Steam-jet agglomeration of skim milk powders: Influence of process parameters
Résumé
Steam-jet agglomeration consists in steam–wetting of the surface of fine primary particles,
colliding the sticky particles and consolidating the agglomerates by drying in order to obtain the
desired properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the steam/powder ratio
and drying time on growth mechanisms and skim milk agglomerate properties. We demonstrated a
predominant influence of the steam/powder ratio on the growth mechanisms and agglomerate
properties due to the contribution of the steam flow rate. Moreover, the drying time was identified
as a key process parameter to control the final water content, rehydration and mechanical
properties of the agglomerates.
Highlights
. A steam-jet agglomeration pilot plant was developed to study the agglomeration of
skim-milk powders.
. The growth mechanisms and agglomerates properties depended on the steam/powder
ratio, through the contribution of the steam flow rate.
. The drying time was identified as a key process parameter to control the final water
content, rehydration and mechanical properties of the agglomerates.