Characterisation of the Mechanical Properties of Heat-Induced Protein Deposits in Immersed Cleaning Systems

Heat-induced fouling deposits on the plant surface reduce efficiency of heat transfer in dairy production. Indentation experiments reveal the influence of fouling deposit thickness on their mechanical behavior. Heat-induced whey protein gel was used as a model material to characterize the non-fractured and fracture behavior. Chemical degradation during caustic washing leads to softer mechanical response and increased stress relaxation, making whey protein gels more flowable and resistant to tensile deformation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 03 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In the realm of dairy production, the process of heat treatment encounters a significant challenge: the rapid formation of heat-induced fouling deposits on the plant surface. These deposits not only hinder the efficient transfer of heat but also reduce the overall productivity of the system. Consequently, a rigorous cleaning process becomes essential to address this issue. The mechanical properties of these fouling deposits are of paramount importance, as they dictate the deformation and removal of the deposits from the plant surface. Given the intricate geometry and irregular distribution of fouling deposits, indentation experiments were conducted on various types of protein deposits. These experiments shed light on the profound influence of deposit thickness on their mechanical behavior and the time-dependent nonlinear characteristics observed.

Furthermore, heat-induced whey protein gel was employed as a model material to study the non-fractured and fractured behavior of fouling deposits. Compression and wire cutting experiments were conducted to characterize these behaviors, respectively. By utilizing the inverse finite element method, material parameters were identified that enable the prediction of fracture behavior under localized external loads. This approach provides a deeper understanding of cohesive removal mechanisms and contributes to the development of effective cleaning strategies.

To explore the softening effect during caustic washing, tensile experiments were conducted on chemically treated and untreated whey protein gels. Adequate chemical degradation resulted in a softer mechanical response and enhanced stress relaxation, making whey protein gels more flowable and resistant to tensile deformation. The experimental findings provide valuable insights into the failure behavior of chemically treated whey protein gels, highlighting the importance of proper chemical treatment in enhancing their mechanical properties.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031218484
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023