March 05th 2024
Ingredion gets grant for system and method for recycling sodium sulfate in starch process.
Ingredion has patented a system for treating process water from starch processing by recycling a concentrated sodium sulfate solution. The system includes a membrane bioreactor, cationic ion exchange unit, and high pressure filtration unit with a molecular weight cut off of less than 200 Da.
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11884568B2) discloses a system and method for treating process water from a starch process containing sodium sulfate. The system includes a membrane bioreactor unit to reduce the chemical oxygen content of the process water, a cationic ion exchange unit to receive the permeate, and a high-pressure filtration unit to concentrate sodium sulfate in the permeate to obtain a solution with high sodium sulfate content for recycling back into the starch process. The high-pressure filtration unit has a molecular weight cut off of less than 200 Da, ensuring efficient concentration of sodium sulfate.
Furthermore, the method outlined in the patent involves treating the process water in a membrane bioreactor unit, followed by treatment in a cationic ion exchange unit, and concentration of sodium sulfate in a high-pressure filtration unit to obtain a concentrated solution for recycling. The method also includes steps to reduce the chemical oxygen demand of the process water and discharge a permeate with low sodium sulfate content. The patent highlights the importance of recycling sodium sulfate into the starch processing process multiple times, with specific parameters such as operating temperature and pH range provided for optimal performance. Additionally, variations in the molecular weight cut off of the high-pressure filter are mentioned, emphasizing the flexibility of the system and method.
Source: https://patentsgazette.uspto.gov/week05/OG/html/1518-5/US11884568-20240130.html