MASS-BALANCE CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHEMICAL RECYCLING IN 2 PHASE AQUEOUSFRACTIONATION OF PROTEINS

Mathematical modelling, using mass balances, of a polymer/salt two pha se aqueous protein fractionation process with phase chemical recycle, is used to investigate the effect of several process parameters on pha se chemical requirement. Data available on whey protein fractionation to produce alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin are used. Paramete rs considered include the fraction of phase chemicals recycled, concen trating of phase chemicals in the recycles, bottom phase polymer conce ntration, concentrating of protein in the feed stream, and the effect of protein build-up due to recycling. The analysis shows that consider able savings in phase chemical requirement can be made by selecting ap propriate process parameter values.