PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE FLOTATION CLARIFICATION OF MIXED JUICE

THIS PAPER REPORTS on both the design and operational aspects of a dissolved air flotation clarifier designed for waste water treatment but applied to the clarification of mixed juice. Preliminary results are given for the dissolved air flotation clarification of mixed juice at both bench top and pilot plant scale. Dissolved air flotation clarification has the benefits of reduced capital cost and simplified operation; however the process is constrained by high temperature requirements. High starch removals are possible when mixed juice is clarified at low temperatures of 60 ºC. Sand and other high density particulates in the mixed juice feed are difficult to float and tend to accumulate on the bottom of the flotation clarifier. These require a removal mechanism for the successful operation of the flotation clarifier. Secondary processing of the clarified juice is required to remove protein and other scale-causing impurities for the process to be practical.