Alginate is a naturally occurring polysaccharide derived mainly from brown seaweeds such as kelp and sargassum. It is commonly known in commercial contexts as sodium alginate due to its adhesive properties and wide usage. Alginic acid, the acidic form of alginate, is also referred to as alginic acid. Alginate has broad applications, especially in the food industry, where it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent.
**Process Flow**
The production process involves several key steps:
Raw materials (kelp, sargassum) → Soaking → Digestion → Filtration → Acid Gel Formation → Alkali Gel Formation → Dehydration and Drying → Final Product
**Key Operational Steps**
1. Soak the seaweed in a 0.8% to 1% formaldehyde solution for 8 to 24 hours to preserve color, then thoroughly rinse with water to remove any remaining formaldehyde.
2. After pigment fixation, the raw material is treated with sodium carbonate. A small amount of formaldehyde solution is added, and the mixture is heated to facilitate digestion.
3. The resulting liquid is first filtered using a coarse cloth, and if necessary, filtered again through a finer mesh for better clarity.
4. The filtered solution is then acidified using industrial-grade sulfuric or hydrochloric acid until the pH reaches around 2. At this point, sodium alginate precipitates as a gel, which is then washed to remove excess acid.
5. The washed gel is placed into a saturated sodium carbonate solution to convert the alginic acid into its sodium salt. The pH is adjusted to 8–9, and the mixture is stirred as needed.
6. The final product is dehydrated using alcohol and dried to produce the finished alginate powder.
7. The final product should be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption. In China, it is commonly packaged in plastic bags or cardboard boxes for distribution.
This detailed process ensures that the alginate produced is of high quality and suitable for various industrial and commercial uses.
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