Fouling and cleaning studies of protein fouling at pasteurisation temperatures

Alharthi, Majed (2014). Fouling and cleaning studies of protein fouling at pasteurisation temperatures. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Alharthi14PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (10MB)

Abstract

Fouling and cleaning processes impact industrial production, in terms of economics, product quality, product safety, and plant efficiency. Therefore, optimisation of fouling and cleaning processes is a significant issue, and needs a good understanding of fouling and cleaning kinetics. Ideal monitors should determine the right time when a process run should stop and when a plant will be clean in order to improve the process efficiency.

This thesis investigated the fouling and cleaning behaviour of dairy fluids in a plate heat exchanger (PHE) and bench scale fouling rig, using whey protein concentrate (WPC) and WPC-/m (with added minerals) as fluid models. Fouling and cleaning monitoring methods were also investigated as new ways to operate and control the processes. Experiments displayed that fouling increased with increasing protein concentration up to a limit of approx. β-Lg 0.3 wt. %. Increasing the flow rate from 100 to 150 l/h decreased the Δ(ΔP) fouling rate for β-Lg concentrations of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5wt.% by 34, 70 and 72.7%, respectively, due to the increasing of shear stresses at the heat transfer surface. Adding minerals to WPC has lowered the temperature at which β-Lg begins to denature. The differences in fouling behaviour of WPC and WPCm had an effect on cleaning behaviour. Increasing the mineral content in WPC deposits leads to cleaning behaviour which differs completely from that of proteinaceous deposit as no pressure peak is observed.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):