Patent ID: 7754876
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: A23L,A23V,A61K,A61P,C07H,C13B,C13K,Y02E,Y02W

Abstract:
1. A method for the production of crystalline lactose of pharmaceutical grade from clarified whey solution including the steps of: (a) ultrafiltration of the clarified whey solution to obtain whey permeate; (b) primary demineralisation of the solution from step (a) by treatment with about 0.014 to 0.025 M calcium chloride and/or calcium hydroxide; (c) filtration or centrifugation of the solution from step (b) and, optionally, treatment of the solution with charcoal; (d) concentration of the solution from step (c) to 20% to 60% total solids; (e) secondary demineralisation by addition of ethanol to the solution from step (d) to a final concentration of about 60%; (f) filtration or centrifugation of the solution from step (e); (g) crystallisation of lactose from the solution from step (f); (h) centrifugation of the solution from step (g) and removal of lactose crystals; and (i) washing lactose crystals obtained in step (h) with an alcoholic solution containing between 0% and 20% water and drying the crystals.