The behavior of ß-lactoglobulin protein in plate heat exchanger’s channel during milk heat treatment

A major problem related to heat treatment of milk is formation of deposits. This is due to the chemical alteration of β-lactoglobulin protein that leads to formation of coatings on the walls of the equipment. These deposits induce losses in the thermal performance of the heat exchanger. In order to provide an adequate prediction of these deposits, we present a two-dimensional (2D) modelling study of the channel of a plate heat exchanger. Compared with the former studies, where the domain is related to a single plate, our work is related to the area between the two plates. This approach will allow a better understanding and description of the evolution and behaviour of β-lactoglobulin protein. Equations for fluid flow, energy, and fouling were resolved. Special boundary conditions had been implemented to link the amount of deposits with thermal transfer. Predicted results for the amount of fouling deposit on the wall were validated by comparisons with experimental data available in literature. The behaviou...