METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SOLUBILIZING PROTEIN
A process for solubilization of protein including application of an alkali, such as lime, and heating. The process may also involve lime recovery and may be accomplished in a single stage or two stages to separate protein solubilized from labile and recalcitrant sources. Systems and devices for use in such process, including a continuous stirred tank reactor and a plug flow reactor are also involved.
1 - 17 . (canceled)
18 . A system for solubilizing protein comprising:
a heated reactor operable to react a protein source and an alkali to produce a reaction liquid;
a solid/liquid separator operable to separate solids from the reaction liquid;
a neutralization tank operable to allow addition of acid to the reaction liquid to produce a neutralized liquid;
a concentration tank operable to concentrate neutralized liquid and to produce a concentrated liquid and water;
a conduit operable to pass water from the concentration tank to the heated reactor; and
at least one heat exchanger operable to exchange process heat.
19 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising a grinder operable to grind the protein source.
20 . A system according to claim 18 , wherein the heated reactor comprises a stirred tank.
21 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising an ammonia collector operable to collect ammonia from the heated reactor and allow its neutralization with an acid.
22 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising a conduit operable to return separated solids to the heated reactor.
23 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising a density separator operable to separate reactive solids from inert solids.
24 . A system according to claim 23 , wherein the density separator comprises a settler or a hydrocyclone.
25 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising a holding tank operable to heat the reaction liquid to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to destroy all or substantially all prions in the reaction liquid.
26 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising a solid/liquid separator operable to separate solids from the neutralized liquid.
27 . A system according to claim 18 , wherein the concentration tank further comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: a multi-effect evaporator, a mechanical vapor-compression evaporator, a jet ejector vapor compression evaporator, a reverse osmosis membrane, a tight nanofiltration membrane, a freezer, an amine recovery system, and any combinations thereof.
28 . A system according to claim 18 , further comprising a drier operable to dry the concentrated liquid.
29 . A system according to claim 28 , wherein the drier comprises a spray drier or a scraped drum drier.
30 . A system for solubilizing protein comprising:
a reacting means operable to react a protein source and an alkali to produce a reaction liquid;
a solid/liquid separating means operable to separate solids from the reaction liquid;
a neutralizing means operable to allow addition of acid to the reaction liquid to produce a neutralized liquid;
a concentrating means operable to concentrate neutralized liquid and to produce a concentrated liquid and water;
a means operable to pass water from the concentration tank to the heated reactor; and
at least one heat exchange means operable to exchange process heat.
31 . A system according to claim 30 , further comprising a grinding means operable to grind the protein source.
32 . A system according to claim 30 , further comprising a collecting means operable to collect ammonia from the reacting means and allow its neutralization with an acid.
33 . A system according to claim 30 , further comprising a holding means operable to heat the reaction liquid to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to destroy all or substantially all prions in the reaction liquid.
34 . A system according to claim 30 , further comprising a drying means operable to dry the concentrated liquid.