This award recognises exceptional activities associated with the development of improved
or new bioprocess technology involving chemical or biological processes, food processing,
storage and specialised transport, and materials handling.

Hautapu Lactose Evaporator

Aurecon New Zealand Ltd

The evaporator has increased the production capacity and yield of edible-grade lactose. Through pilot trials with a small-scale unit and then successful scale-up, a novel design that overcomes previous process issues was achieved. For example, fouling of the heat exchange surface was lessened through better control of the evaporation process, reducing localised overheating.

The new evaporator lowers the consumption of water and chemicals. Downstream crystal growth has been enhanced, and the overall economic outcomes for the lactose manufacturing process have been improved. The novel design may be applicable for products other than lactose and could have commercial value in its own right.

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