Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sodium caseinate is produced by dissolving wet acid casein curd in water using a suitable food-grade alkali, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Understanding the rheological behavior of sodium caseinate solutions is important for optimizing the concentration and spray-drying processes.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Statement (I): Sodium caseinate solutions exhibit very high viscosity even at moderate concentrations.
At concentrations above \(20\%\) solids, the viscosity increases exponentially, making the solution difficult to pump and atomize.
Therefore, the solids content of sodium caseinate feed intended for spray drying must be limited to approximately \(20\%\) to \(22\%\), not \(40\%\).
Thus, Statement (I) is incorrect.
- Statement (II): During the dissolution of acid casein curd with an alkali, local concentrations must be carefully controlled.
If the alkali is added too rapidly, a highly concentrated, jelly-like, viscous layer of sodium caseinate forms on the surface of the casein particles.
This gel layer is relatively impervious and slows the penetration of water and alkali into the core of the particles, hindering dissolution.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct.
Step 2: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.