Work

Integrating Whey Processing: Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration, and Water Reuse from Diafiltration

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This work proposes an integrated production of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and lactose and the recovery of water from diafiltration (DF) steps. Whey protein and lactose can be concentrated using ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, respectively, and both can be purified using DF. However, DF uses three-fold the initial volume of whey. We propose a method to reclaim this water using reverse osmosis and adsorption by activated carbon. We produced WPC with 88% protein and purified lactose (90%), and 66% of the water can be reclaimed as drinking water. Additionally, the reclaimed water was used to produce another batch of WPC, with no decrease in product quality. Water recovery from the whey process is necessary to meet the needs of a dairy refinery.

Source: Membranes

DOI: 10.3390/membranes14090191

Authors: Vandré Barbosa Brião, Juliane Mossmann, Bruna Seguenka, Samarah Graciola, Jeferson Steffanello Piccin

Institutions: Universidade de Passo Fundo, Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões

Language: English

Topic: Membrane Separation Technologies

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,069