The invention provides a process for the recovery of citric acid from an aqueous solution feed stream originating in fermentation of carbohydrates and utilizing an amine solvent extraction step for separation of impurities comprising: subjecting said aqueous solution feed stream A to a treatment for partial recovery of citric acid, wherein said treatment is other than amine solvent extraction, to form a first portion of purified citric acid B and a secondary feed stream F; subjecting at least a portion G of said secondary feed stream F to a treatment consisting of amine solvent extraction to form a second portion of purified citric acid solution and to reject substantial of impurities initially present in said portion of said secondary feed stream; subjecting said second portion of purified citric acid solution to crystallization; and recycling mother liquor from said crystallization.
Inventors:
BANIEL, Avraham; (IL).
VITNER, Asher; (IL).
GONEN, David; (IL).
HEIDEL, David; (US).
Applicant:
A.E. STALEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY [US/US]; (US) (All Except US).
BANIEL, Avraham [IL/IL]; (IL) (US Only).
VITNER, Asher [IL/IL]; (IL) (US Only).
GONEN, David [IL/IL]; (IL) (US Only).
HEIDEL, David [US/US]; (US) (US Only).