Process for separating components of skim milk
OwnerStanley Alan Robert KILROYinventor
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Abstract
This invention relates to a process for separating components of skim milk, in particular to the extraction of milk proteins and lactose from skim milk powder. The method involves combining skim milk powder with water, raising the temperature of the resulting mixture followed by cooling the mixture to produce a viscous casein fraction and a less viscous lactose fraction, and then separating the two fractions with optional purification.
Claims16
A method for extracting at least one component from skim milk powder comprising the steps of:
- a) combining the skim milk powder with water;
- b) raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to greater than 93° C.;
- c) cooling the mixture to produce a viscous casein fraction and a less viscous lactose fraction;
- and
- d) separating the lactose fraction from the casein fraction;
- and, optionally,
- e) purifying one or both fractions.
A method of treating skim milk powder comprising the components lactose and milk protein, preferably casein, to facilitate extraction of at least one component, the method comprising combining the skim milk powder with water and raising the temperature of the resulting mixture to greater than 93° C., preferably greater than 95° C., followed by cooling to effect separation of the components.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.