Investigations on the influence of dextran during beet sugar
Transcrição
Investigations on the influence of dextran during beet sugar
Investigations on the influence of dextran during beet sugar production with special focus on crystal growth and morphology Vorgelegt von M.Sc. El-Sayed Ali Abdel-Rahman Soliman aus Sohag (Ägypten) Von der Fakultät III - Prozesswissenschaften der Technischen Universität Berlin zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Doktor der Ingenieurwissenschaften -Dr.-Ing.genehmigte Dissertation Promotionsausschuss: Vorsitzender: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. F. Behrendt Berichter: Prof. Dr. -Ing. T. Kurz Berichter: PD Dr.-Ing. R. Schick Berichter: Assoc. Prof. Dr. S. Ahmed Tag der wissenschaftlichen Aussprache: 13.08.2007 Berlin 2007 D 83 This work is dedicated to: The memory of my parents My wife Asmaa I Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENT “My great thanks to ALLAH for all gifts he gave me’’ In the first place, I would like to thank in the first place my supervisor Prof. Dr. T. Kurz, for many decisive scientific contributions, continued support, his recommendations, motivations, countless discussions and for his helpful guidance and valuable advices. He gave me the opportunity to extend my scientific education at numerous of international conferences. Special thanks also go to Dr .R. Schick, for his valuable advice, encouragement and scientific contributions. I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Fleischer, for supporting this work. I can not forget to extend my thanks to Prof. Dr. Ezzat Abdalla, president of Assiut University. I gratefully acknowledge Prof. Dr. S. El-Syiad for his advice and encouragement. I could never have embarked and started all of this without his prior teaching in sugar technology. Thus he opened up an unknown area to me. I am gratefully thanking Prof. Dr. I. Makkawy for his help in statistical analyses of this work. I thank Dr. S. A. Ahmed for his helps in this work. My deep thanks go to Dr. Q. Smejkal, for his scientific contributions in the progress of the work. Also, thanks are given to all staff members of the Department of Food Process Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin, who gave me hands during the progress of the work, in particular, Dr. B. Seidel, Dr. K. Ruprecht, S. Gramdorf, S. Jährig, S. Brodkorb, A. Bagherzadeh, H. Rudolph, A. Hentschel, Y. Pierre, Dr. F. Idler, P. Seifert, R. Krämer, A. Gebauer, M. Fischer and R. Groß. I gratefully acknowledge Jülich sugar factory, especially, Dr. M. Lorenz, Aarberg sugar factory, especially, T. Frankenfeld and Delta sugar factories especially H. Gad. My special thanks go to my wife Asmaa for her support and comfortable atmosphere during this work. I am extremely grateful to the Egyptian Government and Missions Office for the financial support during my studies in Germany, especially, Prof. Dr. Galal Elgemeie. Finally I am deeply thank all staff members, my colleagues and workers of the Food Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt for their continuous encouragements. II Contents CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT ............................................................................................I CONTENTS .............................................................................................................. II LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................V LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................... IX 1 Introduction and outline ................................................................................... 1 2 Review of literature ........................................................................................... 5 2.1 Structure of dextran ..................................................................................... 5 2.2 Microbial loading in sugar factories ............................................................ 7 2.3 The common methods of dextran fractions determination ........................ 11 2.4 Dextran content during the process of sugar production ........................... 13 2.5 Dextrans associated with processing problems ......................................... 16 2.6 Crystallization process............................................................................... 19 2.6.1 Growth rate of sucrose crystals.......................................................... 19 2.6.2 Crystallization kinetics ...................................................................... 22 2.6.3 Parameters influencing crystallization kinetics ................................. 27 2.6.4 Crystal morphology ........................................................................... 29 2.7 3 The Economic gain .................................................................................... 32 Material and methods...................................................................................... 36 3.1 Material...................................................................................................... 36 3.2 Analytical methods .................................................................................... 36 3.2.1 Determination of dextran ................................................................... 36 3.2.1.1 Robert method................................................................................ 36 3.2.1.2 Haze method .................................................................................. 37 3.2.2 Microbiological experiments ............................................................. 37 3.2.2.1 Isolation ......................................................................................... 37 3.2.2.2 Identification.................................................................................. 37 3.2.2.2.1 Gas and acid formation ............................................................ 37 3.2.2.2.2 Catalase test ............................................................................. 38 3.2.2.2.3 Gram characteristics (KOH-Test)............................................ 38 III Contents 3.2.2.2.4 Identification by API 50 CHL test........................................... 38 3.2.2.2.5 L/D-Lactic acid test ................................................................. 39 3.2.3 Crystallization experiments ............................................................... 39 3.2.3.1 3.2.3.1.1 Required amount of dextran and seed...................................... 40 3.2.3.1.2 Calculation of the growth rate of sucrose crystals:.................. 41 3.2.3.2 Dynamic viscosity.......................................................................... 42 3.2.3.3 Crystal morphology and surface topography................................. 42 3.2.3.4 Image analysis................................................................................ 42 3.2.4 4 Measurement of growth rate of sucrose crystals ........................... 39 Statistical analysis.............................................................................. 43 Results and discussion ..................................................................................... 44 4.1 Sensitivity and accuracy of different methods for the determination of dextrans of varying molecular mass ...................................................................... 44 4.2 4.1.1 Robert’s Copper method sensitivity .............................................. 44 4.1.2 Haze method sensitivity................................................................. 48 Microbial sources of dextran an identification of relevant microorganisms in sugar factories.................................................................................................... 51 4.3 Levels of dextran contents in different sugar beet factories ...................... 55 4.4 Quality of factory final products and their relationship to the levels of dextran during different industrial periods ............................................................ 58 4.5 Influence of dextran concentrations and molecular fractions on the rate of sucrose crystallization in pure sucrose solutions ................................................... 63 4.5.1 Influence of different temperatures on growth rate of sucrose crystals in the presence of dextran .................................................................................. 69 4.6 Elucidation of crystallization kinetics in presence of dextran molecules.. 72 4.7 Influence of dextran molecule fractions on sucrose solution viscosity ..... 74 4.8 Influence of dextran on the morphology and surface topography of sucrose crystals in presence of dextran............................................................................... 76 4.8.1 Crystal morphology ........................................................................... 76 4.8.2 Surface topography ............................................................................ 77 4.9 Technical and technological consequences and future perspectives ......... 86 Contents IV 5 Summary........................................................................................................... 90 6 References......................................................................................................... 94 7 Appendix......................................................................................................... 102 8 C. V. and List of Publications ....................................................................... 106 V List of figures LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Dextran formed from sucrose by Leuconostoc m......................................... 5 Figure 2: Chemical structure of dextrans ..................................................................... 6 Figure 3: Micrographs of four strains of Leuconostoc spp by scanning electron microscopy (SCIMAT, 2006) ............................................................................... 9 Figure 4: Growth curves of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides MCRI 1 in MRS broth at 30-40°C (Hamasaki et al., 2003) (30°C (•), 35°C ( ), 37°C ( ), and 40°C (X). ABS, absorbance)................................................................. 10 Figure 5: The major steps for the manufacture of sugar from sugar beets (Südzucker AG website, Germany) ...................................................................................... 15 Figure 6: Growth rate at 60 °C as a function of supersaturation at different purities, (Schliephake and Ekelhof, 1983)........................................................................ 21 Figure 7: Crystal growth rate as a function of temperature at different purities and constant supersaturation (Schliephake and Ekelhof, 1983)................................ 21 Figure 8: Surface reaction coefficient kR dependent upon the reciprocal value of the absolute temperature T given for different purities (Ekelhof, 1997).................. 25 Figure 9: Hypothetical crystal (a) with schematic drawing of the three kinds of faces PBCs (b) ............................................................................................................. 26 Figure 10: Diagrammatic representation of the processes involved in crystal growth from solution, according to Elwell and Scheel ,(1975) as modified by Kruse and Ulrich, (1993)..................................................................................................... 27 Figure 11: The viscosity of the pure and impure sucrose solution according to Ekelhof, (1997)................................................................................................... 29 Figure 12: Schematic representation of a sucrose crystal with the surface designation according to Vavrinecz ( 1965) .......................................................................... 30 Figure 13: (A) Sucrose crystal growth in the presence of dextran (40g/100g water), (B) One of the crystals shown in (A) and (C) Sucrose crystal growth in the presence of glucose, fructose and dextran (50g/100g water each) (According to Bubnik et al., (1992)........................................................................................... 31 Figure 14: Partitions of sugar loss during different process stages of sugar production (Ekelhof, 1997)................................................................................................... 33 Figure 15: Colony of bacteria mixed in a 5% solution of H2O2 demonstrating a positive and negative test for producing of catalase. ......................................... 38 List of figures VI Figure 16: Pilot scheme of laboratory crystallization device..................................... 40 Figure 17: Standard Curves of dextran T40, T500 and T2000 by copper complex method................................................................................................................ 45 Figure 18: Sensitivity of copper complex method to determine dextran T40 in sucrose solutions ................................................................................................ 47 Figure 19: Sensitivity of copper complex method to determine dextran T500 in sucrose solutions ................................................................................................ 47 Figure 20: Sensitivity of copper complex method to determine dextran T2000 in sucrose solutions ................................................................................................ 48 Figure 21: Sensitivity of Haze method to determine dextran T40 in sucrose solutions ............................................................................................................................ 49 Figure 22: Sensitivity of Haze method to determine dextran T500 in sucrose solutions ............................................................................................................. 49 Figure 23: Sensitivity of haze method to determine dextran T2000 in sucrose solutions ............................................................................................................. 50 Figure 24: Deteriorated sugar beet after harvesting................................................... 52 Figure 25: Microorganisms growth in sugar beet raw juice at room temperature ..... 53 Figure 26: Scanning electron micrograph of the isolated Leuconostoc mesenteroides. ............................................................................................................................ 55 Figure 27: Dextran levels at 3 Egyptian factories (F1, F2 and F3) during the production processes .......................................................................................... 56 Figure 28: Dextran levels in final products (white sugar and molasses) of 3 Egyptian factories (F1, F2 and F3).................................................................................... 57 Figure 29: The relationship between the three factories based on cluster analysis of some characters (Single linkage squared Euclidean distance)........................... 58 Figure 30: The relationship between molasses purity and the industrial periods. ..... 59 Figure 31: Influence of the industrial period on the dextran amount during production processes ............................................................................................................ 60 Figure 32: Dextran levels in sugar and molasses production of different industrial periods ................................................................................................................ 61 Figure 33: The relationship between the dextran content in syrup and different produced sugars.................................................................................................. 62 Figure 34: The partitions of dextran during different crystallization stages at different industrial periods................................................................................................ 62 List of figures VII Figure 35: Dry substance content of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T40................................................................... 64 Figure 36: Growth rate of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T40................................................................................... 64 Figure 37: Dry substance content of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T500................................................................. 65 Figure 38: Growth rate of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T500................................................................................. 66 Figure 39: Dry substance contents of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60°C in pure sucrose solutions and after addition of 500, 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000............................................................... 67 Figure 40: Growth rates of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60°C in pure sucrose solutions and after addition of 500 - 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 .................................................................................................... 67 Figure 41: Dry substance content of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T40, T500 and T2000 ................................................................. 68 Figure 42: Growth rate of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T40, T500 and T2000............................................................................ 69 Figure 43: Dry substance content at 70, 65 and 60°C in control and in presence of dextranT2000 (1500 and 5000ppm) during crystallization process................... 70 Figure 44: Growth rate of sucrose crystals at 60, 65 and 70 °C after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000............................................................................... 71 Figure 45: Growth rate of sucrose crystals at 60 and 70 °C after addition of 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000............................................................................... 71 Figure 46: The scheme of the two processes of diffusion and surface reaction. 2λ= gap between crystals, λ= half distance between crystals, δ = thickness of the boundary layer, kD = diffusion coefficient, kR = surface reaction, NS = non-sugar, List of figures VIII CL, CG, CSat are the sucrose concentrations of liquor, boundary layer and saturation at the crystal-solution interface. ........................................................ 73 Figure 47: Dextran adsorption on impure particles.................................................... 73 Figure 48: Influence of addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of T40, T500 and T2000 dextran on the dynamic viscosity of a 60% sucrose solution between 50 and 70 °C ..... 74 Figure 49: Influence of different dextran concentrations (500, 1500, 2500, 5000 ppm) on the dynamic viscosity at different temperatures (50-70°C) .......................... 75 Figure 50: The crystal surface of a sucrose crystal during the drying process (according to Bunert und Bruhns 1995)............................................................. 76 Figure 51: Effect of dextran on morphology of sucrose crystals, a) Normal crystal, b) Crystal grown in presence of dextran (needle crystal) and c) Impure particles on crystal surface (crystal grown in technical sucrose solution)............................. 77 Figure 52: An example of influences of dextran T40 on sucrose crystal shape during the crystallization process .................................................................................. 77 Figure 53: Surface topography of a laboratory sucrose crystal grown in absence of dextran at 60°C................................................................................................... 78 Figure 54: Surface topography of sucrose crystal grown in the presence of 1500 mg dextran T40 per kg DS at 60 °C......................................................................... 79 Figure 55: Surface topography of a sucrose crystal grown in the presence of 5000 mg dextran T2000 per kg DS at 60°C...................................................................... 80 Figure 56: Effect of crystallization temperature on the surface topography in the presence of dextran ............................................................................................ 81 Figure 57: Turbidity phenomena in many European sugar beet factories (a, b) during the thick juice campaign..................................................................................... 82 Figure 58: The magnification image of Figure 57 ..................................................... 83 Figure 59: After product sugar crystal in one of European sugar beet factory during the thick juice campaign..................................................................................... 83 Figure 60: 3-product scheme of crystallisation.......................................................... 85 Figure 61: Influence of dextran on many crystallization parameters during crystallization process. ....................................................................................... 86 Figure 62: The relationship between dextran additions and crystallization time during the crystallization process .................................................................................. 87 List of Tables IX LIST OF TABLES Table 1: The linkage structures of dextran................................................................... 7 Table 2: Sucrose consumption and dextran production at different time intervals, Leuconostoc mesenteroides 3A; culture medium 10% sucrose basal medium; incubation temperature 30 °C (Guglielmone et al., 2000) ................................. 10 Table 3: Dextran in process streams measured at different Louisiana sugar factories(F1, F2, F3 and F4) (Cuddihy and Day, 1999)..................................... 16 Table 4: Summary of the detrimental effects of dextran in terms of the losses it leads to according to Singleton et al., (2001). ............................................................. 18 Table 5: Effects of dextran in juice on molasses purity ............................................. 34 Table 6: Dextran levels and sucrose loss in raw sugars (Bose and Singh, 1981) ...... 34 Table 7: Conclusion of evaluation of Roberts and Haze methods to determine different dextran molecules................................................................................ 51 Introduction and outline 1 1 Introduction and outline More than 100 countries produce sugar, 74 % of which is made from sugar cane grown primarily in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of the southern hemisphere, and the balance from sugar beet which is grown mainly in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere (SIL, 2007). The world sugar production in 2005/06 and 2006/07 was estimated as 152.710 and 160.203 (million tons, raw value), 79 % of which is produced by the world's top ten sugar producers. On the other hand the world consumption was 149.782 and 153.008 (million tons, raw value) in 2005/06 and 2006/07, respectively (Gudoshnikov, 2007). In Egypt, total sugar production increased to 1.675 million tons a year in 2006/07 from 1.575 million tons in 2005/06, but consumption soared to over 2.5 million tons a year (Gudoshnikov, 2007). Sugar cane is the second most important crop in Egypt. Since the first sugar factory was established in 1818, there are eight factories for raw and plantation white sugar production from sugar cane as well as one refinery concentrated in middle and upper Egypt (Khaleifah, 2001). In addition, there are four sugar beet factories in the north of Egypt. There is an intention in the policy of the Egyptian government to expand the cultivation of sugar beet in the new land in the north, consequently, the number of beet sugar factories is increasing. Regarding beet sugar production, differences between theoretical and practical quality during sugar extraction from sugar beet and an increase of molasses purity have been observed in the Egyptian sugar beet factories and in many another countries, especially at the end of the industrial season. Climatic conditions and a long time from harvesting to manufacturing cause a drop of sugar beet quality. Also freezing and thawing cause considerable changes in the chemical composition and thus processability of sugar beet (Kenter and Hoffmann, 2006). This is of particular interest also for the European sugar industry as the European sugar factories intend a prolongation of the industrial campaign to the freezing period. Introduction and outline 2 In this context bacterial polysaccharides have been recognized as a serious problem in sugar processing for more than 100 years (Scheibler, 1874). Since the early years of sugar manufacturing, there have been many reports especially on the formation of dextran, the main portion of bacterial polysaccharides during sugar processing, in sugar factories and refineries. Dextran fractions occurring in sugar beet and cane are almost entirely produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides, a ubiquitous bacterium especially prevalent in any sugar field. The exact structure of each type of dextran depends on its specific microbial strain of origin. During storage, several changes in beet quality may occur which depend on the storage conditions such as duration and temperature. The presence of dextran in the sugar factories leads to a falsely high polarization, increased viscosity, lower evaporation rates, elongated crystals (needle grain) and increase of sugar loss to molasses. However, the most damaging effects of high dextran concentrations in a technical sucrose solution are foreseen in the crystallization. Dextran slows down the crystallization rate or even inhibits crystallization (i.e., they have a high melassigenic effect) (Clarke et al., 1997). Dextrans occurring during sugar production mainly affect the growth rate and the shape of sucrose crystals during the crystallization process. Decreasing growth rates and needle-like crystal growth cause relevant economic and qualitative losses. Many investigations suggested a minimization of dextran levels in the sugar factory by controlling of microorganisms from beet harvesting to juice extraction. More recent approaches propose the application of dextranase enzyme for the removal of preformed dextran. However, these approaches were not practicable or uneconomical (Day, 1984; Eggleston and Monge, 2005; Gupta and Prabhu, 1993). Furthermore, due to the high solubility of most dextrans in water (above 30 mg/ml), it is very difficult to remove dextrans from juice by filtration processes (Godshall et al., 1994; James et al., 2000) and (Yanli.Mi, 2002). On the other hand, the treatment of juice by the enzyme leads to an increase of dextran low molecular weight fractions, which are soluble in water, and consequently, reach the crystallization process and cause several problems in this step. Introduction and outline 3 Consequently, the aim of this work was to identify the sources of dextran during beet sugar production and to characterize the effects of dextran on the crystallization process and the quality of the final sugar crystal. Also industrially relevant methods to compensate the effects of dextran in sugar juices during the crystallization process by variation of the process parameters crystallization temperature and supersaturation during the crystallization process without any chemical additions should be identified. In addition, the rate-limiting step in the crystallization process affected by dextran, elucidation of diffusion and surface reaction phenomena in sucrose solutions with dextran were studied. To reach this aim, a specific knowledge is necessary especially about dextran composition and the influence of dextran on other process variables during the crystallization process. However, no information was available concerning the effect of average molecular weight of the dextran fractions on the sugar production process. OUTLINE OF THE THESIS The main goals of this study are summarized in the following topics: ¾ Sensitivity and accuracy of different methods for the determination of dextrans of varying molecular mass. ¾ Identification of microbial sources of dextran and identification of dextran progression during sugar production. ¾ Characterization of the effects of different molecular fractions and concentration of dextran on growth rate of sucrose crystals at different crystallization temperatures. In order to provide representative results in the usual range of occurring dextrans, molecular mass fractions of M = 40,000 g/mol (T40), M = 500,000 g/mol (T500) and M = 2,000,000 g/mol (T2000) were utilized. ¾ Presentation of an overview about overall crystallization kinetics in order to explain the relationship between different factors influencing crystallization kinetics and how they are influenced by dextran themselves. Introduction and outline ¾ Characterization of the influence of dextran molecular fractions on crystal shape and surface topography. ¾ 4 Technical and technological consequences. 5 Review of literature 2 Review of literature Polysaccharides are long chain molecules, either branched or straight. These molecules are derived from two sources: the metabolic activities of the growing plant (e.g. starch) and the metabolic activities of microorganisms (e.g. dextran) growing during its life or at some stage in the subsequent processing (James and Day, 2000; Wilson, 1996). 2.1 Structure of dextran A polysaccharide usually referred to as dextran compound widely occurs in deteriorated sugar cane and beet. These molecules are derived from the metabolic activities of microorganisms growing during plant cultivation or at some stage in the subsequent processing (James and Day, 2000). Figure 1 exemplifies the production of dextran by the action of dextransucrase from microorganisms, especially by Leuconostoc mesenteroides on sucrose. It can be seen that sucrose is degraded to a fructose and a glucose molecule. The latter is polymerized to dextran. Fructose is remaining in solution and can be determined analytically, a method which is sometimes applied if dextran should be determined (Clarke and Godshall, 1988). (Leuconostoc m.) Dextransucrase Dextran Fructose Figure 1: Dextran formed from sucrose by Leuconostoc m. 6 Review of literature Dextran is the collective name given to a large class of α-(1→6) linked glucose polymers (Galea and Inkerman, 1993). Figure 2 shows the chemical structure of dextran. It illustrates that most linkages in dextran structure are α-(1→6). Dextrans are from the chemical point of view almost identical to amylose, but they have some branching of the polymer chain, which prevents this kind of stacking (Walstra, 2003). The linkage in dextran molecules varies from 50 % to 97 % α-(1→6) of total linkages. The linkages of α-(1→2), α -(1→3) and α- (1→4) are usually at branch points (Steinbuechel and Rhee, 2005). Glucose ring α (1→6) Carbon Carbon Oxygen Oxygen Hydrogen Hydrogen α (1→3) n Figure 2: Chemical structure of dextrans The molecular differences in dextrans obviously influence the solubility; for any given size, the greater the content of α-(16) the greater is the solubility. Conversely, the higher the percentage of α-(13) linkages in a polymer the greater is the decrease in water solubility (Day, 1992). The degree of branching of dextrans depends on the microbial source and varies widely among species. For example, while the dextran produced by Betacoccus arabinosaceous has a unit chain length of only six or seven α-(16) linked glucosyl residues and is highly branched, the dextran produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512F may have a unit chain length of greater than 10,000 residues with less than 5 % branching (Kennedy and White, 1988). An overview to the parameters affecting the particular molecular structure of dextran is given by (Singleton, 2002). Table 1 shows the different linkage structures found in dextran. On the other hand, the water soluble, high molecular weight dextran from Leuconostoc m. NRRC B-512F consists of 95 % α-(16) linked α-D-glucopyranosyl residues with 5 % α-(13) linked D-glucosyl or isomaltosyl side chains. However, 7 Review of literature Leuconostoc m. NRRC 523 predominately produces a lower molecular weight, water insoluble dextran which consists of only 66 % (16) linkages with 24 % (13) and 10 % (14) branched linkages (Edye et al., 1995; Jeanes et al., 1954; Robyt, 1986). Table 1: The linkage structures of dextran Dextran Solubility Linkages % α1-6 α 1-3 5 L.m.B512F Soluble 95 L.m. B1299 Less soluble 66 L.m. B1355 Soluble 54 S.m. B6715 Soluble 64 S.m. B6715 Insoluble 4 35 α 1-3Br α 1-2 1 27 11 36 94 2 L.m. , Leuconostoc mesenteroides; S.m., Streptococcus mutans; Br, Branch linkage.Source: adapted from (Robyt, 1986). 2.2 Microbial loading in sugar factories Sugar beet is a major agricultural crop in temperate zones of the world, just as sugar cane is a major crop in tropical zones. Beet harvesting commences when the weather turns cold enough for storage of the harvested beets. Again, climatic conditions have a great deal to do with operations. The tops of the beet are removed prior to harvesting. Generally, harvesting is a mechanical method. A variety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including Leuconostoc species are commonly found on crop plants (Day, 1992). Dextran was first reported to be formed from sucrose by strains of Leuconostoc species in 1930 (Hucker and Pederson, 1930). Later, dextran was obtained in cellfree extracts from Leuconostoc mesenteroides (Hehre and Sugg, 1942). Different strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides produce dextran with different physical, chemical and serological characteristics (Kobayashi and Matsuda, 1974). The production of dextran depends on different factors (i.e. type of strain, environmental conditions and reaction conditions between enzyme and substrate) (UI-Qader et al., 2001). The yield of dextran increases during growth and maximum yield is obtained at the end of exponential phase. Dextran yield was higher in media containing nitrogen source supplemented with different salts (UL-Qader et al., 2005). Review of literature 8 Morphologically, it is often difficult to separate leuconostocs from streptococci, lactococci, and lactobacilli, because leuconostocs, lactococci, and streptococci may form ovoid or even rod-shaped cells (in older cultures or under stress); and lactobacilli (e. g., Lb. coryniformis or Lb. sake) may produce very short rods or ellipsoid cells. This explains why, in the past, when identification of leuconostocs was still based mainly on morphology and slime production, dextran-forming strains of Lb. confusus were frequently misidentified as L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides (Holzapfel and Kandler, 1969). Most strains in liquid culture appear as cocci, occurring single or in pairs and short chains, however, morphology can vary with growth conditions. Cells grown in glucose or on solid media may have an elongated or rod shaped morphology. Cells are Gram positive, asporogenous and non-motile (Figure 3) (SCIMAT, 2006). Leuconostoc species are differentiated from other lactic acid bacteria on the basis of phenotypical criteria such as coccoid appearance, formation of gas, inability of arginine hydrolysis, and production of the D (–)-lactate isomer from glucose, but the formation of dextran from sucrose and cell wall composition may also be helpful for identification (Holzapfel and Kandler, 1969). The sugar fermentation pattern is of limited value for identification of the nonacidophilic leuconostocs because of the considerable variation among different strains of the same species on the one hand and because of the similarity of the range of fermented sugars of different species on the other (Holzapfel and Schillinger, 1992). 9 Review of literature Leuconostoc citreum Bar: 1 µm Leuconostoc lactis Bar: 1 µm Leuconostoc cremoris Bar: 2 µm Leuconostoc mesenteroides Bar: 1 µm Figure 3: Micrographs of four strains of Leuconostoc spp by scanning electron microscopy (SCIMAT, 2006) Out of 15 different sugars, 13 may be fermented by strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum and there are also many differences in the fermentation pattern among different strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides. Only Lc. mesenteroides subsp. cremoris is easily distinguished from the other leuconostocs by its very limited range of fermented sugars, consisting of glucose, galactose, and lactose. Sugars most helpful for differentiation of the other species seem to be arabinose, melibiose, trehalose, and xylose (Holzapfel and Schillinger, 1992). Hamasaki et al., (2003) reported that the optimum growth temperature of L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides was 30°C and the maximum was 37°C (Figure 4). A recent study of Guglielmone et al., (2000) showed that Leuconostoc mesenteroides (strain 3A) consumes sucrose very quickly (8.05 g/l/hr at 25 °C and 8.46 g/l/hr at 30 °C) during the first 6 hours of culture. This fermentative process implies a sucrose consumption of 59 % at 25 °C and 62 % at 30 °C. At higher temperatures (37 °C and 40 °C) the percentage of consumed sucrose decreases to 47 % and 27 % respectively. 10 1.0 0.5 0.0 ABS (660 nm) 1.5 Review of literature 0 6 12 18 24 Incubation Time (hours) Figure 4: Growth curves of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides MCRI 1 in MRS broth at 30-40°C (Hamasaki et al., 2003) (30°C (•), 35°C ( ), 37°C ( ), and 40°C (X). ABS, absorbance) The strain of organism studied was isolated from sugar cane juice in Argentina. Its high fermentation rate consumed sucrose rapidly, stopping its growth and sugar utilization 6 hours after incubation. From the sugar industry point of view, it is important to know the consumption of sucrose in short periods as shown in (Table 2). This is due to the importance of dextran in the sucrose loss by the direct sucrose consumption as a source of energy (see Figure 1) and production of dextran, which causes a reducing in the efficiency of manufacturing processes. Table 2: Sucrose consumption and dextran production at different time intervals, Leuconostoc mesenteroides 3A; culture medium 10% sucrose basal medium; incubation temperature 30 °C (Guglielmone et al., 2000) Time (hours) Consumed sucrose (g/l) Dextran production (g/l) 1 2 3 4 5 6 9 15 18 24 48 08.50 17.00 25.40 33.80 42.30 50.80 51.90 53.40 54.10 55.50 57.50 0.35 0.60 0.80 0.90 1.08 1.30 2.25 5.10 7.00 13.00 13.20 Review of literature 2.3 11 The common methods of dextran fractions determination In the sugar industry, several different methods are in use for the determination of dextran. These methods are Haze method, ASI II method, Robert’s copper method, Midland SucroTestTM, Optical Activity Ltd. DASA method and HPLC method Nicholson and Horsley, (1959) developed the forerunner to the current haze assay. This procedure involves the separation of material precipitated with alcohol to make a 70 % v/v solution. The precipitated material is resolved in water and treated with αamylase to break down starch and trichloracetic acid (TCA) to precipitate proteins. The dextran haze is quantified in a spectrophotometer at 720 nm. The absorbance is compared with that obtained on a standard curve using dextran isolated from Leuconostoc mesenteriodes (Day et al., 2002; Paton et al., 1994). After degradation of starch by amylase, the ASI II method treats alcohol-precipitated samples with dextranase and α-glucosidase. This results in the conversion of dextran to glucose. The glucose produced is then quantified by the Nelson-Somogyi arsenomolybdate method (Sarkar and Day, 1986). Sarkar et al., (1991) compared the Haze test with the above method (ASI II method), a GPC method (Saska and Oubrahim, 1987) and a polyclonal and monoclonal antibody test. The ASI II method, being an enzyme based method, was suspected to have problems at low dextran concentrations due to high degrees of branching. The GPC method was difficult to quantify and not sensitive to all molecular weights. The antibody tests did not detect dextran with a molecular weight below 150 kDa. Another quantitative method for dextran detection has been proposed by Roberts (Roberts, 1983) to compete with the haze assay. Like the original Nicholson and Horsley method, all polysaccharide and protein constituents are precipitated and redissolved in water. Then dextran is precipitated ”selectively” with copper sulphate. The dextran from this latter precipitation is determined colorimetrically by phenolsulphoric acid. It was claimed that the Roberts method was independent of the molecular weight of the dextran and was specific for dextran (Paton et al., 1994). Sancho et al., (1998) devised a test based on stripping voltametry, which showed a linear relationship to dextran concentration in standard sucrose solutions. The performance of the procedure is compared with the Robert test (Roberts, 1983) and Review of literature 12 performed better, especially at low dextran concentrations, but still in standard solutions. The method is claimed to be faster and simpler than the Roberts test, but it needs further investigation using real sugar samples. Brown and Inkerman, (1992) developed an HPLC method that uses dextranase to break the dextran down into isomaltose, which is subsequently quantified by HPLC. The method was proposed as a reference method (Urquhart et al., 1993). However, the procedure is technically difficult and time consuming. The dextran is isolated using 80 % ethanol and then hydrolyzed with dextranase. The reaction is completed and the amount of isomaltose produced is converted into dextran concentration by a calibration function which bases on the usage of dextranase on standard dextrans. The method has been critisised for assuming a homogeneous dextran structure. Two new methods, the Midland SucroTestTM and the Optical Activity Ltd. DASA methods are reported to determine only dextran. Midland SucroTestTM is an immunological method that uses a monoclonal antibody to produce a linear increase in turbidity with response to dextran. The dextran concentration is determined from the change in turbidity after addition of the sample into a buffer solution containing a monoclonal antibody and comparing the difference to a standard. Midland SucroTestTM showed consistent results and a high correlation with the Haze test (Day et al., 2002). This assay method is a rapid test that utilizes a minimum of equipment, and is highly specific to dextran, but the cost per analysis is considered too high for extensive use. The DASA method uses a near infrared spectrometer to detect the change in optical rotation in a sample prior to and after dextranase treatment. The dextran concentration is calculated and displayed as a change in optical rotation in an OA Ltd. SacchAAr 880 polarimeter. The DASA method was reported to give erroneously high levels of dextran, due to either partial dextran hydrolysis or poor filtration (Singleton et al., 2001). The new monoclonal antibody test method is more sensitive and allows testing of various process streams. Of great importance is, that the test can be conducted in only three to five minutes, which is a significant improvement compared to all other methods. The antibody attaches to dextran and produces a haze. The amount of haze Review of literature 13 formed is directly proportional to the amount of dextran present. A specially modified nephelometer (turbidimeter) is used to measure the turbidity of the haze formed by the reaction of the antibody with dextran. However, this method is very expensive and not available for use in sugar factories (Rauh et al., 1999). 2.4 Dextran content during the process of sugar production Before dealing with the progression of dextran a short introduction to the sugar production process should be given (comp. Figure 5). After harvesting, the beets are hauled to the factory. Each load entering is weighed and sampled before tipping onto the reception area, where it is moved into large heaps. The climatic and storage conditions play an important role regarding the deterioration of beets (Kenter and Hoffmann, 2006). The beets are conveyed into the factory in a water flume. Rocks and weeds are removed prior to the beets being washed. The washing process contributes to a reduction of dextran levels in the extracted juice. The washed beets are then sliced into thin noodle-like strips called cossettes, which are then conveyed to the extraction system. The aim of the diffusion is to extract the maximum amount of sucrose with the minimum of impurities (non-sugar substances). The dry substance and pH of extracted juice range from 10 to 18 % and 5.4 to 5.6, respectively, which are quite favourable conditions for multiplication of microorganisms such as Leuconostoc, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus spp., etc. , the clarification process of juice practically eliminates the microorganisms present in it (Gupta and Prabhu, 1993). To limit the thermophilic bacterial action, the feed water may be dosed with formaldehyde. A control of feed water pH is also practiced (van der Poel et al., 1998). During juice purification, the juice from the extraction process is separated from other non-sugar substances. Therefore, the juice is progressively heated and lime is added at three different points in the juice purification system. The high temperature and the lime break down the main part of the impurities in solution. Carbon dioxide is then added and calcium carbonate precipitate is formed. The juice-calcium carbonate mixture is then filtered to remove the calcium carbonate leaving the clear juice. Dextran formation occurs during storage and the extraction process, whereas, it is reduced during the clarification and filtration processes (Gupta and Prabhu, 1993). Review of literature 14 The juice must then be concentrated by a multi-stage evaporator. The resulting thick juice contains about 70 % solid. Some part of the thick juice is stored in large outside tanks for processing after all harvested beets are processed. This allows the factory to slice about 50 % more beets than the crystallization capacity can handle. Sugar is crystallized from the thick juice by continued evaporation of water in vacuum pans. The crystals are separated from the syrup in centrifugal machines. The crystals are washed with water and then dried in a rotary drum drier (McGinnis, 1982; van der Poel et al., 1998). Looking specifically at the occurrence and progression of dextran in sugar production, most of the available examinations are reported from trials in sugar cane plants. Usually, dextran levels in sugar cane processing are higher than in sugar beet processing as sugar cane grows in warm areas and is more vulnerable to infection by microorganisms. Only few information is available about the progression of dextran in sugar beet factories. In the following paragraph a short overview of reports should be given. Dextran producing bacteria are found in high sucrose areas, including the soil in sugar cane fields, in sugar juices and on exposed equipment in cane and beet sugar mills and sugar refineries (Clarke and Godshall, 1988; Robyt, 1986). Dextran levels in cane are usually controlled by good planning of cane deliveries, and good hygiene in the cane yard, the mills and the factory. However, there are times when weather problems (storms, freeze) cause unavoidable damage to cane and delay deliveries. In these cases, infection and dextran levels build up in cane before it reaches the factory (Atkins and McCowage, 1984; Inkerman, 1980). 15 Review of literature Extracting the juice Evaporation of the juice Purification of the juice Crystallization Figure 5: The major steps for the manufacture of sugar from sugar beets (Südzucker AG website, Germany) 16 Review of literature Dextran levels as high as 10,000 mg/kg DS have been reported in syrup (Wells and James, 1976). The level of dextran in raw sugar is of commercial importance because it affects the purchase price for raw sugar (Clarke and Godshall, 1988). Levels in raw sugar range up to 5000 mg/kg (total dextran) and in refined sugar up to 2500 mg/kg (total dextran). They added, that in recent years dextran concentration in raw sugar has been risen because of the increased use of mechanical harvesting systems which tend to damage the cane, allowing entry of the causative organisms into the cane stalk (Khaleifah, 2001). As an example Table 3 documents the high dextran levels in different Louisiana sugar factories (Cuddihy and Day, 1999). Table 3: Dextran in process streams measured at different Louisiana sugar factories(F1, F2, F3 and F4) (Cuddihy and Day, 1999) Samples Dextran mg/kg DS* F1 F2 F3 F4 Mixed Juice 2690 1094 1928 4650 Clarified Juice 2181 1094 1928 4560 Syrup 2602 1239 1986 3858 * Dextran measured by ASI2 method according to (Sarkar and Day, 1986) 2.5 Dextrans associated with processing problems In sugar production, dextrans are undesirable compounds produced by contaminant microorganisms from sucrose (Jimenez, 2005). On contrast, dextrans are used in the manufacturing of blood plasma extenders, heparin substitutes for anticoagulant therapy, cosmetics, and other products (Alsop, 1983; Kim and Day, 2004; Leathers et al., 1995; Sutherland, 1996). From an industrial point of view, studies have shown that Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains are able to utilize high percentages of the sugar present in juices in a short time period. This implies important losses if the infection level is not controlled. High loss in product yield (sucrose) and contamination of the industrial Review of literature 17 process cause various problems such as: an increase of juice viscosity which produces blockage in the process line, pumps and filters; lower heat exchange; evaporation diminution; decrease in the efficiency and output of crystallization; crystal shape distortion; blockages in centrifuges and sucrose losses to molasses. Dextran in juice, syrup and sugars can cause false polarization. Because dextran is highly dextrorotatory, approximately three times that of sucrose and gives a falsely high polarization, unless removed prior to test. Furthermore, high dextran levels reduce the efficiency of clarification techniques used in polarization determinations (Clarke et al., 1997; Cuddihy et al., 2000; Guglielmone et al., 2000). In addition, the farmer is mainly paid based on the polarimeter reading, therefore, there is an obvious need for a dextran test in the core laboratory. The benefits arising from this would be the correction of the falsified reading and the identification of the sources of dextran contamination entering the factory (Singleton et al., 2001). Measurements of the sucrose content of juices by NIR polarimetry, at 880 nm, are not affected by the yellow/brown color remaining after conventional filtration, using a filter aid. Readings obtained using NIR polarimetry in comparison to those at the sodium wavelength have been previously shown to be more reproducible, and more sensitive to interference by high dextran concentrations (Wilson, 1996). The NIR polarimeter is based on a linear relationship between the change in optical activity produced by enzymatic cleavage of dextran and the original dextran concentration. There is no significant difference in the initial change of optical activity produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of different molecular weight dextrans using dextranase (Singleton, 2002). At the clarification stage in sugar production, abnormally high dextran levels cause severe effects. Juice derived from deteriorated cane contains excess acids and requires extra lime addition to neutralize the acidity. The presence of excess gums increases juice viscosity, which retards the setting time in clarifiers and prevents satisfactory removal of suspended matter. Consequently, the clarified juice is cloudy, resulting in higher mud volumes at the filter station. Filtration of mud is also impeded by the excess viscosity of the juice. Furthermore, Jimenez, (2005) reported that the high viscosity of the juices and the presence of high molecular weight 18 Review of literature dextrans in them along with other insoluble matter cause a blockage of the filters provoking juice losses due to spills that are generally underestimated. The changes in the physical properties of sugar solution have been attributed to dextran mediated viscosity alterations. Effects are changes in heat transfer characteristics and changes in the crystallization characteristic of the sucrose. The most damaging effects of high levels of dextran are seen on crystal growth. Laboratory studies in Australia have shown a sugar loss to molasses of between 1.2 to 1.4 purity points, which can be, expected for every 1,000 mg/kg DS of dextran in molasses. This is equivalent to about 250 mg/kg DS in mixed juice (Miller and Wright, 1977). The problems associated with dextran contamination, in both the factory and the refinery, are well documented in the literature and thus are briefly summarized in Table 4. Table 4: Summary of the detrimental effects of dextran in terms of the losses it leads to according to Singleton et al., (2001). Production losses Sucrose losses Direct financial losses Increased viscosity leads to Dextran False polarimeter reading reduced throughput due to: formation leads to overpayment to farmer ¾ Poor filtration rate ¾ Reduced evaporation rate ¾ Reduced flocculation rate ¾ Slow mud settling To molasses (melassigenic In trade of raw sugar as effect) part of dextran penalty system using unreliable tests ¾ Poor crystallization (elongation) Review of literature 2.6 19 Crystallization process The most damaging effects of elevated dextran concentrations in a technical sucrose solution are foreseen in the crystallization process. Dextrans slow down the crystallization rate or even inhibit crystallization (i.e., they have a high melassigenic effect). There are different methods for sucrose crystallization and to follow the growth rate of sucrose crystals during crystallization process. In this work, the isothermal crystallization method was used to study the effect of dextran molecules on the crystallization process without interference of other factors. Different authors in literature focused the characterization of parameters influencing the crystallization process as well as mathematical approaches for the description of crystallization during sugar production. 2.6.1 Growth rate of sucrose crystals The sucrose crystallization process is the transfer of sucrose from the solution phase to the solid phase. Supersaturation is the measure of the driving force to cause this transfer to take place. There are three simple basic methods to grow crystals from a solution ¾ The evaporation method ¾ The slowly cooling method ¾ Isothermal crystallization method The evaporation and the cooling method require the beginning with a saturated sugar solution but the isothermal crystallization method requires beginning with a supersaturated sugar solution. The evaporation method employs the use of heat to separate the water from the sugar. The slow cooling method produces sugar crystals by letting a hot saturated sugar solution cool down slowly. The slower the process, the bigger sugar crystals are formed. The process may take several hours to several days. The isothermal crystallization method as a laboratory method uses a constant temperature for crystallization. The crystallization rate can be calculated by following the progression of dry substance (WDS) in solution during the crystallization process. Review of literature 20 Six general systems for initiating crystals are recognized by McGinnis, (1982): 1- Homogeneous – new crystal particle formation as the result of supersaturation only. 2- Heterogeneous - new crystal particle formation as the result of supersaturation and the presence of foreign insoluble material. 3- Secondary - new crystal particle formation as the result of supersaturation and in the presence of an ongoing, growing crystal crop. 4- Attrition – crystal population increase due to the fracture ore impact chipping or breaking of existing, growing crystals into smaller particles, each capable of growth. 5- Full Seeding – preparation of seed crystals by salting-out, grinding, screening, or centrifugal separation, mixing as a slurry or magma; adding the mixture as a controlled population into supersaturated liquor for growth only. 6- Ultrasonic – liquid conditions similar to homogeneous except a much lower supersaturation. Ultrasonic irradiation creates mechanical perturbations adequate to exceed the energy barrier of homogeneous nucleation. According to Gillet, (1977) and Elahi, (2004), the success of the crystallization process depends on several factors as follows: ¾ Supersaturation of solution ¾ Crystallization temperature ¾ Relative velocity between crystals and mother liquor ¾ Nature and concentration of impurities in solution ¾ The crystal surface area Schliephake and Ekelhof, (1983) and Ekelhof, (1997) explained the relation between the growth rate of sucrose crystals and many parameters such as supersaturation, temperature and relative velocity between crystals and solution during the crystallization process. The relationship between the growth rate of sucrose crystals and the supersaturation of solutions with different purities is shown in Figure 6. The increase of solution purity leads to an increase of growth rate. 21 Review of literature Crystal growth in g/(m2.min) 1 .2 q = 10 0 % 0 .9 0 .6 q = 90 % 0 .3 q = 80 % q = 70 % q = 60 % 0 1 .0 1 .1 1 .2 1.3 1.4 S up e rs atu ra tio n c o e fficie nt Figure 6: Growth rate at 60 °C as a function of supersaturation at different purities, (Schliephake and Ekelhof, 1983) Another important factor affecting the rate of sucrose crystallization is temperature. Figure 7 shows the strong temperature effect on the crystal growth rate, a factor of particular importance in cooling crystallization. In addition Pot et al., (1984) investigated the effect of crystal size on the crystal growth rate and found that the growth of crystals >100 µm is determined by the diffusion velocity. 1.2 Crystal growth in g/(m2.min) q = 100% 0.9 0.6 q = 90% q = 80% 0.3 q = 70% q = 60% 0 0 20 40 60 80 Temperature in °C Figure 7: Crystal growth rate as a function of temperature at different purities and constant supersaturation (Schliephake and Ekelhof, 1983) 22 Review of literature The crystal growth rate is also affected by high molecular mass substances and colorants in syrups, which are partially adsorbed on the crystal surface and thus impede the insertion of sucrose molecules into the lattice (Grimsey and Herrington, 1996; Rogé et al., 2007). 2.6.2 Crystallization kinetics Two fundamental crystallization theories are briefly described: the theory of the adsorption layer, which deals with the crystal surface; and the diffusion theory, which mainly considers the phenomena occurring at the crystal solution interface. Another approach is proposed based on the chaos and complexity theory. The chaos and complexity theory deals with the nonreversible thermodynamics of the conditions apart from equilibrium. It is correlated also with the concept of entropy, which, being a measure of disorder and uncertainty becomes the cause for creation of new patterns of mass and energy dissipation. These are called “dissipative structures from the 1977 Nobel laureate Ilya Prigogine”. Apart from the different levels of concentration, viscosity, temperature, pressure, supersaturation, etc., of mother liquor, there are different impurities, which influence sucrose crystal growth morphology, modifying the habit of the crystals. The sugar crystal is an “equilibrium structure but bears on its surface and on its inner structure as fingerprints the history of a dissipative process” (Cbristodoulou, 2000). The relation between the diffusion, surface reaction and crystallization rate of sucrose was illustrated by (Cossairt, 1982; Ekelhof, 1997; Houghton et al., 1998; Silin, 1958). If the diffusion theory is considered, the variation of the solution concentration near the surface hast to be regarded. The crystallization rate is given by a diffusion process of molecules through the stagnant layer and the reaction process corresponding to the integration of molecules into the crystal structure through the adsorption layer. These two steps can be illustrated by equations 2-1 and 2-2: dm = k D ⋅ A ⋅ [c L − cG ] dt (Diffusion) (2-1) dm = k R ⋅ A ⋅ [cG − cSat ] (Surface reaction) dt (2-2) 23 Review of literature Where Crystallization rate (were m mass and t time) dm / dt D Diffusion coefficient (m2/s) kD Coefficient speed of the material transfer (m/s) kR Coefficient speed of surface reaction A Crystal surface (m2) cL Concentration of solution (kg/m3) cG Concentration of boundary layer (kg/m3) csat Mother liquor concentration at saturation point (kg/m3) The Noyes and Whitney’s formula (Noyes and Whitney, 1897) below for crystallization is used to review the basic control parameters of the crystallization process: dm = k d ⋅ A ⋅ C sat ⋅ (SS − 1) dt (2-3) where = Csat = concentration of saturated liquor and SS = supersaturation Schliephake and Ekelhof, (1983) reported that, the change of the supersaturation at the same time, the difference of concentration between concentration of solution (CL) and concentration of saturated solution (Csat) causes a change of the crystal growth rate. Thus, they derived the following equation to calculate kD from the above equations: ⎛ dm 1 ⎞ ⋅ ⎟ ⋅ kR ⎜ dt A ⎠ ⎝ kD = ⎛ dm 1 ⎞ ⋅ ⎟ k R (Δc − Δ * c ) − ⎜ ⎝ dt A ⎠ (2-4) where (Δc − Δ * c ) is the effective concentration difference (kg/m3) The parameters k D and k R can vary depending upon the crystallization conditions, and in particular upon temperature, stirring and the presence of non-sugars (Mantovani and Vaccari, 1998). 24 Review of literature There are many parameters which have an effect on the diffusion coefficient kD. (Schliephake and Ekelhof, 1983) described the coefficient as k D = f (TL , d K , ρ L ,η L , DL , ε ) (2-5) where TL Temperature of solution dK Crystal diameter ρL Solution density ηL Solution viscosity ε Relative velocity volume The relative velocity volume was calculated by the following equation: ε= m Su −1 mCry m Su ρ + L −1 mCry ρ Cry (2-6) where mSu Crystal suspension mass mCry Crystal mass ρ Cry Crystal density From the above equations, it can be stated that not only temperature can effect the diffusion coefficient but also crystal diameter, density of solution, relative velocity and solution viscosity which plays an important role in the diffusion processes in the solution. Also, it can be indicated that the surface reaction coefficient is affected by temperature and solution purity, where the other factors are constant The surface reaction rate kR was calculated by means of the equation 2-7 for any temperature. k R = k R,0 ⋅ e − E a,R RT (2-7) where Ea = activation energy of the surface reactions = 86.2 kJ/mol, R = general gas constant = 8.3147 J/mol*K, T = absolute temperature (Kelvin) k ∞ = Frequency factor. For pure sucrose solutions can be kR can be calculated with the help of equation 2-7 for any temperature as follows: 25 Review of literature k R = 3.892 E + 8 * 2.7182818 −( 86.2 ) RT (2-8) As far as temperature is concerned, it is well known that, at low temperature, the crystallization process is controlled by the surface reaction whereas at high temperature it is diffusion, which controls the crystallization process. These results are similar to those reported by (Cossairt, 1982; Houghton et al., 1998). The correlation between temperature and the surface reaction rate kR was illustrated by (Ekelhof, 1997). The temperature dependence of the determined kR-values is a linear connection like expected from Arrhenius relation (Figure 8) (Golovin and Grerasimenko, 1959; Maurandi et al., 1988; Schliephake and Austmeyer, 1976) . Figure 8: Surface reaction coefficient kR dependent upon the reciprocal value of the absolute temperature T given for different purities (Ekelhof, 1997). As expected by the recently introduced “spiral nucleation model”, this alternative definition is found to be size-independent over the considered supersaturation range. At the same time, the conventional overall growth rate expressed per time and surface area units is found to be linearly dependent on crystal size. Besides being theoretically consistent, the volumetric growth rate concept is of great practical Review of literature 26 interest since crystal growth kinetics can be calculated in situations of unknown crystal number and size. The two-way effect of crystal size on mass transfer rates and on the integration kinetics is investigated by measuring the sucrose dissolution rates under reciprocal conditions of the growth experiments. Both effects are adequately described by combining a well-established diffusion-integration model and the spiral nucleation mechanism (Martins and Rocha, 2000). For a deeper insight into the theoretical growth morphology it is necessary to apply the HP theory of Hartman and Perdok, (1955) on the crystal structure. This theory is based on the study of the periodic bond chains (PBCs) that form during crystallization. The faces are classified into three types, in the first case the faces are so called F-faces (Flat), in the second case S-faces (Stepped) and in the third case Kfaces (Kinked). They occur as shown in Figure 9. The three types of faces have different growth behaviors depending upon the different density of the growth sites (kinks). Figure 9: Hypothetical crystal (a) with schematic drawing of the three kinds of faces PBCs (b) The several steps in the insertion of a molecule from solution into the crystal lattice are shown in Figure 10. The driving force in this process is the supersaturation maintained by either water evaporation or temperature reduction. With increasing amount of evaporated water during evaporation crystallization, the crystal surface becomes inadequate, the supersaturation increases and so a new crystal surface is formed by false grain formation (Schiweck and Mannheim, 1998). 27 Review of literature Crystal half layer 7+8 7 7 4 5 9 3 6 Step 1 2 7 Figure 10: Diagrammatic representation of the processes involved in crystal growth from solution, according to Elwell and Scheel ,(1975) as modified by Kruse and Ulrich, (1993). The description of Figure 10 can be summed up as follows: 1 Diffusion of hydrated crystal building blocks from the solution to the crystal surface. 2 Adsorption of hydrated crystal building blocks (cluster) and partial dehydration on the crystal surface. 3 Surface diffusion of hydrated crystal building blocks to a step. 4 Adsorption of hydrated crystal building blocks and partial dehydration on the step. 5 Diffusion of hydrated crystal building blocks along a step to a semi-crystal position. 6 Insertion of crystal building blocks into a semi-crystal position and complete dehydration; 7 Diffusion of the liberated hydrate envelope into solution. 8 Liberation of latent heat on insertion of crystal building blocks into a semi-crystal position. 9 Desorption of hydrated crystal building blocks from the crystal surface into the solution. 2.6.3 Parameters influencing crystallization kinetics Whatever the origin, the polysaccharides from beet processing are found as minor constituents in white sugar and their association with nitrogen and cations can cause the coloration of the crystals. These polysaccharides generally have a high hygroscopicity and their presence at the surface of sugar crystals my affect the stability of crystalline sugar during storage and provoke caking. Moreover, occlusion and crystal elongation (c-axis) are observed in presence of dextran (Gudshall, 1992; Parrisch and Clarke, 1983). During processing, macromolecules (e.g. dextran) increase viscosity, slow or inhibit crystallization, and increase the loss of sucrose to molasses (i.e. they have a high melassigenic effect). Because of their carbohydrate nature and high solubility, they are difficult to remove in processing, and tend to be included in the raw sugar crystal, 28 Review of literature going into the refining process and causing similar problems in refining (Cuddihy et al., 2000; Godshall et al., 1994). The viscosity is a dominating factor in the technology of the process. The growth rate is sensitive to variation in crystal size and slightly influenced by surface integration, with the diffusion step in crystal growth as a significant factor in determining the overall rates (Gumaraes et al., 1995). Frenkel, (1958) has found that the absolute viscosity of sugar solutions is related to the absolute temperature by an equation of the form: η = A *10B / T (2-9) where: η Dynamic viscosity A and B Constants T Temperature Figure 11 shows the relationship between the viscosity in pure and impure solution and solution concentration at different temperatures (40 to 80°C) according to Schliephake and Ekelhof, (1983). They illustrated that the solution viscosity increased with a decrease of temperatures. However, it increased with the increase of solution concentration. These correlations between relative viscosity η u / η r and other factors were described as follows: ⎡1 − q ⎤ wDS (4.734 − 0.0379ϑ ) ⋅ = 1− ⎢ ⎥ 19 − 18wDS ⎦ ηr ⎣ 0.4 nu (2-10) 29 Review of literature η mPa.s 1000 100 10 1 0 20 40 W DS 60 80 % Figure 11: The viscosity of the pure and impure sucrose solution according to Ekelhof, (1997) 2.6.4 Crystal morphology The normal morphology shown by sucrose crystals grown from pure solution is depicted in Figure 12 (Vavrinecz, 1965). The three primary hydroxyl groups at the C1' and C-6' (Fructose) and the C-6 (glucose) belong to the three hydroxymethyl side's groups of the sucrose. The others are secondary hydroxyl groups at the heterocyclic ring. The average values of the surface angles for proportional axis were measured by different investigators as, a : b : c = 1.2543 : 1 : 0.8878 with an angle of the a to the c axis of β = 103°30 (Vavrinecz, 1965). So far 15 different surfaces were observed, which arise most frequently with the technical sucrose crystallization. Under the influences of non-sugar materials and other factors, which affect on the growth conditions such as e.g. temperature and supersaturation of solution, the surface growth and thus the habit of the sucrose crystal can vary strongly (Bubnik et al., 1992; Vaccari et al., 1999; Vaccari et al., 2002). The presence of oligosaccharides such as raffinose, which is present in sugar beets, causes an elongation of the crystal toward the b-axis to a needle form (Mantovani et al., 1967; Vaccari et al., 1986). Dextran also causes an elongation of the crystal toward the c axis due to slowing down the growth of the p and p’ surfaces (Sutherland and Paton, 1969). 30 Review of literature Figure 12: Schematic representation of a sucrose crystal with the surface designation according to Vavrinecz ( 1965) Bubnik et al., (1992) studied the relationship between the c/b ratio if dextran concentration was increased (Figure 13). They observed that the effect of dextran on crystal elongation was much more striking compared to that obtained with invert sugar and 300 % higher than for pure solution, at the highest impurity concentration. This correlation between c/b and dextran concentration was described as follows: Rd = Rs + ao ⋅ cd0.1 + bo ⋅ cd0.7 where: Rd c/b ratio in the presence of dextran Rs c/b ratio for pure sucrose solution (= 0.70) cd Dextran concentration (g/100 g water) ao Constant (0.1363) bo Constant (0.1234) (2-11) 31 Review of literature + C + C +b (A) +b (A) (A) Figure 13: (A) Sucrose crystal growth in the presence of dextran (40g/100g water), (B) One of the crystals shown in (A) and (C) Sucrose crystal growth in the presence of glucose, fructose and dextran (50g/100g water each) (According to Bubnik et al., (1992) Also, it was possible to calculate a two-parameter function which would permit calculation of the c/b ratio as a function of both invert sugar and dextran concentrations: R = Ri + A ⋅ cd0.1 + B ⋅ cd0.7 R c/b ratio in the presence of impurities Ri c/b ratio in the presence of invert sugar cd Dextran concentration (g/100g water) with A = a o + a1 + ci + a 2 ⋅ ci0.7 ao Constant (0.1363) a1 Constant (0.102) a2 Constant (-0.00193) c Invert sugar concentration with B = bo + bi * ciC bo Constant (0.1234) b1 Constant (-0.0147) C Constant (0.270) ci Invert sugar concentration (2-12) Review of literature 32 Dextran products of various molecular weight result from infections of Leuconostoc sp. Also, a needle like elongation of the c axis of the crystal may be caused by highly 1-6 linked dextran. However, 1-4 and 1-3 linkages also yield refractory and slowboiling syrups, but show little c axis elongation (Cossairt, 1982). It is also reported that smaller molecular weight dextrans are especially involved in the effect of c axis elongation (Singleton, 2002) From the processing point of view the development of re-entrant angles with their effects is becoming worse as aggregates become more complex. These re-entrant angles are traps for mother liquor and zones, which are extraordinarily difficult to wash for the removal of impurities (non-sugars). The trapped mother liquor may even be present as inclusions between the individual conglomerated crystals (Houghton, 1998). The effect that dextran has on sugar crystal shape, to elongate the crystal or cause needle grain, also increases the loss to molasses by blinding centrifugal screens with elongated crystals (Imrie and Tilbury, 1972) 2.7 The Economic gain In a sugar factory, the crystallization is an important step, which determines the yield of the sugar from sugar beet and cane. About 85% of the present sugar (sucrose) in sugar beet can be crystallized as sugar product (Figure 14). The sugar losses are almost 3% during the extraction and clarification processes and around 12% to molasses (Ekelhof, 1997). The existence of quality points for dextran in raw sugar contracts has provided a standard for a penalty by refiners. The penalty is calculated from a sliding scale based upon the sugar dextran concentration. 33 Review of literature Beet Extraction Purification NS 3% 100% S Evaporation Multi-Stages for Crystallization 85% White Sugar 12% Molasses Figure 14: Partitions of sugar loss during different process stages of sugar production (Ekelhof, 1997) Studies in Australia have shown a sugar loss to molasses of 1.2 to 1.4 purity points, which can be expected for every 1,000 mg/kg DS of dextran in molasses. This is equivalent to about 250 mg/kg DS in mixed juice (Miller and Wright, 1977). It is estimated that for every 300 mg/kg DS dextran in syrup there is a 1% increase in molasses purity (the percentage ratio of sucrose in total solids in a sugar solution) (Atkins and McCowage, 1984; Clarke et al., 1997; Godshall et al., 1994; Guglielmone et al., 2000). The presence of dextran above 250 mg/kg DS on solids in raw sugar brings forth penalties from the sugar refiner (Chung, 2000; Day, 1992). Effects of dextran in juice are shown in Table 5. 34 Review of literature Table 5: Effects of dextran in juice on molasses purity Dextran in juice (ppm/WDS) Effect 0 None 250 1 point loss in molasses purity 500 2 point loss in molasses purity 1000 Detectable crystal elongation, 5 point loss in molasses purity 1500 Significant operational problems 3000 Severe problems Source: Adapted from Chung, 2000; Day, (1986). The economic losses caused by dextran are continuous throughout the process, since its early content in the juices falsely increases the amount of sugar calculated for them and alters the production indicators of the factory. This is due to the dextrorotatory characteristic of dextrans that polarize approximately three times more than sucrose producing a high false polarization value (Jimenez, 2005). The evaluation of dextran levels in raw sugars with the respective sucrose losses incurred to produce these dextran levels and the amounts of fructose and acids (about 30% yield) formed is shown in Table 6 Table 6: Dextran levels and sucrose loss in raw sugars (Bose and Singh, 1981) Dextran Sucrose loss Fructose formed % Acid produced (%) (Kg /ton sugar) (Kg /ton sugar) 0.05 0.20 0.99 0.07 0.10 0.40 1.98 0.17 1.50 2.00 9.90 0.70 Review of literature 35 These amounts of sucrose loss represent only those lost directly due to dextran formation. Three to five times of these levels may be lost later in processing because of the other organic material formed conjointly with dextran (Bose and Singh, 1981). Dextran content in sugar is a major concern for end users such as candy manufacturers. Contamination of the sugar with dextran, above a certain ppm level, will affect hard candy processing. The impact is measured in changes in candy thickness/weight and is related to dextran content in sugar (Haynes, 2004; Jimenez, 2005). 36 Material and methods 3 Material and methods 3.1 Material Samples: sugar beet slices (cosettes), raw juice, clarified juice, thick juice and the final products, sugar and molasses were collected from three different Egyptian factories. Factories 1 and 2 belong to Delta Company in north Egypt and factory 3 belongs to Egyptian Sugar Company in middle Egypt. Dextrans: Three different molecular mass fractions of dextran (T40: M~40,000 g/mol, product Nr. 31389, T500: M~500,000 g/mol, product Nr. 31392 and T2000: M~2,000,000 g/mol, product Nr. 95771) from Sigma-Aldrich were utilized. All fractions were produced by Leuconostoc ssp. Chemical for analysis: all chemicals were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Germany. 3.2 3.2.1 Analytical methods Determination of dextran 3.2.1.1 Robert method Dextran was determined according to Roberts, (1983) and AOAC, (1990). Roberts copper method determines dextran after polysaccharide precipitation from sugar solutions by 80 % ethanol. Quantification is made calorimetrically using PhenolH2SO4, after a second precipitation with alkaline copper reagent. The amount of dextran mDE in mg/kg DS in the samples was calculated as follows: mDE = 1 1 C ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ E ⋅ F ⋅ 10 5 A B D (3-1) A Dry substance ( wDS ) B mL of aliquots taken for alcohol precipitation (10 ml) C mL of solution of alcohol precipitate (25 ml) D mL of aliquot taken for copper precipitation (10ml) E mL of final solution of copper-dextran complex (25ml) F mg/mL dextran (from standard curve) Material and methods 37 3.2.1.2 Haze method The determination of dextran in sugar solutions by a modified alcohol Haze method is conducted according to the ICUMSA method (1994). The test sample is dissolved in water. Soluble starch is destroyed by incubation with a suitable enzyme (Novo Termamyl 120L, Novo Industri A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). Protein is removed by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) followed by filtration with acid-washed kieselguhr. The dextran haze is produced by diluting an aliquot of the treated, filtered solution to twice the aliquot volume by the addition of ethanol. The turbidity of the dextran haze is measured by reading the absorbance in a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 720 nm. The method is standardized against a commercially available dextran. 3.2.2 Microbiological experiments 3.2.2.1 Isolation Sugar beet, cossettes and raw juice were collected during the practical course (2005) in the Department of Food Engineering, Technical University Berlin. Samples (10 g) were token and diluted by sterilized distilled water to 100 g. The serial dilutions of collected samples (10-1 to 10-6) were made and 1 ml portions of the appropriate dilutions were pour-plated on MRS-Agar media (De Man et al., 1960). The cultivated microorganisms were incubated anaerobically for 48 hours at 30±1 °C for enumeration of microorganisms (Leuconostocs sp) (Beukes et al., 2001). The MRS-broth (Bouillon) consists of (g/liter): Peptone from casein 10, meat extract 8.0, yeast extract 4.0, D (+)-glucose 20.0, di-potassiumhydrogenphosphate 2.0, Tween 80 1.0, di-ammoniumhydrogencitrate 2.0, sodium acetate 5.0, magnesium sulfate 0.2 and Manganese sulfate 0.04. To provide MRS-Agar media, agar was added to the mixture. 3.2.2.2 Identification 3.2.2.2.1 Gas and acid formation MRS-Bouillon with Durham tubes was used to perform this test with Lactic acid bacteria according to Back, (1994). Material and methods 38 3.2.2.2.2 Catalase test The catalase test involves adding of 5 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to a culture sample or agar slant. If the bacteria in question produce catalase, they will convert the hydrogen peroxide and oxygen gas will be evolved. The evolution of gas causes bubbles (Figure 15) as an indicator of a positive test (Back, 1994). Figure 15: Colony of bacteria mixed in a 5% solution of H2O2 demonstrating a positive and negative test for producing of catalase. 3.2.2.2.3 Gram characteristics (KOH-Test) After the mixing of the bacterial colony with ca. 3 % potassium hydroxide on a glass slide, the KOH solution characteristically became very viscous and mucoid with gram-negative bacteria. The KOH test was only considered positive if stringing occurred within the first 30 s of mixing of the bacteria in KOH solution. Grampositive bacteria suspended in the KOH solution generally displayed no reaction (absence of stringing) (Halebian et al., 1981). 3.2.2.2.4 Identification by API 50 CHL test API 50 CHL Medium, intended for the identification of the genus Lactobacillus and related organisms, is a ready-to-use medium, which enables the fermentation of 49 carbohydrates on the API 50 CHL strip to be studied. A suspension is made in the medium with the microorganism to be tested and each tube of the strip is inoculated. During incubation, carbohydrates are fermented to acids, which produce a decrease in pH, detected by color change of the indicator. The results make up the biochemical profile of the strain and are used in its identification or typing. Material and methods 39 3.2.2.2.5 L/D-Lactic acid test For the determination of D- and L- lactic acid, the UV- method, cat. no. 11112821035 from R-Biopharm AG was used. In the presence of D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH), D-lactic acid (D-lactate) is oxidized to pyruvate by nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The oxidation of L-lactic acid requires the presence of the enzyme L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH). The equilibrium of these reactions lies on the side of lactate. By trapping pyruvate in a subsequent reaction catalyzed by the enzyme glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in the presence of L-glutamate, the equilibrium can be displaced in favour of pyruvate and NADH. The amount of NADH formed in the above reactions is stoichiometric to the amount of D-lactic acid and of L-lactic acid, respectively. The increase in NADH is determined by means of its light absorbance at 334, 340 or 365 nm. 3.2.3 Crystallization experiments 3.2.3.1 Measurement of growth rate of sucrose crystals A laboratory crystallization unit was built according to Wittenberg, (2001). The unit scheme is given in Figure 16. A double glass wall crystallizer was equipped with stirrer, automatic measurement devices for dry substance content (Refractometer IPR2, Schmidt and Haensch) and temperature as well as temperature control. Data processing was realized on a central computer unit. Dry substance and temperature were determined every 120 s. Batch isothermal crystallization experiments were carried at constant temperatures (60, 65 and 70 °C) by seeding syrup with a supersaturation of 1.15. The experiment was stopped, when the supersaturation had reached 1.05. Varying admixtures of different dextran fractions (T40, T500 and T2000) at different concentrations (500 – 5000 mg/kg DS) were used. 40 Material and methods 2 M 1 T Crystallizer Central Computer 3 T +/- Thermostat 4 Control unit 5 Figure 16: Pilot scheme of laboratory crystallization device 1- Thermometer 2 - Automatic Stirrer 3- Double glass wall 4- Cooling water 5- Refractometer (IPR2, Schmidt and Haensch) 3.2.3.1.1 Required amount of dextran and seed The amount of dextran m DE in mg added to the crystallizing charge was calculated according to Equation (3-2). mDE = a ⋅ b (3-2) with a = m So ⋅ w DS / 100 b = m # DE ⋅100 / (100 − wW, DE ) mSo Total mass of solution in (kg) wDS Dry substance content in (%) mW.DE Water content of dextran in % m # DE Target dextran concentration in mg/kg DS After reaching the required temperature, the solution in the crystallizer was seeded with sucrose crystals (size 200 µm) using a syringe. The amount of seed mSeed in g was calculated as follows: 41 Material and methods mSeed ⎛d = mMa ⋅ wCry ⋅ ⎜⎜ i ⎝ df ⎞ ⎟⎟ ⎠ 3 (3-3) mMa Mass of the massecuite in g wCry Final crystal content in massecuite di Initial size of the crystal (200 µm) df Final size of the crystal A sample was taken before the seeding point to carry out the first image analysis for the evaluation of the solubilization process. Further on, samples for image analysis were taken every 30 minutes in order to follow the growth of crystals through the crystallization. 3.2.3.1.2 Calculation of the growth rate of sucrose crystals: In the present work, crystallization was pursued basing on the change of the refractometric dry substance content and the temperature as: ⎛ wDS, ML, t ⎞ ⎛ wDS, ML, t +1 ⎞ ΔmS, Cry = ⎜⎜ ⋅ mW ⎟⎟ − ⎜⎜ ⋅ mW ⎟⎟ ⎝ 100 − wDS, ML, t ⎠ ⎝ 100 − wDS, ML, t +1 ⎠ Δ (3-4) Difference mS, Cry Crystallized sucrose mass t Time (min) wW Mass of water which can be calculated as follow: mW = mSo − ML (mSo ⋅ wDS,ML ) 100 (3-5) Mother liquor The following equation helps to calculate the sucrose crystal surfaces area: ACry = f A ⋅ mCry 2/3 ⋅ nCry ACry Total crystal surfaces in m2 fA Form factor (0.0423) according to Austmeyer, (1981) (3-6) 42 Material and methods mCry Crystal mass nCry Number of crystals The growth rate of sucrose crystals (G) in g /(m 2 ⋅ min) was calculated as follows ⎛ ΔmS,Cry G = ⎜⎜ ⎝ t ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎟⎟ ⋅ ⎜ ⎜ ⎠ ⎝ ACry ⎞ ⎟ ⎟ ⎠ (3-7) 3.2.3.2 Dynamic viscosity A capillary viscometer (Schott-Geräte, capillary no. 532 20/II, Apparatus no. 102221) was used. This viscometer is suitable to determine the kinematic viscosity of Newtonian liquids according to DIN 51 562, part 1. The instrument constant K is valid for the survey of the meniscus passage with stands type AVS/S, AVS/S-HT and AVS/SK from Schott. It was evaluated as K = 0.1028 mm2/s2. The kinematic viscosity v (mm2/s) can be calculated using the instrument constant in the equation: v = K ⋅t t (3-8) Flow time in seconds corrected according to DIN 51 562, part 1. The dynamic viscosity η (mPa.s) was calculated by: η =ν ⋅ ρ (3−9) where ρ Solution density 3.2.3.3 Crystal morphology and surface topography To examine of sucrose surface topography, a scanning electron microscope (SEM, Hitachi S-2700) was used. After crystallization experiments, the mixture of crystals and mother liquor (massecuite) was centrifuged and washed by water during centrifugation, then dried in an oven at 70°C for 3 h. 3.2.3.4 Image analysis For accurate estimation of the crystallization speed not only the sucrose crystals quantity but also the beginning area of the sugar crystals is needed. Here, an image analysis system (IMAGE), which enables a calculation of the middle diameter and fractionation of sugar crystals was applied (Wagner, 2003). Material and methods 3.2.4 43 Statistical analysis Three-way ANOVA were considered in the present work to elucidate the main effects of the methods of dextran determination with respect to concentrations and molecular weights in addition to the interaction of these factors. At the same time the concentration, the molecular weight factors and their interaction were considered in each method of dextran determination. The homogeneity of variances was assumed and Tukey-HSD was used at a significant of 0.05. The least sum of squares criterion was applied to detect the best method for determination of dextran on the light of molecular weights considered. These analyses were executed using SPSS-Package release 9 (SPSS-Inc. 1998). Results and discussion 4 44 Results and discussion 4.1 Sensitivity and accuracy of different methods for the determination of dextrans of varying molecular mass In this work the sensitivity and accuracy of some common dextran determination methods is examined in order to select the most appropriate for application in sugar factories. In this context it must be mentioned that some important considerations are required to be used in any method used in routine analysis of the sugar factories according to (Singleton, 2002): ¾ Accurate: The test needs to be as accurate and reproducible as possible within the constraints of time and simplicity. ¾ Specific: It must quantitatively detect total dextran and must not be biased towards different molecular weights ¾ Rapid: The test must be able to cope with the high throughput of samples arriving at factories and allow process decisions to be made quickly. ¾ Simple: To circumvent special training and employment of skilled staff for repetitive testing the test must be easy to perform. To reduce sample time sample preparation should also be straightforward and quick. 4.1.1 Robert’s Copper method sensitivity It is very important to determine the amount of dextran in solution, performing a standard curve with pure dextran solutions. Figure 17 shows the standard curves of different dextran molecular fractions: T40, T500 and T2000. The results indicate that the difference between low and high dextran molecular mass fractions increased beginning at a dextran concentration ≥ 0.09 mg/ml. However, no significant differences between all dextran standards were observed except at high dextran concentrations. 45 Results and discussion Abs.(485nm) 1 0.9 R2 = 0.9863 0.8 R2 = 0.9933 0.7 R2 = 0.9687 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.12 Dex. conc. (mg/ml) T40 T500 T2000 Figure 17: Standard Curves of dextran T40, T500 and T2000 by copper complex method. From the mean of dextran standard curves, the dextran concentrations can be calculated as follows: m DE = a − 0.033 7.6663 (4-1) where m DE Concentration of dextran (mg/ml) a = Sample extinction at 485nm. From the present results, it can be indicated that the standard curve of dextran T2000 matched the measurement data for all molecular mass fractions better than other curves, whereas R2 for T40 and T500 standard curves were 0.9863 and 0.9687, respectively, while for T2000 was 0.9933. Consequently, in practical applications the standard curve for T2000 was applied for all measurements to simplify the calibration of measurement process, since it is an average of the other molecular weight curves. Results and discussion 46 Figure 18 to Figure 20 show the patterns of dextran measured by the Robert’s method and its recovery percentages in relation to the actual dextran added to sucrose solutions for three different molecular mass fractions of dextran (T40, T500 and T2000). The results indicated that the measured dextran was highly correlated with actual ones (R2 > 0.993) whereas the recovery percentage exhibited variable correlations (-0.891, 0.483 and 0.95 for T40, T500 and T2000, respectively). The values of recovery percentage were testified against 100 % using least sum of square referring to T2000 treatment to be the most accurate since its least sum of squares was the lowest (109.64). The patterns of variations in the recovery percentages under the effects of dextran concentrations and dextran molecular weights were considered. The latter factor and interaction with the concentration were significant (P < 0.01). The concentrations as a factor have an insignificant effect on the recovery percentages (P = 0.062). Regarding the measured dextran another pattern of variation was recorded since the concentration and molecular weight main effects were significant (P<0.0001) with insignificant interaction (P = 0.053) referring to their independence. The results indicated that, at especially at low concentrations of the low molecular dextran fraction T40 Robert’s method overestimated the dextran concentration. At medium and high concentration recovery was satisfying for all dextran fractions. 47 Results and discussion 120 100 2000 80 R2 = 0.9974 1500 60 1000 40 500 0 500 Dext.recovery (%) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) 2500 20 1000 1500 2000 Dextran present (mg/kg DS) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) 0 2500 Dex.recovery (%) Figure 18: Sensitivity of copper complex method to determine dextran T40 in sucrose solutions 2500 2000 100 80 1500 R2 = 0.9952 1000 60 40 500 0 500 Dex. recovery (%) Dext. measured (mg/kg DS) 120 20 1000 1500 2000 0 2500 Dextran present (mg/kg DS) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) Dex. recovery (%) Figure 19: Sensitivity of copper complex method to determine dextran T500 in sucrose solutions 48 Results and discussion 3000 2500 80 2000 R2 = 0.9952 1500 60 40 1000 Dex.recovery (%) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) 100 20 500 0 500 1000 1500 2000 0 2500 Dextran present (mg/kg DS) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) Dex.recovery (%) Figure 20: Sensitivity of copper complex method to determine dextran T2000 in sucrose solutions 4.1.2 Haze method sensitivity Haze method reflects a pattern of variation in dextran measured similar to that of Roberts’s method whereas the recovery pattern was different (Figure 21 to Figure 23). The recovery percentage increased with the increasing of dextran concentrations for the three molecular weights considered (R = 0.96, 0.89, 0.74 for T40, T500 and T2000 respectively). Testifying recovery percentages against 100 % with the least sum of square (LSS) criterion, the Haze method was with the best for the molecular weight of T2000 (Figure 23). In the Haze method, dextran concentration and molecular weight factors and their interactions were found to be significant in their effects on the recovery percentages (P < 0.0001), which points at a dependent relationship between the two factors. Similar pattern of significance for the estimated dextran T500 and T2000 were recorded (P<0.0001). The accurate of Haze method with low dextran molecular mass was shown in Figure 21. The results show the dextran recovery at concentrations lower than 1000 mg/kg DS and at concentrations above 1500 mg/kg DS of T40 were 49 Results and discussion not accurate compared with the dextran recovery of experiments with T500 and 4000 180 3500 160 140 3000 Dex. recovery (%) Dex. measured (mg/kg DS) T2000. 120 2500 100 2000 80 1500 R2 = 0.9875 1000 40 500 0 500 60 20 1000 1500 2000 0 2500 Dextran present (mg/kg Ds) Dex. measured (mg/kg DS) Dex. recovery (%) 3500 120 3000 100 2500 80 2000 60 1500 1000 R2 = 0.9984 20 500 0 500 40 Dex. recovery (%) Dex. measured (mg/kg DS) Figure 21: Sensitivity of Haze method to determine dextran T40 in sucrose solutions 1000 1500 2000 Dextran present (mg/kg DS) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) 0 2500 Dex. recovery (%) Figure 22: Sensitivity of Haze method to determine dextran T500 in sucrose solutions 50 3000 120 2500 100 2000 80 R2 = 0.9875 1500 60 1000 40 500 20 0 500 1000 1500 2000 Dex. recovery (%) Dex. measured (mg/kg DS) Results and discussion 0 2500 Dextran present (mg/kg DS) Dex.measured (mg/kg DS) Dex. recovery (%) Figure 23: Sensitivity of haze method to determine dextran T2000 in sucrose solutions According to the recovery patterns (Figure 18 to Figure 23) and the least sum of square (LSS) criterion, (Roberts method, 179, 553, 109, Haze method, 8428, 2535, 682 for T40, T500 and T2000 respectively), the Robert’s method can be considered to be more precise. However, the overall factors including the method, like concentration, molecular weight and their interaction were considered to discover another pattern of variation in recovery percentages and determined dextran. For the recovery percentages, all the factors, including the method and their interactions are significant (P < 0.0001) whereas for the estimated dextran the method has no main effect (P = 0.348). From the above mentioned discussion, the sensitivities of Robert’s and Haze method for determination of different dextran molecular mass fractions are summarized in Table 7. The data demonstrate that the Robert’s method was more accurate for different dextran molecular mass fractions than the Haze method. Furthermore, the Haze method was too inaccurate to be genuinely useful as a dextran analysis method especially, with low dextran molecular mass fractions. These results are consistent with results from (Clarke et al., 1986; Curtin and McCowage, 1986; DeStefano and Irey, 1986; Sarkar and Day, 1986). 51 Results and discussion Table 7: Conclusion of evaluation of Roberts and Haze methods to determine different dextran molecules Dextran levels Dextran molecules T40 T500 T2000 Haze Copper complex Haze Copper complex Haze Copper complex ≤ 500 mg/kg DS - + + +++ + +++ 1000-2000 mg/kg DS + ++ ++ + ++ +++ ≥ 2000 mg/kg DS - +++ ++ + ++ +++ 4.2 not sensitive, + low sensitive, ++ sensitive, +++ high sensitive Microbial sources of dextran an identification of relevant microorganisms in sugar factories In this chapter, the isolation and identification of Leuconostoc mesenteroides from sugar beet factories is described. In contrast to other lactic acid bacteria, Leuconostoc sp. can tolerate fairly high concentrations of salt and sugar (up to 50% sugar) and initiates growth in vegetables more rapidly over a range of temperatures than any other lactic acid bacteria. It produces carbon dioxide and acids which rapidly lower the pH (Battcock and Ali, 1998). Furthermore, it produces high molecular mass polysaccharides such as dextran, which causes many problems during the industrial process in sugar factories. Climatic conditions and harvesting method as well as storage place in sugar factories are important factors influencing the deterioration of sugar beet by microorganisms. The raw materials are vulnerable to enzymatic deterioration or microbial action (Figure 24). Usually, in this regard hand-harvested sugar beet has a lower deterioration rate after harvest than machine-harvested, whereas, the machine causes a cutting of sugar beets through the harvesting. This means, they are vulnerable to attack rapidly from the microorganisms. Results and discussion 52 Figure 24: Deteriorated sugar beet after harvesting The enumeration of microorganisms in the collected samples (sugar beet, cossettes and raw juice from beet sugar factory) after incubation on MRS-Agar at 30°C for 48 hours was performed. The mean counts of colonies were 2.5*103 cfu/g of the good sugar beet sample. On the other hand, they were 34*103 cfu/g in the deteriorated sugar beet. Also, the results indicate that the count of microorganisms was reduced in cossettes samples. Due to the more efficient washing procedure and lower initial soil loading in beet processing there is less extraneous material brought into the factory. The mean of total microorganism colonies in these beet sugar cossettes were almost 6*102 cfu/g and they were found only in the dilutions 10-1 and 10-2. It was observed that the number of microorganisms increased in raw juice after extraction process. In the first day of the sugar beet manufacture, the number of colonies in raw juice was 23*104 cfu/g. On the other hand, in the second and third days, the microbial count increased to 4*106 and 3.5*105 cfu/g, respectively. This increase was may be due to starting microbial contamination and an underdosed usage of antimicrobial agents. Figure 25 shows the relationship between growth of microorganisms and storage time of sugar beet raw juice at room temperature. The counting of microorganisms in the first time was 3.35*103 cfu/g, but after 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours it was 3.35*103, 6.9*103, 2.2*104 and 6.5*104 cfu/g, respectively. The suitable sugar concentration, pH and temperature of raw juice apparent in an industrial surrounding contribute greatly to the increase in the rate of growth of microorganisms. Day, (1992) reported similar 53 Results and discussion results. Also he described that during raw juice extraction in the diffuser a decrease of the cossettes temperatures can occur, if a large percentage of damaged beets are processed or the usual capacity of the extraction device is exceeded. Consequently, the bacterial loading increases. 70000 Number of microorganisms colonies in (cfu/g) 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 0 1 2 3 4 Time (hours) Figure 25: Microorganisms growth in sugar beet raw juice at room temperature The colonies morphology of isolated strains and cultural conditions are shown in Appendix 1. The results show that 14 microorganism strains were isolated from the collected samples Classical identification revealed the presence of seven bacteria strains. The other colonies were yeasts and fungi. In this study, the identification of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, which produces the dextrans, was in the focus of interest. On the basis of classical phenotypic analysis, all of isolated bacteria strains were Gram-positive and gas forming (except S3 no gas formation). However, S1, S5, S12, S13 and S14 were catalase negative while S2, S4 were catalase positive. In addition, all strains produced acid from glucose (See Appendix 2). The fermentation pattern of carbohydrates gives other keys for strain identification. Fermentation patterns or profiles and biochemical characteristics were determined Results and discussion 54 using API 50 CHL (BioMérieux) for Leuconostoc ssp. The fermentation pattern allows the isolate to be identified comparing the pattern to the characteristics of the type strains. Even in optimized conditions, the change of color may sometimes take so long for a given strain that it is difficult to conclude whether there is a positive or negative reaction. Therefore, in this work, follow-up the color changing has taken several days (five days). Identification results were obtained with the aid of the API identification table (Bio Merieux) (see Appendix 3). From the five isolated bacteria strain, the strain S1 belonged to the species Leuconostoc mesenteroides subspecies mesenteroides/dextranicum. Another isolated strain could not be identified. Another key to confirm the isolated Leuconostoc m. is the determination of produced D-/L-lactate. The optical isomer of lactic acid was determined by using a D-/Llactate dehydrogenase kit. Our results indicated that the amount of D-Lactic acid which produced by strain 1 (S1) was 7.367 g/L. whereas the amount of L-Lactic acid was 0.387 g/L. In this case, the L & D – Lactic acid test confirms that the tested strain was Leuconostoc m. The morphology of strain 1 (S1) was examined by using scanning electron microscopy (S-4200; Hitachi). Figure 26 shows that the strain 1 cells are spherical and resemble very short bacilli with rounded ends. The size of cells is approximately 0.6 to 1.0 µm. Cells are arranged in single or pairs. These results are in agreement with Lonvaud-Funel, (1999). He reported that the Leuconostoc cells are often in short chains in nutrient media during the active growth phase, whereas in their natural environment and more stressful conditions the chains zone. From the abovementioned our results can be confirm the strain 1 (S1) is Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp mesenteroides which produced dextran molecules in sugar industries. Results and discussion 55 Figure 26: Scanning electron micrograph of the isolated Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Lonvaud-Funel, (1999) reported that the Leuconoistc cells are often in short chains in nutrient media during the active growth phase, whereas in their natural environment and more stressful conditions the chains zone. From the abovementioned our results can be confirm that the strain 1 (S1) is Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp mesenteroides which produces dextran molecules in sugar industries. 4.3 Levels of dextran contents in different sugar beet factories The dextran level in beet juices and syrups depends on many factors such as agricultural and climatic conditions, harvesting methods, length of time between field and factory, length and condition of beet storage as well as the efficiency of all manufacturing operations. The juices and syrups under study came from Egyptian factories located in northern (Factory1 and 2) and middle Egypt (Factory 3). Figure 27 exemplifies the progression of dextran concentrations along the production process. The dextran levels in factories 1 (F1) and 2 (F2) were significantly higher than in factory 3 (F3), which was mainly due to the fact that F3 had a shorter beet campaign of only one month. In addition, the cultivation of sugarbeet in middle Egypt is new compared to the cultivation in northern Egypt. The levels of dextran in cossettes were 878, 1343 and 747 mg/kg DS for factories 1, 2 and 3, respectively. During the extraction the dextran content increased by 4 %, 19 % and 17 % for F1, F2 and F3, respectively. This means that the microbiological control in F1 was better 56 Results and discussion than in F2 and F3. In contrast, the lime-carbon dioxide juice purification reduced the dextran content in juice to 40%, 50% and 60% for F1, F2 and F3 respectively by removing insoluble dextrans during filtration steps. As mentioned above, soluble dextran may lead to problems in the evaporation and crystallization, and consequently to sugar loss. The dextran levels in the final production steps (white sugar and molasses) of the 3 Egyptian factories are shown in Figure 28. The levels of dextran in white sugar (sugar a) were 38.50, 62.38 and 21.00 mg/kg DS for factories 1, 2 and 3, respectively. On the other hand were 314, 472 and 405 mg/kg DS in molasses for factories 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Dextran content (mg/kg DS) 1500 1200 900 600 300 0 Cossettes Raw juice Clarified juice Thick juice Samples F1 F2 F3 Figure 27: Dextran levels at 3 Egyptian factories (F1, F2 and F3) during the production processes 57 Results and discussion Dextran content (mg/kg DS) 500 400 300 200 100 0 Sugar a Molasses Final products F1 F2 F3 Figure 28: Dextran levels in final products (white sugar and molasses) of 3 Egyptian factories (F1, F2 and F3) The level of dextran in molasses was higher than in the resulting product (sugar). This shows that the major amount of dextran was lost to the molasses during the washing process to the molasses. Based on the cluster analysis of some characters, the relationship between the 3 Egyptian factories was elucidated in Figure 29. The result indicated a correlation between factory 1 and factory 3. This correlation may be due to the use of a good sugar beet during the campaign, which leads to reduce the dextran levels during the production processes. On the other hand, the use of the deteriorated sugar beets in factory 2 caused an increase of dextran levels during the processes. 58 Results and discussion FACTORY1 FACTORY3 FACTORY2 2,2e5 2,4e5 2,6e5 2,8e5 3e5 3,2e5 3,4e5 3,6e5 3,8e5 4e5 Linkage Distance Figure 29: The relationship between the three factories based on cluster analysis of some characters (Single linkage squared Euclidean distance) 4.4 Quality of factory final products and their relationship to the levels of dextran during different industrial periods An increase of the molasses purity and sugar loss during the development of industrial periods was observed in sugar beet factories in Egypt and many another countries, especially at the end of the industrial season. In this chapter, we will highlight on the correlation between the increase of sugar loss and the presence of dextran during different industrial periods as well as during the production process itself. Figure 30 shows the relationship between molasses purity and the industrial periods. The results indicate that molasses purity increased steadily during the campaign and at the end of the industrial season, the dextran concentration was enhanced by 4.6 %. Whereas, the dextran level in syrup increases from about 500 mg/kg DS during March to 1200 mg/kg DS at the end of May. This value is in good accordance with literature data given in Table 5 as starting levels of dextran were around 1000 mg/kg DS. In the European factories, the presence of raffinose may lead to similar results, whereas it increases at the end of the season. 59 Results and discussion 60 59 Molasses purity % +4.63% 58 57 +1.35% 0% 56 55 4 3 2 1 4 ay 3 2 1 M 3 2 4 Ap ril M ar ch 1 54 Industrial period Molasses purity (Mean) Molasses purity Figure 30: The relationship between molasses purity and the industrial periods. (Mean = mean of molasses purity in month) The results obtained from the sugar factory 2 showed that despite an increase in the percentage of sucrose in beet cossettes from 17.70 % in March to 18.34 % in May, the sugar extraction quality decreased from 85.74 % to 81.21 % and the sugar loss in molasses increased from 2.5 to 2.8 (kg/100kg beet) in March and May, respectively. This is mainly based on the deterioration of the sugar beet crop by microorganisms. Especially the presence of Leuconostoc mesenteroides leads to an increase of the dextran levels during the production processes. Figure 31 shows the dextran levels in raw juice, clarified juice and thick juice during different industrial periods of factory 2. The results illustrated that the dextran levels were higher in May than in March in all samples. The dextran amount increased from March to May by 700 mg/kg DS to a range of 1000-1400 mg/kg DS, by 400 mg/kg DS to a range 650-870 mg/kg DS and by 500 mg/kg DS to range of 740-1150 mg/kg DS of raw juice, clarified juice and thick juice, respectively. 60 Results and discussion 1600 Dextran contents (mg/kg DS) 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Raw juice Clarified juice Thick juice Samples March 12.May 21.May 28.May Figure 31: Influence of the industrial period on the dextran amount during production processes Also, the amount of dextran in different sugar production steps (sugar a, b, d, g) and in molasses was increased at the end of the industrial season (Figure 32). The results indicated that the dextran levels increased with the developing crystallization steps. They were lower in the initial crystallization stage and then increased gradually to reach 103 mg/kg DS in the last crystallization stage (g-sugar, after the last production step). These results confirm the importance of dextran effects during the later stages of crystallization processes. In addition, the increase of sugar beet deterioration in the end season causes an increase in the dextran levels in all crystallization stages. 61 Results and discussion 500 Dextran content (mg/kg DS) 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 March 12.May 21.May 28.May Industrial period Sugar a Sugar b Sugar g Sugar d Molasses Figure 32: Dextran levels in sugar and molasses production of different industrial periods The result in Figure 33 illustrates the relationship between dextran levels in syrup and dextran levels in sugar during different crystallization steps. The dextran level in white sugar and after product were 32 and 103 mg/kg DS, respectively, when the dextran in syrup was 500 mg/kg DS, respectively. Furthermore, an increase in the dextran level in syrup to 1100 mg/kg DS, increase the dextran amount of white sugar and after product to 85 and 170 mg/kg DS, respectively, was observed. Lower crystallization temperatures and the adsorptive properties of dextran contribute greatly to the increase of dextran levels in the after product crystallization step. Figure 34 shows the partitions of dextran in sugar a, b and molasses during March and May. The dextran levels in all tested ‘a-sugar’ samples were lower than dextran contents in ‘b-sugar’. The results indicated that about 45-50 % of dextrans in magma tend to the molasses. However, about 17-20 % remain in sugar g (after product), which normally is recycled to the first stage of crystallization. In addition, the dextran levels increase with the increase of crystallization stages. 62 Results and discussion From the present results, it can be confirmed that the dextran concentrates on the crystal surfaces due to the high ability of dextran to adsorb on surfaces. Furthermore, the amount of dextran in sugar product depends on the amount of dextran in syrup and the quality of the affination process. 180 Sugar g Dextran content (mg/kg DS) 160 Sugar d 140 Sugar b 120 Sugar a 100 80 60 40 20 0 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 Dextran in syrup (mg/kg DS) Figure 33: The relationship between the dextran content in syrup and different produced sugars May March 49% 6% 10% 11% 13% 45% 15% 15% 19% Sugar a Sugar d Molasses Sugar b Sugar g (After product) 17% Sugar a Sugar d Molasses Sugar b Sugar g (After product) Figure 34: The partitions of dextran during different crystallization stages at different industrial periods Results and discussion 4.5 63 Influence of dextran concentrations and molecular fractions on the rate of sucrose crystallization in pure sucrose solutions There are different methods to perform the crystallization experiment and follow the growth rate of sucrose crystals during the crystallization process. In laboratory isothermal crystallization experiments (as described under 3.2.3.1) the influence of dextran on sucrose growth was studied without interference of other factors. The effect of different dextran concentrations and molecular weight fractions on crystallization rate in sucrose solutions will be discussed ahead to demonstrate the complexity of the problem and to elucidate the methodology of performed crystallization experiments. Based on first experiments the influence of temperature on crystallization rate in presence and absence of dextran will be balanced, too. All presented results finally demonstrate the sensitivity of the crystallization process on dextran concentration in the system. From this, the consequences of dextran presence for industrial crystallization units can be derived. Figure 35 shows the dry substance contents of the mother liquor ( wDS , ML ) during the crystallization (ϑ = 60°C) for a pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS dextran T40. The results indicate that the dry substance of mother liquor decreases during the crystallization process. The figure shows that concentrations of up to 500 mg/kg DS of dextran T40 in the sucrose syrup have only little effect on the dry substance decrease. However, concentrations between 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran with the same molecular weight however give effect on the exhaustion of mother liquor. The growth rates of sucrose crystals calculated from the data shown in Figure 35 during the crystallization process for pure sucrose solution after addition of dextran T40 of different concentrations (500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS) at 60°C are shown in Figure 36. Only small differences in the crystallization rates of control (without dextran) and with addition of 500 mg/kg DS of dextran T40 were observed. On contrary, the admixture of higher concentrations of T40 (1500-2000 mg/kg DS) causes a serious retardation of crystallization rate and thus represents a danger for crystallization process economy, in particular if industry-relevant supersaturations above 1.1 are regarded. For example, at SS 1.12 the crystallization rate with 2000 mg/kg DS T40 is almost 15 % lower compared to the control experiment. On the 64 Results and discussion other hand, at supersaturation 1.13 (as indicated in the diagram), the growth rate is reduced by 7.4 %, 9 % and 18 % after dextran T40 at concentrations of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS, respectively, was added. 76.8 76.6 76.4 DS in (%) 76.2 76 75.8 75.6 75.4 75.2 75 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Time (min) Control 500 mg/kg DS 1500 mg/kg DS 2000 mg/kg DS Figure 35: Dry substance content of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T40 4 3.5 G (g / m2 .min) 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Supersaturation (SS) Control 500 mg/kg DS 1500 mg/kg DS 2000 mg/kg DS Figure 36: Growth rate of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T40 65 Results and discussion Figure 37 illustrates the relationship between the dry substance content and the time of the crystallization process for pure sucrose solutions (control) and after addition of dextran T500 (500, 1500 and 2000 mg/ kg DS) at 60 °C. An increase of molecular weight of dextran from 40.000 (T40) (s. experiments above) to 500,000 (T500) at 60°C caused an increase of crystallization time. A relevant effect of dextran T500 was observed with concentrations higher than 500 mg/kg DS. Figure 38 shows the effect of dextran T500 at concentrations of 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS on the growth rate of sucrose crystals at 60°C. This figure indicates that the crystallization rate regarding a supersaturation of 1.13 in the sugar solution without dextran (control) is the same as the crystallization rate at supersaturations of 1.134, 1.135 and 1.138 in presence of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T500, respectively. Also, a stronger effect of dextran T500 than dextran T40 can be observed at 60°C. As it can be seen from Figure 38 that the crystallization rates at 60°C at a supersaturation of 1.13 are reduced by 7 %, 10 % and 20 % in presence of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS dextran T500, respectively. 76.8 76.6 76.4 DS in (%) 76.2 76 75.8 75.6 75.4 75.2 75 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 Time (min) Control 500 mg/kg DS 1500 mg/kg DS 2000 mg/kg DS Figure 37: Dry substance content of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T500 66 Results and discussion 4 3.5 G (g/m2.min) 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Supersaturation (SS) Control 1500 mg/kg DS 2000 mg/kg DS 500 mg/kg DS Figure 38: Growth rate of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 500, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg DS of dextran T500 The results from Figure 37 and Figure 38 clearly demonstrate that the reduction of growth rate at technologically relevant supersaturations is even more than described in Figure 35 and Figure 36 (dextran T40). That means, if in a sugar house a thick juice contains 1500 mg/kg DS dextran T500, the crystallization period will be extended by up to 20 %. Further experiments on the influence of high dextran concentrations were carried out with dextran T2000. The mother liquor dry substance contents in the presence of 500, 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 are shown in Figure 39. The time till a supersaturation of 1.05 was reached increased by 21 %, 36 and 41 % after 500, 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS dextran T2000 addition, respectively. The growth rate of sucrose crystals at 60 °C and a supersaturation of 1.13 were 2.7, 2.4, 1.8 and 1.3 g/(m 2 ⋅ min) for control and after dextran T2000 addition of 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS, respectively (see Figure 40). Here the crystallization rates were reduced by 12, 33 % and 51 % after addition of 500, 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS dextran T2000 67 Results and discussion 76.8 76.6 76.4 DS in (%) 76.2 76 75.8 75.6 75.4 75.2 75 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 Time (min.) Control (60°C) 500 mg/kg DS 1500 mg/kg DS (60°C) 5000 mg/kg Ds (60°C) Figure 39: Dry substance contents of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60°C in pure sucrose solutions and after addition of 500, 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 4 3.5 3 G (g / m2.min) 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 Control (60°C) 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Supersaturation (SS) 1500 mg/kg DS (60°C) 5000 mg/kg DS (60°C) 500 mg/kg DS Figure 40: Growth rates of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60°C in pure sucrose solutions and after addition of 500 - 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 68 Results and discussion The comparison of the effect of the different molecular mass fractions of dextran on the degradation of dry substance contents of the mother liquor ( wDS , ML ) during the crystallization at ϑ = 60°C for a pure sucrose solution and after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS dextran T40, T500 and T2000 is shown in Figure 41. The time till a supersaturation of 1.05 was reached increased by 36 % compared with a pure sucrose solution after addition of dextran T2000. In contrast, only a small effect was found after addition of lower molecular mass fractions of dextran (T40 and T500) under the same conditions. Figure 42 shows the crystal growth rates of sucrose were calculated from the data shown in Figure 41. The growth rate of sucrose crystals was reduced after dextran T40, T500 and T2000 addition by 9 %, 10% and 33 %, respectively for an industrially relevant supersaturation of 1.13. 76.8 76.6 76.4 DS in (%) 76.2 76 75.8 75.6 75.4 75.2 75 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 Time (min) Control T40 T500 T2000 Figure 41: Dry substance content of mother liquor in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T40, T500 and T2000 69 Results and discussion 4 3.5 G (g / m2. min) 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Supersaturation (SS) Control T40 T500 T2000 Figure 42: Growth rate of sucrose crystals in isothermal crystallization experiments at 60 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T40, T500 and T2000 4.5.1 Influence of different temperatures on growth rate of sucrose crystals in the presence of dextran In this chapter, the role of the temperature during the crystallization is studied. As the dextran molecular fraction T2000 showed the most relevant effect on crystallization rate of sucrose crystals only results of experiments with this molecular fraction are presented. Figure 43 shows mother liquor dry substance content at 60, 65 and 70 °C in pure sucrose solution and after addition of 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000. The results indicate that great differences in the rate of dry substance reduction were apparent at the regarded temperatures. At a crystallization temperature of 60 °C the crystallization time was extended by 33 % after the admixture of dextran (5000 mg/kg DS) compared to the control experiment. At 70 °C the extension of crystallization time for the same admixture was reduced to only 8 %. It was observed that the degree of reduction at 70°C was higher than at 65 °C or 60°C considering all treatments. In contrast, the effect of dextran appeared to be reduced at 70°C and increased at lower temperatures (65 °C and 60°C). Also, a higher dextran concentration (5000 mg/kg DS) had a stronger effect on the exhaustion of mother liquor than a concentration of 1500 ppm under the 70 Results and discussion experimental conditions. Hence, longer time of crystallization was required at low temperatures and high dextran contents. 79 78.5 78 DS in (%) 77.5 70°C 77 76.5 65°C 76 75.5 60°C 75 74.5 0 50 100 150 200 Time (min) Control (60°C) Control (70°C) 5000 mg/kg Ds (60°C) 1500 mg/kg DS (70°C) Control (65°C) 1500 mg/kg DS (60°C) T2000-1500ppm (65°C) 5000 mg/kg DS (70°C) Figure 43: Dry substance content at 70, 65 and 60°C in control and in presence of dextranT2000 (1500 and 5000ppm) during crystallization process The influence of addition of 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran on crystal growth rates at 60 and 70 °C is shown in Figure 44 and Figure 45. The addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 reduced the growth rate of sucrose crystals by 33 % at 60 °C, 24 % at 65°C and by 16 % at 70 °C. These results show the same tendency as results from Ekelhof, 1997; Meade and Chen, (1977). However, growth rates obtained in own experiments were higher than the former results of Ekelhof. This is due the use of a fast mixing system during own experiments in contrast to the float bed (without stirrer) crystallizator applied by Ekelhof. At a supersaturation of 1.13 addition of 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 reduced the growth rate of sucrose crystals by 51 % and 24 % at 60 °C and 70 °C, respectively (see Figure 44 and Figure 45). The results indicate that higher temperatures (e.g. 70 °C) reduce the effect of dextran on the crystallization rate especially in case of high levels of dextran in the 71 Results and discussion massecuite. Furthermore, crystallization temperature at 70°C improves the mother liquor diffusion and consequently, the growth rate of sucrose crystals. 7 6 70°C G (g / m2.min) G (g/m2.min) 5 4 65°C 3 60°C 2 1 0 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.1 1.11 Supersaturation (SS) 1.12 1.13 1.14 Control (60°C) 1500 mg/kg DS (70°C) Control (70°C) 1500 mg/kg DS (60°C) 1500 mg/kg Ds (65°C) Control (65°C) Figure 44: Growth rate of sucrose crystals at 60, 65 and 70 °C after addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 7 2 G (g / m . min) 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 Supersaturation (SS) Control (70°C) Control (60°C) 5000 mg/kg DS (70°C) 5000 mg/kg DS (60°C) Figure 45: Growth rate of sucrose crystals at 60 and 70 °C after addition of 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 Results and discussion 4.6 72 Elucidation of crystallization kinetics in presence of dextran molecules From the last chapter it could be seen that dextran has a strong influence on the growth rate of sucrose crystals, especially considering high molecular fractions of dextran. In this chapter, reasons for the influence of dextran on sugar crystallization are discussed and illustrated with additional measurement results. Figure 46 shows a model of sucrose crystallization adapted from Ekelhof, (1997) and Thelwall, (2002). Around the crystal surface a boundary layer exists which consists of three parts. The first boundary layer at the crystal surface is the reaction layer, which has the least supersaturation (CG) as sugar had been removed from the solution and deposited on the crystal. The second boundary layer is the main diffusion layer. Here, there are two different flows in opposite directions. The first one is non-sugar material and water from the exhausted reaction layer moving away from the surface and back to the main mother liquor. The other flow is fresh syrup, which is moving towards the crystal surface. The third and final layer, bulk of solution, is the main body of the mother liquor and is the source of the sucrose molecules for further deposition. The movement of sucrose molecules through the diffusion layer (d2) depends on the viscosity, which does have an important influence on the crystallization rate, especially in the second boundary layer, as the higher viscosity will reduce the speed of the molecular movement to and from the crystal surfaces (compare results in chapter 4.7). 73 Results and discussion Diffusion layer λ Reaction layer δ Surface area kR kD Crystal cG cSat NS & Water d2 d3 Sucrose solution cL d1 Figure 46: The scheme of the two processes of diffusion and surface reaction. 2λ= gap between crystals, λ= half distance between crystals, δ = thickness of the boundary layer, kD = diffusion coefficient, kR = surface reaction, NS = non-sugar, CL, CG, CSat are the sucrose concentrations of liquor, boundary layer and saturation at the crystal-solution interface. Also, in impure sucrose solutions (sugar cane or beet syrup), dextran molecules are adsorbed on the impure particles, consequently, the solution viscosity increases and, additionally, the movement of sucrose molecules destined to crystal surfaces is impeded (s. Figure 47). Hence the high molecular weight and the adsorption of dextran affect the growth rate and the quality of sucrose crystals negatively. Figure 47: Dextran adsorption on impure particles 74 Results and discussion These model suggestions are in accordance to Cossairt, (1982). He demonstrated that some impurities are physically adsorbed on the different faces of the crystals in varying and selective amounts. A portion of lattice sites becomes blocked; thereby it comes to reduction or retardation of crystal growth. 4.7 Influence of dextran molecule fractions on sucrose solution viscosity In this work, the solution viscosity is a determining parameter for diffusion phenomena during crystallization of sucrose. Figure 48 demonstrates the influence of dextran molecular weight fractions T40, T500 and T2000 on the dynamic viscosity (η) of sucrose solutions (WDS = 60 %) at different temperatures (50-70°C). At 50°C the dynamic viscosity of sucrose syrup was 14.35 mPa.s for control. On the other hand, it was 14.63, 15.26 and 15.39 mPa.s with 1500 mg/kg DS dextran T40, T500 and T2000 additions, respectively. In addition, an increase of solution temperature to 70°C reduced the solution viscosity by 50 %. 16 15 14 η mPa.s 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 50 55 60 65 70 Temperature (°C) Control T40 T500 T2000 Figure 48: Influence of addition of 1500 mg/kg DS of T40, T500 and T2000 dextran on the dynamic viscosity of a 60% sucrose solution between 50 and 70 °C The results elucidate that at low temperatures dextran fractions T2000 and T500 have more effect on solution viscosity than T40. However, the differences are reduced at 75 Results and discussion high temperatures. That illustrates the decrease of the diffusion rate in the mother liquor during crystallization process in presence of high molecular weight fractions of dextran (Figure 46). Figure 49 shows the relationship between dextran addition and solution viscosity at different temperatures. At 50 °C the solution viscosities increased after addition of 500, 1500, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg DS of dextran T2000 by 2.9 %, 6.45 %, 11.70 % and 24.73 %, respectively. An increase of temperature from 50 to 70°C reduced the solution viscosity to almost 50 % for all additions. 20 18 16 η (mPa.s) 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Control 500 1500 2500 5000 Dextran contents (mg/kg DS) 50°C 60°C 70°C Figure 49: Influence of different dextran concentrations (500, 1500, 2500, 5000 ppm) on the dynamic viscosity at different temperatures (50-70°C) The effects of dextran are not only of importance during the crystallization process, but also after the centrifugation process and during the drying operation of the sucrose crystals. These steps as well determine the quality of the resulting sucrose crystals. Figure 50 shows the crystal surface during the drying process. 76 Results and discussion A fte r c e n t r if u g a t io n S a tu ra te d s o lu t io n A f t e r d r y in g ( u n s t a b le s t a t e ) G la s s y s ta te S a tu ra te d s o lu t io n C r y s t a llin e phase Figure 50: The crystal surface of a sucrose crystal during the drying process (according to Bunert und Bruhns 1995) It can be shown that the presence of dextran in the saturated solution on the crystal surface leads to an increase of solution viscosity. So, heat transfer and consequently water transport to the air is slow. Hence, an increase of the drying time contributes to an increase of micro-crystals (fine crystal) due to nucleation on the crystal surfaces. 4.8 4.8.1 Influence of dextran on the morphology and surface topography of sucrose crystals in presence of dextran Crystal morphology After the characterization of the influence of dextran on the crystal growth rate, in this chapter the influence on crystal shape and topography shall be illustrated in this chapter. In presence of dextran sucrose crystals are often elongated along the c axis (Figure 51-b). Dextran influences the growth rates of individual crystal faces (McGinnis, 1982) as described in chapter 2.6.4. In addition, the adsorption properties of dextran causes the deposition of impure materials on crystal surfaces (Figure 51c), which reduces the sugar quality and increases the sugar loss to molasses. 77 Results and discussion +C +A +B +C +B b a c Figure 51: Effect of dextran on morphology of sucrose crystals, a) Normal crystal, b) Crystal grown in presence of dextran (needle crystal) and c) Impure particles on crystal surface (crystal grown in technical sucrose solution) The relationship between the presence of dextran and elongation of crystals (c/b ratio) was elucidated by Bubnik and Kadlec, (1996). They noticed that the variation of the c/b ratio is a function of increasing concentration of dextran (s. chapter 2.6.4.). Results of own experiments showed that the low molecular weight dextran caused an elongation of crystals, despite the use of stirring during the crystallization process (see Figure 52). This result is in good agreement with Singleton, (2002). He reported that dextrans are responsible for crystal elongation along the c axis and that the smaller molecular weight dextrans are especially involved in this effect. However in own experiments a stirred crystallizer device and seeding crystals were applied. Therefore, crystals are only slightly elongated and no pure needle crystal formation took place. Without dextran T40-1000ppm T40-2000ppm Figure 52: An example of influences of dextran T40 on sucrose crystal shape during the crystallization process 4.8.2 Surface topography Microscopic examinations of the different faces of sucrose crystals were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Figure 53 shows the surface topography of 78 Results and discussion a sucrose crystal which was grown in pure sucrose solution at 60°C. It was observed that the crystal shapes has taken a normal form of a sucrose crystal. On the other hand, the microscopic examination of a crystal surface shows the fine sugar crystal on the crystal surface, which developed after the centrifugation process and during the drying operation (comp. chapter 4.7). 20x 6000x 150x 1000x Figure 53: Surface topography of a laboratory sucrose crystal grown in absence of dextran at 60°C Figure 54 shows the effect of the low molecular dextran fraction (T40) on sucrose crystal shape and the surface adsorption. The crystals shown are formed from 200 µm seed crystals and therefore no needle crystals are formed. In contrast, crystals nucleated in the crystallizer in the presence of dextran (top left Figure 54) were small needle crystals, which get lost to molasses easily during centrifugation and washing, consequently, increasing the molasses purity. Also, an increase of micro-crystals on the crystal surfaces took place compared with control was observed. So, rough surfaces and gaps developed on the crystals. In this case, the main affect of low molecular dextran is changing of crystal form to needle crystal. Consequently, there is an increase in sugar loss to molasses. 79 Results and discussion 20x 6000x 150x 1000x Figure 54: Surface topography of sucrose crystal grown in the presence of 1500 mg dextran T40 per kg DS at 60 °C Figure 55 shows the influence of the high molecular fraction dextran molecules T2000 on sucrose crystal morphology and adsorption surface. It was observed that in presence of this high molecular fraction of dextran the number of conglomerated crystals (multiple crystals where two or more crystals have grown together) increased. A scanning electron micrograph of a sugar crystal shows micro-particles (sucrose crystals) strongly adsorbed on the crystal surface, which cause a rough crystal surface with a number of gaps (comp. chapter 4.7). Consequently, non-sugar and colorant particles can be adsorbed with dextran on the surface during the technical crystallization process in the sugar factories. Also in this case, the removal of impurities (non-sugars) is difficult during the washing of the crystals. 80 Results and discussion 20x 150x 6000x 1000x Figure 55: Surface topography of a sucrose crystal grown in the presence of 5000 mg dextran T2000 per kg DS at 60°C These results confirmed those reported by Cuddihy et al., (2000); Jimenez, (2005); Karagodin, (1998); Rauh et al., (1999). They found that the increase of sugar crystallization time causes the massecuites to become cooler than normal which increases the already abnormally high viscosity of the fluid. An increase in washing time of the centrifugals is needed to get the required quality of sugar, increasing total centrifuging and purging time. Also, the needle-shaped crystal reduces the purging efficiency of the massecuites in the centrifugals resulting in a poor separation of crystal and molasses, hence reducing the refined quality of the sugar. Additionally, dust production was mainly due to the breaking and crushing of conglomerates and needle crystals near to the screens of centrifugals. Consequently, sugar fine corn in the final product is increased. Such micro-particles may be seen on the surface of a sugar crystal in Figure 55. The conglomerates contain higher ash than unconglomerated sugar. The higher ash is contained in trapped mother liquor, either partially dried in the re-entrant angles, or in the inclusions in those angles (Madsen, 1980; van der Poel, 1980). In addition, our results (not view) elucidated increase of the turbidity in sugar solution, which was produced from deteriorated beet syrup. Results and discussion 81 Figure 56 shows the effect of crystallization temperature on the surface topography in presence of dextran at different temperatures. It is obvious that at a crystallization temperature of 70°C more perfect crystal surfaces are built than at 55°C. As a possible reason, the increase of viscosity caused by dextran and the effects of temperature on the viscosity of (dextran-) sucrose solutions decribed in chapter 4.7 can be suggested. Also in crystal topography, the influence of dextran seems to be diminished by the application of higher temperatures as it could be observed for crystal growth rates. This effect can also be correlated to the increase of colorant and turbidity components of sugar produced at low temperatures (after product). Additionally, the presence of dextran can assist the adsorption of these particles on the crystal surface. 55°C 70°C 6000 x Figure 56: Effect of crystallization temperature on the surface topography in the presence of dextran Rogé et al., (2007) reported that there is a good correlation between white sugar turbidity and calcium ion concentration in stored syrups. As well they reported that macromolecular organic substances (as for example dextran) may act a carrier for components causing turbidity. Results and discussion 82 In many factories, despite the use of ion exchange to reduce calcium ion, turbidity phenomena in the produced sugar were observed. Figure 57 shows the comparison between a single sugar crystal without turbidity and a sample of a crystal with the highest amount of turbidity. Figure 58 is the magnification image of Figure 57, which shows the non-sugar particles on the crystal surface. Hence, the biggest particles (> 5µm) were calcium carbonate while the small particles (<5µm) were calcium oxalate. These particles were formed during the storage of syrup under adverse conditions. a b Figure 57: Turbidity phenomena in many European sugar beet factories (a, b) during the thick juice campaign Results and discussion 83 Figure 58: The magnification image of Figure 57 In addition, an increase of elongated crystals in the after product crystallization step as shown in Figure 59 was observed. These results are in good agreement with Rogé et al., (2007), they reported that the elongation of face c is significant and such a phenomenon increases with syrup turbidity. Figure 59: After product sugar crystal in one of European sugar beet factory during the thick juice campaign From the technical sucrose crystallization point of view, the three stage crystallization scheme is regarded as the standard scheme. The process of producing sugar is through several stages, because the high concentration of non-sugar and the Results and discussion 84 increase of solution viscosity hinder the sugar separation from the mother liquor. Generally, in the most systems of beet sugar crystallization, the after product sugars (C- sugar) are dissolved and recycled to the first crystallization stage, where they are added to the thick juice (Figure 60). In addition, in other systems, the C-sugar is sent to the second stage. This means, if sugar syrup contains a considerable amount of dextran, the dextran levels in after product sugar will be increased, consequently, the dextran levels in the previous crystallization stage increase continuously. From the abovementioned results (comp. chapter 4.4, Figure 33 and Figure 34), 1720 % of the dextran remains in the after product. So, in this case, the amount of the dextran, which is recycled to the first crystallization stage, can be calculated. This is important as this dextran increases the original dextran level in thick juice (syrup). For example, if dextran level in syrup is 1000 mg/kg DS, the dextran level in the after product will be about 170 to 200 mg/kg DS. Consequently, the dextran level in syrup becomes about 1170-1200 mg/kg DS. However, this increase can only be characterized qualitatively in this work, as the remaining dextran depends for example on the number of crystallization stages and on the industrial period. Also, the relation between dextran in syrup and dextran in sugar (comp. Figure 33) depends on parameters of centrifugation process. 85 Results and discussion Vapor 5 5 Brüden R R 3630 R 52,05 t/h 3620-9 87,77 kPa 96,4 °C 4,42 t/h 10,49 t/h 35,24 t/h 9 R R 4284 -1 0 C ond en sation Kondensation R 42 64 -10 C ond en sat ion Kondensation 3910-0 Dissolved Raw Rohzucker Kläre sugar Dissolved After Nachprodukt Kläre product Staub Dust 4344-0 9 41 84-0 3010 1 41 74-0 43 14-0 W hite Weißsu gar zucker 1 3740-3 R aw Rohs ugar zu cker 1 4054-0 A3070 fter Nach-ct produ p rodukt 63,94 t/h 75,0 °C 75,49 t/h 82,0 °C 8 4284 9 38,60 t/h 87,0 °C R 0 10 3740-5 0 363 0-9 151,94 t/h 70,0 °C 9 R 190,01 t/h 80,0 °C 8 3870 3740-1 0 363 0-7 0 A ffin atio run- off Affination Ablauf 3040 0 0 8 4264 10 33,75 t/h 80,1 °C 9 4194 Weißzucker White sugar Zentrifuge centrifuge R 1 0 4294 Kondensat 4074- 0 9 3055 R Rohzucker Raw sugar Zentrifuge centrifuge 1 0 3050 C ondens ate Kondensat R Thin juice Dünnsaft R Aft er produ ct Nachprodukt crystalliz er Kristalisator 3080 Condens ate Condensate Kondensat R After Nachprodukt produ ct Zentrifuge c entrifu ge 1 0 3090 R 1 2 28 -9 0 0 0 1 1 AIR 4064 4184 AIR / VA POR 3100 Rohzucker Dissolved RawKläre sugar W hite sugar Weißzucker 3740-7 C ondens ate Kondensat R 38 70 -6 4304 Dicksaft Thick juice Cond en sat ion Kondensation 4334-0 30 00 3770-0 1 0 4054 9 R 0 1 4314 77,37 t/h 99,99% Purity 4264 -8 Dünnsaft Thin juice 3870-5 R 228-7 4174 Nachprodukt Dissolved Kläre After product Figure 60: 3-product scheme of crystallisation 0 1 387 0-3 M olasses Melasse 18,99 t/h 60,00% Pur 86 Results and discussion 4.9 Technical and technological consequences and future perspectives The crystallization process depends on many factors, e.g. temperature, supersaturation, solution viscosity, quantity and nature of the impurities. Dextran has a pronounced effect on the important parameters influencing the crystallization rate of sucrose solutions. Moreover, according to the achieved results it can be stated that the presence of dextran molecules in sugar syrup has a strong effect on the production and the quality of produced sugar in sugar factories. Figure 61 summarizes the most important parameters influencing the crystallization in sucrose solutions. The solution purity (q), the non-sugar content (NS), the viscosity (η) and the rate of diffusion (kD) were affected directly by the presence of dextran. The above described results confirmed that the crystallisation rate at a constant temperature is decreasing with higher dextran concentrations. At technologically relevant supersaturations and temperatures, the decrease of crystallization rate, depending on molecular weight of added dextran fractions, amounts up to 50 %. Nucleation rate Rate of diffusion DS Temperature NS Growth rate of sucrose crystals q Super -Saturation Sucrose -Solubility Dextran molecules η Relative velocity between crystal and mother syrup Stirring Shape of crystals Exhaustion of mother liquor Figure 61: Influence of dextran on many crystallization parameters during crystallization process. Where: q = purity, NS = non-sugar, DS = dry substance and η = viscosity Time reduction and low energy consumption in the crystallization process are of particular interest in sugar factories. Figure 62 shows time periods for the reduction of dry mass content by one percent for different dextran concentrations at 60°C and 70°C, respectively. At 60°C the crystallization periods were increased by 20 % and 87 Results and discussion 68 % after the addition of dextran T2000 at concentrations of 1500 and 5000 mg/kg DS, respectively. On the other hand, at 70°C the increase of crystallization time was 10 % and 21 %. Furthermore, an increase of crystallization temperature from 60°C to 70°C reduces the crystallization time by 8 %, 16 % and 33 % regarding admixtures of dextran of 0 ppm, 1500 ppm or 5000 ppm, respectively. Moreover, the influence of dextran increases strongly with both, the increase of molecular weight and the decrease of crystallization temperature. Therefore, it is obvious, that a decrease in crystallization temperature, e.g. from 70°C to 65°C, which is desirable regarding energy aspects, is not applicable in occurrence of dextran. Technological measures to manipulate only the high molecular fractions of dextran are not known so far. 2.5 68% Crystallization time (hours) 2 20% 21% 10% 1.5 1 0.5 0 0 mg/kg DS 1500 mg/kg DS 5000 mg/kg DS Dextran content (mg/kg DS) 60°C 70°C Figure 62: The relationship between dextran additions and crystallization time during the crystallization process In order to reach similar crystallization rates at the occurrence of dextran higher supersaturations can be applied. However, the increase of supersaturation above a certain level may cause spontaneous crystallization and thus the formation of fine crystals. In practice, sugar factories have to work in the so called metastable zone from 1 to 1.2 supersaturation (Brennan et al., 1976; van der Poel et al., 1998). Thus, narrow boundaries are set considering an increase of supersaturation. Results and discussion 88 Basing on the abovementioned results future research topics are suggested on the following topics: ¾ Study on the effect of other organic non-sugar substances (e.g. other macromolecular polysaccharide fractions or proteins) on sugar process productions and sugar quality. Rogé et al. (2007) reported that organic macromolecules act as carrier for non-sugar substances causing problems during crystallization and causing turbidity in the final sugar. This effect was also proved for dextran in this work. However, no comprehensive work is known regarding the composition of organic macromolecules occurring during sugar production. ¾ In chapter 4.3 and 4.8 the relation between dextran concentration in syrup and dextran concentration in sugar was illustrated. It was mentioned that this relation is dependent on the crystallization and centrifugation regime. In order to allow a precise process control to minimize the negative impact of dextran a systematic investigation about the influence of relevant process parameters (e.g. number of crystallization stages, amount of water for affination, type of sugar production factory) on the transfer of dextran into the sugar has to be realized. A qualitative and quantitative evaluation by determination of dextran levels in the after product is suggested. This could be a valuable tool to supplement available model based process control tools in the sugar industry (Fiedler, et. al. 2007). ¾ Based on the described effects of dextran on the crystal surface (s. chapter 4.8.2), future studies will investigate the relationship between dextran levels and especially the drying process in order to characterize parameters influencing the formation of micro-crystals and the incorporation of microparticles (colorants and turbidity) on the crystal surface. ¾ Improvement of crystallization process at low temperatures (comp. chapter 4.6) by decreasing surface tension and viscosity using chemical agents during the crystallization process. ¾ Usage of enzyme (dextranase) during the extraction process of sugar beet juices to improve the filtration process (Clarke,1997). The latter leads to an increase of the soluble dextran amount (low molecular mass) in juice. This means an increase of dextran levels in syrup and, hence, an increase of low molecular weight dextran. The low molecular weight fraction of dextran is Results and discussion 89 known to affect the crystallization process and the sugar loss to molasses (needle crystals), which was proved in the present study (see chapter 4.8.1). Furthermore, the enzyme treatment leads to increase of glucose, which causes an increase of color formation during the evaporation process (Maillard reaction) (Kroh, et. al. 2007). In addition, it causes a reduction of crystallization rate. The future work will focus on dextran molecular weight fractions and sugars deriving from enzyme treatment and on the effect of these products on the sugar production process. Summary 5 90 Summary In the present study, the sensitivity and accuracy of the common methods of dextran determination were investigated. Concentrations and progressions of dextran during different sugar production processes and industrial periods were determined and for the first time an evaluation of sugar and molasses quality was provided based on the measurement results. Regarding the dextran determination, the results had shown a significant effect of dextran concentration and molecular fractions on the Haze and Robert’s methods. The data demonstrate that the Robert’s method was more accurate for different dextran molecular mass fractions than Haze method. Furthermore, the Haze method was too inaccurate to be genuinely useful as a dextran analysis method especially considering low dextran molecular mass fractions. The isolation and identification of Leuconostoc mesenteroides as an important source of dextran in sugar beet factories was performed. It was observed, that the microorganisms grow during the storage of sugar beet and also during the extraction process. The mean counts of colonies were reduced after washing process from 2.5*103 cfu/g of the sugar beet sample to 6*102 cfu/g of cossettes samples. However, the number of microorganisms increased in raw juice after extraction process to reach almost 4*106. In addition, these numbers depend on the degree of deterioration of the sugar beets. Dextran content increased during the extraction process by 4 % to 20 % for fresh and deteriorated sugar beet, respectively. In contrast, the lime-carbon dioxide juice purification reduced the dextran content in raw juice by 40 % to 60 %. The obtained results from Egyptian sugar beet factories showed a correlation between the increase of sugar loss and the presence of dextran during different industrial periods as well as during the production process itself.. As a main focus in this work the negative effects of the presence of dextran during (isothermal) crystallization were investigated. The growth rate of sucrose crystals and the quality of the sugar production in pure sucrose solution at different temperatures were studied. To elucidate the influence of dextran on the growth rate of sucrose crystals, different molecular mass fractions of dextran from 40,000 g/mol (T40) to 2,000,000 g/mol (T2000) were admixed in different concentrations to pure sucrose solution. The most pronounced effect of dextran was found with T2000 at Summary 91 60°C. On the other hand, negligible influences of dextran T40 and T500 were observed at the same temperature and supersaturation. The high adsorption ability and the increase of solution viscosity particularly caused by high molecular fractions of dextran were identified as the main reasons for the reduction of crystal growth rate. The application of lower temperatures during crystallization enhances the problems deriving from dextran. Regarding the final crystallization steps (e.g. after product crystallization), levels of dextrans and impurities are enhanced and the mentioned problems will be amplified in these production steps. From the morphological studies, it was found that the presence of dextran in sugar mother liquor leads to elongation of the sucrose crystal shape (elongated along the caxis). In particular, the lower molecular mass fractions of dextran are involved in this effect. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized for the evaluation of crystal surfaces and crystal morphology. The surface topography of sucrose crystals was affected by the presence of higher dextran molecular mass fractions (T2000), which causes gaps, rough areas and strong adsorption of micro-particles (microcrystals) on the crystal surface. Again, the described influences are enhanced by the application of lower temperatures. In addition, in this work it could be confirmed that there is a correlation between the dextran content in syrup and quality of sugar produced, in particular the turbidity of the sugar. So, a relation which has already been described in recent literature for organic macromolecules in general could be specified for dextran molecular fractions. . 92 Summary Zusammenfassung In dieser Studie wurde die Empfindlichkeit und Genauigkeit der gebräuchlichen Methoden zur Dextranbestimmung unterschiedlichen Produktionsprozessen untersucht. und Basierend industriellen auf den in Produktionsphasen ermittelten Dextrangehalten wurde erstmals eine umfassende Bewertung des Einflusses von Dextran auf die Zucker- und Melassequalität erstellt. Bezüglich der Dextranbestimmung zeigten die Ergebnisse einen deutlichen Einfluss der Dextrankonzentration und der molekularen Fraktionen auf die Haze- und RobertsMethode. Die Daten ergaben, dass die Robertsmethode für unterschiedliche DextranMolekulargewichtsfraktionen eine größere Genauigkeit zeigt als die Haze-Methode. Vor allem bei kleineren Dextran-Molekulargewichtsfraktionen war die HazeMethode nicht für genaue Bestimmungen geeignet. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurde Leuconostoc mesenteroides , eine der wichtigsten Quellen von Dextran in Rübenzuckerfabriken isoliert und identifiziert. Diese Mikroorganismen wachsen sowohl während der Lagerung der Zuckerrüben als auch während des Extraktionsprozesses. Während des Waschens und Schneidens der Rüben nahm die durchschnittliche Koloniezahl von 2.5*103 cfu/g in der Rübenprobe bis auf 6*102 cfu/g in den Schnitzeln ab. Die Koloniezahl erreichte jedoch im Laufe der Extraktion bis zum Rohsaft wieder einen Wert von 4*106. Die Zahlen waren jedoch stark vom Frischegrad der verarbeiteten Rüben abhängig. Die Konzentration an Dextran nahm während der Extraktion von frischen bzw. verdorbenen Rüben um 4 bzw. 20 % zu. Im Gegensatz hierzu verringerte sich der Dextrangehalt um 40 bis 60 % während der Saftreinigung mit Kalk und CO2. Ergebnisse aus Zusammenhang ägyptischen zwischen der Rübenzuckerfabriken Zunahme des zeigen einen Zuckerverlustes klaren und der vorherrschenden Dextrankonzentration während verschiedenen Perioden der Zuckerkampagne aber auch während den einzelnen Produktionsabschnitten auf. Einen Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit stellt die Untersuchung der negativen Einflüsse von Dextran während des (isothermen) Kristallisationsprozesses aus reinen Saccharoselösungen bei verschiedenen Temperaturen dar. Dextranfraktionen verschiedener Molekularmassen zwischen 40000 g/mol (T40) und 2000000 g/mol 93 Summary (T2000) wurden reinen Saccharoselösungen in verschiedenen Konzentrationen zugesetzt, um den Einfluss von Dextran auf die Kristallwachstumsrate genau charakterisieren zu können. Der stärkste Einfluss war bei dem Zusatz der Fraktion T2000 bei 60°C zu detektieren. Im Gegensatz hierzu besaßen die Dextranfraktionen T40 und T500 einen wesentlich geringeren Einfluss auf die Wachstumsrate bei jeweils gleichen Temperaturen und Übersättigungen. Gründe hierfür liegen in der hohen Adsorptionsfähigkeit und der Erhöhung der Viskosität der Zuckerlösung insbesondere durch die hochmolekulare Fraktion von Dextran. Die Absenkung der Temperaturen während der Kristallisation, wie es aus ökonomischen Gründen häufig angestrebt wird, vergrößert die durch Dextran ausgelösten Probleme. Insbesondere in letzten Kristallisationsstufen (z.B. Nachproduktkristallisation) treten erhöhte Konzentrationen an Dextran und NichtZuckerstoffen auf, wodurch die beschriebenen Effekte noch verstärkt werden. Um den Einfluss von Dextran auf die Kristallmorphologie und die Kristalloberfläche evaluieren zu können, wurden elektronenmikroskopische Aufnahmen angefertigt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Kristallform (Verlängerung in Richtung der c-Achse) durch die niedermolekulare Fraktion (T40) beeinflusst wird. Demgegenüber hat die hochmolekulare Dextranfraktion T2000 einen starken Einfluss auf die Qualität der Kristalloberfläche. Beobachtet wurden raue, lückenhafte Kristalloberflächen und die Anhaftung von Mikro-Partikeln (Mikro-Kristalle) auf der Oberfläche. Die beschriebenen Effekte werden wiederum durch den Einsatz tiefer Temperaturen verstärkt. In dieser Arbeit konnte ebenfalls ein Zusammenhang zwischen dem Dextrangehalt und der Qualität des Zuckers, insbesondere der Zuckertrübung, gezeigt werden. Dies spezifiziert für Dextran einen Zusammenhang, der in der aktuellen Literatur allgemein für organische Makromoleküle schon beschrieben wird. References 6 94 References Alsop, R. M. (1983): Industrial Production of Dextrans. Progress in Industrial Microbiology. 1-42. ed. M. E. Bushell. New York: Elsevier. AOAC. 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Dissertation, Tennessee., Memphis. 102 Appendix 7 Appendix Appendix 1: The characterization morphology of isolated strains Strains Source Isolation Colony morphology S1 Raw juice Media: MRS-Agar Temperature: 30°C S2 Raw juice S3 Raw juice S4 Raw juice Like S1 S5 Raw juice S6 Raw juice S7 Raw juice S8 Raw juice S9 Raw juice S10 Cossettes S11 Cossettes S12 Raw juice Round, lobate, glistening, but lobate / unclear d= 1.5 mm Like S4 but translucent Round, translucent, filamentous, lobate,bristly, d = 3.5 mm Round, entire margin, convex, yellow-brown, dull, d=1.5 mm white, entire margin, irregular, glistening, d=2 mm Round, entire margin, red, convex, not translucent, d=2 mm lobate, no entire margin Like S1 S13 Raw juice S14 Raw juice Round, entire margin, white, convex, glistening, d=1mm Round, entire margin, convex, glistening, centre structured/clear, margin translucent, d = 1 mm Round, entire margin, centre structured/unclear, margin translucent Microscopy Notices Coccus, single Bacteria 7*102 cfu/g Coccus, single Bacteria 6*102 cfu/g Coccus, Single and diplococcus Bacteria 3*102 cfu/g single Yeast , 1*102 cfu/g Bacteria 2*102 cfu/g Coccus, Diplococcus single single Yeast cells 8*102 cfu/g Yeast 2*102 cfu/g Yeast cells 1*103 cfu/g Yeast cells 1*103 cfu/g Yeast cells Yeast cells Coccus Bacteria Like S2 Coccus Bacteria Like S1 Coccus Bacteria 103 Appendix Appendix 2: Characterizations of the isolated bacteria strains Strains Test Gas formation Gram (KOH- Catalase test Test) Acid formation S1 + + - + S2 + + + + S3 - + + + S5 + + - + S12 + + - + S13 + + - + S14 + + - + 104 Appendix Appendix 3: Analyze the API 50 CHL Test for Leuconostoc Sugar Strains Leu.m.ssp cremoris Leu.m.ssp m../ dextranicum1 Leu.m.ssp m./ dextranicum2 S1 S5 S12 S13 S14 Time (Day) 0 123 4 5 - - - - - - - - - +++ - - - - +++ +++ +++ 1 - - - - +++ ++ +++ - - - 2 - - - - +++ ++ +++ - - - 5 - - - - +++ ++ 1 - - - - 2 - - - - 5 - - - - 1 - - - - +++ - - - - - 2 - - - - +++ + - - - - 5 - - - - +++ + - 1 - - - - +++ - - - - - 2 - - - - +++ + - 5 - - - - +++ + - 1 - - - - +++ - 2 - - - - +++ - 5 - - - - +++ - - 6 7 8 9 10 11 - - - - +++ +++ 12 - 21 22 23 24 25 - - - - - - - - - - - + ++ - - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - - +++ +++ - +++ - - - - - - - +++ ++ ++ + +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ - +++ +++ - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - ++ - +++ - +++ - - +++ +++ - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - +++ - +++ - +++ ++ - +++ +++ - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - +++ - +++ - +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ - 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 +++ - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ ++ ++ + +++ +++ +++ - - +++ ++ - - - - - - - - ++ + + +++ +++ +++ - - - - +++ - +++ ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - +++ - +++ ++ ++ - +++ - - - - - - - - - - - - - +++ +++ ++ - - - - +++ - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ - - - - +++ - - - - - - ++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - +++ - - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - +++ - - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - +++ - - - ++ - + ++ ++ +++ ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ + ++ ++ + +++ ++ ++ +++ ++ + + ++ ++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ 105 Appendix Sugar Strains Leu.m.ssp cremoris Leu.m.ssp m../ dextranicum1 Leu.m.ssp m./ dextranicum2 S1 S5 S12 S13 S14 Time (Day) 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 - + - - - - - - - 47 48 49 - - - + - - - - - - - - - - - +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ - - ++ - - - +++ +++ - - - - - - + - - + + +++ + +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - + +++ - - - - - - + - + 1 - ++ +++ - +++ +++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ - - - - - - + - + 2 - +++ +++ - +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ - - - - - + - + 5 +++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ - - - - - - + - + 1 ++ +++ +++ ++ ++ +++ +++ - - - - - - - ++ - - - - - - - - - 2 +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - - ++ - +++ - - - - - - - 5 +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - - ++ - - - - - - 1 ++ + +++ - +++ ++ +++ - - - - - - ++ ++ - - - - - + - + 2 ++ +++ +++ - +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ - +++ - - - - ++ - ++ 5 ++ +++ +++ ++ +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - - - - - 1 + - +++ - +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - + - - 2 ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ - +++ - - - - ++ - - 5 ++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ - +++ - - - - ++ - - 1 ++ +++ +++ ++ 2 ++ +++ +++ 5 ++ +++ +++ - - - -- ++ +++ - +++ - - - - - +++ - - - +++ - - - - - - ++ ++ - - +++ - - - ++ +++ +++ +++ - - - - - - ++ - - ++ + - - - - - - ++ - - + - - - - ++ - - +++ ++ 106 C.V. and list of publications 8 C. V. and List of Publications Curriculum Vitae / Lebenslauf El-Sayed Ali Abdel-Rahman Soliman geboren am 20.04.1968 in Sohag (Ägypten) Hochschulausbildung: 1987- 1991 Studium Lebensmitteltechnologie an Universität, Ägypten, Abschluss Bachelor 1993 – 1999 Studium Lebensmitteltechnologie “Biochemical and Technological studies on Mungbean seeds” an der Assiut Universität, Ägypten, Abschluss Magister 1999-2003 Oberassistent an der Abteilung Lebensmitteltechnologie, Fakultät Landwirtschaft, Assiut Universität ab 2003 Stipendium der ägyptischen Regierung für promovierte Wissenschaftler ab Juli 2004 Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am Fachgebiet Lebensmittelverfahrenstechnik an der TU Berlin Promotionsthema “Untersuchungen zum Einfluss höhermolekularer Polysaccharidfraktionen auf das Kristallwachstum in Saccharoselösungen” ab Juli 2006 bis Juli 2007 Stipendium von der TU-Berlin zum Thema “Untersuchungen zur Bildung und Beseitigung von Trübungen aus konzentrierten technischen Saccharoselösungen” Berufstätigkeit: Praktikum • • • • • Lehrerfahrung: der Assiut Training course on modern techniques in molecular biology and their practical applications (Assiut Uni.) Praktikum in der Zuckerfabrik Jülich AG, Thema “ Untersuchung zur Trübsaftbildung im gelagerten Dicksaft” (Deutschland) Praktikum in den Zuckerfabriken Aarberg und Frauenfeld zum Thema “ Dar Zusammenhangs zwischen Saftqualität und Zuckerqualität in der Dicksaftkampagne ” (Schweiz) Praktikum am FG Lebensmittelverfahrenstechnik, TUBerlin, zum Thema Zuckertechnologie (Deutschland) PIW Projekt Prozessingenieurwissenschaften im FG Lebensmitteverfahrenstechnik, TU-Berlin, zum Thema „Zuckerbäckerei“ (Deutschland) Agricultural Biochemistry, Principles of Food Technology, Food Chemistry and Analysis, Food Chemistry, Sugar Technology and Special Products Technology C.V. and list of publications 107 List of Publications Veröffentlichungen in Zusammenhang mit dieser Arbeit / Publication in conjunction with this thesis [1] E. A. Abdel-Rahmana; Q. Smejkal, R. Schick, El-Syiad, S. and Kurz, T. (2006) Influence of high dextran concentrations and molecular fractions on the rate of sucrose crystallization in pure sucrose solutions. Journal of Food Engineering, Available online 5 July 2007 [2] E. A. Abdel-Rahman, R. Schick, T. Kurz (2007) Influence of dextran on sucrose crystallization. Zuckerindustrie, 132 (6), 453-460. Weitere Veröffentlichungen / Other Publications [1] El-Rify, M.N.; El-Geddawy, M.A.H; El-Fishawy, F.A; and Abdel-Rahman, E. A. (2000) Effect of processing on the amino acid composition and protein quality of mung bean seeds. Mansoura University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, pp. 93-102. [2] El-Rify, M.N.; El-Geddawy, M.A.H; El-Fishawy, F.A; and Abdel-Rahman, E. A. (2000) Effect of some technological processes on the gross chemical composition and mineral contents of mung bean seeds. Mansoura University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, pp. 103-113. [4] E. A. Abdel-Rahmana, M. A. El-Geddawyb, F. A. El-Fishawyb, T. Kurz and M. N. El-Rify (2006) Isolation and physico-chemical characterization of mung bean starches, International of Food Process Engineering (submitted). [5] E. A. Abdel-Rahmana, M. A. El-Geddawyb, F. A. El-Fishawyb, T. Kurz and M. N. El-Rify (2006) The changes in the lipid composition of mung bean seeds as affected by processing methods. International of Food Process Engineering (accepted). 108 C.V. and list of publications Conference Contributions Vorträge/Poster [1] Abdel-Rahman, E. A. (1997) Evaluation of Mungbean seeds for technological utilization. Workshop on Mungbean crop in Egypt. Oral presentation, (National Center for Research, Cairo, Egypt, May 1997) [2] El-Rify, M.N.; El-Geddawy, M.A.H; El-Fishawy, F.A; and Abdel-Rahman, E. A. (2000) Effect of processing on the amino acid composition and protein quality of mung bean seeds. First Mansora Conference of Food Science and Dairy Technology, Oral presentation (Mansoura, Egypt, October. 2000). [3] El-Rify, M.N.; El-Geddawy, M.A.H; El-Fishawy, F.A; and Abdel-Rahman, E. A. (2000) Effect of some technological processes on the gross chemical composition and mineral contents of mung bean seeds. First Mansoura Conference of Food Science and Dairy Technology, Oral presentation (Mansoura, Egypt, October. 2000). [4] Abdel-Rahman, E. A.; El-Syiad, S. and Kurz, T. (2006) Influence of high dextran concentrations and molecular fractions on the rate of sucrose crystallization in pure sucrose solutions. 13th World Congress of Food Science and Technology ‘Food is Life’, Poster presentation, (Nantes, France, September 2006). [5] E. A. Abdel-Rahman; Q. Smejkal, R. Schick, El-Syiad, S. and Kurz, T. (2007) Influence of dextran concentrations and molecular fractions on crystallization kinetics in pure sucrose solutions. World Perspectives for Sugar Beet and Cane as a Food and Energy Crop. Poster presentation (Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt March 2007). [6] T. Kurz, E. A. Abdel-Rahman, R. Schick. (2007) Influence of dextran on sucrose crystallization. CITS 23rd General Assembly, Oral presentation (Warnemünde, Germany May 2007) [7] E. A. Abdel-Rahman, R. Schick, T. Kurz (2007) Einfluss von Dextran auf die Zuckerkristallisation. Frühsommertagung Technik, Pfeifer & Langen, Oral presentation (Bielefeld, Germany 31th May to 01 June 2007). 109 Eidesstattliche Erklärung Hiermit erkläre ich, dass ich die vorliegende Arbeit selbstständig und ohne fremde Hilfe verfasst und andere als die angegebenen Hilfsmittel nicht verwendet habe. Berlin, den 17. Juli 2007 El-Sayed Soliman