APV’s new ‘Combi MP’ unit accelerates functional whey protein development

SPX FLOW is stepping up to help producers unlock whey’s full functional potential.  

The company’s new Combi Microparticulation (MP) pilot line is a portable innovation designed to advance whey protein development for food and beverage manufacturers.

Based at the SPX FLOW Innovation Center in Silkeborg, Denmark, the unit offers a flexible testing solution: customers can either trial and refine recipes on-site or rent the unit for fixed-term periods within their own plant. This flexibility is key to developing smoother, creamier, and more functional whey proteins.  

Already generating high demand, according to the company, the “Combi” design is a major advantage for producers. It integrates two APV micro-particulation technologies — the LeanCreme and the Cavimaster — onto one shared platform. 

“This innovation gives our customers a competitive edge,” said Thomas Leroy, global head of innovation centers at SPX FLOW. “By offering two micro-particulation methods in one pilot, we help producers accelerate formulation development, reduce waste during testing and tailor the particle size of whey proteins to different product applications.”  

Whey protein is highly valued for its health benefits and versatility in formulations, making it one of the most sought-after dairy ingredients globally. It is essential for products ranging from ready-to-drink coffees to fermented dairy and desserts.  

The new pilot line operates at a modest flow rate of 150 liters/hour. This low rate allows customers to perform critical tests using limited product quantities while gathering valuable process data that will directly guide full-scale commercial production.  

With leading global dairy brands heavily investing in micro-particulation to enhance their protein-based lines, SPX FLOW’s combination of pilot-scale testing units and application expertise is positioning them ahead of industry peers in meeting this sophisticated market demand.