Abstract: A method is provided for producing a powdery product from a protein-containing liquid having a dry solid content, providing (1) a first feeding stream of protein-containing liquid, (2) a second feeding stream having a higher content of dry solids than the first feeding stream, (3) mixing the first feeding stream and second feeding stream to obtain a main stream, (4) heating the main stream in a heater, (5) transferring the heated main stream to a separator, (6) flash separating volatile components from the heated main stream and obtaining a main stream protein-containing concentrate, and subjecting at least a part of the main stream protein-containing concentrate to a drying step to obtain a powdery product. The amount of water to be evaporated in the drying step is significantly reduced, requiring smaller drying equipment, less air and less energy, and yields a powdery product having higher “bulk density”.

Abstract: A method for concentration of a liquid food product, the liquid product having a dry solid content of a least 40 percent and the liquid food product comprising crystallizable components, comprising the steps of heating the liquid food product to a temperature above the crystallization temperature of the liquid food product in a first heat exchanger; transferring the heated liquid food product to a first separator; flash separating volatile components from the heated liquid food product; and obtaining a liquid concentrate of the liquid food product.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for converting liquid by-products, such as whey and permeates of whey, derived from cheese making processes into substantially free-flowing, non-caking powdery products. The process comprises the stages of vacuum evaporation of the whey to a solids content of 65-80%, crystallization of the whey concentrate and air drying the whey, wherein the main stream of initially cooled whey concentrate passing through stages of crystallization, is fed with a secondary and/or tertiary stream to be mixed with the main stream. The apparatus is provided with a secondary and/or a tertiary conduit for feeding a secondary and/or tertiary stream to the main stream in the main conduit connecting means for collection and pretreatment of whey, vacuum evaporation of the whey, crystallization of the whey concentrate and air drying the whey.