In modern industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, papermaking, and adhesives, pre-gelatinized starch is widely used for its excellent cold-water solubility, adhesiveness, and stability. To further improve its dispersibility, dissolution rate, and product performance, jet mill for pre-gelatinized starch grinding technology has become an ideal solution for fine processing.
What is Pre-gelatinized Starch?
Pre-gelatinized starch is a modified starch produced by heating, gelatinizing, and drying natural starch so that it becomes partially or completely gelatinized.
Compared with native starch, it has the following advantages:
- Rapid dispersion and dissolution in cold water;
- Higher viscosity and adhesive strength;
- Easier mixing with other components;
- Excellent stability and processing adaptability in food and pharmaceutical products.
However, during drying and storage, pre-gelatinized starch particles tend to agglomerate, resulting in reduced flowability, uneven particle size, and poor dispersion. Therefore, an efficient, low-temperature, and contamination-free grinding method is needed to enhance its performance.
Working Principle and Features of the Jet Mill
A Jet Mill is a fine grinding device that utilizes the kinetic energy of high-speed gas flow (typically compressed air, nitrogen, or superheated steam) to achieve particle size reduction.
High-speed gas jet:
High-pressure gas is accelerated through a Laval nozzle, generating a supersonic jet stream.
Particle-to-particle impact (self-grinding):
Pre-gelatinized starch particles are carried into the grinding chamber and accelerated by the high-speed airflow. They collide and rub against each other at the intersection of jet streams or within the chamber. This “self-grinding” mechanism is the core principle of jet milling.
Precision classification:
The Jet Mill is usually integrated with a high-precision turbine classifier. Fine particles are carried out by the airflow, while coarse ones are intercepted by the classifier wheel and returned to the grinding zone for further processing. This ensures precise control of particle size distribution (e.g., d50 1–10 μm).
Unique Advantages of Jet Mill for Pre-gelatinized Starch
- Ultrafine Grinding Capability
Jet milling can reduce pre-gelatinized starch particles to the micron or even submicron scale, significantly increasing specific surface area and improving dissolution and dispersion performance. - Low Contamination and Minimal Wear
Since grinding is mainly achieved through particle-to-particle collision, equipment wear is extremely low, minimizing the risk of metal contamination — a crucial factor for food- and pharmaceutical-grade starch. - Low-temperature Grinding
Starch is a heat-sensitive material. During gas expansion, the jet stream produces a cooling effect, effectively preventing thermal degradation or re-gelatinization of the material and preserving its functional properties. - Narrow Particle Size Distribution
The built-in high-efficiency classifier ensures a uniform and narrow particle size distribution. This improves batch consistency and enhances the performance of the final product.
Application Value
Pre-gelatinized starch that has been ultrafinely ground by a Jet Mill demonstrates higher application value in several industries:
- Food Industry:
Used as a thickener and stabilizer in instant foods such as powdered drinks, soups, and puddings, improving solubility and mouthfeel. - Pharmaceutical Industry:
Functions as a disintegrant, binder, or capsule filler in tablets. Micronization enhances compressibility and bioavailability. - Chemical and Building Materials:
Serves as a water-retaining or binding agent in latex paints, mortars, and dry-mix products. The ultrafine powder ensures better dispersion and improved workability.
Conclusion
Jet Mill grinding technology offers a new and efficient solution for processing pre-gelatinized starch. It significantly improves dispersibility, solubility, and stability.
The process also preserves the original structure and function of the material.
Low-temperature and contamination-free conditions ensure product quality.
With advanced process control and rich powder processing experience, EPIC Powder’s Jet Mill systems are the ideal choice. They enable fine and high-value processing of pre-gelatinized starch in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
