Fiber Separation from Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles Using a Larger Elutriation Apparatus and Use of Fiber as a Feedstock for Corn Fiber Gum Production

Abstract

In an earlier study, a combination of sieving and elutriation (airflow) was found to be effective in separating fiber from distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS); the elutriation column diameter used was 63 mm. Larger quantities of fractions were needed for conducting studies on coproduct production from the fractions. In this study, an elutriation apparatus with a larger elutriation column (155 mm ID) was developed to process DDGS at higher rates. Fiber separation from DDGS using the larger elutriation apparatus was evaluated and compared with results from the 63 mm column. Fiber was evaluated for corn fiber gum (CFG) production, which has uses as an emulsifier and thickener in foods. Processing of commercial DDGS material using the larger apparatus with higher operating input rate gave results similar to the smaller apparatus. Protein and fat contents were higher in heavier fractions (material that settled in the bottom of the elutriation column); fiber contents (neutral detergent fiber) in lighter fractions (material carried to the top of the elutriation column) were higher than the initial material. The larger elutriation apparatus did not change fiber separation characteristics. Total CFG yields from fiber varied from 35.8% to 44.2%. CFG yields were comparable to CFG yields from corn wet milling fiber. Fiber separated from DDGS has potential use as a feedstock for CFG production.