Modeling and Simulation the Fixed Bed Column Extraction of Inulin from Garlic (Allium sativum L. var. Chonan)

Inulin is a fructan found in many plants as a reserve carbohydrate. It is an ingredient that integrates the group of "functional foods" improving physiological function, preventing diseases, replacing fat and sugar, and acting as a stabilizer. This work carried out the modeling and experimental data simulation obtained in the inulin extraction process from garlic in continuous flow. The extraction system comprehends a column of 60cm(3)filled with garlic and glass pearls. The study was conducted in flow rate of 0.59, 2.4, and 4.7 cm(3)/min at 60 degrees C with single passage of solvent and recirculation. For all configurations studied, the model described satisfactorily the inulin extraction tendency. Were obtained low values of Peclet number, indicating the importance of the bed dispersive nature.