Modelling of the aqueous debittering process of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet

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 18h of soaking, 1h cooking, 3 changes of water/day and 22h 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.