Optimization of Grinding Process of Sunflower Meal for Obtaining Protein-Enriched Fractions

In this study, dry fractionation process was proposed in order to obtain protein-enriched sunflower meal fractions. The includes two-stage grinding using a hammer mill and roll mill, of by sieving. Central composite design (CCD) with four variables on three levels within response surface methodology applied estimate the influence parameters (sieve openings diameter mill: 2, 4, 6 mm, gap: 0.15, 0.2, 0.25 feed rate: 0.1, 0.175, kg/cm min, speed: 400, 500, 600 rpm) responses (protein content, fraction yield energy consumption). Sieve expressed highest impact while gap most dominant protein content consumption. obtained 48.06%(dm) 77.22%. A multi-response optimization procedure performed optimal values were: sieve 2 rate 0.2 speed 400 rpm, predicted for desired range 45.5%(dm), 77.89%, consumption 8.31 Wh/kg.