Modelling of the aqueous debittering process of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet

- A hydro-agitator was designed for optimization of debittering.
- Current debittering procedures can be shortened by 2 days.
- Optimized debittering process consumes 20% less water.
- A non-dimensional constant for estimating the processing time was calculated.
- The new developed technology could be used in other legumes and seeds.

We investigated the process of lupin debittering by soaking, cooking and washing in water using a newly designed hydroagitator. The effect on alkaloids content, solids in the product, final weight, processing time and water and energy consumption were expressed in a mathematical model for optimization purposes. Design expert 8 software was used to model the processes. Optimum processing conditions comprised 18 h of soaking, 1 h cooking, 3 changes of water/day and 22 h of agitation/day. For estimating the washing time a mathematic function and non-dimensional constant k were inferred from observation and the software used (∂c/∂t = kc; k = −0.188 − 4.973−3 *Agitation − 0.0043 *Changes − 1.681−3 Agitation* Changes). The new developed technology could be used to optimize processes such as hydratation and/or removal of undesired materials of legumes and other seeds.