High protein high shear vacuum mixing

Abstract

Provided are mixing processing units for mixing of high protein and / or high dry matter content products. These mixing processing units are mixers having a tank (101) to which an in-line mixer pump (112) having a stator is connected. As with conventional mixers liquid flows from the tank through the pump back into the tank. The processing units of the disclosure also have an improved stator in the pump and / or a bypass-recirculation stream (122) going from the exit side of the pump to the intake side. The improved stator is configured so that at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area is openings. The bypass-recirculation stream is configured so that from about 5% to about 15% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump is diverted back. The disclosure also includes methods of mixing powders and liquids using the mixing processing units.

Description

070933.11553 / 50W001HIGH PROTEIN HIGH SHEAR VACUUM MIXING CROSS-REFENCE TO REEATED APPLICACTIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 762,900 (filed on February 25, 2025), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to improved vacuum mixers for high protein and / or high dry matter content products.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vacuum mixers mix ingredients in a vacuum to prevent air bubbles from forming. They are used in many industries including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.Specifically, vacuum mixing uses a vacuum mixer with a vacuum pump to dissolve, mix, blend, emulsify, or homogenize materials in a vacuum environment. The vacuum mixer employs mixing attachments to thoroughly combine the samples, typically including an emulsifying head, a stator, or an agitator.

[0004] Without being bound by theory, it is thought that vacuum mixing offers benefits including elimination of unsightly voids in the finished product, improvement of dispersion quality, degassing, and sub-surface addition of raw materials. Despite these benefits, currently it is quite difficult to mix high protein powders, powders with high dry matter content, powders with poor wetting characteristics and / or high amounts of air in bulk. When the mixing of powders is attempted, there is no or low ability to mix powder with liquid due to entrapped air in the mixer that stops the mixing and the flow rate.

[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is an improved design of a mixer, such as e.g., a vacuum mixer, that can be used to mix high protein powders, high dry matter content products, powders with poor wetting characteristics, and powders with high amounts of air in bulk.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This disclosure is based on the discovery that it is possible to mix high protein powders, high dry matter content products, powders with poor wetting characteristics, and powders with high amounts of air in bulk by using vacuum mixers that have a mixing head stator with a large slot size and high porosity and / or recirculation of fluid to the mixing head.4916-0000-0644.1 1070933.11553 / 50W001In certain aspects of the disclosure, the mixers use both a mixing head stator with a large slot size and high porosity and recirculation to fluid to the mixing head.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosure is a mixing processing unit 130 for mixing a liquid and a powder, which includes: a tank 101 having atop 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106 and an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101; an in-line mixer pump 112 connected to the tank 101 said in-line mixer pump 112 having an inlet side 111, an outlet side 113, and a recirculation loop outlet 114 on the outlet side 113; a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet 114 of in-line mixer pump 112 to the tank 101 said recirculation loop connected to the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120; and a bypass-recirculation loop 122 from the recirculation loop outlet 114 back to the in-line mixer pump 112. Furthermore, the in-line mixer pump 112 includes an annular-shaped stator 300 having an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein about 35-70% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307. In one embodiment, about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307. In another embodiment, about 50-60% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307. In one embodiment, the annularshaped stator has at least ten (10) openings 307 or at least fifteen (15) openings 307. In certain embodiments, the annular-shaped stator has at least 10 openings, alternatively at least 15 openings, alternatively at least 20 openings. In one embodiment, the annular-shaped stator has at least 10 openings when about 35-70% of the stator surface area is occupied by the openings. In another embodiment, the annular-shaped stator has at least 15 openings when about 35-70% of the stator surface area is occupied by the openings.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the liquid and powder passes from tank 101 through the inlet side 111 of in-line mixer pump 112 and then through the outlet side 113. In other embodiments, the recirculation loop includes recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop valve 116 connected to recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop pipe 118 connected to recirculation loop valve 116 and recirculation loop inlet 120. In further embodiments, the flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop 122 is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop.

[0009] In one embodiment, from about 1% to about 35% of the total recirculation liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump 112 via the bypass-recirculation loop 122. In another embodiment, from about 5% to about 15% of the total recirculation liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump 112 via the bypass-recirculation loop 122.4916-0000-0644.1 2070933.11553 / 50W001

[0010] The openings in the stator can have a variety of different configurations. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of openings 307 is quadrilateral shaped. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of openings has top wall 309, a bottom wall 311, a side wall 313, and a side wall 315, wherein the top wall 309 and bottom wall 311 are parallel to each other, wherein the side wall 313 and side wall 315 are parallel to each other. In yet another embodiment, the upper rim 301 has an outward facing angle. In some embodiments, the annular-shaped stator 300 further includes one or more hole 317 and / or one more notch 319.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the tank 101 has an inversed cone-shaped bottom 106, the outlet 108 is tangential at the bottom of the tank 101, and the in-line mixer pump 112 connected to the outlet 108 of tank 101. In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is connected to the outlet 108 of tank 101.

[0012] In one embodiment, the in-line mixer pump 112 is connected to tank 101 via inlet pipe 110 which is connected to the outlet 108. In another embodiment, the recirculation loop inlet 120 is positioned above outlet 108. For example, the recirculation inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid and powder mixture (the “liquid-powder mixture”) out of the outlet 108.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a mixing processing unit 130 for mixing a liquid and a powder including: a tank 101 having a top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106, which can be an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101; an in-line mixer pump 112 connected to the outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) of tank 101 said in-line mixer pump 112 having an inlet side 111, an outlet side 113, and a recirculation loop outlet 114; a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet 114 of in-line mixer pump 112 to the tank 101 said recirculation loop tangentially connected to the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120; and a bypass-recirculation loop 122 from the recirculation loop outlet 114 back to the in-line mixer pump 112 on the inlet side 111 (where the product with the air enters the in-line mixer pump).

[0014] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is connected to tank 101 via inlet pipe 110. In other embodiments, the bypass-recirculation loop 122 is connected to inlet pipe 110. In further embodiments, the bypass-recirculation loop 122 is in fluid communication with liquid passing through inlet pipe 110.

[0015] The recirculation loop inlet 120 can be positioned towards the bottom of tank 101 and above outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108). In one embodiment, the recirculation loop inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the4916-0000-0644.1 3070933.11553 / 50W001outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108). In some embodiments, the recirculation loop inlet 120 is positioned in tank 101 such that during mixing it is below the fluid level.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is positioned in-line relative to the bottom 106 of tank 101 or below the bottom 106 of tank 101.

[0017] In some embodiments, the recirculation loop includes recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop valve 116 connected to recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop pipe 118 connected to recirculation loop valve 116 and recirculation loop inlet 120. In other embodiments, the flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop 122 is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop. Thus, for example, from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1% to about 35%, of the total bypass liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump 112 via the bypass-recirculation loop 122.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is positioned horizontally inline with the bottom 106 of tank 101.

[0019] In some embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 includes: an annular-shaped stator 300 comprising an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 comprises the plurality of openings 307. The in-line mixer pump can also include a rotor disposed on an inner side of the annular-shaped stator and spaced by a first gap away from the annular-shaped stator 300, wherein the rotor has a rotary shaft and a plurality of agitating blades extending radially from a center of rotation of the rotor. In certain embodiments, the rotary shaft is connected to a motor.

[0020] In other embodiments, each of the plurality of openings 307 in stator is quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g. , a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has top wall 309, a bottom wall 311, a side wall 313, and a side wall 315, and the top wall 309 and bottom wall 311 are parallel to each other as well as the side wall 313 and side wall 315 are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the upper rim 301 has an outward facing angle. In certain embodiments, the annular-shaped stator 300 further includes one or more hole 317 and / or one more notch 319. In certain embodiments, the openings are arranged such that the comers were the walls meet are rounded, i. e. , there are no sharp coroners.

[0021] Another aspect of the disclosure is a mixing processing unit 100 for mixing a liquid and a powder including : a tank 101 having a top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom4916-0000-0644.1 4070933.11553 / 50W001106, which can be an inversed cone-shaped botom, and an outlet 108 towards the botom of the tank 101; an in-line mixer pump 112 connected to the outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) of tank 101 said in-line mixer pump 112 having a recirculation loop outlet 114; and a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet 114 of in-line mixer pump 112 to the tank 101 said recirculation loop tangentially connected to the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120. The in-line mixer pump 112 includes: an annular-shaped stator 300 having an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 whereby at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307, z.e., at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area has opening; and a rotor disposed on an inner side of the annular-shaped stator and spaced by a first gap away from the annular-shaped stator, wherein the rotor has a rotary shaft and a plurality of agitating blades extending radially from a center of rotation of the rotor. In some embodiments, the rotary shaft is connected to a motor.

[0022] In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings 307 is quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g. , a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has top wall 309, a botom wall 311, a side wall 313, and a side wall 315, wherein the top wall 309 and botom wall 311 are parallel to each other, wherein the side wall 313 and side wall 315 are parallel to each other. In another embodiment, the upper rim 301 has an outward facing angle. In yet another embodiment, the annular-shaped stator 300 further includes one or more hole 317 and / or one more notch 319.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is connected to tank 101 via inlet pipe 110. In other embodiments, the recirculation loop inlet 120 is positioned towards the botom of tank 101 and above outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108). In certain embodiments, the recirculation loop inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the outlet 108 (e.g. , tangential outlet 108).

[0024] In another embodiment, the in-line mixer pump 112 is positioned in-line relative to the botom 106 of tank 101 or below the botom 106 of tank 101. In yet another embodiment, the recirculation loop includes recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop valve 116 connected to recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop pipe 118 connected to recirculation loop valve 116 and recirculation loop inlet 120. In other embodiments, the mixing processing unit 100 also includes a bypass-recirculation loop 122 from the recirculation loop outlet 114 back to the in-line mixer pump 112. In some embodiments, the4916-0000-0644.1 5070933.11553 / 50W001bypass-recirculation loop 122 is connected to inlet pipe 110. In other embodiments, the bypass-recirculation loop 122 is in fluid communication with liquid passing through inlet pipe 110.

[0025] The flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop 122 can be adjustable and is generally less than the flow through the recirculation loop. In some embodiments, from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1% to about 35%, of the total bypass liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump 112 via the bypass-recirculation loop 122. In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is positioned horizontally in-line with the bottom 106 of tank 101.

[0026] Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of mixing a liquid and a powder including: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank 101 having top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106, which can be an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101 to generate a liquid-powder mixture; pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank 101 through the outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) through an in-line mixer pump 112 having a rotor and an annularshaped stator 300 and back into the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120, the recirculation loop inlet 120 positioned towards the bottom of the tank 101, wherein: the annular-shaped stator 300 includes an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307; and / or the method further includes splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 so that from about 1% to about 30% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump 112.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further includes splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 so that from about 1% to about 30% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump 112. In some embodiments, method further includes adjusting flow of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the method includes annular-shaped stator 300 having an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of4916-0000-0644.1 6070933.11553 / 50W001surface 305 has the plurality of openings 307. In one embodiment of the method, the annular-shaped stator has at least ten (10) openings 307 or at least fifteen (15) openings 307.

[0029] In some embodiments of the methods, the powder has a high protein content. For example, the powder includes a pea isolate, a soy isolate, a whey isolate casein, or a caseinate, soy, or pea. In other embodiments, the powder contains a pea isolate, a soy isolate, a whey isolate casein, or caseinate, soy, or pea.

[0030] Yet another aspect of the disclosure is a method of mixing a liquid and a powder, which includes: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank 101 having top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106, an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101, and a pump connected to the tank 101 to generate a liquid-powder mixture; pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank 101 through an in-line mixer pump 112 having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator 300 and back into the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120, the recirculation loop inlet 120 positioned towards the bottom of the tank 101; and splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 so that from about 1% to about 30% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump 112 via bypass-recirculation loop 122, wherein the annular-shaped stator 300 includes an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein about 35-70%, the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the method includes the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 so that from about 5% to about 15% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump 112 via bypass-recirculation loop 122. In other embodiments, the method also includes adjusting flow of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112.

[0032] In another embodiment, about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307. In yet another embodiment, about 50-60% of the surface area of surface 305 includes the plurality of openings 307.

[0033] The tank used in the methods can have a variety of different configurations. In one embodiment, the tank has an inversed cone-shaped bottom 106.

[0034] In some embodiments of the methods, the powder has a high protein content. For example, the powder includes a pea isolate, a soy isolate, a whey isolate casein, or a caseinate.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and examples that follow.4916-0000-0644.1 7070933.11553 / 50W001BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended figures. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the figures demonstrate embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, examples, and instrumentalities shown.

[0037] FIG. 1 A shows a schematic a mixing processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, in the embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. 1A, the in-line pump / mixer has a stator in accordance with the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. IB shows a schematic a mixing processing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Specifically, in the embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. IB, the processing unit has a bypass-recirculation loop going from the in-line pump / mixer back to the in-line pump / mixer. The embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. IB can also have a stator in accordance with the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 1C shows a schematic a mixing processing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Specifically, in the embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. 1C, the in-line pump / mixer has a stator in accordance with the disclosure. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1C is a variation of the embodiment in FIG. 1A with a different configuration at the bottom of the tank (z. e. , no inverted cone shape).

[0040] FIG. ID shows a schematic a mixing processing unit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Specifically, in the embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. ID, the processing unit has a bypass-recirculation loop going from the in-line pump / mixer back to the in-line pump / mixer. The embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. ID can also have a stator in accordance with the disclosure. The embodiment shown in FIG. ID is a variation of the embodiment in FIG. IB with a different configuration at the bottom of the tank (z'.e., no inverted cone shape).

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a picture of a bypass arrangement according one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a stator according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4A shows a picture of a product mixed using the prior art mixer arrangement (a convention Flex Mix Instant mixer currently available). Visible in FIG. 4A are clumps.

[0044] FIG. 4B shows a picture of a product mixed using an embodiment of the mixture arrangement of the disclosure. The product in FIG. 4B does not exhibit any lumps.4916-0000-0644.1 8070933.11553 / 50W001

[0045] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show pictures of mixing a product having 30% SMP.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] This disclosure is based on the discovery that the efficiency of standard vacuum mixers can be improved if a bypass-recirculation loop is included. In particular, this disclosure is based on the discovery that recirculation on the bypass with 1-30% flow helps to increase suction pressure when viscosity of the product is rising.

[0047] The disclosure is also based on the discovery that vacuum mixer efficiency can also be improved by increasing the size of slot openings (i.e., the total surface area occupied by the openings) on the annular-shaped stator. Combing both the recirculation and stator results in an improved product jet which returns via the bypass to the inducer to destroy lumps and reduce air bubbles in product thereby maintaining pump performance on the correct level.

[0048] The general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the detailed description of the invention as provided herein.

[0049] For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into subsections that describe or illustrate certain features, embodiments, or applications of the present invention.Definitions

[0050] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, representative illustrative methods, and materials are now described.

[0051] All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.4916-0000-0644.1 9070933.11553 / 50W001

[0052] It is noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

[0053] Each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible.

[0054] As used herein, the term “about” when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ± 20% or ± 10%, more preferably ± 5%, even more preferably ± 1%, and still more preferably ± 0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.

[0055] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0056] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing” and “characterized by” are exchangeable, inclusive, open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Any recitation herein of the term “comprising,” particularly in a description of components of a composition or in a description of elements of a device, is understood to encompass those compositions and methods consisting essentially of and consisting of the recited components or elements.

[0057] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0058] As used herein, the term “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element.

[0059] Before certain embodiments are described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to certain embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.4916-0000-0644.1 10070933.11553 / 50W001

[0060] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

[0061] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0062] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.Mixing Processing Unit

[0063] This disclosure is based on the discovery that foaming and clumping associated with mixing powders and liquids in conventional mixing processing units can be reduced or eliminated via recirculating the bypass liquid back in the in-line mixer pump. This disclosure is also based on the discovery that the foaming and clumping also reduced by changing the stator arrangement of the in-line mixer pump such that the openings in the annular-shaped stator account for at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60% of the surface area of the annular-shaped stator. This is disclosure is further based on the discovery that foaming and clumping associated with mixing powders and liquids in conventional mixing processing units can optimally be reduced or eliminated by recirculating the bypass liquid back in the in-line mixer pump and by changing the stator arrangement of the in-line mixer pump such that the openings in the4916-0000-0644.1 11070933.11553 / 50W001annular-shaped stator account for at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60% of the surface area of the annular-shaped stator.

[0064] Accordingly, this disclosure provides an improved mixing processing unit having a tank and an in-line mixer pump connected to the tank. In one embodiment, the improved mixing processing unit has tank, and an in-line mixer pump connected to the tank, whereby the annular-shaped stator ring has bigger slots. In another embodiment, the improved mixing processing unit has tank, and an in-line mixer pump connected to the tank with a recirculation loop back to the in-line mixer pump. In a further embodiment, the improved mixing processing unit has tank, and an in-line mixer pump connected to the tank with a recirculation loop back to the in-line mixer pump and the annular-shaped stator ring has bigger slots.

[0065] By installing a bypass over the mixer pump house causing and additionally introducing a new stator ring with bigger slots 50% space area compared to 25% on the existing design, it has been documented that a high and stable flow can be maintained during high protein powder intakes.

[0066] The annular-shaped stator ring with bigger slots improves gas releases from the pumping area when the product has both low and high viscosity. For correct functionality of a centrifugal pump mixer pump) one of the main parameters is keeping the suction pressure on the inlet of the pump. In some embodiments, from about 5-10%, alternatively about 5-15%, such as e.g., about 8% of the recirculation flow through the recirculation bypass loop is attributed to an increased suction pressure when viscosity of the product is increasing.

[0067] A prototype of the bypass and new stator ring arrangement has successfully been tested with both high and low viscous products when adding high protein powders. It was possible to keep the high shear mixing at high flow, and a final product quality with less foam and lump formation than normal.

[0068] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a mixing processing unit 100. The mixing processing unit 100 includes a tank 101 in-line mixer pump 112 that is connected to the tank 101. Specifically, in the embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. 1A, the inline pump / mixer has a stator in accordance with the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the tank 101 is vacuum sealed, i.e., a vacuum tank.

[0069] The in-line mixer pump 112 placed so that it is below the level of liquid in the tank 101 when the tank is in use. Generally, the processing unit has a tank 101 with a top 102, side wall 104 and a bottom 106, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A is an inversed cone-shaped bottom. Bottom 106 can have a variety of different shapes. The tank also has4916-0000-0644.1 12070933.11553 / 50W001an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101 which is connected to the in-line mixer pump 112.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump 112 is connected to the tank 101 via inlet pipe 110. In one embodiment, the tank has an outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) at the bottom of the tank 101 which is connected to the in-line mixer pump 112 via inlet pipe 110. When in operation, powder and liquid enter the tank to create a liquid product, the inline mixer pump 112 then pumps and mixes the liquid product leaving from the tank and thereby creating a liquid flow the bypass liquid. The bypass liquid is recirculated back to the tank. Specifically, the bypass liquid passes though the recirculation loop outlet 114 in the inline mixer pump 112. The bypass outlet is connected to recirculation loop valve 116. The bypass liquid passes through the recirculation loop valve 116 into recirculation loop pipe 118 that is connected, such as e.g., tangentially to the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120. The recirculation loop inlet 120 is positioned towards the bottom of tank 101 and above outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid and powder mixture (the “liquid-powder mixture”) out of the outlet 108 (e.g. , tangential outlet 108).

[0071] FIG. 1C shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1C has a different configuration for bottom 106. The bottom 106 in FIG. 1C is not inversed cone shaped. The bottom can be rounded, flat, or cone shaped.

[0072] FIG. IB shows an embodiment of a mixing processing unit 130 of the disclosure configured for recirculation. Specifically, in the embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. IB, the processing unit has a bypass-recirculation loop going from the in-line pump / mixer back to the in-line pump / mixer. Specifically, the bypass-recirculation loop passes liquid from the outlet side of the pump to the inlet side. In certain embodiments, the by-pass recirculation loop goes from the outlet of in-line mixer pump 112 to the inlet of inline mixer pump 112. The embodiment of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. IB can also have a stator in accordance with the disclosure.

[0073] FIG. ID shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. IB. The embodiment shown in FIG. ID has a different configuration for bottom 106. The bottom 105 in FIG. 1C is not inversed cone shaped. The bottom can be rounded, flat, or cone shaped. In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is integral with the bottom of the tank.

[0074] As with the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. 1A, the in-line mixer pumps and mixes the product and thus creates a large liquid flow, which is recirculated back over the tank through a recirculation loop. The mixing processing units of the disclosure also4916-0000-0644.1 13070933.11553 / 50W001recirculate part of the liquid flow back to the in-line / stator mixer by the recirculation bypass. Specifically, the mixing processing unit 130 shown in FIG. IB includes all the features of the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. 1A. In-line mixer pump 112 has an inlet side 111 that receives product passing from the tank to the pump and an outlet side 113 through which product leaving the pump passes. In addition, the mixing processing unit include a bypassrecirculation loop 122 that is connected to the inlet side of the in-line mixer pump 112. In certain embodiments, the bypass-recirculation loop 122 that transfers (recirculates) fluid leaving the in-line pump back into the pump. The bypass-recirculation loop 122 connects the outlet side 113 of the in-line mixer pump 112 (i.e., the side having the bypass loop) with the inlet side 111. Thus, the bypass-recirculation loop 122 is connected directly to inlet side of the in-line mixer pump 112. For example, the recirculation loop is directly connected to inline mixer pump on the inlet side 111. In other embodiments, the bypass-recirculation loop is connected to inlet pipe 110.

[0075] In certain embodiments, recirculation loop valve 116 is configured to control the flow of bypass liquid into the bypass-recirculation loop 122 and / or recirculation loop pipe 118. In one embodiment, recirculation loop valve 116 controls the flow of bypass liquid into the bypass-recirculation loop 122 and recirculation loop pipe 118. In another embodiment, recirculation loop valve 116 controls the flow of recirculation liquid into the bypassrecirculation loop 122 and recirculation loop pipe 118.

[0076] Generally, the processing units of the disclosure include in-line rotor / stator mixer which is connected to an outlet towards the bottom of a tank, such as, e.g. , a tangential outlet in the bottom of a tank having a reversed coned bottom. When mixing processing unit 130 is in operation, liquid and powder are transferred into the tank 101 where they create a liquid product. The in-line mixer pump 112 pumps and mixes the liquid product thereby creating a liquid flow, which is recirculated over the tank through a recirculation loop outlet 114, recirculation loop valve 116, recirculation loop pipe 118, and recirculation loop inlet 120.

[0077] The bypass flow i.e., the bypass liquid, is returned tangentially into the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120 thereby creating a forced vortex. The forced vortex means that liquid will “rise” up along the side wall 104 of the tank and the liquid surface area will be considerably larger than the tank diameter. The tank 101 is a vacuum-sealed tank, which can also be referred to as tank 101, and the powder is transported as a powder / air mixture into the tank 101 by means of a powder inlet 124 (not shown in FIG. 1A-1D). Tank 101 also has liquid inlet 126 (not shown in FIG. 1A-1D). The liquid inlet 126 and / or the powder inlet 124 can be located in top 102 or side wall 104. In certain embodiments, the powder inlet 124 is a4916-0000-0644.1 14070933.11553 / 50W001powder inlet valve. The powder inlet 124 is configured so that a powder / air mixture is led directly into the liquid in the tank 101 below the liquid surface. Due to the forced vortex and the difference in density, a separation of air / gas and liquid will take place quickly in tank 101. The air / gas is centered in the middle of the tank 101 and is subsequently drawn out through exhaust valve 128 (not shown in FIG. 1A-1D). In certain embodiments, the exhaust valve 128 is located in top 102.

[0078] In addition, part of the bypass liquid is diverted into bypass-recirculation loop 122, which circulates bypass liquid back into the in-line mixer pump 112. In certain embodiments of the flow of bypass liquid into bypass-recirculation loop 122 is controlled by a valve. In some embodiments, the flow of bypass liquid into bypass-recirculation loop 122 is controlled by recirculation loop valve 116.

[0079] In some embodiments, from about l%to about 30%, alternatively from about l%to about 25%, alternatively from about 1% to about 20%, from about 8% to about 30%, alternatively from about 8% to about 25%, alternatively from about 8% to about 20%, alternatively from about 1% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 5% to about 30%, alternatively from about 5% to about 25%, alternatively from about 5% to about 20%, alternatively from about 5% to about 15%, alternatively no more than 30%, alternatively no more about 20%, alternatively no more than about 15% of the total bypass liquid flow leaving the in-line mixer pump 112 through recirculation loop outlet 114 is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump 112 via bypassrecirculation loop 122.

[0080] The flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop 122 is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop, which includes, e.g., recirculation loop outlet 114 recirculation loop valve 116, recirculation loop pipe 118, and recirculation loop inlet 120. In some embodiments, from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1% to about 35%, alternatively from about 5% to about 35%, alternatively from about 10% to about 35%, alternatively from about 15% to about 35%, alternatively from about 20% to about 35%, alternatively from about 25% to about 35%, alternatively from about 30% to about 35%, alternatively from about 1% to about 25%, alternatively from about 1% to about 20%, from about 8% to about 30%, alternatively from about 8% to about 25%, alternatively from about 8% to about 20%, alternatively from about 1% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 5% to about 30%, alternatively from about 5% to about 25%, alternatively from about 5% to about 20%, alternatively from about 5% to about 20%, alternatively no more than 30%, alternatively no more about 20%, alternatively no more than4916-0000-0644.1 15070933.11553 / 50W001about 15% of the total bypass liquid flow, i.e. bypass liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump 112, is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump 112 via bypass-recirculation loop 122.

[0081] Without being bound by theory, the large free liquid surface furthermore gives an effective and continuous deaeration of the product thereby reducing oxidation as well as improving product quality and consistency.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the mixing processing units allow for batch production of up to about 6000 liters and a production of up to about 100,000 liters per hour depending on the production plant. In one embodiment, the mixer has a flow rate of greater than 100,000 L / h, from about 100,000 to about 125,000 L / h, from about 110,000 to about 120,000 L / h. In other embodiments, flow rate of greater than 300,000 L / h, from about 300,000 to about 350,000 L / h, from about 330,000 to 400,000 L / h, the mixer has a flow rate of up to 400,000 L / h.

[0083] The mixing processing units of the disclosure have a variety of different uses. They are designed to recombine, dissolve, and disperse powders in liquids by means of high shear mixing or high shear vacuum mixing. In certain embodiments, the mixing processing units can be used within batch and semi continuous in-line mixing of any powders with high protein content (pea isolate, soy isolate, whey isolate casein, and caseinates etc.). Many nutritional products such as infant formula, medical care, slimming or athletic products, consumer products containing protein such as plant based -fermented high protein products can easily be mixed without any issues relating to foam formation or lumps appearance in the products.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the mixing processing units of the disclosure can be controlled by a controller. In some embodiments, the mixing processing units include a control panel.In-line mixer pump 112

[0085] The in-line mixer pump 112 is pump having a typical fixed rotor and stator arrangement. In certain embodiments of mixing processing unit 130 of the disclosure any conventional in-line mixer pump having a rotor and a stator can be used. In preferred embodiments of the mixing processing unit 130, the in-line mixer pump uses a stator as described in this disclosure.

[0086] In other embodiments, in-line mixer pump 112 is a pump having a fixed rotor and stator arrangement in which the slot size of the annular-shaped stator has been improved. This version is used with all embodiments of mixing processing unit 100 and some embodiments of mixing processing units 130. Without being bound by theory it is thought4916-0000-0644.1 16070933.11553 / 50W001that a stator ring with bigger slots improves gas releases from the pumping area when the product has both low and high viscosity.

[0087] In one embodiment, the annular-shaped stator is configured so that at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55% or at least 60% of the surface area of the annular-shaped stator is taken up by plurality of openings. In certain embodiments, the openings are quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g., a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In certain embodiments, the openings are shaped such that the comers are rounded.

[0088] The annular-shaped stator contains a plurality of openings. The number of openings can vary depending on the size of the stator and intended use. In certain embodiments, the annular-shaped stator has a plurality of openings, each opening seized to allow and product and air to escape. The skilled artisan would understand that the number of openings in the stator also needs to be sufficient so that the combination of the in-line mixer pump and stator are sufficient to mix the liquid and powder.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the annular-shaped stator has at least 10 openings, alternatively at least 15 openings, alternatively at least 20 openings. In one embodiment, the annular-shaped stator has at least 10 openings when about 35-70% of the stator surface area is occupied by the openings. In another embodiment, the annular-shaped stator has at least 15 openings when about 35-70% of the stator surface area is occupied by the openings.

[0090] When the openings of the annular-shaped stator are in the shape of a parallelogram, the angle of the parallelogram can vary depending on the liquid and powder being mixed.

[0091] FIG. 2 shows a picture of a mixing processing unit of the disclosure. FIG. 2 shows mixing processing unit 200 which has the same arrangement as the mixing processing unit shown in FIG. IB above. Processing unit 200 has tank 202 and in-line mixer pump 204. The pump 204 has bypass-recirculation loop 206 going from the exit side of in-line mixer pump 204, i.e., the side of the pump that circulates the liquid-powder product through the pump back into the tank 202. The amount of flow that recirculates back on the intake side of the inline mixer pump 204 can be adjusted. In certain embodiments, the amount of flow that recirculates back on the intake side of the in-line mixer pump 204 is adjusted by valve 208. In certain embodiments as shown in FIG. 2, the bypass-recirculation loop can be a flexible pipe. In other embodiments, the bypass-recirculation loop is a pipe.

[0092] In one embodiment, the in-line mixer pump 112 includes an annular-shaped stator 300 as shown in FIG. 3A. The annular-shaped stator 300 has an upper rim 301 and a lower4916-0000-0644.1 17070933.11553 / 50W001rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween. The surface 305 has a plurality of openings 307 whereby at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65%, at least 55%, or at least 60% of the surface area of surface 305 comprises the plurality of openings 307. The openings 307 have a large slot size and high porosity. A rotor is disposed on an inner side of the annular-shaped stator and spaced by a first gap away from the annular-shaped stator, wherein the rotor has a rotary shaft and a plurality of agitating blades extending radially from a center of rotation of the rotor. In certain embodiments, the rotary shaft is connected to a motor. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of openings 307 is quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g, a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In certain embodiments, the openings 307 are quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g., a parallelogram or a trapezoid and angled in the direction of fluid flow coming from the rotor. In some embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is an SPX FLOW APV Flex-Mix Inline mixer.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 3 A, each of the plurality of openings has top wall 309, a bottom wall 311, a side wall 313, and a side wall 315, whereby the top wall 309 and bottom wall 311 are parallel to each other, and whereby the side wall 313 and side wall 315 are parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the upper rim 301 has an outward facing angle. In other embodiments, the annular-shaped stator 300 further comprises one or more hole 317 and / or one more notch 319. When the annular-shaped stator 300 includes two or more holes 317 and / or two more notches 319, the holes 317 and / or notches 319 are on opposite sides of the annular-shaped stator 300. In certain embodiments, the openings are arranged such that the comers were the walls meet are rounded, z.e., there are no sharp coroners.

[0094] In some embodiments, the openings in the stator can be round or rectangular. The amount of open area varies from 35-60%, alternatively at least 50%, alternatively about 30-60%, alternatively about 40-50%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 35-75%, alternatively about 40-75%, alternatively about 45-65%, alternatively about 40-65% depending on the properties of the mixed product. In certain embodiments, the round holes must be of equal diameter, arranged symmetrically and their diameter depends on the open area (35-60%, alternatively at least 50%, alternatively about 30-60%, alternatively about 40-50%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 40-65%). The rectangular holes wherein each of the plurality of openings has top, a bottom, a side, and a side, wherein the top and bottom are parallel to each other, wherein the side and side are parallel to each other parallel holes are arranged symmetrically with a variable width depending on the open area (35-60%, alternatively at least 50%, alternatively about 30-60%, alternatively about 40-50%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 40-65%).4916-0000-0644.1 18070933.11553 / 50W001Further tank features

[0095] In certain embodiments, the tank 101 is cylindrically shaped. As noted above in certain embodiments, the bottom of the tank 101 can be shaped like an inverted cone. The bottom of tank 101 can also be flat or in the shape of a cone. In further embodiments, the tank is insulated. In certain embodiments, the tank is configured to heat the product via direct steam injection.

[0096] In other embodiments, the tank 101 has a jacket. In further embodiments, the jacket is located in the side wall 104. In other embodiments, the jacket is mounted on the outside of the tank 101 on side wall 104. The j acket can be used to cool or heat the tank 101. In certain embodiments, in which tank 101 is not cylindrically shaped, the tank can have more than one side wall 104, such as e.g., three side walls for a triangular shaped tank four side walls for a rectangular shaped tank.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the tank 101 includes a sight glass mounted in top 102. In further embodiments, the tank 101 is a vacuum-sealed tank.

[0098] In addition, the tank 101 can be configured to allow for cleaning -in-place. In certain embodiments, the tank includes one or more e.g., two cleaning -in-place inlet branches.

[0099] In further embodiments, the side wall 104 includes one or intakes for other ingredients.

[0100] In some embodiments, the intemal / extemal tank surfaces of tank 101 are a in quality 2B finish with polished welds. In further embodiments, the interior surfaces of the inlet pipe 110, the in-line mixer pump 112, the recirculation loop outlet 114, the recirculation loop valve 116, the recirculation loop pipe 118 and the bypass-recirculation loop 122 are also in quality 2B finish with polished welds.

[0101] The tank 101 can also contain an outlet 134 through which the mixed product leaves the tank (not shown in FIG. 1A-1D).

[0102] In some embodiments, any surfaces in contact with the product (i.e., liquid and powder) in the tank 101 or anywhere else in a mixing processing unit according to the disclosure such e.g., the mixing processing unit 100 or 130 have a Ra< 1 pm.Vacuum System

[0103] In certain embodiments, the mixing processing units of the disclosure include a vacuum system to maintain a vacuum in the tank. The vacuum system can include a vacuum pump.4916-0000-0644.1 19070933.11553 / 50W001

[0104] In one embodiment, vacuum system includes liquid ring vacuum pumps. In some embodiments, the pumps are constructed from metal, plastic, or other materials resistant to CIP liquids.

[0105] In further embodiment, the pumps are operated by directly coupled motor which can be fully encapsulated.

[0106] The vacuum system can include a vacuum level regulation valve. The vacuum system can also include a vacuum level regulation valve.

[0107] In certain embodiments, the mixing processing unit is based on a Flex-Mix™ Instant processing unit sold by SPX Flow which has been modified to include the annularshaped stator described above and / or the bypass-recirculation loop going back to the in-line pump / mixer described above.Features of embodiments of the disclosure

[0108] One embodiment of the disclosure is a mixing processing unit for mixing a liquid and a powder, which includes: a tank having a top, one or more side wall, bottom, such as e.g., an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet towards the bottom of the tank; an in-line mixer pump connected to the outlet of tank (such e.g., a tangential outlet at the bottom of the tank) said in-line mixer pump having a recirculation loop outlet; a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet of in-line mixer pump to the tank said recirculation loop connected to the tank; and a bypass-recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet back to the inline mixer pump and / or an annular-shaped stator in the inline-mixer pump having an upper rim and a lower rim with a surface therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface is occupied by the plurality of openings. In certain embodiments, the recirculation loop tangentially connected to the tank via a recirculation loop inlet.

[0109] In some embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is connected to tank via an inlet pipe. When present, the bypass-recirculation loop is connected to the inlet pipe. Alternatively, the bypass-recirculation loop is in fluid communication with liquid passing through inlet pipe. The recirculation loop inlet is positioned towards the bottom of tank and above the outlet. Furthermore, the recirculation loop inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the tangential outlet. The in-line mixer pump is positioned inline relative to the bottom of tank or below the bottom of tank.4916-0000-0644.1 20070933.11553 / 50W001

[0110] In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is directly attached to the tank toward the bottom or on the bottom. In these embodiments, when present, the bypass-recirculation loop is connected to in-line mixer pump on the inlet side.[oni] The recirculation loop can have a variety of different components. In one embodiment, the recirculation loop includes a recirculation loop outlet, a recirculation loop valve connected to a recirculation loop outlet. The recirculation loop pipe is connected to the recirculation loop valve and the recirculation loop inlet. The flow of liquid through bypassrecirculation loop is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop. In certain embodiments, from about 1% to about 30% of the total bypass liquid exiting the inline mixer pump is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump via the bypass-recirculation loop.

[0112] In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is positioned horizontally in-line with the bottom of tank. The in-line mixer pump can have a variety of different features. In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump includes: an annular-shaped stator comprising an upper rim and a lower rim with a surface therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface comprises the plurality of openings; and a rotor disposed on an inner side of the annularshaped stator and spaced by a first gap away from the annular-shaped stator, wherein the rotor has a rotary shaft and a plurality of agitating blades extending radially from a center of rotation of the rotor. The rotary shaft is connected to a motor. The openings in the stator can have a variety of different shapes. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of openings is quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g., a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has top, a bottom, a side, and a side, wherein the top and bottom are parallel to each other, wherein the side and side are parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the openings are arranged such that the comers were the walls meet are rounded, z.e., there are no sharp coroners.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the upper rim has an outward facing angle. In other embodiments, the annular-shaped stator further includes one or more hole and / or one more notch.

[0114] In yet another embodiment, the mixing processing unit for mixing a liquid and a powder includes: a tank having a top, one or more side wall, a bottom, such as e.g., an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet towards the bottom of the tank; an in-line mixer pump connected to the outlet of tank said in-line mixer pump having a recirculation loop outlet; a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet of in-line mixer pump to the4916-0000-0644.1 21070933.11553 / 50W001tank said recirculation loop tangentially connected to the tank via recirculation loop inlet; and a bypass-recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet back to the in-line mixer pump.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is connected to tank via inlet pipe. The bypass-recirculation loop is either connected to inlet pipe or in fluid communication with liquid passing through inlet pipe. The recirculation loop inlet is positioned towards the bottom of tank and above the outlet. In addition, the recirculation loop inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the outlet. Furthermore, the in-line mixer pump is positioned in-line relative to the bottom of tank or below the bottom of tank. In some embodiments, the recirculation loop includes recirculation loop outlet, recirculation loop valve connected to recirculation loop outlet, with a recirculation loop pipe connected to recirculation loop valve and recirculation loop inlet.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop. For example, in some embodiments from about 1% to about 30% of the total bypass liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump via the bypass-recirculation loop.

[0117] In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is positioned horizontally in-line with the bottom of tank. In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump includes: an annularshaped stator having an upper rim and a lower rim with a surface therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface comprises the plurality of openings; and a rotor disposed on an inner side of the annular-shaped stator and spaced by a first gap away from the annular-shaped stator, wherein the rotor has a rotary shaft and a plurality of agitating blades extending radially from a center of rotation of the rotor. In some embodiments, the rotary shaft is connected to a motor.

[0118] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of openings is quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g., a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has top, a bottom, a side, and a side, wherein the top and bottom are parallel to each other, wherein the side and side are parallel to each other. The upper rim has an outward facing angle. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the annular-shaped stator further includes one or more hole and / or one more notch.

[0119] Another embodiment of the disclosure is a mixing processing unit for mixing a liquid and a powder, which includes: a tank having a top, one or more side wall, an inversed cone-shaped bottom and an outlet towards the bottom of the tank, such as e.g., a tangential outlet at the bottom of the tank; an in-line mixer pump connected to the tangential outlet of4916-0000-0644.1 22070933.11553 / 50W001tank said in-line mixer pump having a recirculation loop outlet; and a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet of in-line mixer pump to the tank said recirculation loop tangentially connected to the tank via recirculation loop inlet. The in-line mixer pump includes at least the following features: an annular-shaped stator having an upper rim and a lower rim with a surface therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface comprises the plurality of openings; and a rotor disposed on an inner side of the annular-shaped stator and spaced by a first gap away from the annular-shaped stator, wherein the rotor has a rotary shaft and a plurality of agitating blades extending radially from a center of rotation of the rotor. The rotary shaft is connected to a motor. Each of the plurality of openings is quadrilateral shaped, such as e.g., a parallelogram or a trapezoid. In addition, each of the plurality of openings has top, a bottom, a side, and a side, wherein the top and bottom are parallel to each other, wherein the sides and side are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the upper rim has an outward facing angle. In other embodiments, the annular-shaped stator further comprises one or more hole and / or one more notch. In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is connected to the tank via an inlet pipe.

[0120] The recirculation loop inlet is positioned towards the bottom of tank and above outlet. The recirculation loop inlet is also positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the tangential outlet.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is positioned in-line relative to the bottom of tank or below the bottom of tank. In some embodiments, the recirculation loop includes a recirculation loop outlet, a recirculation loop valve connected to the recirculation loop outlet, and a recirculation loop pipe connected to the recirculation loop valve and recirculation loop inlet.

[0122] In some embodiments, the mixing processing unit also includes a bypassrecirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet back to the in-line mixer pump. The bypass-recirculation loop can be connected to inlet pipe, or it is in fluid communication with liquid passing through the inlet pipe. The flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop can be adjustable and it is less than the flow through the recirculation loop.

[0123] In certain embodiments, from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1% to about 45%, alternatively from about 5% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1% to about 15% of the total bypass liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump is recirculated back to in-4916-0000-0644.1 23070933.11553 / 50W001line mixer pump via the bypass-recirculation loop. In other embodiments, the in-line mixer pump is positioned horizontally in-line with the bottom of tank.

[0124] Another embodiment is a mixing processing unit for mixing a liquid and a powder including: a tank having a top, one or more side wall, a bottom and an outlet towards the bottom of the tank; an in-line mixer pump connected to the tank said in-line mixer pump having an inlet side, an outlet side, and a recirculation loop outlet on the outlet side; a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet of in-line mixer pump to the tank said recirculation loop connected to the tank via recirculation loop inlet; and a bypassrecirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet back to the in-line mixer pump, wherein the in-line mixer pump includes an annular-shaped stator including an upper rim and a lower rim with a surface therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings wherein about 35-70% of the surface area of surface includes the plurality of openings.Methods of mixing liquids and powders

[0125] Another aspect of the disclosure includes methods of mixing liquids and powders using the mixing processing units of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the methods include placing a liquid and powder into mixing processing unit 100 or mixing processing unit 130 and operating the mixing processing unit.

[0126] The methods of the disclosure, in particular, when combing both the recirculation and stator, provide for an improved product jet which returns via the bypass to the inducer to destroy lumps and reduce air bubbles in product thereby maintaining pump performance on the correct level.

[0127] In one embodiment, the method of mixing a liquid and a powder includes: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank 101 having top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106, which can be an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101 to generate a liquid-powder mixture; and pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank 101 through the outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) through an inline mixer pump 112 having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator 300 and back into the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120, the recirculation loop inlet 120 positioned towards the bottom of the tank 101, wherein the annular-shaped stator 300 includes an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 comprises the plurality of openings 307. The pumping action results in the mixing.4916-0000-0644.1 24070933.11553 / 50W001

[0128] In one embodiment, the method of mixing a liquid and a powder includes: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank 101 having top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106, which can be an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101 to generate a liquid-powder mixture; pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank 101 through the outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) through an inline mixer pump 112 having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator 300 and back into the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120, the recirculation loop inlet 120 positioned towards the bottom of the tank 101; and splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 so that from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1% to about 35%, alternatively from about 5% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1% to about 15% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump 112. The pumping action results in the mixing.

[0129] In one embodiment, the method of mixing a liquid and a powder includes: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank 101 having top 102, one or more side wall 104, a bottom 106, which can be an inversed cone-shaped bottom, and an outlet 108 towards the bottom of the tank 101 to generate a liquid-powder mixture; pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank 101 through the outlet 108 (e.g., tangential outlet 108) through an inline mixer pump 112 having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator 300 and back into the tank 101 via recirculation loop inlet 120, the recirculation loop inlet 120 positioned towards the bottom of the tank 101, wherein the annular-shaped stator 300 includes an upper rim 301 and a lower rim 303 with a surface 305 therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings 307 wherein at least 50%, alternatively about 35-70%, alternatively about 40-60%, alternatively about 50-60%, alternatively about 40-65% of the surface area of surface 305 comprises the plurality of openings 307; and splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 so that from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1 to about 35%, alternatively from about 5% to about 15%, alternatively from about 1% to about 15% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112 is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump 112. The pumping action results in the mixing.

[0130] In certain embodiments, the methods include adjusting flow of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump 112. In some embodiments, the powder includes or contains pea protein, pea isolate, soy protein, soy protein concentrate, a soy isolate, whey protein, whey protein concentrate, a whey isolate casein, or a caseinate. In other embodiments, the powder contains a pea isolate, a soy isolate, a whey isolate casein, or caseinate, soy, or pea.4916-0000-0644.1 25070933.11553 / 50W001

[0131] In another embodiment, the method of mixing a liquid and a powder includes: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank having top, one or more side wall, a bottom, an outlet towards the bottom of the tank, and a pump connected to the tank to generate a liquid-powder mixture; pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank through an in-line mixer pump having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator and back into the tank via recirculation loop inlet, the recirculation loop inlet positioned towards the bottom of the tank; and splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump so that from about 1% to about 30%, alternatively from about 1% to about 35%, alternatively from about 5% to about 15%, alternatively from about l%to about 15% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump via bypass-recirculation loop, wherein the annular-shaped stator includes an upper rim and a lower rim with a surface therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings wherein about 35-70%, the surface area of surface includes the plurality of openings.

[0132] The methods of the disclosure allow for the mixing of high protein and or high dry matter materials. Compared to conventional mixing methods, the methods of the disclosure also reduce the air content in the product and also reduce lumps.

[0133] Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the following illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. The following working examples, therefore, specifically point out the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting in any way the remainder of the disclosure.Examples

[0134] While the invention has been described and illustrated herein by references to various specific materials, procedures and examples, it is understood that the invention is not restricted to the particular combinations of material and procedures selected for that purpose. Numerous variations of such details can be implied as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary, only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. All references, patents, and patent applications referred to in this application are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.Example 1 - Mixing of Pea Protein4916-0000-0644.1 26070933.11553 / 50W001

[0135] A reference test TS=46%, pea protein=17.5% showed that the mixer flow 122000 L / h could only be kept for 1 min. of powder addition, flow reduced to 44000 l / h and was not reestablished as normal when powder addition is stopped. As a result, big powder lumps appeared in the mixer tank (see FIG. 4A).

[0136] After installing the new bypass, it was possible to run for 2.46 min with powder addition, not all powder was added before the flow reduced to 47000 L / h.

[0137] After installing the bypass and stator ring it was possible to complete all the protein powder intake 3.11 min with only minimum drop in mixer flow at the end of the procedure, the flow was established shortly after last protein intake. And no lumps appeared in the mixer tank (see FIG. 4B).

[0138] In addition to testing the bypass alone, the stator ring alone was tested by removing the bypass (back to the pump). Here it was not possible to get all powder in as well. The flow was reduced after 2.51 min to 62000 L / h.

[0139] The new invention was also tried with less viscos products, 370 CP at shear rate 500 at 20°C TS = 46%, protein = 17% (50% pea / 50% soy). These trials were highly successful because there was no drop in flow. Foam analyses showed only 1.6% air, which is exceptionally low.Example 2 - Mixing of SMP

[0140] Another trial with 30% SMP was performed. The SMP was mixed into 50 °C water. Here the viscosity was only 18 CP at shear rate of 500 at 20 °C. A similar trial was previously conducted where the mixer flow dropped after few seconds of powder addition, resulting in high foam formations.

[0141] In contrast to the prior testing, testing with using vacuum mixer with stator and bypass-recirculation loop of the disclosure resulted in no flow drop during the entire SMP intake. The foam amount was 40% in the previous test, and the testing with the vacuum mixer with stator and bypass-recirculation loop of the disclosure resulted in a foam amount of 27%, immediately after powder intake was stopped, sample 0 (see FIG. 5A and 5B). Thus, lower foam formation was achieved.

[0142] List of Elements4916-0000-0644.1 27070933.11553 / 50W001EMBODIMENTS

[0143] The invention provides also the following non-limiting embodiments.

[0144] Embodiment 1 is a mixing processing unit (130) for mixing a liquid and a powder comprising: a tank (101) having a top (102), one or more side wall (104), a bottom (106) and an outlet (108) towards the bottom of the tank (101); an in-line mixer pump (112) connected to the tank (101) said in-line mixer pump (112) having an inlet side (111), an outlet side (113), and a recirculation loop outlet (114) on the outlet side (113); a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet (114) of in-line mixer pump (112) to the tank (101) said recirculation loop connected to the tank (101) via recirculation loop inlet (120); and a bypass-4916-0000-0644.1 28070933.11553 / 50W001recirculation loop (122) from the recirculation loop outlet (114) back to the in-line mixer pump (112), wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) comprises an annular-shaped stator (300) comprising an upper rim (301) and a lower rim (303) with a surface (305) therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings (307) wherein about 35-70% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

[0145] Embodiment 2 is the mixing processing unit (130) of embodiment 1, wherein about 40-65% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

[0146] Embodiment 3 is the mixing processing unit (130) of embodiment 1, wherein about 50-60% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

[0147] Embodiment 4 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the liquid and powder passes from the tank (101) through the inlet side (111) of in-line mixer pump (112) and then through the outlet side (113).

[0148] Embodiment 5 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the recirculation loop comprises recirculation loop outlet (114), recirculation loop valve (116) connected to recirculation loop outlet (114), recirculation loop pipe (118) connected to recirculation loop valve (116) and recirculation loop inlet (120).

[0149] Embodiment 6 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop (122) is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop.

[0150] Embodiment 7 is the mixing processing unit (130) of embodiment 6, wherein from about 1% to about 35% of the total recirculation liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump (112) via the bypass-recirculation loop (122).

[0151] Embodiment 8 is the mixing processing unit (130) of embodiment 7, wherein from about 5% to about 15% of the total recirculation liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is recirculated back to in-line mixer pump (112) via the bypass-recirculation loop (122).

[0152] Embodiment 9 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of openings (307) is quadrilateral shaped.

[0153] Embodiment 10 is the mixing processing unit (130) of embodiment 9, wherein each of the plurality of openings has top wall (309), a bottom wall (311), a side wall (313), and a side wall (315), wherein the top wall (309) and bottom wall (311) are parallel to each other, wherein the side wall (313) and side wall (315) are parallel to each other.

[0154] Embodiment 11 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the upper rim (301) has an outward facing angle.4916-0000-0644.1 29070933.11553 / 50W001

[0155] Embodiment 12 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the annular-shaped stator (300) further comprises one or more hole (317) and / or one more notch (319).

[0156] Embodiment 13 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the tank (101) has an inversed cone-shaped bottom (106), the outlet (108) is tangential at the bottom of the tank (101), and the in-line mixer pump (112) connected to the outlet (108) of tank (101).

[0157] Embodiment 14 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) is connected to the outlet (108) of tank (101).

[0158] Embodiment 15 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiment 1 to 13, wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) is connected to tank (101) via inlet pipe (110) which is connected to the outlet (108) of the tank (101).

[0159] Embodiment 16 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the recirculation loop inlet (120) is positioned above outlet (108).

[0160] Embodiment 17 is the mixing processing unit (130) of embodiment 16, wherein the recirculation inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the outlet (108).

[0161] Embodiment 18 is the mixing processing unit (130) of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the stator comprises at least 10 openings (307) or at least 15 openings (307).

[0162] Embodiment 19 is method of mixing a liquid and a powder comprising: providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank (101) having top ( 102), one or more side wall (104), a bottom (106), an outlet (108) towards the bottom of the tank (101), and an in-line mixer pump (112) connected to the tank (101) to generate a liquid-powder mixture; pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank (101) through an in-line mixer pump (112) having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator (300) and back into the tank (101) via recirculation loop inlet (120), the recirculation loop inlet (120) positioned towards the bottom of the tank (101); and splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) so that from about 1% to about 35% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump (112) via bypass-recirculation loop (122), wherein the annular-shaped stator (300) comprises an upper rim (301) and a lower rim (303) with a surface (305) therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings (307) wherein about 35-70%, the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

[0163] Embodiment 20 is the method of embodiment 19, wherein the method splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) so that from about 5% to about4916-0000-0644.1 30070933.11553 / 50W00115% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump (112) via bypass-recirculation loop (122).

[0164] Embodiment 21 is the method of embodiments 19 or 20, further comprising adjusting flow of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112)

[0165] Embodiment 22 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 21, wherein about 40-65% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307)

[0166] Embodiment 23 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 21, wherein about 50-60% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307)

[0167] Embodiment 24 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 23, wherein the tank has an inversed cone-shaped bottom (106).

[0168] Embodiment 25 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 24, wherein the powder has a high protein content.

[0169] Embodiment 26 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 25, wherein the powder contains a pea isolate, a soy isolate, a whey isolate casein, and / or a caseinate.

[0170] Embodiment 27 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 26, wherein the inline mixer pump (112) has an inlet side (111) and an outlet side (113) with the liquid and powder passing from the tank through the inlet side (111) into the in-line mixer pump (112) and exiting on the outlet side (113) and wherein the method includes splitting the liquidpowder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) on the outlet side (113) so that from about 1% to about 35% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump (112) on the inlet side (111) via bypassrecirculation loop (122).

[0171] Embodiment 28 is the method of any one of embodiments 19 to 27, wherein the stator comprises at least 10 openings (307) or at least 15 openings (307).4916-0000-0644.1 31

Claims

070933.11553 / 50W001CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A mixing processing unit (130) for mixing a liquid and a powder comprising:a tank (101) having a top (102), one or more side wall (104), a bottom (106) and an outlet (108) towards the bottom of the tank (101);an in-line mixer pump (112) connected to the tank (101) said in-line mixer pump (112) having an inlet side (111), an outlet side (113), and a recirculation loop outlet (114) on the outlet side (113); a recirculation loop from the recirculation loop outlet (114) of in-line mixer pump (112) to the tank (101) said recirculation loop connected to the tank (101) via recirculation loop inlet (120); anda bypass-recirculation loop (122) from the recirculation loop outlet (114) back to the in-line mixer pump (112),wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) comprises an annular-shaped stator (300) comprising an upper rim (301) and a lower rim (303) with a surface (305) therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings (307) wherein about 35-70% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

2. The mixing processing unit (130) of claim 1, wherein about 40-65% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

3. The mixing processing unit (130) of claim 1, wherein about 50-60% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

4. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid and powder passes from the tank (101) through the inlet side (111) of in-line mixer pump (112) and then through the outlet side (113).

5. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recirculation loop comprises recirculation loop outlet (114), recirculation loop valve (116) connected to recirculation loop outlet (114), recirculation loop pipe (118) connected to the recirculation loop valve (116) and recirculation inlet (120).4916-0000-0644.1 32070933.11553 / 50W0016. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow of liquid through bypass-recirculation loop (122) is adjustable and is less than the flow through the recirculation loop.

7. The mixing processing unit (130) of claim 6. wherein from about 1% to about 35% of the total recirculation liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is recirculated back to inline mixer pump (112) via the bypass-recirculation loop (122).

8. The mixing processing unit (130) of claim 7, wherein from about 5% to about 15% of the total recirculation liquid exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is recirculated back to inline mixer pump (112) via the bypass-recirculation loop (122).

9. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of openings (307) is quadrilateral shaped.

10. The mixing processing unit (130) of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of openings has top wall (309), a bottom wall (311), a side wall (313), and a side wall (315), wherein the top wall (309) and bottom wall (311) are parallel to each other, wherein the side wall (313) and side wall (315) are parallel to each other.

11. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper rim (301) has an outward facing angle.

12. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the annularshaped stator (300) further comprises one or more hole (317) and / or one more notch (319).

13. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tank (101) has an inversed cone-shaped bottom (106), the outlet (108) is tangential at the bottom of the tank (101), and the in-line mixer pump (112) connected to the outlet (108) of tank (101).

14. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) is connected to the outlet (108) of tank (101).

15. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claim 1 to 13, wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) is connected to tank (101) via inlet pipe (110) which is connected to the outlet (108) of the tank (101).4916-0000-0644.1 33070933.11553 / 50W00116. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the recirculation loop inlet (120) is positioned above outlet (108).

17. The mixing processing unit (130) of claim 16, wherein the recirculation inlet is positioned so as not to interfere with the flow of liquid-powder mixture out of the outlet (108).

18. The mixing processing unit (130) of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the stator comprises at least 10 openings (307) or at least 15 openings (307).

19. A method of mixing a liquid and a powder comprising:providing a liquid and a powder to be mixed to a tank (101) having top (102), one or more side wall (104), a bottom (106), an outlet (108) towards the bottom of the tank (101), and an in-line mixer pump (112) connected to the tank (101) to generate a liquid-powder mixture;pumping the liquid-powder mixture out of the tank (101) through an in-line mixer pump (112) having a rotor and an annular-shaped stator (300) and back into the tank (101) via recirculation loop inlet (120), the recirculation loop inlet (120) positioned towards the bottom of the tank (101); andsplitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) so that from about 1% to about 35% of the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump (112) via bypass-recirculation loop (122), wherein the annular-shaped stator (300) comprises an upper rim (301) and a lower rim (303) with a surface (305) therebetween, the surface having a plurality of openings (307) wherein about 35-70%, the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) so that from about 5% to about 15% of the liquidpowder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump (112) via bypass-recirculation loop (122).

21. The method of claims 19 or 20, further comprising adjusting flow of the liquidpowder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112).4916-0000-0644.1 34070933.11553 / 50W00122. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein about 40-65% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein about 50-60% of the surface area of surface (305) comprises the plurality of openings (307).

24. The method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the tank has an inversed cone-shaped bottom (106).

25. The method of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the powder has a high protein content.

26. The method of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the powder contains a pea isolate, a soy isolate, a whey isolate casein, and / or a caseinate.

27. The method of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the in-line mixer pump (112) has an inlet side (111) and an outlet side (113) with the liquid and powder passing from the tank through the inlet side (111) into the in-line mixer pump (112) and exiting on the outlet side (113) and wherein the method includes splitting the liquid-powder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) on the outlet side (113) so that from about 1% to about 35% of the liquidpowder mixture exiting the in-line mixer pump (112) is diverted back into the in-line mixer pump (112) on the inlet side (111) via bypass-recirculation loop (122).

28. The method of any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the annular-shaped stator comprises at least 10 openings (307) or at least 15 openings (307).4916-0000-0644.1 35

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