Grain Alcohol Enzymes
Enzymes are primarily used in the alcohol industry to hydrolyze large starch molecules to simple sugars. Typically this is accomplished in a two-step enzyme catalyst process called liqefaction and saccharfication. Enzymes also have a major role to play in viscosity reduction, fermentation enhancement and improvement in the quality of co-products.
Process Challenges
- High viscosity with wheat, rye, triticale and barley processing
- High raw material / process cost
- Poor alcohol yield
- Slow fermentation rates
- High residual starch levels at the end of fermentation
- Stillage recycle reduces liquefaction pH