US4101678A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Clarification of citrus juices
Assignee: United States Department of Agriculture
•
Filing: 1977-05-06
•
Granted: 1978-07-18
•
Expires: 1997-05-06
Abstract
Abstract A process for the clarification of citrus juices is disclosed. Polygalacturonic acid is added to cloudy citrus juice. The resultant coagulated material is removed from solution leaving a clear liquid.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert A. Baker
- 👤 Joseph H. Bruemmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:28
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23L; A23L2/00; A23L2/70; A23L2/82
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
A process for the clarification of citrus juices by the removal of cloud, comprising in combination the following: (a) adding a sufficient amount of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) to citrus juice; (b) allowing said solution to stand and cloud material to coagulate; (c) removing the resultant coagulated cloud material thereby leaving a clear solution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
A process for the clarification of citrus juices by the removal of cloud, comprising in combination the following: (a) adding a sufficient amount of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) to citrus juice; (b) allowing said solution to stand and cloud material to coagulate; (c) removing the resultant coagulated cloud material thereby leaving a clear solution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process as defined in claim 1 wherein the resultant solution of PGA in citrus juice is about 50 to 500 ppm PGA.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process as defined in claim 1 wherein the citrus juice is lime, orange or grapefruit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The process as defined in claim 1 wherein the solution is allowed to stand for about 5 minutes to 1 hour to coagulate and the means of removing the coagulated material from the solution is by settling or centrifugation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
The process as defined in claim 1 further comprising: (a) concentrating the clear resultant solution; (b) adding water to said removed coagulated material to form a slurry; (c) adjusting the pH of said slurry to about 4.0 to 5.0; (d) adding pectinase to said slurry to destroy the (PGA) and restore the colloidal stability of the cloud; and then (e) adding said slurry back to the concentrated solution produced in step (a).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process as defined in claim 5 wherein the pectinase is about 0.05 to 0.2% by weight and has a high polygalacturonase activity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
92 words
The process as defined in claim 1 further comprising: (a) adding water to any pulp which may be present and to said coagulated material to thus form a slurry; (b) adding a sufficient quantity of Kumitanase to said slurry; (c) adjusting the pH of said slurry using a base to solubilize the PGA; (d) adding pectinase to said slurry to destroy the PGA; (e) stirring said slurry for sufficient time to restore the colloidal stability of the cloud and resulting in pectinase destruction of PGA, and Kumitanase treatment substantially reducing the bitterness.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process as defined in claim 7 wherein the Kumitanase is about 0.1 to 0.5% by weight.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process as defined in claim 7 wherein the pectinase is about 0.05 to 0.2% by weight and has substantial polygalacturonase activity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process as defined in claim 9 wherein the holding time is about 1 hour to 3 hours.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3754932A
Cited
US3917867A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-07-17 | 1982-01-16 | 1982-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-17 | 1986-01-16 | 1986-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-17 | 1990-01-16 | 1990-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |