Method and system for producing a zein protein product from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a corn dry-milling process
US10875889B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2018 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P60/87
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and system are disclosed for producing a zein protein product from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a corn (or similar carbohydrate-containing grain) dry-milling process for making alcohol, such as ethanol, and/or other biofuels/biochemicals. In one embodiment, the method includes separating the whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a centrate (solubles) portion, which includes protein, such as zein protein. Thereafter, the centrate (solubles) portion can be separated into a water soluble solids portion and a protein portion, which includes zein protein. Zein protein may be separated out from the protein portion. The remaining protein portion may be further processed to produce a high protein corn meal. The resulting zein protein portion may be further processed to be sold as a zein protein product and/or used as or in, for example, coatings, fibers, adhesives, ceramics, inks, cosmetics, textiles, food products, pharmaceutical, and biodegradable plastics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.