Patent ID: 6048565
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A23C

Abstract:
A process for converting whey into free-flowing, non-caking powdery products comprising the steps ofcollection and pretreatment of the whey,vacuum evaporation of the collected whey obtaining a whey paste concentrate with 65-80% solid and in which the entire content of lactose is in solution,crystallization of the whey paste concentrate transforming most of its lactose content into alpha-monohydrate form comprising at least a first stage of crystallization whereby the whey concentrate is initially cooled as well as a final stage of crystallization whereby the whey concentrate is finally cooled so that 80 to 95% of the lactose will be present as alpha monohydrate, andair drying said crystallized whey obtaining free-flowing, non-caking powder,wherein a secondary stream is fed to be mixed with the main stream of initially cooled whey concentrate passing through the stages of crystallization.