Rheology modifiers, thickening, and gelling agents such as locust bean gum and Xanthan Gum are often produced in a powder form for use in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. These agents are mainly used to create highly viscous solutions, even at low concentrations, when paired with other hydrocolloids such as pectins, modified starches, modified cellulose, and guar gum.
Predominantly utilized in the food industry, Locust Bean Gum serves as a crucial component in a wide array of products including:
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Fruit juices
- Cream cheese
- Preserves and jams
- Baby/infant food
Its distinct properties also significantly enhance the texture and mouthfeel of products by minimizing ice crystal formation through effective water binding.
Many thickening and gelling agents are available in various grades such as gel strength, particle size, and clarity. They are often tailored to the specific requirements of the end product and consumer preference.
Challenges When Dispersing Powder-based Gums
A range of issues can arise when processing gums and thickeners using traditional agitators as they do not produce a high enough shear, resulting in poor product yield, high processing costs and undesirable end results. Whilst Locust Bean Gum has proven its versatility across various industries, it is not exempt from the same challenges.
Upon contact with liquid, Locust Bean Gum powder rapidly hydrates and expands, leading to the formation of agglomerates or "fish eyes" if the powder isn't swiftly dispersed.
As traditional agitators do not produce high enough shear to disperse the ingredients effectively, some operators may extend the mixing time, which can lead to degradation of the gum and reduced yield as a result. To compensate for poor yield, many formulations contain unnecessarily high levels of gum, driving up raw material costs.
Another method used is to premix gums with other powdered ingredients prior to the addition of liquid. While this can resolve the issue of agglomeration, processing time is increased, making production more costly overall.
The un-hydrated gum has the potential to slowly hydrate over time during storage or subsequent processing, which could lead to unwelcome changes in the viscosity and stability of the end product.
Dispersion of Thickening and Gelling Agents With the ZC
Customers regularly see the following benefits from using the ZC for their process:
Enhanced product quality
By utilizing the ZC Powder Disperser, customers experience improved product consistency and reduced agglomerates and 'fish-eyes.' The ZC3's advanced technology ensures a thorough and uniform dispersion of solids within the liquid, resulting in a smoother and more homogenous final product.
Increased Efficiency
The ZC3's rapid integration and dispersion of solids within the liquid addition process have led to a significant reduction in powder incorporation time. What used to take hours can now be accomplished in less than an hour, allowing for a streamlined production process and quicker turnaround times. This efficiency not only saves time but also reduces batch processing time overall, improving productivity and meeting tight delivery deadlines.
Improved Product Properties
The ZC Powder Disperser is designed to minimize air entrainment, resulting in a final product that is consistent in texture and quality and not in need of any de-aeration time. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the end product but also improves its texture and mouthfeel. Furthermore, the ZC's single-pass processing eliminates the over-processing commonly seen with conventional mixers, preserving the rheological properties of shear-sensitive products and ensuring a consistent viscosity from batch to batch.
In conclusion, the ZC Powder Disperser is a game-changer in the food manufacturing industry, offering unparalleled speed, versatility, and quality control. With its ability to streamline production processes, improve product quality, and increase efficiency, the ZC3 is a necessary piece of equipment for any manufacturer looking to elevate their operations and deliver top-notch results consistently.
Download the ZC brochure to learn more.
