The production of starch and gluten involves a series of carefully controlled steps to extract starch and separate gluten from raw materials such as wheat, corn, or other grains. The process typically includes the following key stages:

1. Cleaning and Preprocessing: The raw materials are cleaned to remove impurities such as dirt, stones, and foreign matter. They are then processed to remove husks, bran, and other non-starch components.
2. Milling and Grinding: The cleaned grains are milled and ground to break them down into smaller particles, increasing the surface area for subsequent processing.
3. Separation: In this stage, the milled material is passed through sieves or screens to separate the starch and gluten from other components. This separation can be achieved through various methods such as centrifugation, sedimentation, or filtration.
4. Washing and Purification: The separated starch is washed to remove any remaining impurities, such as proteins and fibers. This helps to improve the purity and quality of the starch.
5. Dewatering: The wet starch is dewatered to remove excess moisture, typically through mechanical means like centrifuges or filters. This step is crucial to achieve the desired moisture content for further processing and storage.
6. Drying: The dewatered starch is dried to reduce the moisture content to the required level. Common drying methods include hot air drying, drum drying, or fluidized bed drying. The dried starch is then milled into a fine powder.
7. Gluten Separation: If the production process includes gluten extraction, the gluten-rich fraction is further processed to separate gluten proteins from other components. This may involve additional washing, separation, and drying steps specific to gluten extraction.
8. Quality Control: Throughout the process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the starch and gluten meet the desired specifications and regulatory standards. This includes testing for moisture content, purity, particle size, and other relevant parameters.
9. Packaging and Storage: The processed starch and gluten are packaged in suitable containers, such as bags or bulk containers, and stored in a controlled environment to maintain their quality until they are shipped to customers or further processed in downstream applications.

It’s important to note that the exact process for starch and gluten production may vary depending on factors such as the specific raw materials used, the desired end products, and the available technology. AYPROTECH specializes in providing tailored solutions and expertise in process engineering and automation to optimize the starch and gluten production process for maximum efficiency and quality.