Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVVPilot plant for the extraction of proteins, carbohydrates and fibers
Use our plant for aqueous extraction of plant-based raw materials
We are able to process plant-based raw materials using a complete line of aqueous extraction procedures. These procedures can be performed on a scale of up to 250 liters, using both percolation and immersion methods. Further downstream processing steps such as ultrafiltration, filtration, distillation and evaporation of solids or solutions can also be carried out in this pilot plant.
With this plant, we are able to concentrate and isolate proteins, carbohydrate-rich fractions and fibers from a wide range of plant raw materials for you using solid/liquid and liquid/liquid extractions. In addition, this plant is suitable for the processing of vegetable oils.
Upon request, the raw materials can be prepared (peeled, sifted and flaked) or the oil removed from the raw material prior to extraction.
A data log is used to record relevant process parameters, which helps to evaluate the developed processes economically. The products obtained are characterized in our laboratories both analytically and by means of application tests.
Features of the aqueous extraction units
Both stirred extraction reactors are double-walled containers for solids and liquids, connected to a vacuum system with condensers. They are designed for a temperature range of 0 to 150 °C and allow operation in a pressure range of -1 to +2 bar.
Special components allow the liquid container to be used as a vacuum single-body evaporator with forced circulation and an evaporation surface area of 2.7 m², and the solid container to be used as a vacuum contact dryer with a contact surface area of 1.5 m².
The existing filtration system is suitable for all pressure-driven membrane processes (nano-, ultra- and microfiltration). Various membrane modules are available for screening all types of flat membranes at hand (active filtration area 215 cm²), as well as a small spiral-wound module (1812, filtration area approx. 0.3 m²) for larger membrane areas and scale-up-capable membrane geometry. The filtration processes can be carried out at temperatures of 10-60 °C and at pH values of 2-12. The system automatically regulates the temperature and the supply of diafiltration medium. Automated data acquisition throughout the entire filtration process is mandatory.
A dynamic cross-flow filtration system with a filter surface area of 0.81 m², consisting of rotating ceramic filters, can also be used for microfiltration to separate the fibers and for ultrafiltration to concentrate the dissolved substances.