Abstract
Steam-jet agglomeration consists in steam–wetting of the surface of fine primary particles,colliding the sticky particles and consolidating the agglomerates by drying in order to obtain thedesired properties. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the steam/powder ratioand drying time on growth mechanisms and skim milk agglomerate properties. We demonstrated apredominant influence of the steam/powder ratio on the growth mechanisms and agglomerateproperties due to the contribution of the steam flow rate. Moreover, the drying time was identifiedas a key process parameter to control the final water content, rehydration and mechanicalproperties of the agglomerates.Highlights. A steam-jet agglomeration pilot plant was developed to study the agglomeration ofskim-milk powders.. The growth mechanisms and agglomerates properties depended on the steam/powderratio, through the contribution of the steam flow rate.. The drying time was identified as a key process parameter to control the final watercontent, rehydration and mechanical properties of the agglomerates.