Enzymatic Cleaning Solution for Milk Processor Fouling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods for milk processor units are often based on empirical practices rather than scientific studies, and existing solutions are not entirely effective in removing fouling deposits composed of proteins, lactose, minerals, and reaction products, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple chemical stages and potential microbiological contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning solution comprising at least one protease and one amylase as enzymatic components, along with a surfactant, applied at a pH between 7.5 and 9, effectively removes fouling deposits from milk processor units by breaking down proteins and minerals without the need for additional enzymes or harsh pH conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage cleaning process using acid and alkali chemical products is applied, then the removal of lipid residues and mineral embedding is improved, but the complexity of the cleaning process and the cost of chemical disposal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (protein degradation, carbohydrate hydrolysis, lipid emulsification, and surfactant action) into a single integrated enzymatic formulation. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate acid and alkali treatment stages, reducing process complexity while maintaining effective fouling removal through synergistic enzymatic and surfactant action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning solution is designed with multi-functionality to address diverse fouling components simultaneously. The formulation includes proteases for protein breakdown, amylases for carbohydrate hydrolysis, and surfactants for lipid removal, making it a universal cleaner capable of handling complex milk-processing fouling without requiring multiple specialized treatment stages.
2Reliability
If harsh chemical cleaners are used to ensure complete fouling removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but microbiological contamination risk and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by operating at mild pH conditions (compatible with enzyme stability) and moderate temperatures rather than extreme chemical conditions. This approach maintains cleaning effectiveness through optimized enzymatic activity while significantly reducing microbiological contamination risks and environmental harm associated with harsh chemical cleaners.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation uses biodegradable enzymatic components that break down organic fouling into soluble products, creating a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to persistent chemical cleaners. The enzymatic nature of the formulation reduces long-term environmental impact and microbiological contamination while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
3Reliability
If multiple enzymes are added to the cleaning solution to enhance fouling removal, then cleaning performance is improved, but the cost and complexity of the formulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selecting specific enzyme types (proteases and amylases) that target the predominant fouling components in milk processing, rather than using a broad spectrum of multiple enzymes. This focused approach achieves effective cleaning performance while minimizing formulation complexity and cost by addressing the most significant fouling mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the pH of the cleaning solution is increased to improve fouling removal, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but enzyme stability and activity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter to a mild range that balances cleaning effectiveness with enzyme stability. Rather than using high pH conditions that would denature enzymes, the formulation operates at pH levels that maintain enzyme structural integrity and catalytic activity while still achieving effective fouling removal through synergistic enzymatic and surfactant action.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves significant fouling removal with a simple two-enzyme formulation, reducing costs and minimizing microbiological contamination, while maintaining mild pH conditions that prevent enzyme inactivation, thus ensuring efficient cleaning and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A cleaning solution comprising at least one protease and one amylase as enzymatic components... effectively removes fouling deposits from milk processor units by breaking down proteins
Implementation Method 2
A cleaning solution comprising at least one protease and one amylase as enzymatic components... effectively removes fouling deposits from milk processor units by breaking down proteins and minerals
Implementation Method 3
A cleaning solution comprising at least one protease and one amylase as enzymatic components, along with a surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for removing the fouling deposited in a milk processor unit after a thermal processing of milk or a food product including milk at a T between 80° C. and 150° C. for at least 4 hours, including said fouling proteins, lactose, minerals and products formed therefrom, comprising the step of applying a cleaning solution on said fouling deposited in the milk processor unit. The present invention further relates to a cleaning solution for removing the fouling deposited in a milk processor unit.