Lactose Production

Mother liquor (delactosed whey concentrate) has a high content of minerals especially the unwanted monovalent minerals such as Na and Cl. These minerals can be significantly reduced by using a nanofiltration step, in some cases including diafiltration, prior to concentration or directly on the mother liquor. A DCP process is then used to reduce calcium and phosphate content in the pre-concentrated permeate. This helps to extend evaporator running hours between CIP during concentration of the permeate to 65% DM prior to crystallisation, lactose crystal separation and drying. The resulting bio-calcium phosphate is also a valuable product. The mother liquor can be further processed to increase the lactose yield or made into a powder with an increased number of valuable application options.