Characterization of gluten processing streams

K. D. Rausch, C. I. Thompson, R. L. Belyea, T. E. Clevenger, M. E. Tumbleson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a major coproduct of corn wet milling; it has value because of high protein. However, variation in composition and high P content reduce market value. Data that characterize gluten streams would be helpful in identifying key processing steps that could be modified to improve the quality of CGM and increase processing efficiency. Few data are published in the literature on the detailed composition of gluten processing streams. The objective was to characterize the gluten process streams in a corn wet milling plant. Samples were obtained from one plant over a six month period and analyzed for dry matter (DM), total N (protein), ash and elements. DM and macroelement content of the streams were increased significantly during processing. Ash, priority pollutant elements and microelement concentrations were low and of little concern. About 38% of the N (protein) in light gluten was not recovered in the CGM; most of this was lost at the gluten thickener step into the gluten thickener overflow. Much of the P also was removed at this step. Modification of the gluten thickener overflow to increase N and reduce P could make CGM a more valuable coproduct and improve processing efficiency.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)163-167
Number of pages5
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume89
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2003

Keywords

  • Chemical composition
  • Coproducts
  • Corn gluten meal
  • Corn wet milling
  • Gluten processing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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