Calcium Phosphate, Calcium –
DCP process obtains valuable calcium

Valuable by-products can also be obtained from whey, as the decalcium phosphatization (DCP process) developed by GEA Westfalia Separator shows. This involves the specific removal or obtaining of calcium phosphate from whey or whey permeate. This allows valuable calcium to be obtained and the whey simultaneously to be improved.

 

In recent years, the DCP process has become increasingly important for several reasons. Firstly, the separation of calcium phosphate enables valuable calcium to be obtained; this has significant market importance as a food supplement, e.g. for dairy products, juices or cereals. If one considers that the worldwide annual quantity of whey produced is estimated to be between 100 and 120 million tons, the large potential for obtaining calcium from this is clear.

 

Secondly, removing calcium phosphate also improves the whey itself. This is because when whey is heated, the majority of the calcium phosphate is deposited on the walls of heaters or evaporators and, together with other salts, protein and fat, forms a stubborn coating called milkstone. Removing the calcium phosphate causes less galalith to form so that the CIP cycles of chemical cleaning can be extended.

 

Last but not least, the production of lactose is optimized – an important advantage in advance of lactose subsequently being obtained.