Improvement in separation characteristics of protein precipitates by acoustic conditioning.
The effect of acoustic conditioning on the particle size distribution of isoelectric and calcium-ion-precipitated soya protein has been examined in low-residence-time chambers. In a previous study a beat frequency of 5 Hz obtained using a dual-source system of opposing vibrators was determined as giving optimal improvement in particle-settling characteristics for isoelectric soya protein precipitate. In this study the effect of amplitude of vibration, a measure of acoustic power input, and residence time of acoustic conditioning has been examined. Acoustic power input changed the flow pattern in the conditioning chamber from laminar streamline flow to a well-mixed, turbulent pattern. Such a mixing effect promoted the rapid aggregation of fine particles, a process that was modeled on the basis of orthokinetically controlled collisions. The rate of removal of fine particles due to acoustic conditioning was shown to be proportional to a mixing effect that was related to the acoustic power dissipated per unit volume. The consequences of fine-particle aggregation on the centrifugal recovery of the precipitate are discussed.
Hoare
M
M
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, England.
Titchener
N J
NJ
Foster
P R
PR