| Abstract: | Wet Classification of Starch — a physical possibility to influence the technologically important properties of starch . The requirements on the sharp classification of starch are not totally fulfilled by known methods. A classification process was developed by counter-current separation in the centrifugal field. With this technique, narrow starch grain size distributions can be produced. These product fractions are different in thier grain size, viscous properties, their composition (ash, protein, grease) and other relevant starch qualities. The grain size at which the separation is carried out can be changed by a variation of the operating parameters (through-put and centrifugal field of the centrifuge) and determined by means of a given equation. The quality of the classification process depends on the starch properties (starch and protein contents in the suspension) and operating parameters (water through-put). A typical result of the classification (coarse fraction: 3%< 10μm; fine fraction: 70%< 10μm) is presented. But also the influence of the operating parameters on the separation efficiency curve and the properties of the product fractions are discussed. |
