Patent ID: 7927641

Claim:
A method of improving the storage and handling characteristics of condensed whey permeate (“CWP”), the method comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a CWP that: i. has a total solids content in the range of about 30% to about 50% by weight and has a water content in the range of about 70% to about 50% by weight; ii. has a lactose concentration of at least 70% by weight of the total solids content; iii. does not exhibit substantial crystallization; and iv. is at a pH of less than 8; b. treating the CWP with at least a sufficient proportion of alkali by weight of lactose to: i. raise the pH of the treated CWP to at least 8; and ii. reduce the amount of crystallization retained on a 30 mesh screen for a sample of the treated CWP relative to a sample of the untreated CWP when tested after storing for 7 days at a temperature range having: (a) a lower limit that is at least above 0° C. (32° F.); and (b) an upper limit that is at least 28° C. (50° F.) below the sufficient temperature to dissolve at a pH of about 7 an equivalent concentration of lactose in water to the concentration of lactose to water that is in the untreated CWP; and c. storing the treated CWP having a pH raised to at least 8 at a temperature range having: i. a lower limit that is at least above 0° C. (32° F.); and ii. an upper limit that is at least 28° C. (50° F.) below the sufficient temperature to dissolve at a pH of about 7 an equivalent concentration of lactose in water to the concentration of lactose to water that is in the untreated CWP.