Separation of minerals from whey permeate

摘要

A process for extracting milk minerals from a whey product such as whey permeate or delactosed whey permeate is disclosed. The pH of the whey product is adjusted to a pH in the range of about 7.0 to 7.6. A phosphate compound is added to the whey product in an amount such that the weight percent of phosphate added to the whey product based on dry matter solids of the whey product is in the range of about 0.015-0.05%, and preferably in the range of about 0.025-0.03%. Suitable phosphates include pyrophosphate or tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP). After the phosphate is added, the whey product/phosphate mixture is heated to a temperature in the range of about 145 DEG -175 DEG F. The whey product/phosphate mixture is maintained at a temperature in the range of about 145 DEG -165 DEG F. for a period of time sufficient to flocculate mineral solids from the whey product/phosphate mixture. The flocculated mineral solids are then separated from liquids in the whey product/phosphate mixture, and the separated flocculated mineral solids are dried. Prior to drying, the flocculated mineral solids may be purified.