PROCESS FOR SELECTIVELY PURIFYING SUGAR BEET DIFFUSION JUICE AND BY-PRODUCT RECOVERY OF VALUABLE ORGANIC ACIDS THEREFROM

摘要

A process for selectively purifying sugar beet diffusion juice in which the raw diffusion juice is first neutralized to minimize inverted sugar formation and stabilize the colloidal content without precipitating the soluble organic acids. The neutralized diffusion juice is then subjected to high centrifugal forces to separate the colloidal and particulate content from the diffusion juice. After the colloidal and particulate solids are removed, the clarified diffusion juice is contacted with a stoichiometric equivalent or slight excess of lime based upon the soluble organic acid concentration in the diffusion juice to react with the soluble organic acids to form insoluble calcium salts of the organic acids. The insoluble calcium salts of the organic acids are then removed from the diffusion juice. The diffusion juice may be further purified as needed. The insoluble calcium salts of the organic acids are then placed in an aqueous solution such as hot water. Carbon dioxide gas or other suitable carbonate ion producing agent is dissolved in the hot water to release the organic acids and produce a calcium carbonate precipitate. The dissolved organic acids are then selectively recovered by conventional means.