UUDISED

GOOD PROJECT EXAMPLE: Valorisation of Hempseed into a Concentrate of High Protein Content

The problem to be solved

Hempseed is distinctive in terms of its biochemical composition. Whole hempseeds contain approximately 35% highly valuable oil, 25% protein, 20-30% carbohydrates, 15% fibres and lots of minerals (particularly phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, also iron and zinc), vitamins (A, B (except B12), C, E, carotenoids) and chlorophyll, as well as antioxidants and omega fatty acids.

The project aimed to develop a valorisation technology at the test production level for producing concentrate of high protein content from hempseed. The plan was to test available laboratory technology and produce a sufficient number of samples so that the cooperation partners would be able to confirm the suitability of the products for use in the food industry. 

“In the course of testing, it was established, that using solvents for oil extraction from hempseed, is a successful method for the valorisation of hemp protein.” Erik Sepping, the project leader

Project outcomes

In the course of the project, the best filter material was identified (MARO S82 PP DLW 180). The material is the best in terms of performance as well as the purity of the filtrate. This material catches even extremely fine particles of less than 10 µm, without losing the filtration velocity. With regard to hempseed products, it is important to get particles of more or less round shape.

In addition, the concentration of the residue oil of the hemp cake was optimised by means of washouts of the filter cake. It was found that two washouts was the optimum. It was established, that in order to get hemp protein concentrate of good quality, the seeds, which had not been processed by means of cold-pressing, could be used for the extraction. However, in this process, a valuable product – cold-pressed oil – will be lost because the solvent cannot be
entirely separated from the extraction product.

In the course of the project, a steam-heated section plate drier was constructed. The drier was upgraded in the course of the work. The drier works as follows: the moist material enters the upper part of the drier. In the drying tower the scrapers move the material downwards (the material is gradually drying at the same time). The drier is universal because it is possible to add extra sections to the drier according to the material to be dried. This enables to vary the dampness of the material, as well as the performance of the machine. The productivity of the drier developed in the course of the project is 38 kg/m2 an hour. The only bottleneck regarding the drying process is the temperature which should not be raised above 90°C to prevent denaturation of hemp protein.