PRODUCTION OF WHEY-PROTEIN CONCENTRATES

This paper reports on experiments in which sweet skimmed whey was concentrated by ultrafiltration (UF) 10 and 20 fold of its initial volume to almost 10% and 15% of total solids in the obtained whey protein concentrate (UF-WPC) produced. A diafiltration (DF) process followed with different volumes of demineralized water being added per litre of the UF-WPC. UF of the whey up to higher concentrations and the onset of DF at a higher concentration are to be preferred. After UF of whey, the protein content was increased up to 54.19 %/TS (UF-WPC) but after DF of whey, the protein content was increased up to a maximum of 83.20 %/TS. The diafiltrate was ultrafiltered again to the smallest possible volume and in the final WPC, the protein content did not exceed 84.1 %/TS. Changes in the calcium content in the treated whey during the above processes were also determined. In the WPC obtained, mineral composition was determined.