LACTOSE CRYSTALLIZATION - EFFECTS OF MINERALS AND SEEDING

Individual and combined effect of five minerals, which exist as the major part of ash in the milk and whey were studied as they affect the gross yield of lactose crystallization. These were analyzed by the Fractional Factorial Design method using simulated condensed whey solutions prepared with different combinations of major minerals. Results showed that K+, Ca2+, PO4(3-), and K+ together with PO4(3-) have significant effects on the residual lactose concentration in supernatant in the crystallization step of lactose recovery. While seeding in the crystallization process assisted nucleation and crystallization, extending the aging period made little difference. This study suggests that pretreatment and partial demineralization along with seeding would improve lactose recovery from whey or milk permeates.