Steam-jet agglomeration of skim milk powders: Influence of process parameters.

Steam-jet agglomeration consists in steam--wetting of the surface of fine primary particles, colliding the sticky particles and consolidating the agglomerates by drying in order to obtain the desired properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the steam/powder ratio and drying time on growth mechanisms and skim milk agglomerate properties. We demonstrated a predominant influence of the steam/powder ratio on the growth mechanisms and agglomerate properties due to the contribution of the steam flow rate. Moreover, the drying time was identified as a key process parameter to control the final water content, rehydration and mechanical properties of the agglomerates. Highlights * A steam-jet agglomeration pilot plant was developed to study the agglomeration of skim-milk powders. * The growth mechanisms and agglomerates properties depended on the steam/powder ratio, through the contribution of the steam flow rate. * The drying time was identified as a key process parameter to control the final water content, rehydration and mechanical properties of the agglomerates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]