Raising Intensity and Modeling the Process of Inulin Extraction from Raw Materials of Plant Origin
The key and most energy-consuming process in obtaining inulin is the extraction process. The effectiveness of technology as a whole depends on this procedure. The present research is devoted to studying statics and kinetics of inulin water extraction from artichoke with the purpose of intensification, optimization and modeling of extraction process. Analysis of technical and patent literature has allowed to reveal the ways of aggregation of inulin extraction, in particular, by influence of ultrasonic oscillations on the object of processing. To study the statics of the extraction process, i.e. equilibrium states of the system of interacting substances with the purpose of determining equilibrium concentrations at different temperatures with the use of ultrasonic radiation, kinetic laws of the process and to select rational operating parameters and extraction process intensification, a series of experiments and experimental data processing were carried out. On the basis of the obtained data the process modeling is carried out and the model of mass transfer while inulin extraction is calculated. After have been analyzed the obtained results, in particular, fields of inulin concentration in Jerusalem artichoke and kinetic curves of extraction, it was concluded that in the process of extraction there are slight gradients of concentrations observed, which cause "soft" extraction modes. Furthermore, ultrasonic treatment application at the frequency of radiation 20-22 kHz reduces the duration of the extraction process and significantly increases specific output of inulin. The equations obtained are necessary not only to determine the duration of extraction and its rational mode parameters, but also to model the extraction process mathematical results. These research results can be used in the field of food science and industry, as well as in the development and design of food equipment.