Application of a decanter centrifuge for casein fractionation on pilot scale: Effect of operational parameters on total solid, purity and yield in solid discharge

摘要

Individual casein fractions are of growing interest because of their multifunctional applications. The fractions of caseins (alpha(S)-, beta- & kappa-) possess a wide range of bio- and techno-functional properties. Although various isolation and purification methods to obtain casein fractions have been reported, there is still a need for improvement, especially on a technical scale. The aim of this study was to develop and establish a continuous process for the fractionation of caseins. The fractions were obtained from micellar casein by means of selective precipitation. The separation process was performed using a temperature-controlled decanter centrifuge. Enrichment of the fractions was optimised by altering the operational parameters of the decanter (inner weir diameter (empty set(weir)), centrifugal force (F-Z), differential speed (Delta n), flow rate (V.)). A 95% pure casein fraction containing alpha(S)- and beta- casein was obtained. The purity and yield of the kappa-casein fraction were 54% and 83%, respectively. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.