Natural color extracts are derived from high-chromatic organic fractions present in various food matrices, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins. Utilizing food-grade adsorbent resins facilitates the selective capture and concentration of these compounds, yielding a stable and clean extract ideal for use as a natural ingredient or colorant.
Coloring essence extraction plants
Adsorbent resin plants for producing natural color extracts from fruit and food matrices
Process overview
The process employs columns filled with specific resins that capture target molecules through selective adsorption. Following appropriate pre-filtration, the feed passes through these resin beds, ensuring other matrix properties remain unchanged while the desired color compounds are extracted.
Engineering and automation
Designed for PLC automation, the system features programmable cycles for effective service and regeneration of the resins, enhancing operational efficiency. This automation supports repeatable performances and ensures traceability throughout the production process.
Key advantages
Technical configuration
Extracts are obtained by passing the feed through a column packed with cation exchange resins. These resins selectively absorb color-active compounds while allowing the main constituents of the original matrix to flow through with minimal alteration. The output retains high color strength and consistency across batches.
The system is based on a durable stainless-steel framework, with pumps and valves designed for optimal flow control and hygienic processing of the extracts.
Sizing inputs
- Type of fruit or food matrix being processed.
- Initial concentrations of color compounds.
- Desired flow rate and total treatment volume.
- pH levels and total acidity requirements.
- Pre-treatment filtration specifications.
Generally, processing a subset of the full volume enhances stability without significantly altering essential pH and acidity characteristics.
FAQ
They are organic color fractions (e.g., anthocyanins and polyphenols) recovered and concentrated through adsorption on food-grade resins, yielding a cleaner and more stable extract.
Decolorization reduces the color of the treated matrix. Color-extract recovery isolates and concentrates color molecules to valorize them as an ingredient or natural colorant.
Many food matrices: grape must/juice, citrus juices, Mediterranean and tropical fruits (e.g., pomegranate, pineapple), date syrup and other high-color syrups/juices.
Yes. Pre-filtration removes suspended solids and colloids, protects the resin bed and improves stability and repeatability.