SUST 30 |
| The conversion of corn to ethanol uses steps of cooking, enzyme hydrolysis and fermentation to achieve ethanol broths that are subsequently separated and processed into fuel ethanol. Enzyme hydrolysis coupled with wet processing of corn also yields carbohydrates that have uses as food. In both cases, co-products that are high in protein and contain substantial amounts of oligosaccharides may be processed into additional fermentable sugars for ethanol production or other uses. Approximately 15 lbs of co-product is produced per bushel of corn that is processed into either food or fuel. The oligosaccharide portion of this co-product may be converted into carbohydrates that make suitable substrates for testing new approaches to cellulose conversion and for introducing cellulose conversion technology into grain to ethanol plants. This paper addresses the basic structure and composition of the co-products from fermentation or enzyme based processes that transform corn into ethanol or food products. The science, engineering and economics of applying cellulose conversion technology to enhance ethanol yields in corn ethanol plants is discussed. |
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Sustainability of Food Systems: Carbohydrate Economy
8:20 AM-12:20 PM, Tuesday, March 27, 2007 McCormick Place South -- Room S106B, Level 1, Oral
Sustainability of Energy, Food, and Water |