Influence of impurities on the crystallization of dextrose monohydrate

The effects of impurities on dextrose monohydrate crystallization were investigated. Crystal nucleation and growth kinetics in the presence of impurities were studied using an in-line focused beam reflectance monitoring (FBRM) technique and an in-line process refractometer. Experimental data were obtained from runs carried out at different impurity levels between 4 and 11 wt% in the high dextrose equivalent (DE) syrup. It was found that impurities have no significant influence on the solubility of dextrose in water. However, impurities have a clear influence on the nucleation and growth kinetics of dextrose monohydrate crystallization. Nucleation and growth rate were favored by low levels of impurities in the syrup.

► In-line FBRM and refractometer probes were used to monitor crystallizations.
► Impurities have no significant influence on the solubility of dextrose in water.
► Nucleation and growth kinetics decrease with increases in concentrations of impurities.