Overview
Lactose, a key carbohydrate in animal milk, plays a vital role as an energy source. Its industrial-grade production has expanded significantly across food manufacturing and pharmaceutical applications, making it a crucial focus area for food processing consultants and food industry consultants.
Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk, typically making up 4–5% of cow’s milk. As the second most abundant component after water, it forms a major portion of the milk's dry matter. Known for its low solubility and hard crystalline texture, it’s also called sand sugar.
Uses of lactose
Lactose's versatility makes it highly valuable across industries. It is widely used by food manufacturing consultants and food technology experts in the following ways:
- Used as a sweetener with controlled relative sweetness.
- Ideal for products like caramels, jams, soups, and dairy-based desserts.
- Supports Maillard reaction for flavor development in confectionery.
- Acts as a fermentation substrate for lactic acid bacteria in dairy processing.
- Integral in pharmaceutical formulations as a filler or carrier.
Dry Lactose Processing
The production of dry lactose powder involves advanced separation and filtration technology, emphasizing hygienic design principles followed by food processing consultants. .
Lactose Production
1. PRE-PREPARATION OF WHEY
Sourced whey is tested for pH, nitrates, and microbial load.
Stored at <6°C to preserve quality before processing.
2. EVAPORATION
Whey permeate is concentrated at ~60°C until dry matter reaches 60–62%.
Prevents protein denaturation, enhancing product consistency.
3. CRYSTALLIZING
Seed crystals are added to initiate controlled crystallization.
Cooling is gradual to maintain crystal size (0–2 mm).
4. DECANTATING AND WASHING
Impurities are removed using twin decanter systems.
A water wash ensures purified lactose crystals.
5. DRYING
A fluidized bed dryer brings moisture content to 0.1–0.5%.
Heated below 92°C to preserve α-lactose and prevent β-lactose formation.
6. GRINDING
Final dried product is ground, cooled to 30°C, and packaged automatically—a hallmark of automated food factory design.
Conclusion:
The processing and production of lactose are intricate, combining precision engineering, quality control, and smart automation. At PMG Engineering, our food factory design experts and dairy plant consultants specialize in building efficient, compliant lactose production units for global clients.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lactose
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030215006712
https://www.safefoodfactory.com/en/knowledge/60-lactose/
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