet side within the vessel that breaks up starch lumps flowing in the recirculation flow line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a starch solution and then dispensing that cooked starch solution to a commercial laundry washer provides a vessel with an interior surrounded by a wall for holding a volume of liquid, a water supply inlet for supplying water to the vessel interior, an opening for adding dry starch to the vessel interior, and a steam supply inlet for adding steam to the vessel interior so that the volume of liquid within the vessel can be heated. A level controller controls the level of fluid within the vessel in between the minimum and maximum levels that is fabricated of a generally low or non-heat conductive material. A recirculation flow line has an inlet and outlet that each communicate with the vessel interior. A centrifugal pump mounted in the recirculation flow line pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet in a recirculating fashion, the pump having a filter disposed on the inlet side within the vessel that breaks up starch lumps flowing in the recirculation flow line.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking and dispensing starch to laundry machines has a hopper (10) holding dry starch and a stirrer (15) and auger (25) for delivering predetermined amounts of dry starch to a mixing chamber (35) to be mixed with water. The mixing chamber (35) has a circulation pump (60) for circulating the starch and water mixture. A pressure pump (70) delivers starch and water mix from the mixing chamber (35) to a cooking chamber (80). The cooking chamber (80) also receives steam, which cooks the starch and water mix. A programmed computer (100) causes the apparatus to receive a request for starch from a laundry machine and dispense a predetermined amount of cooked starch to the requesting machine through one or more discharge valves (125) connected to a manifold (120). The computer (110) starts and stops the stirrer (15), auger (25), pressure pump (70), a steam valve (100), and discharge valves (125) to particular laundry machines in a programmed sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a starch solution and then dispensing that cooked starch solution to a commercial laundry washer provides a vessel with an interior surrounded by a wall for holding a volume of liquid, a water supply inlet for supplying water to the vessel interior, an opening for adding dry starch to the vessel interior, and a steam supply inlet for adding steam to the vessel interior so that the volume of liquid within the vessel can be heated. A level controller controls the level of fluid within the vessel in between the minimum and maximum levels. A recirculation flow line has an inlet and outlet that each communicate with the vessel interior. A gear pump mounted in the recirculation flow line pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet in a recirculating fashion, the pump having a geared portion that breaks up starch lumps flowing in the recirculation flow line.

Abstract: A commercial starch cooking and dispensing apparatus comprises means for preparing a starch suspension of uncooked starch in water and discharge means for discharging the starch suspension to a starch cooking valve for cooking the uncooked starch suspension to form a starch solution which is dispensed to one or more commercial laundry machines. A method of cooking laundry starch utilizes a starch cooking valve that dispenses cooked starch as it is cooked to one or more commercial laundry machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooking a single batch of starch solution and dispensing the solution to a commercial laundry machine utilizes a single batch reservoir. The reservoir is substantially filled with water, the water in the reservoir agitated while adding dry starch to form a starch suspension. The starch suspension is heated to cook the starch to form a starch solution. The entire batch of starch solution is dispensed to a commercial laundry machine while water is sprayed into the reservoir to clean residual starch from the reservoir.

Abstract: A starch cooking/dispensing apparatus cooks and dispenses a starch solution to a commercial laundry machine by substantially filling a reservoir with water, agitating the water in the reservoir, adding dry starch to the water to form a starch suspension, heating the starch suspension to form a starch solution and then dispensing the starch solution to a commercial laundry machine.

Abstract: A continuous coupled jet-cooking/spray-drying process for processing or co-processing inherently water-dispersible or water-soluble crystalline polymers, such as starches, starch mixtures, gums (e.g., locust bean gum, carrageenan, agar), viscosifying proteins (e.g., gelatin), starch-gum mixtures, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, is disclosed. The process involves the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or paste of the polymer and water, (b) jet-cooking the slurry or paste with steam at a temperature sufficient to fully disperse or solubilize the polymer, (c) immediately conveying and introducing, under elevated temperature and pressure, the jet-cooked dispersion or solution into a nozzle of a spray-dryer chamber, (d) atomizing the jet-cooked dispersion or solution through the nozzle, (e) drying the atomized mist within the spray-dryer chamber at a temperature sufficient to dry the polymer; and (f) recovering the dried polymer as a water-dispersible or water-soluble powder.

Abstract: An indigestible dextrin characterized in that the dextrin contains:(A) up to 50% of 1.fwdarw.4 glycosidic linkages, and(B) at least 60% of an indigestible component,(C) the content of indigestible component as actually determined varying within the range of .+-.5% from a value Y calculated from at least one of equations, i.e., Equations 1 to 62, given in the specification,(D) the indigestible dextrin being prepared by adding hydrochloric acid to corn starch and heating the corn starch at 120.degree. to 200.degree. C. using an extruder,the value Y being a calculated content (%) of the indigestible component.

Abstract: A continuous coupled jet-cooking/spray-drying process for processing inherently water-dispersible or water-soluble crystalline polymers, such as starches, polygalactomannan gums, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, is disclosed. It involves the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or paste of the polymer and water, (b) jet-cooking the slurry or paste with steam at a temperature sufficient to fully disperse or solubilize the polymer, (c) immediately conveying and introducing under elevated temperature and pressure the jet-cooked dispersion or solution into a nozzle of a spray-dryer chamber, (d) atomizing the jet-cooked dispersion or solution through the nozzle, (e) drying the atomized mist within the spray-dryer chamber at a temperature sufficient to dry the polymer; and (f) recovering the dried polymer as a water-dispersible or water-soluble powder.

Abstract: A continuous coupled jet-cooking/spray-drying process for processing inherently water-dispersible or water-soluble crystalline polymers, such as starches, polygalactomannan gums, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohols, is disclosed. it involves the steps of: (a) forming a slurry or paste of the polymer and water, (b) jet-cooking the slurry or paste with steam at a temperature sufficient to fully disperse or solubilize the polymer, (c) immediately conveying and introducing under elevated temperature and pressure the jet-cooked dispersion or solution into a nozzle of a spray-dryer chamber, (d) atomizing the jet-cooked dispersion or solution through the nozzle, (e) drying the atomized mist within the spray-dryer chamber at a temperature sufficient to dry the polymer; and (f) recovering the dried polymer as a water-dispersible or water-insoluble powder.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously atomizing, cooking, and drying a mixture of starch and water in the exhaust gas stream from a sonic pulse jet combustion engine is described. The process consists of preparing a mixture of a granular starch with water (preferably a starch cake), feeding the mixture into the exhaust pipe of the jet combustion engine, maintaining the resulting mixture of atomized starch, water, and hot gas in the exhaust pipe for a time sufficient to gelatinize and substantially dry the atomized starch, and recovering the pregelatinized starch powder by exhausting the mixture into a collection chamber supplied with a flow of air.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for cooking or gelatinizing a material in an atomized state, so that there is obtained an easily dryable, uniform and finely-sized product. The material which is to be cooked is injected through an atomization aperture in a nozzle assembly to form a relatively finely-sized spray. A heating medium is also injected through an aperture in the nozzle assembly into the spray of atomized material so as to heat the material to a temperature effective to cook or gelatinize the material. An enclosed chamber surrounds the atomization and heating medium injection apertures, and defines a vent aperture positioned to enable the heated spray of material to exit the chamber. The arrangement is such that the elapsed time between passage of the spray of material through the chamber, i.e., from the atomization aperture and through the vent aperture, defines the cooking or gelatinization time of the material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for producing a modified carbohydrate material, preferably starch, in fluid form. In the process a starch slurry is continuously moved through a confined tubular preheat zone where heat is very rapidly transferred to the slurry, whereby the slurry passes through a gelation stage and forms into a hot free flowing liquid. The heat transfer is from superatmospheric steam surrounding at least part of the tubular heating zone, the temperature of the steam and the cross-sectional area of each tubular preheat zone being selected to rapidly transfer heat from the steam throughout the slurry and minimize the magnitude of the zone of high viscosity gel formed during the gelation stage. The hot liquid formed is immediately forced through a restrictive opening and into a confined tubular reaction zone accompanied by a sudden decrease in pressure whereby the starch is made highly reactive.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of producing corrugated cardboards, in which water suspension of raw starch is used as an adhesive. The raw starch is, after application thereof, heated to form gell or paste with dry steam prepared by reheating low-pressure steam with high-pressure steam. Also, disclosed is an apparatus for practicing the improved method.

Abstract: Glucose-containing products can be manufactured in apparatus comprising a continuous screw conveyor member rotatable in a continuous press cylinder having three regions in cascade arrangement between an intake opening and an output opening. The regions comprise an intake region for the rapid and economical intake of different kinds of products, a compression region for building up a very high pressure of from about 20 to 300 bars for disintegrating the products and for heating the product by intensive shearing thereof to a temperature of up to 250.degree. C., and a catalyst injection region for intensive action on and mixing or hydrolysis of the cellulosic substances with trifluoroacetic acid or the like injected through nozzles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the acid hydrolysis of waste cellulose to glucose of the type wherein waste cellulose is continuously fed into an inlet port of a twin screw extruder, water is continuously fed into reaction zone in the extruder, downstream of the inlet port, the cellulose is continuously reacted with water in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone while being continuously conveyed to an outlet port of the extruder having a given diameter and the reacted cellulose is discharged from the extruder while the elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone is maintained. The elevated pressure is maintained by forming a dynamic seal zone at the upstream end of the reaction and continuously discharging the reacted material downstream of the outlet port at a predetermined volume rate of flow to maintain the pressure by passing the discharge through an orifice pipe having a smaller diameter than the given diameter of the outlet port.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the conversion of waste cellulose to glucose wherein an aqueous slurry of waste cellulose is acid hydrolyzed includes continuously feeding an aqueous slurry of waste cellulose into an inlet port with a twin screw extruder, continuously reacting the cellulose with water in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in a reaction zone disposed in the extruder between the inlet port and an outlet port while continuously conveying same to the outlet port and at least quasi-continuously discharging the reacted cellulose from the extruder while maintaining the elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone by forming a dynamic seal zone at the upstream end of the reaction zone and valving the discharge downstream of the outlet port.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the acid hydrolysis of waste cellulose to glucose of the type wherein waste cellulose is continuously fed into an inlet port of a twin screw extruder, water is continuously fed into reaction zone in the extruder downstream of the inlet port, the cellulose is continuously reacted with water in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone while continuously conveying same to an outlet port of the extruder and the reacted cellulose is discharged from the extruder the elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone is maintained, has the elevated pressure is maintained by forming a dynamic seal zone at the upstream end of the reaction zone by providing an unthreaded and radially recessed discontinuity in the screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corn-steeping process. In this process the temperature of the steeping water decreases from silo to silo and the cycling ratio is comprised between 0.8 and 1.2 m.sup.3 per ton of commercial corn.The Corn-Steep obtained can be applied especially in the manufacture of penicillin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the acid hydrolysis of waste cellulose to glucose of the type wherein waste cellulose is continuously fed into an inlet port of a twin screw extruder, water is continuously fed into reaction zone in the extruder downstream of the inlet port, the cellulose is continuously reacted with water in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone while continuously conveying same to an outlet port of the extruder and the reacted cellulose is discharged from the extruder the elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone is maintained, has the elevated pressure is maintained by forming a dynamic seal zone at the upstream end of the reaction zone by providing an unthreaded and radially recessed discontinuity in the screws.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the conversion of waste cellulose to glucose wherein an aqueous slurry of waste cellulose is acid hydrolyzed includes continuously feeding an aqueous slurry of waste cellulose into an inlet port with a twin screw extruder, continuously reacting the cellulose with water in the presence of an acid catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure in a reaction zone disposed in the extruder between the inlet port and an outlet port while continuously conveying same to the outlet port and at least quasi-continuously discharging the reacted cellulose from the extruder while maintaining the elevated temperature and pressure in the reaction zone by forming a dynamic seal zone at the upstream end of the reaction zone and valving the discharge downstream of the outlet port.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for cooking or gelatinizng a material in an atomized state, so that there is obtained an easily dryable, uniform and finely-sized product. The material which is to be cooked is injected through an atomization aperture in a nozzle assembly to form a relatively finely-sized spray. A heating medium is also injected through an aperture in the nozzle assembly into the spray of atomized material so as to heat the material to a temperature effective to cook or gelatinize the material. An enclosed chamber surrounds the atomization and heating medium injection apertures, and defines a vent aperture positioned to enable the heated spray of material to exit the chamber. The arrangement is such that the elapsed time between passage of the spray of material through the chamber, i.e., from the atomization aperture and through the vent aperture, defines the cooking or gelatinization time of the material.

Abstract: A reactor system for continuously effecting the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials, as relatively concentrated aqueous mixtures, comprises a tubular reactor, a high solids pump, steam injecting means, a discharge valve controlled by pressure-responsive means, and means for collecting and recovering the reaction products from the hydrolyzate. The high-solids pump apparatus utilizes a valve having a flow distributing passageway of arcuate, uniform circular cross-section. The various portions of the apparatus are constructed with uniform internal dimensions and configurations, so as to avoid any constriction to flow of the material therethrough, thus minimizing the tendency for blockages to occur therewithin. The loading mechanisms are unloaded alternatingly by a reciprocating ram, so as to substantially continuously feed material through the associated valve.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing modified starch products. A slurry of starch is continuously moved at elevated temperature and pressure through a tubular heating zone and the hot fluid mass emerging from the heating zone is forced through a flow restricting zone within which the fluid mass is highly compressed. This highly compressed fluid material emerges from the confining zone into a tubular reaction zone with a sudden release of energy in the form of a fine spray or mist. The compressive forces followed by the sudden energy release act on the starch molecules to temporarily greatly increase the reactivity of the starch within the reaction zone, whereby modified starch products are quickly formed.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of starch hydrolysates, such as corn syrup. The process comprises continuously moving an aqueous acidic starch slurry feed through a confined preheat zone at a pressure of at least 300 psi to raise the temperature of the slurry to at least 100.degree. C., continuously forcing the hot fluid mass emerging from the preheat zone through an elongated compressing zone, continuously receiving the fluid material emerging from the compressing zone in the form of a fine spray or mist including water vapor in a confined zone of reduced pressure and continuously collecting from said reduced pressure zone a homogeneous starch syrup having a higher solids content than the starch slurry feed. The temperature and pressure of the hot fluid mass entering the elongated compressing zone and the acidity of the feed slurry can be controlled to selectively provide syrup products having a wide range of DE values.

Abstract: A continuous process for effecting the acid hydrolysis of cellulosic waste materials, at high solids and in a most economically desirable manner. The process may be controlled to produce, as primary products, glucose, furfural and/or xylose. By appropriate control of water and temperature, through the use of direct steam injection, high solids feedstocks may quickly be converted, in good yields, to valuable products, thus making the process very attractive from a practical commercial standpoint.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of starch hydrolysates, such as corn syrup. The process comprises continuously moving an aqueous acidic starch slurry feed containing at least about 35% by weight starch solids through a confined preheat zone at a pressure of at least 300 psi to raise the temperature of the slurry to at least 140.degree. C, continuously forcing the hot fluid mass emerging from the preheat zone through an elongated compressing zone, continuously receiving the fluid material emerging from the compressing zone in the form of a fine spray or mist including water vapor in a confined zone of reduced pressure and continuously collecting from said reduced pressure zone a homogeneous starch syrup having a higher solids content than the starch slurry feed. The temperature and pressure within the elongated compressing zone can be controlled to selectively provide syrup products having a wide range of DE values.