Decationization of aqueous sugar solutions

Abstract

Aqueous sugar solutions are agitated in a batch process with strong cation exchange resin, optionally mixed with anion exchange resin, or with a mixture of weak acid cation exchange resin in the hydrogen form an anion exchange resin, under closely defined time and temperature conditions to effect decationization or deionization without the degree of cooling and dilution required in conventional fixed bed processes. In the presence of strong acid cation exchange resin the temperature is 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. and the contact time between sugar and resin is at most 20 minutes, unacceptable levels of inversion thereby being avoided. When weak acid resin is used as the cation exchange resin the temperature is 20.degree. to 90.degree. C. and the contact time is at most 90 minutes. When mixed anion and cation exchange resins are used color bodies are removed from the sugar solution.

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