Mud Removal or Glucose Syrup Clarification for Food & Ingredient

Mud removal or glucose syrup clarification is an important step in the production of sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup and dextrose. Removal of oils, proteins and fibers is important to ensure efficiency in downstream process steps. Given the high suspended solids load and continuous processing requirement, typical clarification technologies include centrifugation and filter aid-based technologies like rotary vacuum drum filters and chamber presses. Pall’s crossflow filtration systems utilizing Membralox® ceramic filters are a modern upgrade to these existing technologies.  

Mud removal or glucose syrup clarification is an important step in high-fructose corn syrup production processes, dextrose production processes and other such sweetener production processes. Removal of oils, proteins and fibers is important to ensure efficiency in downstream process steps. Given the high suspended solids load and continuous processing requirement, typical clarification technologies include centrifugation and filter aid-based technologies like rotary vacuum drum filters and chamber presses. Pall’s crossflow filtration systems utilizing Membralox ceramic filters are a modern upgrade to these existing technologies.

In the high-fructose corn syrup production process or sweetener production process, after liquefaction and saccharification, clarification of glucose syrup or mud removal is typically the primary filtration step to remove suspended solids. Removing trace oils, proteins and fibers at this stage helps to improve the efficiency of downstream resin or ion exchange treatment, evaporators and polishers.

Mud removal is carried out by a variety of methods ranging from centrifugation to filtration. Today’s manufacturers are looking for the most cost-effective clarification solutions that will provide the highest product quality and maximum yield while ensuring process safety and minimizing waste volumes.

To address these requirements, Pall offers ceramic crossflow filtration systems incorporating Membralox ceramic modules. These systems provide unique benefits, including defined performance, reduced contamination risk due to enclosed systems, high yields and waste minimization. Due to consistent filtrate quality, operational cost savings can be realized on downstream resin beds or ion exchange units. Trap filters are unnecessary as there is no bleeding or shedding of filter aid. Finally, the recovered crossflow retentate can be used for animal feed or potential conversion to alcohol.