Process of transforming a plant raw material into at least one product, powder, corresponding use and installation.

Abstract

A process for transforming at least one plant-based raw material into at least one product, the process comprising at least the steps of: Selecting a plant-based raw material containing proteins belonging to the globulin family; Performing a protein extraction from the plant-based raw material or a compound derived from the plant-based raw material to obtain a protein extract; Precipitating the protein extract to obtain an intermediate substance; Contacting the intermediate substance with a solution containing alcohol to obtain an alcohol-washed substance; Drying the alcohol-washed substance to obtain a powder constituting the product. Corresponding powder, use, and equipment. ABRIDGED FIGURE: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for transforming a plant raw material into at least one product, powder, corresponding use and installation.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transforming a plant raw material into at least one product.

[0002] The invention also relates to a powder obtained by such a process.

[0003] The invention also relates to the use of such a powder.

[0004] The invention also relates to an installation allowing the implementation of such a method.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Nowadays, plant proteins are becoming increasingly attractive as alternatives to animal proteins.

[0007] Two major methods of processing plant raw materials have thus developed: dry fractionation and wet fractionation.

[0008] In dry processing, the plant raw material is ground into fine particles with a diameter of a few microns and then the particles are sorted according to their size, density and / or electrostatic behavior using technologies such as air classification (also called turboseparation) and / or electrostatic separation. Two end products are thus obtained: 1) the protein concentrate also called the fine fraction and 2) the starch concentrate also called the heavy fraction.

[0009] During wet processing, the plant raw material is usually ground into fine particles with a diameter of a few microns and then the particles are suspended. Precipitation at the isoelectric point of the proteins present in these particles, followed by separation / decantation, then makes it possible to obtain a protein isolate.

[0010] Unfortunately, protein concentrates and protein isolates generally have a particular taste, particularly bitter and astringent, which tends to displease the consumer. This disadvantage is accentuated for certain raw materials such as yellow peas.

[0011] In addition, protein concentrates and protein isolates generally have a yellowish or grayish color that is displeasing to consumers.

[0012] Furthermore, such methods prove to be relatively expensive and energy-intensive, particularly for the production of protein isolates.

[0013] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0014] One aim of the invention is at least to propose a method for transforming a plant raw material into at least one product making it possible to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the invention

[0015] With a view to at least partially achieving this aim, a method is proposed for transforming at least one plant raw material into at least one product, the method comprising at least the steps of: - Choose a plant-based raw material containing proteins belonging to the globulin family, - Carry out a protein extraction from the plant raw material or from a compound derived from the plant raw material, to obtain a protein extract, - Precipitate the protein extract so as to obtain an intermediate substance, - Bringing the intermediate substance into contact with a solution comprising alcohol to obtain an alcohol-washed substance, - Dry the washed substance with alcohol to obtain a powder forming the product.

[0016] Thus, bringing the intermediate substance into contact with the solution comprising alcohol allows the simple and rapid production of a product in powder form.

[0017] The invention proves to be relatively energy-efficient.

[0018] In addition, the powder thus obtained forms a product with improved organoleptic properties. By improvement of the organoleptic properties, it is meant that the product obtained has organoleptic attributes (such as taste) more acceptable to the consumer and in particular a less bitter, less astringent taste... We can therefore, in a simplified manner, speak of a "debittered product" even if the invention does not only act on the bitterness of the product.

[0019] In addition, the powder thus obtained forms a product with improved color. By color improvement, it is meant that the product obtained is much whiter, which is much more acceptable to the consumer.

[0020] In addition, the powder thus obtained has improved purity. Indeed, washing with alcohol makes it possible to eliminate undesirable elements and reduce the microbiological load.

[0021] The powder thus obtained is a protein product in the same way as a protein concentrate or a protein isolate. The powder thus obtained can thus optionally take the name “protein isolate” because it is obtained using wet processing steps such as precipitation or protein extraction and because that its protein content is greater than 80% (i.e., out of 100 parts by weight of powder, at least 80 parts are proteins). The process for obtaining the powder is, however, very different from the wet processing processes of the prior art.

[0022] By “plant raw material” is meant a raw material of plant origin such as: A legume (pea, soybean, broad bean, lentil, kidney bean, chickpea, lupin, mung bean, peanut, etc.), A cereal (wheat, buckwheat, oats, barley, corn, rice etc.), An oilseed (sunflower seeds, rapeseeds, soybeans, oilseed flax seeds, hemp seeds, almonds, etc.).

[0023] For the present application, the term “plant raw material” means a raw material of plant origin comprising proteins of the globulin family.

[0024] For example, and in a non-limiting manner, the plant raw material comprises, per hundred parts by weight of plant raw material, at least 5 parts by weight of globulins.

[0025] For the present application, by "plant raw material" is preferably meant a raw material of plant origin presented in a fractionated form, that is to say in the form of flour, concentrate, cake, defatted flour, puree, ground material, extract; that is to say presented in the form of particles smaller than the base material (e.g. the seed). It is recalled that a defatted flour is a flour depleted in lipids.

[0026] For the present application, by “plant raw material” is preferably meant a raw material of plant origin such as: A legume (divided solids, flour, concentrate, defatted flour, cake, mash, ground material, extract), A cereal (divided solids, flour, concentrate, defatted flour, cake, mash, ground material, extract), An oilseed (divided solids, flour, defatted flour, cake, mash, ground product, extract).

[0027] For the present application, the term "plant raw material" preferably means a raw material from which the powder obtained will be for human food use. This application is of course not limiting and the powder obtained may be intended for other uses: cosmetics, pharmacology, animal food, wall coverings or any other industrial application (paint, glue, cement, etc.).

[0028] Optionally, the drying is vacuum drying.

[0029] Optionally, the drying is not spray drying or freeze drying. lization.

[0030] Optionally, the plant raw material is chosen from legumes, cereals or oilseeds.

[0031] Optionally, the method includes a prior pressing step.

[0032] Optionally, the method comprises a step of preparing the material first plant before the step of carrying out the protein extraction.

[0033] Optionally, the preliminary preparation step includes at least one phase chosen from the following phases: hulling, sorting, cleaning, packaging, grinding, soaking, germination, fermentation, micronization, classification, roasting.

[0034] Optionally, the raw material is in a fractionated form for the protein extraction step.

[0035] Optionally, the solution comprising alcohol comes at least in part from recycling at least one by-product, other than the substance washed with alcohol, from the washing cycle.

[0036] Optionally, the solution comprising alcohol comes at least in part from recycling at least one by-product, other than the protein extract, from the protein extraction.

[0037] Optionally, the intermediate substance is brought into contact with a solution comprising alcohol during at least two different washing cycles.

[0038] The invention also relates to a powder obtained by a process as mentioned above and for example a powder whose color is characterized by an L component greater than 90 according to the L*a*b measurement and / or by a number of parts by weight of proteins, per 100 parts by weight of the powder, greater than 95.

[0039] The invention also relates to a powder whose color is characterized by an L component greater than 90 according to the L*a*b measurement and / or by a number of parts by weight of proteins, per 100 parts by weight of the powder, greater than 95.

[0040] The invention also relates to the use of such a powder.

[0041] The invention also relates to an installation for implementing such a method.

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge upon reading the following description of particular non-limiting implementations of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0043] The invention will be better understood in light of the description which follows with reference to the appended figures among which:

[0044] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a diagram illustrating the main steps of a process according to a first implementation of the invention,

[0045] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating the main steps of a process according to a second implementation of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] A first implementation of the method according to the invention will now be described with reference to [Fig. 1]. This method is implemented by an installation which will be described simultaneously.

[0047] A first step 101 consists of the prior preparation of a plant raw material.

[0048] For this purpose, the installation includes a module for preparing the plant raw material.

[0049] If the vegetable raw material is in its original form (grains, seeds, etc.), then the first step 101 may include at least one preparatory phase during which the vegetable raw material is packaged in a fractionated form (flour, concentrate, defatted flour, cake, etc.).

[0050] If the plant raw material is already in a fractionated form (flour, concentrate, defatted flour, cake, etc.), then the first step 101 can dispense with such a conditioning phase.

[0051] It is therefore understood here that it is preferred to carry out the following steps of the treatment process on a vegetable raw material whose particles have smaller diameters than those of the basic elements forming the vegetable raw material (cereals, legumes or oilcake).

[0052] Furthermore, the first step 101 may also include one or more preparatory phases such as: - at least one phase of cleaning the plant raw material, and / or - at least one phase of sorting the plant raw material such as for example a calibration phase of the plant raw material (the particles forming the plant raw material with a diameter below and / or above a given threshold being removed from the rest of the transformation process), and / or - at least one hulling phase to remove one or more external layers of the particles forming the plant raw material, - etc.

[0053] The phase(s) indicated above may be combined with each other and / or implemented in a different order than that indicated. For example, at least one cleaning phase may follow at least one sorting phase. The fractionated packaging phase may, for example, follow the hulling phase.

[0054] The at least one conditioning phase can be carried out by grinding, by dry fractionation, by micronization, etc.

[0055] The at least one cleaning phase can for example be implemented by heating, ultraviolet radiation, vaporization, etc.

[0056] The at least one peeling phase can for example be implemented by abrasion, by compression, by grinding, etc.

[0057] The at least one sorting phase can be implemented by optical sorting, by calibration, by gravity classification, etc.

[0058] At the end of the first step 101, the method may optionally comprise a second step 102 of pressurizing the plant raw material. The installation comprises a pressing module for this purpose. An inlet of the pressing module is connected to an outlet of the raw material preparation module. Said pressing module comprises, for example, a press.

[0059] At the end of this second step 102, an at least partially defatted plant raw material and oil are thus obtained. The oil thus obtained can optionally be used for various industrial applications: human and / or animal food, cosmetics, wall coverings, etc., or any other industrial application.

[0060] Preferably, this second step 102 is implemented so as to preserve as much as possible the solubility of the proteins present in the plant raw material, in particular the proteins belonging to the globulin family. The pressurization is therefore carried out under non-denaturing conditions.

[0061] It is therefore understood that the second step 102 proves to be particularly interesting for vegetable raw materials which make it possible to obtain vegetable oil. Thus such a second step 102 is preferably implemented if the vegetable raw material is an oilseed (such as sunflower seeds).

[0062] Optionally, such a second step 102 is not implemented if the plant raw material is a cereal or a legume.

[0063] The third step 103 consists of a protein extraction.

[0064] For this purpose, the installation comprises a protein extraction module. The inlet of the protein extraction module is connected to the outlet of the pressing module. Said protein extraction module comprises, for example, a continuously stirred tank reactor or a countercurrent extractor.

[0065] During the third step 103, the plant raw material is thus mixed with a solution: the pH of the solution will cause a chemical modification of the plant raw material, in particular with a dissolution of the proteins of the plant raw material in the solution.

[0066] It is thus understood that the plant raw material mixed with the solution can be just as well a “raw” plant raw material (in the case where neither the first step 101 nor the second step 102 have been implemented) as a raw material “prepared” plant raw material (in the case where the first step 101 has been implemented but not the second step 102) than a “raw defatted” plant raw material (in the case where the first step 101 has not been implemented but the second step 102 has been implemented) than a “prepared and defatted” plant raw material (in the case where the first step 101 has been implemented as well as the second step 102). For simplicity, we will simply refer to “plant raw material” hereinafter.

[0067] It is further understood that the plant raw material at the start of the third step 103 is preferably as fine as possible to simplify the third step 103. This is why it is preferred (as indicated during the description of the first step) that the plant raw material is in a fractionated form at the start of the third step 103. This fractionated form may be present at the start of the first step 101, at the end of the first step 101 or at the end of the second step 102.

[0068] It is also understood that the solution is chosen according to the plant raw material. In particular, the solution is chosen according to the pH at which the proteins of the plant raw material are more soluble. Even more precisely here, the solution is chosen according to the pH at which the proteins belonging to the globulin family of the plant raw material are more soluble.

[0069] Thus the solution can be a basic solution, a neutral solution or an acid solution depending on the associated plant raw material. The solution can thus be simply water (raw, softened or osmosed) or a mixture of water (raw, softened or osmosed) with at least one base or at least one acid.

[0070] For example, when the solution is a basic solution, the solution is a mixture of water (raw, softened or osmosed) with one or more bases chosen from the list below:

[0071] sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate ...

[0072] For example, when the solution is an acid solution, said solution is then a mixture of water (raw, softened or osmosed) with one or more acids chosen from the list below:

[0073] citric, phosphoric, lactic, hydrochloric, sulfuric...

[0074] The mixture obtained is then treated (by filtration and / or by centrifugal decantation and / or clarification, etc.) to separate the protein extract from the other by-products. In particular, the mixture obtained is treated to separate the protein extract from the starch (first by-product) and / or the fibers (second by-products) potentially present.

[0075] The fourth step 104 consists of a precipitation of the protein extract (which is liquid at the outlet of the third step 103).

[0076] For this purpose, the installation comprises a precipitation module. The inlet of the precipitation module is connected to the outlet of the protein extraction module. Said protein extraction module comprises, for example, a mixer associated with separation means such as a centrifuge and / or at least one filter.

[0077] During the fourth step 104, the pH of the protein extract is modified by mixing the protein extract with a solution (which may be acidic, neutral or basic). The solution may thus simply be water (raw, softened or osmosed) or a mixture of water (raw, softened or osmosed) with at least one base or at least one acid.

[0078] For example, when the solution is a basic solution, the solution is a mixture of water (raw, softened or osmosed) with one or more bases chosen from the list below:

[0079] sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate ...

[0080] For example, when the solution is an acid solution, said solution is then a mixture of water (raw, softened or osmosed) with one or more acids chosen from the list below:

[0081] citric, phosphoric, lactic, hydrochloric, sulfuric...

[0082] The solution is thus chosen to reach the isoelectric point of the globulins present in the plant raw material, i.e. the point where the globulins precipitate.

[0083] Precipitation is therefore carried out in an acidic, neutral or basic medium depending on the pH of the protein extract. In fact, precipitation is always carried out at a pH different from the pH of the protein extract since precipitation can only be achieved at the isoelectric pH of the globulins and the isoelectric pH is necessarily different from the solubilization pH of the globulins (pH which was targeted during the third step 103).

[0084] The modification of the pH of the protein extract thus causes an agglomeration or aggregation of the proteins within the mixture thus obtained. The mixture obtained is then treated (by filtering and / or by centrifugal decantation and / or clarification, etc.) to separate an intermediate substance (which can also be called precipitate or coagulated proteins) from the other by-products. In particular, the mixture obtained is treated to separate the intermediate substance from the proteins belonging to the albumin family (first by-product) and / or from the sugars (second by-product) and / or from the minerals (third by-product) and / or from one or more other products potentially present.

[0085] It is therefore understood here that the intermediate substance is devoid of or contains only very few proteins belonging to the albumin family. On the other hand, the intermediate substance always contains proteins belonging to the globulin family (since it is this category of proteins which has so lubility depending on the pH of the solution containing them). The intermediate substance thus contains as many parts by weight of proteins belonging to the globulin family - per hundred parts by weight of intermediate substance - as the plant raw material - per hundred parts by weight of plant raw material; plus or minus 3% and preferably plus or minus 1%. The initial mass of globulin is thus preserved (plus or minus 3% and preferably plus or minus 1%) in the intermediate substance.

[0086] It is noted that the intermediate substance is neither solid nor liquid. Indeed, the recovered intermediate substance is semi-solid.

[0087] For example, and in a non-limiting manner, the intermediate substance comprises, per hundred parts by weight of the intermediate substance, between 5 and 70 parts by weight of water.

[0088] The fifth step 105 consists of at least one washing of the intermediate substance by solution comprising alcohol. Such a solution is for example an ethanol solution.

[0089] For this purpose, the installation comprises a washing module. The inlet of the washing module is connected to the outlet of the precipitation module.

[0090] Said washing module comprises, for example, a mixer associated with separation means such as a centrifuge and / or at least one filter.

[0091] During a first washing cycle, the intermediate substance is mixed with an ethanol solution. For example, the solution is ethanol at least 60% and for example at least 70% and for example at least 80% and for example at least 90% and for example at least 95% and for example 99% (by X%, it is meant that for 100 parts by volume of solution, the solution comprises X parts by volume of ethanol).

[0092] The alcohol will replace the water molecules contained in the intermediate substance, which will cause the intermediate substance to dry out.

[0093] At the outlet of the mixer there are separation means which will make it possible to separate, at the end of the first washing cycle, a substance washed with alcohol on the one hand and on the other hand at least one other by-product. At least one by-product is a fluid such as a miscella (fluid composed at least in part of oils and solvents).

[0094] The alcohol-washed substance is thus more pasty than the intermediate substance.

[0095] Preferably, however, the alcohol-washed substance is itself neither solid nor liquid. The alcohol-washed substance is semi-solid. The alcohol-washed substance is, however, less liquid than the intermediate substance.

[0096] Preferably, during the fifth step 105, before the first washing cycle or during the first washing cycle, if necessary, a neutralization phase is also implemented. This phase consists of ensuring that one is working at neutral pH.

[0097] For this purpose, the pH of the intermediate substance is adjusted before or during its contact with the solution comprising alcohol.

[0098] For this purpose, depending on the pH of the intermediate substance, the intermediate substance may be mixed with an acidic solution (if the pH of the intermediate substance is basic) or with a basic solution (if the pH of the intermediate substance is acidic). The acidic or basic solution may be the same as that used in one of the preceding steps or may be a different solution. The solution may thus be mixed with the intermediate substance before contacting with the alcohol or at the same time as contacting with the alcohol.

[0099] The fifth step 105 may comprise a single washing cycle.

[0100] Alternatively, the fifth step 105 may comprise several washing cycles and for example at least two washing cycles.

[0101] In this case, at the end of the first washing cycle, the substance washed with alcohol is again mixed with a solution comprising alcohol during a second washing cycle.

[0102] This new washing cycle can be implemented in the same mixing device - separation means as for the first washing cycle or can be implemented in another mixing device - separation means than for the first washing cycle.

[0103] This produces a substance further washed with alcohol on the one hand and at least one other by-product on the other. At least one by-product is a fluid such as a miscella.

[0104] The substance further washed with alcohol is thus more pasty than the intermediate substance and also more pasty than the substance obtained at the end of the first alcohol washing cycle.

[0105] Preferably, the substance further washed with alcohol is itself neither solid nor liquid. The substance further washed with alcohol is semi-solid. The substance further washed with alcohol is, however, less liquid than the intermediate substance and than the substance obtained at the end of the first alcohol washing cycle.

[0106] At the end of the second washing cycle, the substance further washed with alcohol may undergo a new washing cycle using a solution comprising alcohol or the fifth step 105 may only comprise two washing cycles.

[0107] Each washing cycle therefore corresponds to a passage through a mixing device - separation means (device different or identical to that of the previous washing cycle).

[0108] During the fifth step 105, advantageously, the intermediate substance is drastically depleted of one or more components from the following list: fatty matter (lipid such as polar lipid, free fatty acid, neutral lipid, waxes, etc.), sterols, polyphenol, carotenoid, chlorophyll, etc.

[0109] This makes it possible to improve the organoleptic and visual properties of the substance washed with alcohol. In addition, washing with alcohol makes it possible to eliminate a large number of undesirable living organisms (bacteria, microorganisms, etc.).

[0110] This makes it possible to improve the usability and properties of the alcohol-washed substance.

[0111] The number of washing cycles preferably depends on the desired drying and / or the desired extraction rate of the intermediate substance of one or more of the aforementioned components and / or the rate of destruction of undesirable living organisms. Preferably, for 100 parts by weight of the substance washed with alcohol and obtained at the end of the fifth step 105, the number of parts by weight of at least one of the aforementioned components is less than 1. Preferably, for 100 parts by weight of the substance washed with alcohol and obtained at the end of the fifth step 105, the cumulative number of parts by weight of all of the aforementioned components is less than 2 and preferably less than 1.

[0112] If the fifth step 105 comprises several washing cycles, the neutralization phase may take place during at least two washing cycles or may only take place during the first washing cycle.

[0113] Preferably, the neutralization phase takes place only during the first washing cycle, which makes it possible to reduce the treatment time.

[0114] The fifth step 105 may also comprise a phase 107 of recycling the fluid from at least one of the washing cycles and preferably of recycling the fluid from each of the washing cycles. For this purpose, the installation comprises a recycling module, one inlet of which is connected to an outlet of at least one washing module.

[0115] The different fluids from the different washing cycles are preferably managed by the same recycling module.

[0116] This makes it possible to obtain, among other things, recycled alcohol.

[0117] This recycled alcohol can then be used during another washing cycle (either for a new volume of intermediate substance or for an additional cycle of a volume of intermediate substance having already undergone at least one washing cycle).

[0118] At the end of the fifth step 105, the substance washed with alcohol is highly loaded with alcohol, which limits its use.

[0119] Thus, during a sixth step 106, the substance washed with alcohol obtained at the end of the fifth step 105 (and therefore obtained at the end of one or more washing cycles) is preferably dried. Preferably, during the sixth step 106, the substance washed with alcohol is dried by vacuum drying.

[0120] For this purpose, the installation comprises a drying module and preferably a vacuum drying module. The drying module has an inlet which is connected to an outlet of the washing module.

[0121] At the end of the sixth step 106, a powder is thus recovered which is a protein powder.

[0122] Advantageously, the powder thus obtained has an interesting mass percentage of proteins. The powder thus obtained comprises for 100 parts by weight of the protein isolate at least 80 parts by weight of proteins and for example at least 90 parts by weight of proteins and for example at least 95 parts by weight of proteins and for example at least 98 parts by weight of proteins and for example at least 99 parts by weight of proteins. It should be noted that the number of parts by weight of proteins in the substance washed with alcohol obtained at the end of the fifth step 105 (per 100 parts by weight of said substance) is identical to that present in the powder obtained at the end of the sixth step 106 (per 100 parts by weight of said powder).

[0123] Such a powder can therefore be called a “protein isolate” because of the third step 103 and / or the fourth step 104 as well as the protein content even though the invention is different from the wet transformations of the prior art. It should also be noted that the substance washed with alcohol obtained at the end of the fifth step 105 can therefore itself be called a “protein isolate” despite its ethanol content.

[0124] In addition, the powder thus obtained has a whiter color than the isolates of the prior art (generally yellowish or grayish), to which users are very sensitive.

[0125] In particular, the powder thus has an L component greater than 90 (according to the L*a*b measurement and for example the L*a*b CIE 1976 measurement) and for example greater than 92 and for example greater than 94 and for example greater than 95 and for example greater than 96.

[0126] For the clarity values ​​L indicated above, the parameter a is for example (in absolute value) between 0 and 0.2 and for example between 0 and 0.1.

[0127] For the clarity values ​​L indicated above, and the parameter values ​​a indicated above, the parameter b is for example between 6 and 7.5 and for example between 6.7 and 7.

[0128] For example, the powder obtained has a clarity L greater than 95 (with a parameter a having an absolute value between 0 and 1 and a parameter b having an absolute value between 6.7 and 7).

[0129] Furthermore, the powder thus obtained has improved organoleptic properties. In particular, the process thus described makes it possible to eliminate, or at least significantly remove, the organoleptic notes perceived negatively by consumers (bitterness, astringency, etc.).

[0130] In addition, the drying step can be carried out by vacuum drying which is less energy intensive than prior art drying methods such as drying by atomization or freeze-drying.

[0131] It is noted that the fifth ethanol washing step itself contributes to drying, although to a much lesser extent than the sixth dedicated drying step.

[0132] Advantageously, whether the powder is used or the substance washed with alcohol is used, the method described makes it possible to dispense with a dedicated pasteurization step as in the methods of the prior art thanks to the alcohol washing. The method described thus makes it possible to transform the plant raw material more efficiently and in a less energy-intensive manner.

[0133] Furthermore, washing with alcohol makes it possible to do without solvents sometimes used in the prior art, such as for example a hexane-based solvent, the use of which is particularly monitored from an environmental and public health point of view.

[0134] In addition, the powder thus obtained can be used in food preparations (for human and / or animal use) such as sweet or salty drinks, sweet or salty dairy preparations, sweet or salty bakery preparations, sweet or salty pastry preparations, sweet or salty culinary preparations, snacks and food supplements such as drinks and / or nutritional bars, etc.

[0135] The powder thus obtained can for example be used in the following preparations (non-exhaustive list): milk, fermented milk (yogurt), cheese, dairy analogues, nutritional drinks, snacks, mousse, biscuits, tofu, mayonnaise, bread, vegetable meat or animal meat substitute or fish substitute, hybrid products (with proteins of animal and microbial origin), pie crusts, etc.

[0136] A second implementation will now be described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0137] This second implementation is identical to the first with regard to the treatment of the plant raw material.

[0138] Indeed, just as in the first implementation, the plant raw material will be treated here by the following succession of steps: first step of preparation 101, second pressing stage 102, third extraction step 103, fourth stage of precipitation 104, fifth washing step (in one or more cycles) 105, sixth drying step 106.

[0139] Everything that has been said for the first implementation is therefore also applicable for the second implementation.

[0140] However, unlike the first implementation where the alcohol used for washing came from an external source, in the second implementation, the alcohol comes at least in part from a treatment of the by-products obtained at the end of the third extraction stage 103 (excluding the protein extract of course).

[0141] These by-products contain in particular starch and / or fibers as indicated above.

[0142] The method thus comprises a first phase 108 of separating the starch from the rest of the by-products. For example, the installation comprises a separation module whose inlet is connected to an outlet of the extraction model. For this purpose, the separation module may for example comprise a centrifugal sieve and / or a hydrocyclone.

[0143] The method then comprises a second phase 109 of starch fermentation. For example, the installation comprises a fermentation module, one inlet of which is connected to an outlet of the separation module.

[0144] At the end of this second phase, we thus obtain crude alcohol and, for example, crude ethanol.

[0145] The method preferably comprises a third phase 110 of purification of the raw alcohol. For example, the installation comprises a purification module, one inlet of which is connected to an outlet of the fermentation module.

[0146] At the end of this third phase 110, alcohol is therefore obtained which can be used for implementing the fifth washing step 105. The purification module can thus comprise an outlet connected to the washing module or to the recycling module implementing the recycling phase 107.

[0147] The installation may only comprise this alcohol supply source or may additionally comprise an additional external alcohol supply source (in the first embodiment, the installation is thus connected to an alcohol supply source).

[0148] The second implementation therefore allows for optimized treatment of the plant raw material.

[0149] The second implementation proves to be particularly interesting for starch-rich plant raw materials such as cereals or legumes. If the plant raw material is a cereal or a legume, the second pressing step is preferably dispensed with and the extraction module is then directly connected to the preparation module.

[0150] The invention is not limited to the implementations described, but on the contrary encompasses any variant incorporating, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics set out above.

[0151] Other steps than those which have been described may be implemented by the invention.

[0152] The invention may thus include a step of intensive manipulation of the raw material to modify the final flavor of the isolate. Optionally, it may thus be possible roasting, grilling, burning... the raw material to give it a particular taste of biscuit, caramel, hazelnut... The invention may also include a step of mixing the raw material with another component such as water, additional flour to balance the amino acid profile of the mixture of raw material and additional flour, etc.

[0153] One or more phases other than those indicated may be implemented during the first step and for example at least one phase chosen from the following phases: hulling, sorting, cleaning, packaging, grinding, soaking, germination, fermentation, micronization, classification, roasting or any other phase usually implemented during dry processing.

[0154] In addition to alcohol, the recycling module may allow the recovery of one or more additional by-products that can be reused (such as sugar, oil, etc.).

[0155] The number of wash cycles may be different from what has been indicated. For example, the number of wash cycles may be between 1 and 10 wash cycles (this range is not limiting).

[0156] Although here the alcohol washing is carried out in successive cycles, the alcohol washing may be continuous. For example, the alcohol washing may be carried out as indicated above during a single washing cycle or may be carried out during a single washing cycle by continuous washing or may be carried out during several washing cycles, each washing cycle being carried out continuously.

[0157] A technique other than mixing / separation may thus be used to ensure continuous alcohol washing, such as the percolation technique (or "belt extractor technology" in English). Thus, a device other than a mixing device - separation means may be used to ensure continuous alcohol washing. For example, the washing module may comprise a machine based on percolation washing such as a conveyor-extractor, a machine based on counter-current washing, etc. For example, in the case of the conveyor-extractor, the washing module may thus comprise an enclosure associated with a continuous conveying system between an inlet of the enclosure into which the intermediate substance (obtained at the end of the fourth step) is introduced and an outlet of the enclosure into which the substance washed with alcohol is recovered.The system will thus include at least one or more nozzles for spraying an alcohol solution onto the product conveyed into the enclosure. It will therefore be understood that the washing is then carried out by spraying a solution comprising alcohol and not by mixing with an alcohol solution as previously mentioned. The neutralization phase may optionally be carried out before the intermediate substance is introduced into the enclosure or at the same time as the . intermediate substance does not move within the enclosure.

[0158] Whatever the implementation of the step of bringing into contact with the alcohol, the drying step may be implemented differently from what has been indicated, for example by oven, by heating, etc.

[0159] Although here all the steps of the process are carried out at room temperature, one or more steps may be carried out at a temperature higher or lower than room temperature. At least one step may be carried out at a temperature between 5 and 65 degrees Celsius. In particular, the step of contacting with alcohol may be carried out at a temperature between 5 and 65 degrees Celsius. The higher the temperature at which the contact with alcohol is carried out, the easier it will be to eliminate the undesirable elements of the intermediate substance and / or the elements affecting the final organoleptic properties of the powder (fat (lipid such as polar lipid, free fatty acid, neutral lipid, etc.), sterol, polyphenol, carotene, chlorophyll, etc.). On the other hand, the higher the temperature at which the contact with alcohol is carried out, the less soluble the powder will be in water.Depending on the intended application of the powder, it will therefore be necessary to work at a higher or lower temperature when bringing it into contact with the alcohol. Preferably, the sixth drying stage will take place at least partly at a temperature higher than room temperature, for example at a temperature between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius. For example, the sixth drying stage could start at room temperature and gradually increase.

[0160] The method may comprise one or more additional steps, such as, for example, a post-treatment step which is implemented after the drying step. The post-treatment step makes it possible, for example, to modify one or more properties of the powder, such as, for example, a rheological property of the powder. This illustration is not limiting and the post-treatment step may make it possible to achieve one or more other targets, such as, for example, functionalization of the powder.

[0161] The drying step may be implemented differently from what has been indicated and for example by a technique other than vacuum drying. In a non-limiting manner, the drying step may thus for example be implemented by superheated steam (for example by a saturated steam dryer).

[0162] Although here the alcohol used is ethanol, the alcohol used could be different and thus be methanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, etc. or a mixture of several of the aforementioned components.

Claims

Claims

1. A method of transforming at least one plant raw material into at least one product, the method comprising at least the steps of: - Choosing a plant raw material containing proteins belonging to the globulin family, - Carrying out a protein extraction of the plant raw material or of a compound derived from the plant raw material, to obtain a protein extract, - Precipitating the protein extract so as to obtain an intermediate substance, - Bringing the intermediate substance into contact with a solution comprising alcohol to obtain a substance washed with alcohol, - Drying the substance washed with alcohol to obtain a powder forming the product.

2. A transformation method according to claim 1, wherein the drying is vacuum drying.

3. A transformation method according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the drying is not spray drying or freeze drying.

4. Processing method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the vegetable raw material is chosen from legumes, cereals or oilseeds.

5. Transformation method according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a prior pressing step.

6. Transformation method according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a step of preparing (101) the plant raw material before the step of carrying out the protein extraction (103).

7. Processing method according to claim 6, in which the preliminary preparation step (101) comprises at least one phase chosen from the following phases: hulling, sorting, cleaning, packaging, grinding, soaking, germination, fermentation, micronization, classification, roasting.

8. Processing method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the raw material is in a fractionated form. for the protein extraction step.

9. Transformation method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the solution comprising alcohol comes at least in part from recycling at least one by-product, other than the substance washed with alcohol, from the washing cycle.

10. Transformation method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the solution comprising alcohol comes at least in part from recycling at least one by-product, other than the protein extract, from the protein extraction.

11. A transformation method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate substance is brought into contact with a solution comprising alcohol during at least two different washing cycles.

12. Powder obtained by a process according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Powder whose color is characterized by an L component greater than 90 according to the CIE 1976 L*a*b measurement and / or by a number of parts by weight of proteins, per 100 parts by weight of the powder, greater than 95.

14. Use of a powder according to one of claims 12 to 13 in human food or animal food or in cosmetics or in pharmacology or in wall coverings.

15. Installation for implementing the transformation method according to one of the preceding claims, the installation comprising at least one protein extraction module, a precipitation module, a washing module and a drying module.

16. Installation according to claim 15, in which the washing module comprises at least one mixer-centrifuge assembly.

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