Fouling of Heat Transfer Surfaces Related to beta-Lactoglobulin Denaturation During Heat Processing of Milk.

Denaturation of beta-lactoglobulin during heating of milk in a plate heat exchanger has been investigated as an important factor in fouling the heat transfer surface. Using, on one hand, data on chemical composition of deposits obtained from biochemical analysis technics and, on the other hand, kinetic data of beta-Iactoglobulin denaturation, the distribution profile of deposits along the surface and the experimental fouling curves can be adequately predicted.