10 September 2024 | Dr. Baldeep Kaur, University of Greenwich
Sugar is a staple in our daily lives, found in everything from our morning coffee to our favorite desserts. But behind this everyday ingredient lies a complex challenge that manufacturers and suppliers in the sugar industry face: the issue of moisture migration. Baldeep Kaur, an expert in this field, will be shedding light on this intriguing topic at the upcoming Sorption Symposium Europe 2024 in her presentation titled "Moisture Migration Dynamics in Specialty Sugars."
Understanding Moisture Migration in Sugars
Have you ever opened a bag of icing sugar or demerara sugar only to find it has turned into a hard, unmanageable lump? This frustrating experience is a result of moisture interacting with the sugar. Sugar, being highly soluble in water, forms a liquid crust on the surface of the sugar crystals when exposed to moisture. As this liquid crust dries, it leads to the "caking" of sugar, transforming it into the solid, rock-hard lumps we’ve all encountered. In her presentation, Baldeep Kaur will explore the effects of this moisture interaction and how it impacts the quality assurance of sugars as a product.
The Inspiration Behind the Research
Baldeep Kaur’s research was sparked by a conversation with one of the leading manufacturers of demerara sugar. The issue of sugar caking, especially during the shipping of bulk bags across continents, was a significant problem for the industry. The challenges didn’t stop there—storing demerara sugar presented additional difficulties. These practical issues led Kaur to delve deeper into understanding the dynamics of moisture migration in sugars, aiming to find solutions that could benefit both producers and consumers.
Why This Topic Matters Now
Despite being a common issue, there is surprisingly little research available on moisture migration dynamics in sugars. This is an everyday problem that affects not only consumers but also the entire supply chain in the sugar industry. As such, Kaur’s research is timely and highly relevant, addressing a gap in the current understanding of how moisture affects sugar products during storage and transportation.
Key Insights and Practical Applications
In her presentation, Kaur will emphasize the importance of understanding moisture migration dynamics and its impact on quality control and assurance, particularly when handling sugars in bulk quantities. The study also highlights the crucial role that proper packaging plays in preventing these issues. By using bulk samples in her research, Kaur’s findings are directly applicable to the real-world processes used in the sugar industry, offering practical solutions to enhance product quality.
Future Implications for the Sugar Industry
The insights gained from Kaur’s research have the potential to significantly improve quality control measures in the sugar industry. By better understanding and controlling moisture migration, producers can ensure that their products remain within the acceptable quality range, whether for industrial or domestic consumers. This could lead to enhanced storage methods, better packaging solutions, and ultimately, a higher-quality product for consumers worldwide.
Join the Discussion at Sorption Symposium Europe 2024
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating topic, don’t miss Baldeep Kaur’s presentation at the Sorption Symposium Europe 2024. The symposium will take place from September 18th to 20th at the University of Vienna in Austria. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from experts like Kaur, ask questions, and engage in discussions that could shape the future of the sugar industry. Mark your calendar and be part of this exciting event!
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about this exciting innovation and be part of shaping the future of pharmaceutical formulation!
Register here: https://www.sorptionhub.com/sorption-symposium-eur24