Pea Protein Extraction Process

Pea protein is now a popular supplementary nutrition among human, especially gym-goers and health-conscious people. Basically, pea protein can divided into three types: pea protein isolate, pea protein concentrate and textured pea protein. Besides, it can be used to replace some proteins in food industry and won’t cause any bad effects on the products so as to save the cost. Certainly, pea protein is also great protein for human health, helping to improve blood circulation, keep weight, boost metabolism and more. Obviously, there is no doubt that pea protein has a broad market prospect today. It is estimated that reach USD 34.8 Million by 2020 at a CAGR of 8.80% from 2015 to 2020 in terms of value.

        Pea Protein Global Markt Growth                                                           Pea Protein Growth by Applications

Therefore, it is time to grasp this good opportunity to start or expand the pea protein production. There are many methods to extract pea protein, but which is the best pea protein extraction process? What can ensure the highest extraction efficiency? More important, which process can better protect its natural components?

Sub-critical solvent extraction technology, we supply, is the best choice due to its powerful extraction ability, easy operation, low production cost, simple extraction process, energy-saving, solvent recycling and lowest rate of residual solvents. It mainly refers to use sub-critical solvents to extract pea protein at low temperature and normal pressure so as to better protect the natural components of pea.

Pea Protein Powder Extraction

The extraction of pea protein is divided into the following three main process: Extraction Process, Desolvation Process and Evaporation Process.

Feeding Process

Raw Material Feeding →  Elevator → Inlet Value of Extraction Pot → Extraction Pot

Raw material feeding: Open the feedstock valve, start elevator and then raw material starts go into the extraction pot. Stop the feeding when the raw material is loaded about 65% to 70%, which is observed through the sight glass. Then, vacuum out the air.

Protein Extraction Process

Solvent→ Valve→ Solvent pump→ Extraction Pot
Solvent Pump→ Mixture material Evaporation→ Solvent Pump
Mixture Material Evaporation→Mixed Pea Protein Storage
The first extraction with solvent in the solvent pot will get pea protein and solvent mixture, which are directly taken into evaporation pot. And, the second extraction with solvent (new) will get mixture of pea protein and solvent, which will be taken into storage tank for the next extraction.

Desolvation

Extraction Pot → Vacuum Pump → Compressor → Condenser → Solvent Holding Tank

When the process of mixed pea protein is completed, open the desolvation valve of extraction pot. At the same time, open all the valve of vacuum pump, compressor, condenser. Start up the compressor and vacuum pump, it start desolvation process. When pressure within extraction pot reach 0.8MPa, stop vacuum pump and compressor. Open the blow-off value and discharge   low-temperature pea meal.            

Evaporation

Pea Protein and Solvent Mixture → Evaporating Pot → Vacuum Pump → Compressor → Condenser → Solvent Holding Tank

When the mixed pea protein and solvent come into evaporating pot, open valves of all equipment, then it start to separate solvent and pea protein. And when the pressure is 0.8MPa, stop the system. Then, open the pot to get the pea protein. And the solvent is processed for recycle use.

As above mentioned, using sub-critical low temperature solvent extraction method to extract pea protein can better protect the natural components while it can save much money compared to super-critical extraction method. If you are interested in pea protein extraction or there are any questions about our extraction process and machine, please contact us directly!