Effect of instantaneous controlled pressure drop process on the hydration capacity of scleroglucan: optimisation of operating conditions by response surface methodology

Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of the processing parameters in the instantaneous controlled pressure drop process (DIC, "Détente Instantanée Contrôlée") on the hydration capacity of scleroglucan. This process involves applying steam pressure of between 1 and 6 bar to scleroglucan for a short period of time and then dropping the pressure instantaneously to a vacuum at 15 mbar. Hydration was determined by measuring the increase in viscosity with rapid stirring. Responses were the initial dissolution rate and the maximum viscometer torque produced during hydration of the dried product.