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US 2006/0069244 A1Published application
Method and system for solubilizing protein
AssigneesThe Texas A&M University System, Terrabon Technology Corp.
InventorsMark Holtzapple, Gary Noyes, Richard Davison, Cesar Granda
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Abstract
A process for solubilization of protein including application of an alkali, such as lime, and heating. The process may also involve lime recovery and may be accomplished in a single stage or two stages to separate protein solubilized from labile and recalcitrant sources. Systems and devices for use in such process, including a continuous stirred tank reactor and a plug flow reactor are also involved.
Claims34
A method of solubilizing protein comprising:
- applying an alkali to a protein source to form a slurry;
- heating the slurry to a temperature sufficient to allow hydrolysis of protein in the protein source to obtain a reaction liquid;
- separating solids from the reaction liquid;
- neutralizing the reaction liquid with acid or an acid source to produce a neutralized liquid;
- concentrating the neutralized liquid to produce concentrated liquid and water;
- and
- returning the water to the slurry before or during the heating step.
4 more elements
A system for solubilizing protein comprising:
- a heated reactor operable to react a protein source and an alkali to produce a reaction liquid;
- a solid/liquid separator operable to separate solids from the reaction liquid;
- a neutralization tank operable to allow addition of acid to the reaction liquid to produce a neutralized liquid;
- a concentration tank operable to concentrate neutralized liquid and to produce a concentrated liquid and water;
- a conduit operable to pass water from the concentration tank to the heated reactor;
- and
- at least one heat exchanger operable to exchange process heat.
4 more elements
A system for solubilizing protein comprising:
- a reacting means operable to react a protein source and an alkali to produce a reaction liquid;
- a solid/liquid separating means operable to separate solids from the reaction liquid;
- a neutralizing means operable to allow addition of acid to the reaction liquid to produce a neutralized liquid;
- a concentrating means operable to concentrate neutralized liquid and to produce a concentrated liquid and water;
- a means operable to pass water from the concentration tank to the heated reactor;
- and
- at least one heat exchange means operable to exchange process heat.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.