Technologies of obtaining concentrated molasses from cereal grain raw material

Abstract

Results of the studies of processes involved in obtaining concentrated molasses from the grain raw material (wheat) are reported. One of the methods to enhance grain concentration for obtaining molasses is the introduction of the stage of additional treatment of grains. Grain irradiation by the infrared light was used as the preliminary treatment. It is established that IR irradiation of grains causes a decrease in strength-related characteristics, violation of the integrity of grain hulls, as well as partial destruction of starch granules in grains. These transformations simplify subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of cereal starch, which makes it possible to increase the concentration of grain raw material during production of molasses. Concentrated molasses have a higher carbohydrate content, which enables to decrease the amount of molasses per animal for feeding, and reduce the feed expenditures. Concentrated molasses can be stored for a long time. All these measures enhance the profitability of molasses production from grains. Enzymatic conversion of grains was carried out in a mechanoenzymatic reactor of original design. A conclusion is made that it is reasonable to apply the results obtained in the development of the improved technology of manufacturing concentrated molasses from different kinds of cereal grain raw material subjected to preliminarily IR treatment.