Enhancing Corn Oil Recovery

In the article feature section of “Parallel Pathways” from Ethanol Producer Magazine, Marina Chow, Research and Development Leader in Grain Processing at IFF discusses two advanced enzyme solutions, OPTIMASH® AX and OPTIMASH® F200, designed to optimize corn oil recovery by reducing oil loss to the wet cake.

“By treating with enzymes early, it pushes oil and makes it so the wet cake holds on to less oil.”

Key Points:

High-Performing Enzyme Solutions

Ethanol plants are at various stages of data-driven optimization, ranging from advanced platforms to basic spreadsheets. Marina Chow highlights the significant potential for further data integration and optimization across the industry.

Significant Oil Recovery Potential

Marina Chow, IFF’s R&D leader in Grain Processing, notes that while many ethanol producers achieve near-theoretical ethanol yields, they only recover about 60% of the potential corn oil. This indicates substantial room for improvement in oil recovery.

Untapped Distillers Corn Oil (DCO)

Large volumes of DCO remain untapped and can be recovered through mechanical and enzymatic processes. IFF collaborates with leading equipment and technology providers to optimize DCO extraction.

Comprehensive Oil Mapping Technology

IFF employs robust oil mapping technology to identify where DCO is lost in the production process. The whole stillage separation stage is identified as the largest area of DCO loss.

Enhanced Oil Yield

Treating whole stillage with OPTIMASH® enzymes early in the process changes its characteristics, reducing oil retention in the wet cake. Company data shows a 15.7% increase in corn oil yield, from 0.89 pounds per bushel to 1.03.

Market Evolution

Over the past decade, the market has evolved with increased demand and prices for DCO driving greater adoption of biological solutions. Producers now prefer extracting oil for its higher market value rather than leaving it in feed coproducts.

Positive Reception

Marina Chow envisions a future where ethanol plants increasingly rely on sophisticated data technologies to stay competitive and achieve higher levels of efficiency and yield.