Mathematical modeling of chemical deliming and simulation of economical parameters in gelatin production

Abstract

The paper deals with optimization of the calcimine deliming process during production of food grade gelatin. This process is the most important step from chemical engineering and environmental protection standpoint during production of food gelatin. The main objective of the paper is to provide a suitable mathematical description of the chemical deliming process. The proposed model is subsequently used for optimization of the deliming process to minimize the operating costs and environmental burden. The experimental part follows two main aims: determination of the effective diffusion coefficient of calcium sulfate during deliming with ammonium sulfate based on experimentally measured data, and computer simulations of the operating costs from the viewpoint of various soaking numbers, degree of the deliming and strength of the bond of calcium hydroxide to collagen. The results give ground for further optimization and exact transfer of laboratory data into real industrial operations.