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Simulated Scale‐up and Cost Estimate of a Process for Alkaline Isomerization of Lactose to Lactulose Using Boric Acid as Complexation Agent
Author(s) -
Kozempel Michael,
McAloon Andrew,
Roth Lorie
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4660(199702)68:2<229::aid-jctb634>3.0.co;2-9
Subject(s) - lactulose , lactose , boric acid , pilot plant , chemistry , pulp and paper industry , environmental science , food science , engineering , biochemistry , organic chemistry
A continuous pilot plant process for converting lactose to lactulose, using boric acid as a complexation agent was previously developed. To appraise the commercial feasibility of the process, a scale‐up to a commercial plant using the ERRC Food Process Simulator, a process simulator developed at the Eastern Regional Research Center was projected and a cost estimate made. The cost to produce a 55% lactulose syrup at a rate of 93 kilograms per hour (563359 kg year −1 ) was $5.20 per kilogram ($2.36 per pound). These costs, which do not include packaging or distribution expenses, do include a 25% return on the plant investment. © 1997 SCI.