Patent ID: 6039275
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: A23L

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of aspartame powder for application in instant powder mixtures and instant desserts, comprising(i) crushing granular aspartame having a maximum moisture content of about 40 wt % in an impact mill while air is being supplied for discharging the crushed product from the impact mill, with drying, if necessary, to achieve a moisture content of less than 4 wt. %, to obtain a crushed product in which at least 70 wt % of the particles are smaller than 150 .mu.m, wherein said crushing is conducted(a) at temperature of 0-60.degree. C. when starting from dry granular aspartame having a moisture content of below 4 wt %, or(b) when starting from wet granular aspartame having a moisture content greater than 4 wt % but at most approximately 40 wt %, supplying drying air having a temperature of 100-180.degree. C.; and(ii) reducing immediately the fraction of particles <20 .mu.m in the crushed product so obtained to less than 10 wt % using a fines sifter equipped with a rotary sifting wheel, wherein in said process, the air discharged from the impact mill, together with the crushed product, is supplied to the fines sifter without first separating any product out of the air discharged from the impact mill.