The objective of this study was to scale-up the sonocrystallization process from a batch design to a continuous crystallization in a scraped surface heat exchanger (SSHE) using a low saturated palm-based fat. The sample was crystallized at 32, 30, 28 and 26°C (Tc) in batch and in a SSHE. High intensity ultrasound (HIU, 20 kHz, ½” tip, 50% amplitude, 57W) was applied for 10s in batch and in 3 pulses (10sON/10sOFF) in the SSHE. After crystallization samples were stored (48h/25°C) and analyzed for crystal microstructure, melting behavior, oil binding capacity (OBC), hardness, and viscoelastic properties. HIU improved the physical properties of the material when crystallized in batch at all Tc. The OBC increased at least 20% and G’ was five times higher, Tp and ∆H were lower, and crystals were smaller in sonicated samples (p<0.05). SSHE at 26°C was the only condition improved by HIU. G’ and hardness were the highest in sonicated SSHE samples crystallized at 26°C (141kPa, 4.5N) and these values were even higher that the ones obtained in batch. OBC was also improved in sonicated SSHE samples (77%) but in lower magnitude compared to the OBC obtained in batch (82%). No difference between melting parameters and crystal size were observed. At 28, 30, and 32°C a less elastic material was formed (70kPa, 14kPa and 2kPa, respectively) compared to non-sonicated samples (94kPa, 91kPa and 52kPa). These results show that HIU can improve the physical properties of fats in a SSHE under specific crystallization conditions.
