Inulin Extraction Research Paper

Inulin Extraction:

Viable processes for inulin extraction have been previously reported by Hébette et al., (1998) and Franck, (2002 a). Hébette et al., (1998), indicated a successful application of hot water (95°C) on sliced chicory roots for the isolation of inulin. The resultant crude inulin extract was then concentrated under reduced pressure and subsequently crystallized as a pasty substance at cold temperatures (4°C) over a period of 30 hours. The recovered product was ultimately spray dried to yield a white powder. Difficulties were encountered however in the processing and removal of the final product by filtration after crystallization.

The Orafti process (Franck, 2002 a) on the other hand is divided into two phases. Phase one is carried out after the roots had been harvested and it involves the transportation and slicing of the chicory roots to produce “chips” from which inulin is extracted with hot water in a counter current diffuser. The effluent from the counter current diffuser is then treated with a primary purification step which results in impure syrups. The resulting leached chips are then dried and sold as feed.

The CaCO3 sludge produced precipitates together with peptides, some anions, degraded proteins and colloids being trapped in the flocs. During this initial purification step, a foam-type product, rich in calcium and organic matter, is generated and is given to farmers for improving their soil structure (Franck, 2002 a). Phase two of the Orafti Process is concerned with the refinement of the chicory effluent using anionic and cationic ion exchange resins for demineralization purposes. After demineralization, the chicory effluent is sterilized by passing it through a 0.2 μm filter. Sterilization is then followed by evaporation and spray drying, and the final product is collected as a dry powder (Franck, 2002