Abstract: A process is disclosed for thinning granular starch in an aqueous slurry employing a source of peracid without using metal catalysts. The thinning process is aimed at modifying granular starches by lowering viscosity/increasing alkaline fluidity. It can also be employed immediately before or during cooking (gelatinization) of starch. Sources of peracids are peroxomonosulfuric acid (Caro's acid) or organic peracids such as performic, peracetic or perpropionic acid. Reaction time and temperature are lower than for existing process while product properties are improved.

Abstract: To regulate and monitor material concentrations, e.g., sodium chlorite or hydrogen peroxide, measuring cells are used in which these substances react to completion with another substance, e.g, sulfur dioxide, in an exothermal reaction. The resulting temperature rise is then a measure of the concentration. A measuring cell comprises a pipe section provided at both ends with mounting devices for installation in the delivery line transporting the reaction medium. Within this pipe section there is positioned axially a smaller diameter pipe section which is open at both ends, into one open end of which projects the supply line for the reacting substance and at the other end of which a temperature sensor is installed.