CN1163555A - Method for producing chewing gum base by using multiple filler supply inlets - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for producing chewing gum base material continuously, including the following steps: firstly, hard elastomers, filling agents and lubricants are continuously added to a continuous mixer (10), so that the hard elastomers, the filling agents and the lubricants come under the dispersive mixing effect and the distributive mixing effect later; and when the adding and mixing steps are under way, the chewing gum base material is discharged continuously from the mixer simultaneously. The filling agents are guided into the continuous mixer from a plurality of space-separated feed ports (12, 13, and 15). Ideally, part of the filling agents are guided into the mixer before entering a dispersive mixing section, while part agents at lower reaches of the dispersive mixing section are guided to the mixer before entering the dispersive mixing section.

Description

Adopt the chewing gum base manufacture method at a plurality of filler supply openings position

Present patent application is that the part of following U.S. Patent application continues:

1) exercise question of submitting on September 24th, 1993 is the patent No.08/126 of " using the chewing gum base continuous flow procedure of high distribution hybrid technology ", 319; 2) submitted on October 14th, 1993, exercise question be the patent application No.08/136 of " the chewing gum base continuous flow procedure that uses the mixing throttle part ", 589; 3) submitted on October 22nd, 1993, exercise question be the patent No.08/141 of " the chewing gum base continuous flow procedure that adopts the mixing of splash bar oar ", 281; 4) submitted on October 22nd, 1994, exercise question be the patent application No.08/362 of " adopting the chewing gum base production of high-efficiency and continuous mixing ", 254.U.S. Patent No. 08/362,254 is that submission on September 13rd, 1994, exercise question are the part continuation of the patent application 08/305,363 of " total chewing gum production of adopting high-efficiency and continuous to mix " equally.The content that above-mentioned each patent document disclosed is drawn at this and is reference.

The present invention is directed to a kind of continuous chewing gum base production process.

Typical chewing gum base contains one or more elastomers, one or more fillers, one or more elastomer solvents, softening agent and optional thermoplastic polymer, and multiple pigment, spices and antioxidant.Mainly due to elastomer is dissolved equably and is dispersed in other chewing gum base component is difficult, so the production of chewing gum base generally is slow and time-consuming batch processed process.For example, a kind of traditional processing mode is to use sigma blade batch mixer, and mixing temperature is about 80～125 ℃, and the forward and backward blade rotational speed ratio of this blender is 2: 1.

In the processing mode of this routine, the initial part of elastomer, elastomer solvent and filler put in the sigma blade mixer that has heated mix, dissolve or soak into until elastomer, and mix fully with elastomer solvent and filler.And then one after the other adopt mode stage by stage to join in the blender elastomer, elastomer solution, softening agent, filler and other component of remainder.Usually each stage is all left the sufficient time, makes and can mix fully before adding more component.For the composition of specific chewing gum base, especially elastomeric quantity and type, requiring has enough patience all fully to mix to guarantee every kind of component.Generally speaking,, adopt conventional sigma blade mixer to produce chewing gum base, finish a production requirement blending 1 to 4 hours no matter at there.

After the blending, the thawing chewing gum base of once producing to be taken out from blender and be encased in the groove with coating or lining, or be pumped into other, then extruding or casting such as in feeder or the filter plant, cool off subsequently and solidify, be used to cook chewing gum.This processing and cooling procedure even longer time of needs subsequently.

Simplify the production of chewing gum base and the desired production time is shortened for attempting, carried out multiple trial.The European Patent Publication No No.0 273 809 of General Foods France has disclosed a kind of production process of producing the non-stick chewing gum base-material, promptly by adopting industrialization crush type blender that elastomer and filler are mixed formation non-sticky pre-composition, again pre-composition is divided into fragment, and then the premix fragment is put into powder blenders with at least a other non-stick chewing gum base-material component carry out blending.Perhaps, premix fragment and other chewing gum base component other chewing gum component of accompanying is joined in the extruder together, directly to finish the production of chewing gum.

The French Patent (FRP) publication number No.2 635 441 that runs after fame with General Foods France has disclosed a kind of production process of using the double helix extruder to produce the chewing gum base concentrate equally.The preparation of chewing gum base concentrate is to mix in desired ratio with plasticiser by the elastomer with HMW, and joins in the extruder and finish.Mineral filler is fed to extruder by being arranged in the downstream that elastomer/elasticizer mixture infeeds mouthful.The elastomer that contains high level in the chewing gum base concentrate that is produced.Concentrate can mix with other chewing gum base component then, produces complete chewing gum base.

People's such as Ehrgott U.S. Patent No. 3,995,064 has disclosed a kind of method of using sequence blender or single adjustable blender to produce chewing gum base continuously.

People's such as Koch U.S. Patent No. 4,187,320 has disclosed a kind of two-stage production process for preparing chewing gum base.In the first order, the plasticiser of a kind of solid elastomer, a kind of elastomer solvent and a kind of oil carries out blending under high shear forces.In the second level, a kind of hydrophobicity plasticiser, a kind of nontoxic ethene polymers and a kind of emulsifying agent are joined in the said mixture, carry out blending with high shear.

The U.S. Patent No. 4 of Del Angel, 305,962 have disclosed a kind of ester gum resin and latex elastomer mixing formation emulsion by grinding very carefully, re-using sodium chloride and sulfuric acid condenses emulsion, the solid-state particle that will condense is then separated from liquid phase, wash solid-state particle, then unnecessary moisture content is sloughed and formed the production process of elastomer/resin masterbatch.

People's such as DeTora U.S. Patent No. 4,459,311 has disclosed a kind of two independently methods of blender production chewing gum base of using.One is high intensity mixer, elastomer is carried out preplasticizing having under the situation of filler; Another blender is middle density blender, is used for subsequently all chewing gum base components finally being mixed.

People's such as D ' Amelia U.S. Patent No. 4,968, if 511 disclose specific ethene polymers is used as elastomer portion, chewing gum can directly machine (chewing gum base in the middle of not needing to produce) in a step mixed process so.

Several disclosed patents disclose after using an independent production process to produce chewing gum base in advance, can use a continuous extruder to produce chewing gum product.These disclosed patents comprise: people's such as Degady U.S. Patent No. 5,135,760; People's such as Lesko U.S. Patent No. 5,045,325; People's such as Kramer U.S. Patent No. 4,555,407.

Though have above-mentioned previous achievement, in the chewing gum industrial production, exist a kind of quantity-produced requirement and hope of carrying out.This continuous production is exactly elastomer to be carried out under premixed and other the pretreated situation not limiting employed elastomeric type and quantity and do not require, and is actual and produce various complete chewing gum bases efficiently.

Although be sought after, carry out chewing gum base production continuously and exist many difficulties.In a single day one of them is exactly to configure to prepare to produce, production equipment has given length continuously.In fact this length be subjected to market can buy the restriction of equipment, and usually than the chewing gum base manufacturer desired weak point in aspect.Consequently, mixing is produced littler than traditional batch processed free degree continuously.For example, in batch processed, long if desired incorporation time, it is a very simple thing that mixing is continued.Yet for continuous mixing device, the holdup time is the function of the speed of service and feed rate.Thereby if change incorporation time, some other factorses just must be adjusted and be coordinated so.Say that further in batch processed, other component can at any time add.And industrial continuous mixing device is to be provided with a limited number of inlet in fixing position, thereby in the hybrid process process, other component only can add at preposition.

In addition, in batch mixer, disperse and distribute to mix and freely to change and to control.And in continuous mixing device, a kind of change of mixed form usually also can influence other mixed form.If the employed number of devices of high shear mixing has increased, the equipment that mixes that can be used for so distributing just reduces.In addition, if the speed of service has improved, the heat that is produced will exceed the cooling capacity that equipment can bear so.

One of special problem of having run in the continuous chewing gum base manufacture method of exploitation is exactly that the characteristic of chewing gum base, the flexibility of particularly chewing are chewing gum base component and the function that puts on the mixing condition of these components.But mixing condition has been the function of the filling level of the temperature of type, component of chewing gum base and the hydrid component that adopted and viscosity, mixing office body.Such as, if the filler of high-load is arranged in base-material, because filler plays the effect of binding agent, more positive mixing has just taken place in blender.On the contrary, if the content of filler in chewing gum base is lower, then mixing is more not positive, and may not produce elastomeric abundant dispersion mixing.

Have been found that control procedure control, especially control mixed process between the dispersion mixing period that the hard elastics body is carried out mastication, and all a kind of methods of desirable component in chewing gum base are provided simultaneously is to add filler in mixed process continuously in a plurality of charging apertures position.

In one aspect, the present invention is a kind of method of continuous production chewing gum base, may further comprise the steps: will comprise a kind of hard elastics body, the chewing gum base component of filler and one or more lubricants adds the continuous blade-pin blender with a plurality of charging apertures that spatially separate continuously, at least a portion hard elastics body and a part of filler are imported into blender by one or more first inlets, part filler is imported into blender by one or more second inlets that are positioned at the first inlet downstream part, make the chewing gum base component in blender, be subjected to continuous immixture, thereby production chewing gum base, when the chewing gum base component continues to import blender and mixes within it, chewing gum base is discharged continuously from blender.

Aspect second, the present invention is a kind of method of continuous gum base manufacturing, may further comprise the steps: will comprise a kind of hard elastics body, the chewing gum base component of filler and one kind of multiple lubricants adds continuously and has at least one and disperse to distribute the district, the continuous mixing device of distribute a distribution district and a plurality of inlets that spatially separate, at least a portion reason elastic caoutchouc and a part of filler disperse end, mixed zone inlet before to import blender by one or more being positioned at, part filler imports blender by one or more inlets that disperse the downstream, mixed zone and be positioned at front, end, distribution mixed zone that are positioned at, ratio to filler quantity that adds previously in dispersion end, mixed zone and the filler quantity that adds in dispersion downstream, mixed zone is optimized, thereby make chewing gum base contain the filler of requirement, and disperse to mix and effectively the hard elastics body is carried out suitable mastication; Make the chewing gum base component in blender, be subjected to continuous immixture, thereby produce chewing gum base, when the chewing gum base component imports blender continuously and mixes within it, continuously chewing gum base is discharged from blender.

In the third aspect, the present invention is a kind of method of continuous gum base manufacturing, may further comprise the steps: will comprise the hard elastics body, the chewing gum base component of filler and one or more lubricants adds continuous mixing device continuously and mixes within it, to produce a kind of chewing gum base, when the chewing gum base component imports blender continuously and mixes within it, chewing gum base is discharged continuously from blender, wherein, blender has at least one and disperses the mixed zone, at least one is positioned at distribution mixed zone and a plurality of inlet that spatially separates that disperses the mixed zone downstream part, and this method may further comprise the steps: with at least a portion hard elastics body, at least a portion lubricant and a part of filler add by one or more end inlets before that disperse the mixed zone that are positioned at; A part of filler is disperseed the mixed zone downstream part and is positioned at end, distribution mixed zone inlet before to add by one or more being positioned at; Ratio to the filler quantity that adds in each these positions carries out optimization, make the chewing gum base of generation comprise the filler of requirement, and mixed process produces the chewing gum base of best quality.

In fourth aspect, the present invention is a kind of method of continuous gum base manufacturing, may further comprise the steps: will comprise that hard elastics rubber, filler and one or more lubricants add the continuous mixing device that comprises a plurality of inlets that spatially separate continuously, this filler adds at a plurality of inlets; The temperature of control blender makes that peak temperature is above 250 °F under stable state; Make the chewing gum base component in blender, be subjected to continuous immixture, thereby produce chewing gum base; When the chewing gum base component continues to import blender and mixes within it, chewing gum base is discharged continuously from blender.

The present invention has lot of advantages.At first, chewing gum base is with continuous process production.If desired, its output can be used as the supply source of continuous chewing gum production line, if perhaps can realize abundant mixing in the first in first blender, just can carry out whole chewing gum production so in a blender.The second, the mean residence time of chewing gum base shortens to a few minutes from several hrs.The 3rd, the component that is necessary adds and the chewing gum base synthesis step all can be finished in order, is preferably in the single continuous-blending equipment and carries out.The 4th, most preferred embodiment makes by dependence pressure medium-viscosity or low viscosity chewing gum base component is added in liquid mode, and the mensuration of chewing gum base component and blending are improved.The 5th, the present invention is feasible to a lot of chewing gum components, comprises the different chewing gum base elastomers and the elastomer of different weight percentage, and does not need elastomer is carried out premixed or other preliminary treatment.The 6th, chewing gum base can be produced on demand, has exempted the storage of finished product chewing gum base.This makes for the reaction of market demands and changes prescription all have maximum flexibility.The 7th, produce high-quality chewing gum base serially, comprise that those contain the chewing gum base of the fat of high level, oil and/or low melt wax.

Above-mentioned and other characteristic of the present invention and advantage will further be embodied in the detailed description to present most preferred embodiment hereinafter, simultaneously with reference to attached example and accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 is as the criterion and is ready for use on the schematic diagram of double helix extruder of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows and is used in the cover of one in the extruder shown in Figure 1 shearing disk.

Fig. 3 shows cover flute profile parts that use in the extruder shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 4 shows a cover kneading disc that uses in extruder shown in Figure 1.

Being provided with spirality shown in Fig. 5 forms a plurality of kneading discs of kneading and organizing.

Fig. 6 a～e is the sequence schematic diagram of chewing gum base component in the mixed process.

Fig. 7 is the perspective view of employed single flat mixing oar in another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is the side view of mixing oar shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 9 a is that mixing oar shown in Figure 7 is at zero front view of angle of rotation when (being called position 1).

Fig. 9 b is that mixing oar shown in Figure 7 rotates counterclockwise the front view of 45 when (being called position 2).

Fig. 9 c is that mixing oar shown in Figure 7 rotates counterclockwise the front view of 90 ° of angles when (being called position 3).

Fig. 9 d is that mixing oar shown in Figure 7 rotates counterclockwise the front view of 135 ° of angles when (being called position 4).

Figure 10 a is the perspective view of the employed supply part of arm mixer feed zone (not being the oar parts).

Figure 10 b is the front view of supply part shown in Figure 10 a.

The forward spiral mixing oar perspective view of Figure 11 a for can in arm mixer, using.

Figure 11 b is a spiral mixing oar front view forward shown in Figure 11 a.

Figure 11 c is the top view of spiral mixing oar forward shown in Figure 11 a, only top cross spider 92 and the datum line 91 that is superimposed upon on the cross spider 90 of bottom is shown.

The reverse acting spiral mixing oar perspective view of Figure 12 a for can in arm mixer, using.

Figure 12 b is the oar of reverse acting spiral mixing shown in a Figure 12 a front view.

Figure 12 c is the oar of reverse acting spiral mixing shown in a Figure 12 a top view, only top cross spider 92 and the datum line 91 that is superimposed upon on the cross spider 90 of bottom is shown.

Figure 13 is the perspective view of the whole oar formula of arm mixer mixed structure.

Figure 14 is for arranging schematic diagram with cylindrical shell and loader that paddle mixer structure shown in Figure 13 is used.

The drawing in side sectional elevation of Figure 15 for being got along Figure 14 center line 15～15 shows the relation between rotation oar and the barrel wall.

Figure 16 is the arm mixer schematic diagram of two arranged in series.

Figure 17 is the partial sectional view of employed a kind of efficient, the blade-pin blender of another embodiment of the present invention, shows the deployment scenarios of mixing drum and spiral mixture.

Figure 18 a is the helical element perspective view that is used in restrictor ring assembly upstream in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 18 b is the helical element perspective view that is used in restrictor ring assembly downstream in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 18 c is the perspective view of the restrictor ring assembly that uses in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is the relative position perspective view by the parts shown in Figure 18 a, 18b, the 18c used in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 20 is a low shear-mixed helical element perspective view used in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 21 is a high shear mixing helical element perspective view used in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 22 is a straight pin perspective view used in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 23 is mixing straight pin and a component supply port distribution schematic diagram used in the Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

Figure 24 is the used present best mixing auger spare structural representation of Hi-mixer shown in Figure 17.

As in the past mentioned, the chewing gum base component all works in the Hybrid Production Process of chewing gum base and aspect the final chew characteristics of the finished product chewing gum produced by chewing gum base.In the dispersion mixed process of high shear, filler plays a part to increase to be sheared.Some other chewing gum base component then effect of super fatting agent reduces.In the continuous mode of production of chewing gum base, most of elastomer solvents, mollielast, thermoplastic polymer and softening agent be all super fatting agent effects basically.Some lubricants such as polyisobutene and elastomer solvent, do not tangle elastomer, and some other lubricant then can not mix with elastomer, only to mixing and the shearing lubricate.

In order to obtain best shearing in the blending space of the limited quantity of continuous mixing device inside, therefore the filler quantity that imported blender before the distribution mixed zone usually can be less than in the final desirable filler quantity of chewing gum base mouth.Therefore, method of the present invention imports filler at a plurality of inlets, and to obtain the shearing of requirement in the limited part of blender, simultaneously final chewing gum base can comprise from sensation and required all elastomers, filler and the lubricant of cost angle.Preferably, the lubricant that added before disperseing mixing will play the effect of solvent to the hard elastics body.

In one embodiment of the invention, preferably disperse to mix and in the continuous mixing device of beginning 40% cylindrical shell length, to finish.Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, the filler of first will import in beginning 40% cylindrical shell length, and second portion in the end imports in 60% the cylindrical shell length.

The present invention has also conceived and has a kind ofly made the method for making the process optimizing of chewing gum base in continuous process by the ratio that is adjusted in the filler that different inlets import up to finishing suitable mixing.For example, in one group of experiment, the chewing gum base same to manufacture process each time adds in the same position of blender, except filler is shared in varing proportions and added blenders at two diverse locations.The proportion that will produce the required ratio of optimal process and will experimentize will depend on the arrangement of continuous gum base material formula, the mixer types that is adopted and the hydrid component in blender certainly.

The chewing gum base that adopts production process of the present invention to produce is identical with the chewing gum base that produced in conventional processes goes out, thereby can make and adopt the made chewing gum of conventional method, comprises bubble gum.The chewing gum production method is well-known, thereby this paper no longer introduces.Certainly, extraordinary chewing gum such as non-stick chewing gum and bubble gum, use specific chewing gum base component.Yet those chewing gum base components also can use processing method as herein described to combine.

Substantially, chewing gum generally includes the perfume agent of the loose part of molten water, insoluble in water chewing gum base part and general insoluble in water.In a period of time in the process of chewing, molten water section and a part of spices partly dissipate.The chewing gum base part all is retained in the mouth whole chewing in the process.

Substantially, the insoluble in water chewing gum base is made up of elastomer, elastomer solvent, softening agent and inorganic filler.Thermoplastic polymer, the polyvinyl acetate such as using as plasticiser is sometimes also often included.Other thermoplastic polymer that may use has: polyoxyethylene lauryl vinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Elastomer all accounts for 5%～95% in chewing gum base by weight, accounts for 10%～70% preferably, and best accounts for 15%～45%.Elastomer can contain: polyisobutene, butyl rubber (buttress rubber), butadiene-styrene rubber, polyisoprene rubber and butadiene rubber, and such as natural rubbers such as latex sootiness or liquid and guayule rubber glue, and such as the natural glue such as mixture of gelutong, lechicaspi, perillo, massaranduba balata, massaranduba chocolate, Nice Perrault, rosindinha, tunny gum, gutta hang kang or these raw materials.

Employed elastomer is gone up substantially and can be divided into hard elastics body and mollielast two classes in the chewing gum base.The hard elastics body that is generally buttress rubber and butadiene-styrene rubber generally all has molecular weight, and the Flory molecular weight generally all is higher than 200,000.The Flory molecular weight of buttress rubber commonly used is about 400,000 in the chewing gum base.The hard elastics body is those elastomers that require the high shear dispersion to mix in chewing gum base of fat.In general, the hard elastics body does not at room temperature flow, even does not flow in long time.And before the hard elastics body was heated to the temperature of all degrading basically, the hard elastics body can not be inhaled by pump.

Mollielast has lower molecular weight, and general Flory molecular weight is no more than 100,000.Polyisobutene and polybutadiene are the mollielasts of using always.The Flory molecular weight of a kind of polyisobutene commonly used is about 53,000 in the chewing gum base.Mollielast is but that pump is inhaled producing under the employed normal temperature of chewing gum base usually, and at room temperature can flow, although usually very slow.

Outside the attached Flory molecular weight, also given sometimes Stodinger molecular weight.Usually the Stodinger molecular weight is 1/3～1/5 of a Flory molecular weight.For example, the Flory molecular weight is that the Stodinger molecular weight of 53,000 polyisobutene is about 12,000.Sometimes, announce the molecular weight of the average or weight average of quantity, do not announce measuring method.In the case, above-mentioned elastomeric function citation, with and hybrid mode when producing chewing gum base, can be used to basically judge is hard elastics body or mollielast.

By weight, elastomer solvent can account for 0～75% in chewing gum base, is to account for 5～45% preferably, preferably accounts for 10～30%.Elastomer solution comprises the glyceride, ester gum, the pentaerythritol ester of partial hydrogenation rosin, methyl esters and partial hydrogenation methyl esters, the pentaerythritol ester of rosin, the resin ester of esterase or their the natural rosin fat such as mixture of rosin of glyceride, the part dimerization colophonium of glyceride, the newtrex of glyceride such as wood rosin, partial hydrogenation rosin.Elastomer solvent also comprises the synthetic such as terpene resin that is derived by australene, nopinene and/or d-limonene etc.

Softening agent comprises oil, fat, wax and emulsifying agent.Oil ﹠ fat is called plasticiser sometimes, comprise tallow, lard, hydrogenation and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, for example soya-bean oil, cottonseed oil, palm oil, palm-kernel oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil and cereal oil, cupu oil and the lipides made by the triglyceride of aliphatic acid.Usually the wax that adopts comprises polymer wax, paraffin, microwax and for example native paraffin of candelila wax, beeswax and Brazil wax and so on.Paraffin can be considered to plasticiser.Microwax, particularly those waxes with senior crystal can be considered to thickening agent or quality conditioning agent.

Sometimes the emulsifying agent that also has plasticizing characteristic comprises mono and di-glycerides, list and the bi-tristearin of glycerin monostearate, lecithin, aliphatic acid, glyceryl triacetate, acetylizad monoglyceride and glyceryl triacetate.

Usually chewing gum base also comprises the filler composition.Filler can be calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talcum, Dicalcium Phosphate or analog.By weight, filler accounts for 5～60% in chewing gum base.Be to account for 5～50% preferably.

In addition, chewing gum base also can contain such as optional components such as antioxidant, pigment and spices.

Temperature in the blender is usually along the length of blender and change.The peak temperature of the residing dispersion mixer of high shear mixing parts reaches more than 175 °F better, surpass 250 °F better, preferably surpass 300 °F, in some chewing gum base production processes even can reach 350 °F.

By weight, the insoluble in water chewing gum base accounts for 5～80% in chewing gum.More commonly account for 10～50%, modal 20～35%.

Molten water section in the chewing gum comprises softening agent, loose sweetener, high-intensity sweeteners, flavor enhancement and their mixture.But it is chewiness and mouthfeel in order to optimize chewing gum that softening agent joins in the chewing gum.Softening agent is also referred to as plasticiser or plasticizer, by weight, accounts for 0.5～15% usually in chewing gum.Softening agent can comprise glycerine, lecithin and their mixture.Also can be used as softening agent and adhesive in the chewing gum such as those edulcorant aqueous solutions that contain D-sorbite, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, cereal syrup and their mixture.

By weight, Shu Song sweetener accounts for 5～95% in chewing gum.Normally account for 20～80%, modal is to account for 30～60%.Loose sweetener comprises and contains sugared sweetener and sugar-free sweetener, contain sugared sweetener can comprise contain but be not limited to this sucrose, glucose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, galactolipin, cereal syrup solid and so on, can be independent also can be the saccharide of their mixture.Sugar-free sweetener comprises the material with sweet taste characteristic, but is not the sugar of being said usually.Sugar-free sweetener comprises, but is not limited to this, and the sugar alcohol such as D-sorbite, mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, maltol can be independent, also can be their mixture.

High-intensity sweeteners also can exist, and usually and sugar-free sweetener use together.When using high-intensity sweeteners, by weight, high-intensity sweeteners contains 0.001-5% in chewing gum usually, and preferably 0.01～1%.In general, high-intensity sweeteners is than sucrose sweet 20 times at least.High-intensity sweeteners comprises, but be not limited thereto salt, day amine sucdrol, asccharin and salt, cyclohexane sulfamic acid and salt thereof, glycyrrhizin, dihydrochalcone, thaumati, Meng Naling of chlorinated sucrose derivative, aspartame, acesulfame potassium and so on, can be independent, also can be mixture.

Contain sugar and/or sugar-free sweetener and can in chewing gum, mix use.Sweetener also can use as water-soluble swelling agent in chewing gum whole or in part.In addition, when using, also can provide sugariness such as softening agents such as aqueous sugar or aldehyde alcohol solution.

By weight, employed spices accounts for the 0.1～15%, 0.2～5% relatively good of chewing gum weight usually in the chewing gum, and 0.5～3% is best.Flavouring agent can comprise: essential oil or comprise by following material but be not limited to synthetic perfume or its mixture that these materials constitute, these materials comprise from plant and fruit, extract such as tangerine oil, fruit essence, peppermint (peppermint) oil, peppermint (spearmint) oil, other peppermint oil, caryophyllus oil, wintergreen, fennel, and oil such as analog.Artificial flavor and raw material also can use as the spices component in the present invention.Natural and artificial flavor can combine use in any desirable mode.

Also can in chewing gum, exist such as optional components such as pigment, emulsifying agent, medicament and additional flavouring agents.

The process that the best process of the present invention is to use various continuous-blending equipments to process.In some embodiments of the invention, two or more continuous-blending equipments are with arranged in series.As employed in the claims, " continuous mixing device " vocabulary shows a blender or a plurality of tandem blender.The continuous-blending equipment of three kinds of special uses describes in detail hereinafter, and is shown in the relevant diagrammatic sketch: double helix extruder, arm mixer and as the oar-pin blender of special-purpose single-screw extruder.Preferably use extruder in the present invention, especially oar-pin blender.A. double helix extruder

In an embodiment, the present invention can carry out with double helix extruder shown in Figure 1.The double helix extruder is used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, sets up several different inlets, is used for the adding of various chewing gum base components.Be provided with various parts on the helical member in extruder barrel along its length.Sometimes, different mixed zones are called the processing district, and distinguish employed unit type with this and describe.Usually, cylindrical shell is made up of several different segmentations.These segmentations can be carried out heating and cooling independently and have nothing to do with other segmentation.Heating and cooling are being carried out with the corresponding to extruder barrel body region of segmentation usually basically.These heating and cooling zones can with, can be not consistent with the processing district yet, this depends on the employed parts of length and processing district of cylindrical shell segmentation.

Though adopt the factory of distinct device to produce dissimilar parts, modal unit type comprise transfer unit, compression member, oppositely transfer unit, such as homogenising parts and the kneading disc and the assembly of shearing disk and tooth components.Usually, transfer unit is provided with along the ladder of parts screw arrangement, has wide gap between the ladder.These transfer units are in the feed oral region, can promptly material be sent in the extruder, and compression member also is provided with ladder, and along with material moving on ladder, the spacing between ladder narrows down.This has just produced the high pressure on compression and the direction forward, and this is to making material and move downstream and needing by other parts.Oppositely transfer unit has the ladder opposite with the transfer unit swing angle.The direction rotation of ladder migration so that material makes progress.These parts provide high back pressure, and the speed of material by extruder that slows down.Certainly, the material that is pushed also can move through reverse parts downstream in the mode opposite with ladder.The kneading assembly that reverse acting spiral is arranged also can be finished same result.

Shearing disk as its name referring, applies high shear force to material in extruder, the dispersion that produces height mixes.In the double helix extruder, oppositely be arranged on two shearing disks on the different helical members mutually, the component locations of its dish and groove is pressed close to very much, as shown in Figure 2.As shown in Figure 3, tooth components has the profile of tooth of gear type, and is relative with a cylindricality spacing shaft on another helical member.The distribution that tooth components produces height mixes.Tooth components is usually produced in pairs, has columnar shaft part and toothed region, as same integral body.As shown in Figure 4, kneading disc is oval, material during by extruder to the material production effect of kneading.Common a plurality of kneading disc arranges in a spiral manner that mutually as shown in Figure 5, it is called the assembly of kneading.

Use reverse transfer unit can realize that also the distribution of height mixes, this reverse transfer unit has the part of no ladder, allows material to flow with the direction opposite with compression direction.These parts that do not have ladder can be the groove settings that cuts out and pass ladder along part length abreast.In addition, the assembly of kneading is positioned at before the reverse transfer unit, sets up high back pressure, and the distribution that also produces height mixes.

Under situation of limiting output within reason, mixing-throttle part produces high back pressure and some immixtures.Owing to this reason, nozzle or aperture are not suitable as mixing-throttle part.As mentioned above, oppositely transfer unit provides back pressure, thereby is mixing-throttle part.To similar as shown in Figure 2, shearing disk also produces high back pressure, thereby is another example mixing-throttle part.

High back pressure is extremely important, and other the parts such as producing high distribution or high dispersive mixing can be worked well.Therefore in most preferred embodiment of the present invention, all used mixing-throttle part at the rear portion of each mixed zone.Be preferably in chewing gum base by using mixing-throttle part before the output in the extruder.

The parts of these various kinds and other parts useful in the double helix extruder, well-known in this area, and on market, also can buy.Dissimilar common available double helix extruders is usually designed these parts specially, and these extruders comprise rotation in the same way, backward rotation, engagement and tangential double helix extruder mutually.The parts that play same function will change in design to some extent according to the type of its extruder that will be used for.

Rotate the double helix extruder in the same way for Farrel-Rookstedt, a kind of special type parts that are used for specific label extruder are by Farrel company, 25 Main Street, Ansonia, Conn.06401, a kind of non-mutual engagement polygon parts of sale.Everybody thinks that non-mutual engagement polygon parts can disperse to mix.

In most preferred embodiment of the present invention, disperse to mix so that the minimum cracking of polymer chain and elastomer is separated.Like this, though disperse to mix the molecular weight that can reduce polymer inevitably, control so that this molecular weight reduction minimum is best disperseing to mix.Be that mean molecule quantity will can not be lower than the mean molecule quantity that uses conventional processing method to be mixed into the same polymer in the chewing gum base better.

Sufficient dispersion mixes will produce smooth rubber shape fluid, not have visual block rubber to exist.If have only a little block rubber to exist, it can be sifted out or in blend step subsequently, make its dispersion so.Yet if the quantity of block rubber is too much or oversize, or the elastomer of processing and filler be when being block or granular, and it is not enough that the dispersion of being adopted mixes.

Distributing to mix should be enough to produce uniform chewing gum base, rather than shows as material " sweating " or that have marble-like or hard cheese quality.In most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distribution of height mixes is enough to contain softening agent, and especially fat, oil and wax are with the as much that is contained in the conventional chewing gum base mode of production.

As shown in Figure 1, in order to implement one embodiment of the present of invention, double helix extruder 10 is provided with first inlet 12, with first inlet adjacent be first processing district 21 that is equiped with transfer unit 31, conveying and compression member 32 and compression member 35.Be equiped with tooth components shown in Figure 3 33 and several groups of shearing disks 34 as shown in Figure 2 of combining in second processing district 23.Rearward end in second processing district 23 is provided with a gateway 16 that is connected with the vacuum source (not shown) on the extruder 10.Be provided with additional transfer unit 31, conveying and compression member 32 and compression member 35 in the 3rd processing district 24.Second inlet 13 and second group of transfer unit 31 set on the extruder are adjacent, are used for additional chewing gum base component is joined the 3rd processing district 24.The fluid component that inlet 13 allows to infeed the powdery component and carried by pump 41.Kneading disc 36 is equipped with in the 4th processing district 25.Section start in slender acanthopanax work area 26, double helix extruder 10 is provided with other inlet 15 and 14, inlet 15 is connected with pump 43, inlet 14 is connected with side feeder 42 with the form of a gateway, and side feeder 42 can be a list or twin-spiral mixer or an or even gear pump that can produce high pressure.Slender acanthopanax work area 26 is equipped with transfer unit 31, conveying and compression member 32 and is made the chewing gum base component enter the 6th and the compression member 35 of last processing district 28.Processing district 28 has two groups of tooth components 33 and subsequent reverse transfer unit 39 and shearing disk 34.Behind shearing disk 34, the chewing gum base composition is just by output in the extruder 10.

Some components are heated so that perhaps their fusings or the viscosity that reduces them are reasonable.As shown in Figure 1, the heating cabinet 44 that is connected with 43 with pump 41 respectively on the extruder 10 and 45 is provided with for this purpose.Common employed miscellaneous equipment, all not shown in Fig. 1 such as monitor temperature, heating or the employed equipment of cooling extruded machine.Also comprise weighing and feedway of continuous interpolation particle or the employed routine of Powdered component in addition.All components that join in the extruder preferably all use the equipment that can control to guarantee stable running status to supply with; In starting process, be preferably in before other composition of adding, at first add some components, and desired speed is also inequality under the speed of component that add this moment and the steady operational status.

Can understand various parts shown in Figure 1 according to illustrating, they are arranged in the extruder 10 by mobile initial point successively with corresponding order.Usually, the helical member along continuous straight runs arranges shoulder to shoulder, inlet, especially resembles those inlets that communicate with atmosphere of inlet 12 and 13, vertically be located at the top of helical member.

Although layout shown in Figure 1 is applicable to specific chewing gum base, other layout then is applicable to other chewing gum base.Fig. 1 has shown a kind of have three the basic components interpolation districts and the extruder of six processing districts.To some chewing gum bases, can use 2,3 or more component drainage area, and have the processing district of different numbers.Fig. 1 is also to transfer unit 31, conveying and compression member 32, the compression member 35 of the long size in first processing district, the conveying of the weak point in the processing district 24 and 26 and compression member 32, the use of the transfer unit 31 of the weak point in the processing district 26 and each parts of compression member 35 shows.In fact, can use the parts of, two or more dissimilar and length in these zones.Fig. 1 also shows one group of tooth components 33 and three groups of shearing disks 34 being arranged in processing district 23, but also can use these parts of different numbers, or all uses different parts.Equally in processing district 25 and 28, the parts that can use dissimilar generations to distribute and mix, this depends on the chewing gum base component that will mix and the type of employed extruder in these processing districts.

Fig. 6 a-e shows the state of various chewing gum base components in being mixed into chewing gum base the time.Shown in Fig. 6 a, in the incipient stage, HMW (firmly) elastomer 51 and middle molecular weight elastomer body 52 all exist with the form of particle or particulate, and in these particles, elastomer molecules sticks together tightly.Filler 53 also exists with particulate form, but it can not mix equably with elastomer 51 and 52.Elastomer solvent 54 can droplet form exist.Shown in Fig. 6 b, when mixing beginning, elastomer solvent 54 beginnings combine with elastomer 51 and 52.Because the existence and the heating of filler 53, elastomer solvent 54, particle begins to be separated into elastomer molecules.Filler 53 has also distributed relatively evenly in addition, and the size of its particle also reduces.Shown in Fig. 6 c, along with the continuation of process, elastomer 51 is all separated with 52.This separation is that elastomer 51 and 52 is carried out the result that high degree of dispersion is mixed.

After this step machines, shown in Fig. 6 d, can add the more low viscous component such as polyvinyl acetate 55.At first, this more low viscous material also is particulate that disperses or the droplet that melts.Shown in Fig. 6 e, further mix, and to the component of further adding, such as wax 56 and emulsifying agent 57, mixing distributes.Uniform chewing gum base is produced in the mixing that distributes continuously, can not find wherein to have discrete particulate or droplet to exist with sense organ.

Elastomer can add together with the elastomer solution such as resin and filler at first inlet 12.Yet particularly the elastomer of lower molecular weight can partly enter at second inlet 13 at least.Partially filled dose also can add at second inlet 13.Polyvinyl acetate can be infeeded by inlet 14 by powder feeder, single-screw extruder 42, double helix extruder or gear pump, and the fat of fusing, wax and oil add from last inlet 15.This dispersion that will cause filler, elastomer and some lubricants at first to carry out height before more low viscous component adds mixes.Be positioned at the tooth components 38 at inlet 15 rear portions, oppositely transfer unit 39 and shearing disk 40 make all low viscosity chewing gum base components and other chewing gum base component carry out distribution highly to mix.

A kind of preferable small size extruder is from German Leistritz, and the model that N ü renberg obtains is the backward rotation of LSM30.34, engagement and tangential double helix extruder mutually.Acceptable other double helix extruder comprises that the model of Japanese Steel Works is that TEX30HSS32.5PW-2V meshes mutually, rotates in the same way and backward rotation double helix extruder, and this extruder is also referred to as Davis standard D-Tex type, by Crompton ﹠amp; Knowles company, #1 Extrusion Dr., Pawcatuck, CT06379 supplies with; Also has Wemer ﹠amp; Pfleiderer company, 663 E.Crescent Ave., mesh the double helix extruder mutually at the rotation in the same way that Ramsey N.J.07446 is provided, backward rotation.Cylindrical shell length length is reasonable.Werner ﹠amp; The length/diameter that Pfleiderer rotates the double helix extruder in the same way than (L/D) up to 48.The model of Japan Steel Works is that the extruder L/D of TEX30HSS32.5PW-2V is 58.B. arm mixer

Spendable another type continuous mixing device of the present invention is an arm mixer.Shown in Fig. 7～9, mixing oar 85 is planar structure (no spiral).Term " mixing oar " is defined as and has 86,87 and two recessed four sides hydrid components of surperficial 88,89 of two plane surfaces herein.Two plane surfaces are parallel to each other, and only intersect on two recessed surfaces.Two outer recessed surperficial positioned opposite and crossing at two lines 90 and 91 places.Edge and plane surface 86 and 87 perpendicular directions are passed each center of mixing oar and are opened one non-circular (preferably square) opening 94.Opening 94 is used for many oars are installed in rotating shaft (Figure 13) according to predetermined order.

With reference to Fig. 9 a～9d, mixing oar can be installed on the axle with the identical or different anglecs of rotation mutually.For ease of following description, define " position 1 " by Fig. 9 a, the line and the datum line (for example, being a vertical curve) that wherein are drawn on the plane surface 87, intersect with line 90 and 92 coincide.Define " position 2 " by Fig. 9 b, wherein be drawn on the plane surface 87, become counterclockwise 45 with datum line with 92 lines that intersect with line 90.Define " position 3 " by Fig. 9 c, wherein be drawn on the plane surface 87, become counterclockwise 90 ° of angles with datum line with 92 lines that intersect with line 90.Define " position 4 " by Fig. 9 d, wherein be drawn on the plane surface 87, become counterclockwise 135 ° of angles with datum line with 92 lines that intersect with line 90.

Because in Fig. 9 a～d, it is symmetrical mixing oar 85, thereby need not be further the mixing oar relative rotation position that becomes 180 °, 225 °, 270 ° and 315 ° with reference line be defined.For example, angle of rotation is that in fact 180 ° mixing oar coincides with the oar (Fig. 9 a position) that mixes with 0 ° of angle of rotation.Equally, angle of rotation is that 225 ° mixing oar coincides with oar (Fig. 9 b) position of mixing with 45 ° of angles of rotation.Angle of rotation is that 270 ° mixing oar coincides with oar (Fig. 9 c) position of mixing with 90 ° of angles of rotation.Angle of rotation is that 315 ° mixing oar coincides with oar (Fig. 9 d) position of mixing with 135 ° of angles of rotation.

Recognize also simultaneously that because supporting mixes the rotation (Figure 13) of the axle of oar, each mixes oar 85 and all rotates continuously in the arm mixer running.To mix oar in order describing, should to think that datum line also rotates along with the rotation that mixes oar with aforesaid relative rotation position (just with respect to the mutual alignment).For example, be arranged in successively on the same single shaft if mix oar shown in Fig. 9 a～d, and if axle rotated 90 °, so selectedly be initially vertical datum line and will turn to horizontal level.In other words, be defined as the relative rotation position of the mixing oar of 1-2-3-4 among Fig. 9 a～d respectively, in the running of arm mixer, remain unchanged.

With reference to Figure 10 a and 10b, the method for the present invention also can be used small part to be called to be fed forward or the non-oar parts of supply part 50.Each supply part 50 all has a front surface 48, the rear surface 49 parallel with front surface and opening 46 vertical with front surface and rear surface and that intersect.Yet different with above-mentioned mixing oar, supply part does not have two recessed surfaces of intersecting with two straight lines.On the contrary, each supply part 50 contains the helical duct 47 and 59 of two variations.Helical duct has more intuitive demonstration on Figure 13, a plurality of supply part 50 orders are installed on the turning cylinder 110, form the drainage area in blender.The main purpose of supply part 50 is when carrying out the oar mixing, and the chewing gum base component is fed forward in the mixed zone.

With reference to Figure 11 a and 11b, a kind ofly be called forward that the mixing oar of spiral mixing oar 95 also can use in the method for the present invention.During use, when mixing the chewing gum base component, spiral mixing oar 95 applies a slight effect that is fed forward forward.Identical with planar hybrid oar 85, each forward spiral mixing oar 95 also have two plane surfaces and two recessed surperficial 88,89.Two plane surfaces are parallel to each other, and only intersect on two recessed surfaces.Two recessed surperficial opposite faces are put, and intersect at two lines 90 and 92.Equally, pass each center of mixing oar 95 and all have an opening 94 with crossing non-circular (being preferably square) of break even chart face.

Spiral mixing oar 95 with the difference of planar hybrid oar is forward, mixes in the oar 85 flat, and line 90 and 92 (being defined as two recessed surperficial 88 and 89 intersecting lenses) is parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 8.In spiral mixing oar forward, line 90 is rotated counterclockwise for 92 one-tenth with respect to line, so line 90 no longer is parallel with line 92, shown in Figure 11 b.Equally, line 92 turns clockwise with respect to line 90.The result of this rotation makes recessed surperficial 88 and 89 bendings, thereby makes concave surface 88 and 89 have the spiral of a little.

With reference to Figure 12 a and 12b, a kind of mixing oar that is called counter rotating propeller 96 also can use in the method for the present invention.During use, when mixing the chewing gum base component, 96 pairs of the counter rotating propellers fragrant glycosyl material of delivery port component forward produce slight resistance.This just causes near counter rotating propeller 96 that the more material of blender inserts, and causes a little rising of pressure.

It is identical to front propeller 96 versions that discuss counter rotating propeller 96 and front, but line 90 and 92 (having defined recessed surperficial 88 and 89 intersecting lens) rotates in the opposite direction.With reference to Figure 12 a, line 90 turns clockwise with respect to line 92, and line 92 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to line 90.The result of this rotation makes table concave surface 88 and 89 bendings, thereby makes recessed surperficial 88 and 89 reverse acting spirals with a little.

With reference to Figure 11 c and 12c, can the subtend front propeller and the line 90 of counter rotating propeller and 92 swing describe.Figure 11 c and Figure 12 c be forward, the top view of counter rotating propeller, only show line 90 on the figure and 92, one lines overlap on another.Reference line 91 also illustrates on figure, as mixing in the oar 85 flat, and line 90 and 92 position when datum line 91 indications do not have rotation.

With reference to Figure 11 c, angle " a " expression is to the amount of rotating counterclockwise of front propeller 95 center lines 90.Angle " a " should be about 5～30 °, is preferably to be about 10 °～18 °, preferably is about 13 ° 53 ' 50 ".Angle " b " expression is to the amount of clockwise rotating of front propeller 95 center lines 92.Angle " b " should be about 5 °～30 °, is preferably to be about 10 °～18 °, preferably is about 13 ° 53 ' 50 ".

With reference to Figure 12 c, the amount of clockwise rotating of angle " a " expression counter rotating propeller 96 center lines 90.Angle " a " should be about 5～30 °, is preferably to be about 10～18 °, preferably is about 13 ° 53 ' 50 ".The amount of rotating counterclockwise of angle " b " expression counter rotating propeller 96 center lines 92.Angle " b " should be about 5 °～30 °, is preferably to be about 10 °～18 °, preferably is 13 ° 53 ' 50 approximately ".

With reference to Figure 13, mix oar and supply part and be installed on two parallel axes 110 according to predetermined structure.In the embodiment shown, for 5 inches arm mixer, each effective active length of 110 all is 36 inches, and cross-sectional area is 1.375 inches * 1.375 inches (1.891 square inches).Two-parallel axis 110 is at a distance of 3.5 inches (center to center).Axle 110 is suitable as in mixing drum in the same way and rotates (rotating with equidirectional).The mixing oar and the supply part of each 110 supporting identical set.Mixing oar and supply part on the two adjacent axles can be intermeshing, as shown in figure 13, but when axle rotates, do not contact mutually.

Every axle 110 is all wanted long enough, and to be fit to always reach in the blender requirement of 36 inches parts, these parts all are 1 inch long, and maximum gauge is 4.874 inches, and minimum diameter is 2 inches.Under the situation that does not influence operation, two or more 1 inch long segmentation can be combined, make long parts.For example, supply part 50 has 2 inches long usually.According to purpose of the present invention, the major part of every axle should cover by mixed oar.Usually, every axle mixes oar at least about 40% installing.Be that every axle mixes oar at least about 50% installing preferably, preferably every axle mixes oar at least about 60% installing.In mixing oar, major part should be flat mixing oar, rather than to front propeller or counter rotating propeller.In the embodiment shown in fig. 13, what 67% of shaft length was installed is to mix oar (24 1 inch long parts), and what 33% of shaft length was installed is supply part (6 2 inches long parts).

Blender among Figure 13 structure 102 comprises two drainage areas 125 and 135 and two oar mixed zones 130 and 150.Below table 1 outlined the blender of various special constructions.In table 1 and other table, used following abbreviation:

FC: supply with transfer unit (each parts takies 2 inches position)

The flat oar (each parts takies 1 inch position) that mixes of FP-

FH-is spiral mixing oar (each parts takies 1 inch position) forward

RH-reverse acting spiral mixing oar (each parts takies 1 inch position).

Table 1 mixer structure (every)-Figure 13

Lengthwise position	Parts	The turned position	Lengthwise position	Parts	The turned position
						????1	????FC	????4	????19	??FP	????3
????2	????FC	????4	????20	??FC	????3
						????3	????FC	????4	????21	??FC	????3
????4	????FC	????4	????22	??FC	????3
						????5	????FC	????4	????23	??FC	????3
????6	????FC	????4	????24	??FP	????3
						????7	????FC	????4	????25	??FP	????3
????8	????FC	????4	????26	??FP	????3
						????9	????FP	????4	????27	??FP	????1
????10	????FP	????4	????28	??FP	????1
						????11	????FP	????4	????29	??FP	????1
????12	????FP	????2	????30	??FP	????3
						????13	????FP	????2	????31	??FP	????3
????14	????FP	????2	????32	??FP	????3
						????15	????FP	????3	????33	??FP	????4
????16	????FP	????4	????34	??FP	????1
						????17	????FP	????1	????35	??FP	????2
????18	????FP	????2	????36	??RH	????1

In blender structure 102, use two or more drainage areas and two or more mixed zone can make different chewing gum base components add in succession and mix.For example, the high viscosity part comprises elastomer, filler, some resins and polyvinyl acetate, can infeed continuously in first drainage area 125 shown in Figure 13.Then these components can with mix fully in the first oar mixed zone 130 before other component combines.The low viscosity part comprises wax (during use), fat, oil, pigment and additional resin or polyvinyl acetate, can add continuously in second drainage area 135.So all chewing gum base components can mix fully in the second oar mixed zone 150.

In fact, one or more snippets cylindrical shell for blender structure 102 outsourcing on whole length of Figure 13.Figure 14 schematically shows the used typical cylindrical shell 105 of blender 102.Motor 101 drives the axle 110 that is supporting mixer part and rotates.The chewing gum base component infeeds by the supply port on the cylindrical shell 105 103 and 123.Chewing gum base will be detained time enough to guarantee uniformity in blender, for example, about about 20～30 minutes time is then by 155 outputs of outlet jet pipe.Cylindrical shell 105 can heat or cool off.Can use the hot water or the steam jacket (not shown)s that are looped around outside the cylindrical shell 105 to heat.Also can cool off by injecting cooling water in the chuck outside being looped around cylindrical shell 105.Also can use other heating and cooling method.In general, heating was used in when starting, cooling then in the stage after for preventing overheated and the chewing gum base degraded is used.

For the output temperature with product maintains about 90 ℃～150 ℃, preferably about 100～135 ℃, as required, the reply cylindrical shell carries out heating and cooling in the mixed process of chewing gum base product.

Figure 15 is the profile of cylindrical shell 105, there is shown with conventional double helix extruder to compare, and arm mixer is how can move with the long holdup time.As shown in figure 15, barrel wall 116 be shaped as two crossing cylinder bodies, the diameter of each cylinder body all maximum gauge than the mixing oar 85 that is positioned at it is big.The tube structure of this tube structure and standard double helix extruder is similar.Yet different with the helical member of double helix extruder, oar 85 does not take the space that barrel wall 116 is limited basically.

At 92 places of the line 90 that intersects near two recessed surfaces, mix usually between oar 85 and the barrel wall 116 and a very little gap is all arranged mixing between the oar.For mixing oar 85 with long diameter of 4.874 inches, each minimum clearance of mixing between oar and the barrel wall 116 should be about 0.048 inch～0.078 inch in accordance with regulations, and the minimum clearance between two mixing oars should be about 0.060 inch～0.090 inch.Yet, leave line 90 and line 92, each distance of mixing between oar 85 and the barrel wall 116 is just much older.Owing to mix the unique design of oar 85, by the percentage that mixes the occupied barrel space of oar 85 much smaller than conventional double helix extruder.In addition, when comparing with other parts, when the shared percentage of mixing oar was higher, the pressure in the arm mixer should keep below about 50 pounds/inch ², preferably be lower than about 20 pounds/inch ²Show from the front that as Figure 15 the width of each oar 85 is all than highly little.Be that each height to width ratio of mixing oar is higher than 1.5: 1 preferably.Be that each height to width ratio of mixing oar is higher than 2: 1 best.

A large amount of variable barrel spaces make the method for the present invention that the more holdup time can be arranged in arm mixer.The use of a high proportion of mixing oar, the especially flat oar that mixes, also helping provides than long holdup time and lower pressure.In arm mixer, mean residence time should be at least about 10 minutes, preferably more than more than 15 minutes, preferably more than more than 20 minutes.

Other operational factor, for example blender rotating speed, feed rate, output etc. change according to the size of blender and the chewing gum base composition of regulation.Be applicable to that it is the continuous processing machine of Teledyne Readco that the oar that can buy on of the present invention, the market stirs machine, can buy from the Teledyne Readco that is positioned at New York Pennsylvania.Can buy these arm mixers of various sizes.To the different size blender, the scope of oar diameter is 2～24 inches, and the scope of mixer length and diameter ratio (L/D) is 4: 1 to 14: 1.According to purpose of the present invention, preferably 2 inches～5 inches of maximum oar diameters, L/D preferably are 7: 1 approximately.The structure and the processing conditions of reply arm mixer are selected, to obtain uniform chewing gum base product.

In very useful embodiment, mode as shown in figure 16 can use two or more arm mixer tandems to arrange.Use two tandem blenders, make to infeed different chewing gum base components in different positions and have greater flexibility.The inlet 103 that elastomer, filler and resin can combine by first blender joins in the cylindrical shell 105 continuously.After joining additional resin in first blender by inlet 123, these materials mix in first blender.These components mix the back and leave first blender by delivery outlet 155 places in first blender, be fed to immediately in the cylindrical shell 205 of second blender 208 (being driven by motor 201) through inlet 203 thus.By feed conveyor 209 and inlet 203, polyvinyl acetate can infeed cylindrical shell 205 continuously by dispenser 207.

Need the further component of adding such as wax or wet goods, can be injected in second blender by feed tank 211 and 231 by pump 213 and 233.Selectively, a part of component can add the inlet 204 in downstream.After all components all mixed, chewing gum base left second blender by delivery outlet 255.Disperse and various chewing gum base product for obtaining good component, can pass through, constitute various feed and the mixed-arrangement form realizes two or more arm mixer tandems.

Except that above-mentioned mixing oar, also can use other various mixing oars that bought by each extruder company.The oar that usually is called as the parts of kneading should have the effect of mixing in extruder.Oar can be for two-sided, three or multiaspect.

Although use identical equipment, the arm mixer that is called blender is compared with typical extruder has different characteristics.Difference between extruder and the blender be oar or the parts of kneading different with the ratio between the transfer unit.Transfer unit and compression member produce pressure in extruder.The oar or the pressure that parts produced of kneading are lower in extruder, thus more be that low pressure is mixed.If 40% the parts of kneading are housed in the extruder at least, the pressure that is produced is about 1/5～1/10 of the typical extruder that uses more transfer unit and compression member so.

Nearly all extruder all can be used as blender and uses.Yet the L/D ratio is that 3: 1 to 20: 1 low L/D can not be used as the high pressure extruder basically than blender.In addition, the effective shaft length with low L/D value blender is less, and compares the more oar of needs or the parts of kneading with transfer unit.For such blender, the mixing oar of being arranged on the turning cylinder should account for 50% at least, preferably accounts for 60% at least.On the contrary, be about 20/1 to 40/1 extruder for the L/D value, only about 40% axle needs to arrange the mixing oar or the parts of kneading.Greater than 40/1 high L/D extruder, only about 30% axle needs to arrange and mixes the oar or the parts of kneading for the L/D value.

One of major advantage of above-mentioned arm mixer most preferred embodiment is much longer than in the conventional extruder of holdup time in arm mixer.The holdup time less than that a lot of extruders are provided 2 minutes, or even less than 1 minute.Yet in above-mentioned best arm mixer, the available holdup time was at least 10 minutes, was at least 15～20 minutes preferably.C. blade-pin blender

The method of the present invention also can mainly be implemented by the continuous mixing device that hydrid component constituted that fraction simple transport parts only accurately are installed very expediently by using its mixing auger spare.Blender is blade-pin blender shown in Figure 17 preferably at present.This blender not only can be used for producing chewing gum base, and can produce complete chewing gum.Blade-pin blender is combined by the rotatable blender blade of selecting moulding and the cylindrical shell pin of fixing, and can provide effective mixing in quite short distance.The blade that can buy on a kind of market-pin blender is the Buss kneading machine, is made by the Buss AG that is positioned at Switzerland, can be bought by the U.S. Buss company that is positioned at Illinois Bloomingdale.

With reference to Figure 17, blade-pin blender 100 is made up of the single mixing auger spare 120 that is contained in the cylindrical shell 140 preferably at present, and in use, cylindrical shell 140 seals basically, surrounds mixing auger spare 120 fully.Mixing auger spare 120 is formed (among Fig. 1 only can see two row hybrid blades) around helical axis 122 with even spaced apart hybrid blade 124 by being essentially columniform axle 122 and three row.Hybrid blade 124 is radially outward stretched out by axle 122 upper edges, and each blade just looks like the blade of axe.

Mixing drum 140 has an inner tube wall housing 142, and when when blender 100 running middle cylinder bodies 140 seal around helical member 120, housing 142 is columniform basically.Three are listed as fixed pin 144 arranges with even interval around helical axis 142, and by radially inwardly stretching out on the barrel housing 142.Pin 144 is essentially cylindrical, and is that the end can be fillet or umbrella shape.

The mixing auger spare 120 that blade 124 is housed rotates in cylindrical shell 140, and is driven by variable speed motor (not shown).In rotation process, mixing auger spare 120 also moves forward and backward vertically, produces the synergy of rotating and axially mixing efficiently.In mixed process, hybrid blade 124 passes between steady pin 144 continuously, but does not contact between blade and the pin.In addition, the radial edges 126 of blade 124 does not contact with cylinder inner surface 142, and the end 146 of pin 144 never contacts with mixing auger axle 122.

Figure 18～22 show the various various helical elements that can be used for constituting best-of-breed functionality mixing auger spare 120.Figure 18 a and Figure 18 b show the helical element 60 and 61 that uses with the restrictor ring assembly.Each helical element 60 and 61 all have cylindrical outer surface 62, a plurality of from the surface 62 outwardly directed blade 64 and having be used for admitting mixing auger axle (not shown) and the inner opening 66 of the keyway 68 that is meshed with it.The length of second helical element 61 is about the twice of first helical element, 60 length.

Figure 18 c show along mixing auger spare 120 on selected position for setting up the restrictor ring assembly 70 that back pressure is used.Restrictor ring assembly 70 comprises that be installed on the barrel housing 142 two half restrictor rings 77 and 79 form, and in use, two restrictor ring tablings of half form the ring of a sealing.Restrictor ring assembly 70 comprises in an annular outer ring 72, the oblique angle as shown in the figure ring 74, be positioned at and be used to hold on encircling but do not contact the helical element 60 that is installed on the helical axis and 61 opening 76.Being positioned at construction opening 75 on two of restrictor ring assembly 70 half the surfaces 72 is used for two restrictor rings of half are installed in barrel housing 142.

Figure 19 shows in the running, the relation of restrictor ring assembly 70 and helical element 60,61.When blender rotating part 120 rotated in cylindrical shell 40 and axially moves around, the gap between helical element 60,61 and the interior ring 74 provided main thoroughfare from a side of restrictor ring assembly 70 to opposite side for material.The helical member 60 that is positioned at restrictor ring assembly upstream side comprises an improved blade 67, and the gap of ring 74 became possibility in this blade made.Other helical element 61 all is positioned at the downstream of restrictor ring assembly 70 basically, and have an end blade (can't see among the figure) near and wiping in the ring 74 facing surfaces.

Gap between the outer surface 62 of the helical element 60,61 that can change and preferably change in 1～5mm scope and the interior ring 74 of restrictor ring assembly 70 is determining the pressure that produced in restrictor ring assembly 70 upstream regions in blender 100 courses of work.The L/D that should be noted that upstream helical element 60 is about 1/3, is about 2/3 at the L/D of downstream helical element 61, and the result is for whole helical element, and total L/D is about 1.0.Restrictor ring assembly 70 has less L/D, is about 0.45, this value be meshing with each other but not contact the L/D of screw assembly 60,61 of restrictor ring assembly consistent.

Figure 20 and 21 shows mixing or " kneading " parts of finishing main hybrid working.Low shear-mixed parts 80 shown in Figure 20 and main difference part between the higher shear hydrid component 78 shown in Figure 21 are that the size of outwardly directed hybrid blade is different from the hydrid component.Among Figure 21, by outwardly directed higher shear hybrid blade 83 on the surface 81, than shown in Figure 20,82 outwardly directed by the surface, low shear-mixed blades 84 are longer and thicker.As above according to Figure 17, hydrid component 80 and 78 all is arranged on the axle by the circumferential compartment of terrain of three row.Use thicker blade shown in Figure 21 to mean, when helical member 120 rotates and moves forward and backward vertically, have between the blade and have less clearance (shown in Figure 17) between less end play and blade 83 and the steady pin 144.Near inevitable the causing than the highland hydrid component 78 that reduce in these gaps sheared.Single steady pin 144 for pulling down shown in Figure 22 from cylindrical shell 140.Pin 144 has threaded base portion 145, is used for fixing on the position of selecting along inner barrel 142.Some pins 144 are made center drilling, then also can be used as the fluid inlet.

Shown in Figure 23 is present best tube structure, and it has the cylindrical shell pin 144 of present optimal placement.Figure 24 is the corresponding diagrammatic sketch of present best mixing auger spare structure.Blender 200 its total L/D values of effectively mixing that its optimum structure is shown among Figure 23 and Figure 24 are about 19.

Blender 200 has initial feed district 210 and five mixed zones 220,230,240,250 and 260.Five big possible inlets 212,232,242,252 and 262 are located at feed zone 210,230,240,250 and 260 respectively, and these five inlets are used for the adding of main component (for example solid) to blender 200. Feed zone 240 and 260 also is provided with five less liquid injection ports 241,243,261,263 and 264, is used for the adding of liquid components.Liquid injection port 241,243,261,263 and 264 comprises aforesaid hollow special barrel body pin 144.

With reference to Figure 23, cylindrical shell pin 144 is preferably on great majority or all possible position, all arranges in three row modes as shown in the figure.

With reference to Figure 24, to most of chewing gum products, the mixing auger spare 120 of existing optimum structure is as described below.Be provided with L/D as 210 districts in initial feed district and be about 1～1/3 low shearing parts, such as parts 40 as shown in Figure 4.The L/D in initial feed district 210 is not very as a total part of effectively mixing L/D that is about 19, because the purpose in this district only is that component is transported in the mixed zone as mentioned above.

From left to right (Figure 24), two groups low shear-mixed parts 80 (Figure 20) are equipped with in first mixed zone 220, are two groups of high shear parts 78 (Figure 21) subsequently.1～1/3, two groups of height that two groups low shear-mixed parts account for mixed zone L/D are cut hydrid component and are accounted for 1～1/3 of mixed zone L/D.Total mixing L/D in 200 districts is about 3.0, comprises 57mm meropodium stream ring assemblies 70 end piece (not pointing out separately among Figure 24) with helical element 60,61 cooperatings.

Be connected across the initiating terminal of terminal and second mixed zone 230 of first mixed zone 220 with the restrictor ring assembly 70 of helical element 60,61 cooperatings, it is in part in second mixed zone 230 has and is about 1.0 associating L/D.From left to right, mixed zone 230 is made up of three groups of low shear-mixed parts 80 and 1.5 groups of high shear mixing parts 78.The mixing L/D that the mixing L/D of three groups of low shear-mixed parts is about 2.0,1.5 groups of high shear mixing parts is about 1.0, and total mixing L/D of mixed zone 230 is about 4.0 so.

Be connected across terminal and the 3rd mixed zone 240 initiating terminals in second mixed zone 230 be L/D be about 1.0 with helical element 60,61 restrictor ring assemblies 70 cooperating, long 60mm.From left to right, mixed zone 240 is about 4.5 groups of high shear mixing parts 78 of 3.0 and forms by mixing L/D.District 240 total L/D that mix are about 4.0.

What be connected across terminal and the 4th mixed zone initiating terminal in the 3rd mixed zone 240 is that another L/D is about 1.0, and the helical element cooperating, long 60mm restrictor ring assembly 70.So the other parts of the 4th mixed zone 250 with the 5th mixed zone by mix L/D be about 71/3, seven groups low shear-mixed parts 80 form.District 250 total L/D that mix are about 4.0, and district 260 total L/D that mix are about 4.0.The continuous chewing gum manufacturing of example 1-3-

When chewing gum base is when making in blade-pin blender, discovery can be finished the manufacturing of chewing-gum mixture in same blender.The present invention makes the step of chewing gum base and subsequently chewing gum base is made the step of chewing gum as follows.In order to adopt preferable blade-pin blender 200 (Figure 17) to finish the manufacturing of whole chewing gum, it is favourable that the rotating speed of mixing screw 120 is remained below about 150 rev/mins, is preferably lower than about 100 rev/mins.Simultaneously, preferably mixer temperature is optimized, make chewing gum base its temperature when initial other gum components of contact be about 130 °F or lower, and chewing gum product is about 130 or lower (being preferably in 125 or lower) in its temperature when blender flows out.This temperature optimization can be partly realized by office's body section of heating and/or water-cooled 220,230,240,250 and 260 (Figure 23) round the mixed zone selectively.

In order to make chewing gum base, can be undertaken by following preferred steps.First inlet 212 in the feed zone 210 of elastomer, a part of filler and at least some elastomer solvents adding blender 200, and when arrow 122 directions are carried, in first mixed zone 220, be subjected to the dispersion mixing of height.Remaining filler, elastomer solvent (if any) and polyvinyl acetate adds the second largest inlet 232 in second mixed zone 230, and component 230 remainder is subjected to the more mixing that distributes in the mixed zone.

Fat, oil, wax (if you are using), emulsifying agent and optional pigment and antioxidant add the liquid injection port 241 and 243 in the 3rd mixed zone 240, and component is being subjected to the mixing that distributes in mixed zone 240 when arrow 122 directions are carried.Here, the production of chewing gum base should be finished, and chewing gum base should leave the 3rd mixed zone 240 with basic homogeneous, nothing caking and the uniform form of mixtures of color.

The 4th mixed zone 250 is mainly used to cool off chewing gum base, although a spot of component also can here be added.Then, in order to make final chewing gum product, glycerine, cereal syrup, other loose sugared sweetener, high-intensity sweeteners and the spices of containing also can add the 5th mixed zone 260, and component is subjected to distributing and mixes.If chewing gum product should be not contain sugar, then available hydrogenated starch hydrolysate or sorbitol solution substitute the cereal syrup, and the aldehyde alcohol powder can be used to substitute sugar.

More preferably, glycerine adds first liquid injection port 261 in the 5th mixed zone 260.Solids fraction (high-intensity sweeteners of loose sweetener, capsule dress etc.) adds big inlet 262.Syrup (cereal syrup, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, sorbitol solution etc.) adds next liquid injection port 263, and spices adds last liquid injection port 264.Spices also can add at inlet 261 and 263, helping the plasticizing to chewing gum base, thereby reduces temperature and moment of torsion on the screw rod.This can make blender move under high rotating speed and high yield.

The material of gum components mixing or homogeneous is discharged than the mode of a continuous a fluid stream or " rope " from blender.This continuous a fluid stream or rope can be placed on the conveyer that moves and be brought to a forming station, make desirable form there, such as it being pressed into sheet, carry out indentation, are cut into strip.Because the manufacture process and the single continuous mixing device of whole chewing gum are combined into one, the variation of product is less, and product is cleaner and more stable because machinery and calorifics process simplify.Example 1-3

Ensuing example 1-3 adopts Buss kneading machine operation, and the mixing screw diameter of this kneader is 100 millimeters, has the structure (unless otherwise specified) of above-mentioned preferred mode, has five mixed zones, and always mixing L/D is 19, and initial delivery L/D is 1-1/3.Product mixture is discharged with the form of a continuous rope.

Liquid component employing displacement pump infeeds (unless otherwise specified) big inlet and/or the less liquid injection port that generally is in above-mentioned position.The size of pump is suitable, and is adjusted to and can finishes required feeding speed.

The component of doing adopts the adding of gravity screw feeding machine to be positioned at the big feed inlet of position as mentioned above.Equally, feed and size are certain, and are adjusted to and can finish required feeding speed.

Temperature control is no more than 200 place in temperature and adopts water-cooled by liquid being flow through be achieved round the sleeve pipe in each mixing drum tagma with in the circulation that mixes spiral shell material inside, adopts oil cooling under higher temperature.When the needs water-cooled, adopt running water (general about 57) and do not need other chilling.

Convection cell and component mixture are all reported temperature.Fluid temperature (F.T.) is all set each cylindrical shell mixed zone (corresponding to the district in Figure 23 and 24 220,230,240,250 and 260), and at following Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and the Z5 of being reported as respectively.Fluid temperature (F.T.) is also set mixing screw 120, as at the following S1 that is reported as.

The temperature of actual mix is near the downstream near mixed zone 220,230,240 and 250, near all noting down near 260 middle parts, mixed zone and near near 260 ends, mixed zone.These mixture temperatures are at following T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and the T6 of being reported as respectively.The actual mix temperature is subjected to the heat exchange performance of circulation of fluid temperature, mixture and circumjacent cylindrical shell.And it is the influences such as machinery heating of mixed process generation, and usually different with design temperature because of other factors.

All components inserts continuous mixing device under environment temperature (about 77), unless indicate in addition.Example 1

25/75% filler of sharing

This example has shown a kind of preparation that is used to make the chewing gum base of peppermint (peppermint) fragrance sugar-containing chewing gum.The mixture of 40.854% levigate levigate calcium carbonate of leading fourth rubber, 21.176% low-molecular-weight terpene resin, 21.358% high one's share of expenses for a joint undertaking amount terpene resin and 16.612% adds first inlet 212 with 21.3 Pounds Per Hours speed.

The mixture of 6.172% HMW polyvinyl acetate, 49.363% low-molecular-weight polyvinyl acetate, 5.790% HMW terpene resin, 5.790% low-molecular-weight terpene resin, 31.496% levigate calcium carbonate and 1.390% pigment adds second largest inlet 232 with 20.6 Pounds Per Hours speed.Polyisobutene (being preheated to 250) also adds second largest inlet with 3.5 Pounds Per Hours speed.

Fat blend (225) is with 14.16 Pounds Per Hours general speed injection region 240.This fat blend comprises 37% cotmar, 22% hydrogenated soybean oil, 15% partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, 23% glycerin monostearate, 2.4% beans lecithin and 0.12% BHT.

Glycerine is with 3.87 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.The speed with 203.1 Pounds Per Hours of 85% sucrose and a glucose aldohydrol of 15% adds big feed 262.Cereal syrup (100) is with 30.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.Peppermint (peppermint) spices is with 3.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.

Each is distinguished temperature (Z1-Z5) and is set in 350,350,100,55 and 55 °F respectively, and extruder temperature (S1) is set in 100 °F.The warm value of mixture temperature (T1-T6) is respectively 322,289,161,118,109 and 89 °F.Screw speed is set in 60 rev/mins.

This product leaves blender with 122 temperature.Example 2

50/50% filler of sharing

This example has shown a kind of preparation that is used for making the chewing gum base of peppermint (peppermint) sugar-containing chewing gum.The mixture of the terpene resin of 35.089% levigate buttress rubber, 18.188% low-molecular-weight terpene resin, 18.344% HMW and 28.379% levigate calcium carbonate adds first inlet 212 with 18.8 Pounds Per Hours speed.

The calcium carbonate of 6.899% HMW polyvinyl acetate, 6.472% HMW terpene resin, 23.427% fine grinding and 1.553% pigment add second largest inlet 232 with 22.24 Pounds Per Hours speed.Polyisobutene (being preheated to 250) also adds second largest inlet with 23.0 Pounds Per Hours speed.

Fat blend (225) is with 14.16 Pounds Per Hours general speed injection region 240.This fat blend comprises 37% cotmar, 22% hydrogenated soybean oil, 15% partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, 23% glycerin monostearate, 2.4% beans lecithin and 0.12% BHT.

Glycerine is with 3.87 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.The mixture of 85% sucrose and a glucose aldohydrol of 15% adds big inlet 262 with 203.1 Pounds Per Hours speed.Cereal syrup (100) is with 30.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.Peppermint (peppermint) spices is with 3.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.

Each is distinguished temperature (Z1-Z5) and is set in 350,350,100,55 and 55 °F respectively, and extruder temperature (S1) is set in 100 °F.Mixture temperature (T1-T6) measured value is respectively 323,290,162,115,107 and 89 °F.Screw speed is set in 60 rev/mins.

Product flows out blender with 122 temperature.Example 3

75/25% filler of sharing

This example has shown a kind of preparation of chewing gum base of the sugar-containing chewing gum that is used for making peppermint (peppermint) fragrance, and the mixture of the calcium carbonate of the terpene resin of 30.708% levigate buttress rubber, 15.917% low-molecular-weight terpene resin, 16.054% HMW and 37.322% fine grinding adds first feed 212 with 16.3 Pounds Per Hours speed.

The mixture of the calcium carbonate of 7.808% HMW polyvinyl acetate, 62.452% low-molecular-weight polyvinyl acetate, 7.325% HMW terpene resin, 7.325% low-molecular-weight terpene resin, 13.331% fine grinding and 1.758% pigment adds second largest inlet 232 with 22.24 Pounds Per Hours speed.Polyisobutene (being preheated to 250) also adds second largest inlet with 26.1 Pounds Per Hours speed.

Fat blend (225) is with 14.16 Pounds Per Hours general speed injection region 240.This fat blend comprises 37% cotmar, 22% hydrogenated soybean oil, 15% partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, 23% glycerin monostearate, 2.4% beans lecithin and 0.12% BHT.

Glycerine is with 3.87 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.The mixture of 85% sucrose and a glucose aldohydrol of 15% adds big inlet 262 with 203.1 Pounds Per Hours speed.Cereal syrup (100) is with 30.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.Peppermint (peppermint) spices is with 3.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.

Each is distinguished temperature (Z1-Z5) and is set in 350,350,100,55 and 55 °F respectively, and extruder temperature (S1) is set in 100 °F.Mixture temperature (T1-T6) measured value is respectively 322,286,161,116,107 and 88 °F.Spiral shell phase speed setting is at 60 rev/mins.

Product flows out the mixed zone with 124 temperature.Comparative example

100% filler is to inlet 232

This comparative example has shown a kind of preparation of chewing gum base of the sugar-containing chewing gum that is used for making peppermint (peppermint) fragrance.48.993% levigate buttress rubber, 25.394% low-molecular-weight terpene resin and 25.613% HMW terpene resin add first inlet 212 with 24.4 Pounds Per Hours speed.

The mixture of 5.588% HMW polyvinyl acetate, 44.690% low-molecular-weight polyvinyl acetate, 5.242% HMW terpene resin, 5.242% low-molecular-weight terpene resin, 37.981% levigate calcium carbonate and 1.258% pigment adds second largest inlet 232 with 22.24 Pounds Per Hours speed.Polyisobutene (being preheated to 250) also adds second largest inlet with 17.7 Pounds Per Hours speed.

Fat blend (225) is with 14.16 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 240.This fat blend comprises 37% cotmar, 22% hydrogenated soybean oil, 15% partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil, 23% glycerin monostearate, 2.4% beans lecithin and 0.22% BHT.

Glycerine is with 3.87 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.The mixture of 85% sucrose and a glucose aldohydrol of 15% adds district 260 with 203.1 Pounds Per Hours speed.Cereal syrup (100) is with 30.0 Pounds Per Hours speed injection region 260.Peppermint (peppermint) spices with 3.0 pounds/little

Each is distinguished temperature (Z1-Z5) and is set in 350,350,100,55 and 55 °F respectively, and extruder temperature (S1) is set in 100 °F.The measured value of mixture temperature (T1-T6) is respectively 333,292,162,118,110 and 90 °F.Screw speed is set in 60 rev/mins.

Product leaves blender with 121 temperature.

Should be understood that method of the present invention may be embodied in the various forms of embodiment, only illustrates and described some embodiment above.The present invention can implement with other form that does not depart from spirit of the present invention or essential characteristics.Can understand, add some not particularly including other component, step, material or become branch that the present invention is had adverse effect.Therefore, optimal mode of the present invention can not comprise except above listed the present invention comprise or those components, step, material or the composition that use component, step, material or composition.But the foregoing description only is used for illustrating rather than limit that therefore scope of the present invention is indicated by appended claim book rather than top description in every respect.Meaning and all changes in the scope in the equivalence of claim are included in this scope.

Claims (34)

1. the method for a continuous gum base manufacturing may further comprise the steps:

A) the chewing gum base component that will comprise a kind of hard elastics body, filler and one or more lubricants adds a blade-pin blender with a plurality of inlets that spatially separate continuously, the described hard elastics body of at least a portion and a part of described filler are imported into described blender by one or more first inlets, and a part of described filler is imported into described blender by one or more second inlets that are positioned at the described first inlet downstream part;

B) allow the chewing gum base component in blender, be subjected to continuous immixture, thereby produce a kind of chewing gum base; And

C) when the chewing gum base component being continued to import blender and mixing within it, chewing gum base is discharged from blender continuously.

2. the method for a continuous gum base manufacturing may further comprise the steps:

A) will comprise a kind of hard elastics body, the chewing gum base component of filler and one or more lubricants adds one and has the continuous mixing device that at least one disperses mixed zone and at least one distribution mixed zone and a plurality of inlets that spatially separate, the described hard elastics body of at least a portion and a part of described filler are imported into described blender by one or more end, described dispersion mixed zone charging apertures before that are positioned at, the described filler of a part by one or more be positioned at downstream, described dispersion mixed zone be imported into as the inlet of front, end, distribution mixed zone as described in being positioned at as described in blender, to being optimized at the ratio of the filler quantity of disperseing the end, mixed zone to add previously with the filler quantity that adds at dispersion mixed zone downstream part, so that chewing gum base contains the filler of requirement, and disperse to mix and to carry out suitable mastication to the hard elastics body effectively;

B) make the chewing gum base component in blender, be subjected to continuous immixture, thereby produce chewing gum base; And

C) when the chewing gum base component continues to be imported into blender and mixes within it, chewing gum base is discharged continuously from blender.

3. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that continuous mixing device comprises single type equipment.

4. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, blender comprises a blade-pin blender.

5. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the hard elastics body contacts with filler before any substantive mastication carrying out.

6. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, lubricant is imported into continuous mixing device in the described charging aperture position that spatially separates.

7. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, disperses the mixed zone because the use of high shear mixing parts in blender, chewing gum base mixing and the temperature of blender and fully loaded situation etc. within it play its effect in conjunction with factor.

8. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, chewing gum base is discharged blender with the form of the part of chewing-gum mixture.

9. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, all hard elastics bodies all add at first charging aperture.

10. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, filler is chosen from the thing group of being made up of calcium carbonate, talcum, magnesium carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate and composition thereof.

11. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, lubricant is chosen from the thing group of being made up of elasticator (elasticizer) solvent, softening agent, mollielast, thermoplastic polymer and composition thereof.

12. method as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that thermoplastic polymer comprises polyvinyl acetate.

13. method as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, elastomer solvent is selected from the thing group of being made up of terpene resin, natural rosin fat and composition thereof.

14. method as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, plasticiser is selected from the thing group of being made up of fat, oil, wax, emulsifying agent and composition thereof.

15. method as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, it is about 200000 that the Flory molecular weight of hard elastics body surpasses, and the Flory molecular weight of mollielast is lower than about 100000.

16. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, mollielast is selected from the thing group of being made up of polyisobutene, polybutadiene and composition thereof.

17. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, the hard elastics body is selected from the thing group of being made up of buttress rubber, butadiene-styrene rubber, natural rubber, natural gum and composition thereof.

18. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the mixed zone is higher than under 175 the peak temperature one in disperseing the mixed zone works.

19. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, blender is higher than under 250 the peak temperature one in dispersing mixer works.

20. method as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, blender is higher than under 300 the peak temperature one in disperseing the mixed zone works.

21. method that makes the process optimizing of continuous gum base manufacturing, wherein, comprise the hard elastics body, the chewing gum base component of filler and one or more lubricants is added continuous mixing device continuously and is mixed within it, to produce chewing gum base, when the chewing gum base component continues to import blender and mixes within it, chewing gum base is discharged continuously from blender, continuous mixing device has at least one and disperses the mixed zone, at least one is positioned at distribution mixed zone and a plurality of charging aperture that spatially separates in downstream, described dispersion mixed zone, and this method may further comprise the steps:

A) disperse end, mixed zone one or more charging apertures before to add by being positioned at least a portion hard elastics body, at least a portion lubricant and a part of filler;

B) a part of filler is added by being positioned at described dispersion mixed zone downstream part and being positioned at end, described distribution mixed zone one or more inlets before; And

C) ratio to the quantity of the filler that adds at step a and the filler quantity that adds at step b carries out optimization, thereby makes the chewing gum base of production contain the filler of requirement, and mixed process is brought the chewing gum base of best quality.

22. the method for a continuous gum base manufacturing may further comprise the steps:

A) the chewing gum base component that will comprise hard elastics body, filler and one or more lubricants adds the continuous mixing device that comprises a plurality of inlets that spatially separate continuously, and described filler adds at a plurality of described inlets;

B) temperature of control blender makes that its peak temperature is above 250 °F under stable state;

C) make the chewing gum base component in blender, be subjected to continuous immixture, thereby produce chewing gum base; And

D) when the chewing gum base component continues to import blender and mixes within it, chewing gum base is discharged continuously from blender.

23. chewing gum base of making by method according to claim 1.

24. chewing gum base of making by method as described in claim 2.

25. chewing gum base of making by method as described in claim 21.

26. chewing gum base of making by method as described in claim 22.

27. chewing gum product that comprises the chewing gum base of making by method according to claim 1.

28. chewing gum product that comprises the chewing gum base of making by method as described in claim 2.

29. chewing gum product that comprises the chewing gum base of making by method as described in claim 21.

30. chewing gum product that comprises the chewing gum base of making by method as described in claim 22.

31. a method of making chewing-gum mixture, wherein, chewing gum base is by method manufacturing according to claim 1, and mixes with flavouring agent, leavening agent and sweetener, to make described chewing-gum mixture.

32. a method of making chewing-gum mixture, wherein, chewing gum base is by method manufacturing as described in claim 2, and mixes with flavouring agent, leavening agent and sweetener, to make described chewing-gum mixture.

33. a method of making chewing-gum mixture, wherein, chewing gum base is by method manufacturing as described in claim 21, and mixes with flavouring agent, leavening agent and sweetener, to make described chewing-gum mixture.

34. a method of making chewing-gum mixture, wherein, chewing gum base is by method manufacturing as described in claim 22, and mixes with flavouring agent, leavening agent and sweetener, to make described chewing-gum mixture.

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