Process solutions for plant-based proteins are available from Hosokawa Micron

Hosokawa Micron can process vegetable proteins.

Hosokawa Micron processing equipment is available from Firing Industries Ltd., including mixing and drying solutions for plant-based proteins. As the global population increases, so does the demand for alternative protein sources. Because plant-based proteins are often temperature-sensitive and difficult to process, special systems with efficiency and sustainability are required.

Also known as vegetable proteins, plant-based proteins offer many commercial opportunities for food-processing companies. Hosokawa Micron solutions maximize efficiency in protein production while boosting quality and reducing carbon footprint.

Drying, milling, and classification

Sources of plant-based proteins range from grain and okara to cereals, seaweed, and fruit and vegetable pulp. Hosokawa Micron manufactures technological solutions for alternative sources, including effective drying systems that turn vegetable proteins into high-quality protein powers for the food and feed sector. In addition, the drying phase is crucial to getting the maximum amount of high-quality protein powder from a processing line.

One great Hosokawa Micron product for plant-based proteins is the DMR flash mill dryer, which offers drying, milling, and classification in one device. The DMR enables the exact adjustment of a broad variety of parameters, including the speed of the mill disc and classifier wheel, the process airflow, the feed rate, and the inlet and outlet temperatures, to manage exposure time in the drying chamber, particle-size distribution, and product moisture. Available from Firing Industries, the DMR offers an all-in-one process step that gives users a vital edge in efficiency, sustainability, and return on investment.

The manufacturer recommends processing pea proteins first by removing some of the water with a decanter, then discharging it into a Nauta mixer for agitation and homogenization. Next, the user feeds the material into the DMR via a special feeder; the DMR transforms the material into a fine powder, with a moisture content of just five per cent, in seconds. The device uses 10-to-20 per cent less energy per kilogram of evaporated water than conventional ring dryers do.

Hosokawa Micron drying technologies are developed to optimize energy efficiency and throughput speed, while also minimizing maintenance and cleaning downtime.

To learn more, contact Firing Industries’ application-sales engineers at ddubuc@firing.com or (877) 688-0974.

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