Nova Patents
EP0321216A2

Method of enhancing the V1/V2 viscosity profile of Xanthan.

Abstract

Xanthan gum is thermally treated while in the dry state ( 15% moisture or less) to render its room temperature 24°C(75°F.) hydration viscosity (V₁)/higher temperature 41°C(150°F.) viscosity ratio (V₂) between 1.02 and 1.45 as described by Food Chemical Codex. This process will either increase the room temperature 24°C(75°F.) hydration viscosity (V₁) and/or decrease the higher temperature 41°C(150°F.) viscosity (V₂). Thus, a final product will result wherein the V₁/V₂ ratio will lie between 1.02 and 1.45.

EP0321216A2, drawing sheet 1
Sheet 1 of 1

Term

Term ended

Projected expiry passed 14 December 2008, 17.8 years ago.

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15 claims: 7 independent, 8 dependent

  1. 1
    A method of increasing the V₁ viscose element of Xanthan comprising:a. equilibrating Xanthan at approximately 8 to 15% moisture;b. thermal drying of said Xanthan by elevated temperature of greater than 26°C(80°F.) at standard temperature pressure (STA) condition, so as to reduce the free moisture (at least 7%) and monolayer water (7.0 to 0.0% dry basis) down to the lower limit range;then c. exposing Xanthan to atmospheric conditions until approximately 8 to 15% moisture is regained.
  2. 2
    A method of enhancing the V₁/V₂ viscosity profile of Xanthan comprising:a. milling said Xanthan into a powder;b. equilibrating said Xanthan powder at approximately 8 to 15% moisture;c. thermal drying said Xanthan by elevated temperature of greater than 26°C(80°F.) at standard temperature pressure (STA) condition, so as to reduce the free moisture (at least 7%) and monolayer water (7.0 to 0.0% dry basis) down to the lower limit range;then d. exposing the Xanthan powder to atmospheric conditions until moisture of approximately 8 to 15% is regained.
  3. 5
    A method of increasing the V₁/V₂ viscosity profile of Xanthan as claimed in any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, including initially testing said Xanthan powder with dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) at a level not to exceed 0.75% DSS based upon the weight of bipolymer Xanthan.
  4. 7
    A method of increasing the V₁/V₂ viscosity profile of Xanthan as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said thermal drying is by heating at about 107°C (225°F.) for approximately two hours, while maintaining said powder in an approximately 25 mm (1") thick layer and transferring said powder from tray to tray every five to eight minutes.
  5. 8
    A method of increasing the V₁/V₂ viscosity profile of Xanthan as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein said thermal drying of Xanthan powder is under gradient conditions and includes supporting said powder in an approximately 25 mm (1") thick layer and radiantly heating at a first interval of 60 to 79°C(140 to 175°F.) and at a second interval of 93 to 107°C(200 to 225°F.) over an approximate period of four hours.
  6. 9
    A method of increasing the V₁/V₂ viscosity profile of Xanthan as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the V₁ viscosity is maintained within the range of 1.02 to 1.45.
  7. 10
    A method of increasing the V₁/V₂ viscosity profile of Xanthan as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the V₁ viscosity is increased and the V₂ viscosity is decreased.
Independent claims7