Process for continuous crystallization of alpha monohydrate dextrose utilizing high agitation

A process for continuously crystallizing alpha monohydrate dextrose from a dextrose containing liquor wherein the primary mode of nucleation is secondary which comprises:

• continuously introducing a dextrose-containing feed liquor at a predetermined rate into a first reaction zone comprised substantially of a lean phase massecuite having a crystal phase content between about 15% and about 45% alpha monohydrate dextrose;
• continuously agitating said first reaction zone at an impeller tip speed rate of from about 60 cm/sec to about 600 cm/sec, said rate being characterized high enough to promote good mixing of the feed liquor with said lean phase massecuite within said first reaction zone and to assure a linear crystal growth rate which is surface reaction controlled and low enough to avoid excessive attrition of said lean phase massecuite within said first reaction zone;
• continuously crystallizing said feed liquor within said first reaction zone to form additional lean phase massecuite, said first reaction zone operating at a constant temperature between about 40.degree. C. and about 50.degree. C., the mean residence time of said feed liquor in said first reaction zone being from about 6 hours to about 30 hours;
• and
• continuously withdrawing lean phase massecuite from said first reaction zone.