Flotation separation of aflatoxin-contaminated grain or nuts

US4795651A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• James C. Henderson · Cincinnati, US
• Stanley H. Kreutzer · Cincinnati, US
• Arthur A. Schmidt · Cincinnati, US
• Charles Anthony Smith · Georgetown, CA
• William R. Hagen · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 4, 1987
• Grant date: Jan 3, 1989
• Expiry date: May 4, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B03B5/28
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for separating mycotoxin-contaminated grains, kernels, seeds and nuts, from uncontaminated whole grain seeds, whole or split kernel nuts and seeds to obtain a substantially uncontaminated supply source of these foods. The separate contaminated source can be further processed to lower the mycotoxin contamination. The process involves the separation of the mycotoxin or aflatoxin-containing materials by floating the aflatoxin-contaminated foods in a liquid having a specific gravity of from about 0.9 to about 1.2. A highly preferred process uses dynamic flotation.