Continuous protein coagulation process - with rotating blade producing turbulent flow at high rate of shear

摘要

Continuous coagulation process, applicable to a large variety of proteins in a liq. mixt., is effected by the addn. of a coagulating agent under conditions of turbulent flow. An important commercial source of protein is animal blood from oxen and pigs which is available in abattoirs and contains 80-85% of water. The blood, mixed with water or blood serum in a dilution reservoir, is transferred to the coagulating recipient which consists of a cylindrical vessel fitted with an agitator blade producing a high rate of shear. The rotating blade produces a small, localised zone with a very high turbulent flow near its periphery. The blood is introduced at the base while steam is admitted by the pipes directly into the zone where the blood and the steam mix under heat transfer conditions in which the blood coagulates instantaneously. The blade also agitates the liq. mass and creates a vortex. The top of the coagulator has an overflow device for the liq. contg. the coagulated particles. This liq. is centrifuged to separate the coagulated blood from the water and the serum which can be recycled. The coagulated protein is in the form of non-sticking particles of uniform size; the protein is of a good quality and is highly digestible.