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.