Problems
Gymnema Sylvestre extract heavily foams while it is concentrated. The foaming product flying out of the system results in reduced yield. To prevent it from foaming, our operator always must witness the machine to adjust the operating conditions. Half giving it away, we are looking for a substituting machine which could minimize the foaming.
Challenges
We want to automate the operation of a machine to reduce man-power. We want to increase the yield by improving the processing capacity.
What is Gymnema Sylvestre?
Gymnema.gifGymnema Sylvestre is a vine plant in the species of Metaplexis Japonica which is widely grown in India, southern China and Southeast Asia. Its leaves have long been used as a medicine for diabetes in India. Gymnema acid extract from the leaves has the following physiological activities.
- Sweetness suppressor
- Dental caries preventor
- Glucose absorption inhibitor
- Blood-sugar level suppressor
Solutions
Supposedly, the Evapor may solve the problems by pressing the product by centrifugal force onto the heating surface to minimize the foaming.
Trials
In the first trials to check the product properties, it was observed that the product most heavily foamed at the feed and discharge sides.
Key points
We must find means for minimizing the foaming at the feed and discharge sides.
Abstract of solutions
- To prevent the vaporization in piping and rapid evaporation of product after feeding, the concentrate will be cooled with a heat exchanger.
- Usually, the splashing from the rotor returns to the rotor. This time, the splashing will be taken out of the system (concentrate side) to minimize the foaming.
Results
The introduction of Evapor brought the following results.
- Man-power saving:
The foaming could not be eliminated because the product heavily foamed. However, an operator can operate two or more of the machines now. - Yield increased 1.5 times:
The yield was increased 1.5 times in the same operation time and installation spaces as before.
