In the B2B food and manufacturing sectors, starch is more than just an ingredient. They serve a pivotal role in determining functionality, texture, and stability across many kinds of products. Native starches originate directly from plants, whereas modified starches have been processed to obtain particular characteristics that enhance their performance for specialized applications. This conversion process reveals new properties that meet industry requirements for improved viscosity, shelf life, and resistance to varying temperatures and pH levels.

As the demand increases, it is predicted that by 2027, the global modified starch market industry will reach USD 15.9 billion. This indicates strong interest from manufacturing companies looking for improved performance. Whether you are partnering with a resistant starch technology supplier or exploring starch processing machinery, knowing about native and modified starch can significantly improve your business decisions.

What Is Native Starch?

Native starch is the pure starch obtained from different plants such as corn, wheat, potatoes, and rice. It possesses a fundamental chemical composition and is usually utilized in its unaltered state. Native starch is preferred due to its wide range of uses, appearing in everything from food items like bread, biscuits, and sauces to industrial purposes like adhesives and fabrics. Nonetheless, it faces challenges in terms of performance, particularly in harsh conditions where maintaining stability, texture, and consistency is essential.

The Need for Modification

While native starch is a reliable starting point, it frequently lacks in some aspects, such as resistance to heat, solubility, and textural properties. This is when modified starch becomes crucial. Using a controlled process, the native starch undergoes modifications like physical, chemical, or enzymatic treatments, which improve its efficiency for certain applications. These treatments change the molecular structure of the starch, which results in improved properties such as more resistance to heat and acid, enhanced viscosity, or greater emulsifying ability.

Transforming natural starch into a modified version can significantly alter the texture, durability, and effectiveness of the end product, especially in the food sector. For instance, modified starches are commonly chosen for ready-to-eat meals, sauces, and soups because they can endure high heat and offer the desired consistency.

The Conversion Process: How Does It Work?

The transformation from native to modified starch can take place through several methods, including:

Physical Modification: This process changes the physical form of starch, but it does not affect its chemical structure. Familiar physical changes involve heat-moisture procedures and extrusion. These can boost the water absorption ability of starch and decrease its chance to retrograde (become crystallized after cooling down).

Chemical Modification: With the help of chemical procedures, new chemical units are added to starch molecules. Esterification is a usual method used for this purpose; it enhances the stability of starch even under sour conditions and makes it perfect for use in sour food items such as sauces and mayonnaise.

Enzymatic Modification: Using enzymes, this technique aims to selectively break down certain bonds in the starch molecule. The use of enzymatic modifications is common for developing unique types of starches meant for low-calorie food items. For instance, resistant starch is preferred because of its potential health benefits, including improved digestion and blood sugar regulation.

Impact on Product Performance

The advantages of converting native starch to modified starch extend past just changing the texture. The correct modification can greatly enhance a product’s overall functionality. For food producers, this could involve developing a starch that can endure high heat during cooking, enhancing the feel and taste of food items, or prolonging their shelf life without affecting their flavor or quality.

In industrial applications, modified starches offer unique advantages, such as:

Enhanced Durability: Modified starches can retain their properties even in harsh environments, like high heat or acidic conditions, making them perfect for applications in food processing, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.

Better Performance: Modified starches can offer better binding, thickening, and emulsifying properties, enabling manufacturers to create products with superior texture and uniformity.

Cost Savings: Through the appropriate modification of starches, companies can decrease their reliance on additional ingredients, enhancing the financial efficiency of the product.

Health Advantages: Specific modified starches, like resistant starch, offer functional health benefits, making them a favored option in health-conscious food markets.

Conclusion

In consistent and high-quality modified starch production, having the right equipment is essential. High-grade starch processing equipment plays a key role in this conversion process. This includes everything from grinders and dryers to reactors and extruders. These devices are instrumental in regulating the processing environment.

Microtec, a well-known resistant starch technology supplier, provides advanced solutions for modified starch production. They collaborate with top food research centers and create advanced processing tools—this lets them provide customers with innovative modified starches for both food and non-food applications. Microtec’s in-house automation systems help companies decrease the cost of workers and raise their production effectiveness. This makes Microtec a top choice for businesses seeking to enhance their modified starch capabilities.

Starch production, an essential component in various industries, involves complex processes that require precision and efficiency. The quality of the production largely depends on the machinery and technology used throughout the production line.

Microtec, a frontrunner in starch processing equipment, has transformed the production of potato and cassava starch, streamlining the process to be quicker, more effective, and hassle-free. Through state-of-the-art starch equipment and an innovative starch production line, Microtec ensures that manufacturers can obtain top-notch starch quality with minimal effort and cost.

A Look into the Potato and Cassava Starch Production Process

Understanding the steps involved in potato and cassava starch production is crucial for realizing the significance of how Microtec’s equipment and services enhance productivity. The basic steps are consistent across all types of root crops, whether they are potatoes, cassava, sweet potatoes, or yams. Still, the technique has been refined with time, and Microtec is central to this improvement. Let’s take a look at the flowchart for making potato starch, focusing on the phases where Microtec’s innovations excel:

Potato Cleaning and Washing

The first process is about cleaning the raw potatoes. Potatoes are transported to the drum washer via channels for coarse cleaning. Before reaching the washer, there will be a potato desander to remove any debris.

Microtec’s contribution is evident with their latest design for the equipment used in washing and de-sanding, which optimizes the use of space and decreases the amount of water required. This approach not only lowers the expenses associated with running the operation but also improves the cleaning method, making it more environmentally friendly.

Potato Rasping

Following the cleaning process, the potatoes are transferred to the rasping device. This phase entails breaking down the potatoes into a slurry consistency, which facilitates the extraction of starch more easily. The procedure is engineered for effectiveness, with the slurry being pushed into a desanding cyclone to eliminate sand and other contaminants. Microtec’s sophisticated rasping and de-sanding technologies ensure the production of pure, high-quality potato slurry, resulting in improved starch extraction and reduced waste.

Starch Extraction and Fiber Dewatering

After the potato slurry has been purified, it moves into the starch extraction phase. At this point, rotary sieves are employed to separate the starch from the plant fibers. The extraction systems created by Microtec are crafted for accuracy, ensuring that the starch is completely separated and purified, while the plant fibers are rinsed and dried. Following this, the fibers are transferred to a sieve designed for additional drying. The capacity to manage large quantities of slurry without affecting the quality of the starch is a key factor contributing to the high esteem in which Microtec’s starch equipment is held within the industry.

Starch Concentration and Dewatering

After starch extraction, the next step is about the concentration and dewatering of the starch slurry. Microtec uses a combination of washing and recovery hydrocyclones to remove small fibers and entirely purify the starch milk.

These hydrocyclones are adept at thickening the starch by isolating it from any leftover liquid. As the solution progresses through centrifugal decanters or vacuum rotary filters, Microtec’s apparatus ensures a more uniform and accurate drying procedure. Consequently, the starch reaches its ideal condition for drying, minimizing power usage in the latter phases of manufacturing.

Starch Drying

The last phase in the procedure involves the drying of starch. Following the mechanical dewatering stage, the starch residue is moved to the flash dryer, where it undergoes drying to a standard commercial level. This phase is essential as it plays a key role in determining the overall quality of the starch. Microtec’s flash drying technology has been refined for energy conservation, ensuring that the starch is dried swiftly and uniformly. This leads to improved product quality and quicker production schedules.

How Microtec Makes the Process Effortless

• Microtec Engineering Group specializes in advanced technology and equipment for the global starch and sweeteners industry, focusing on modified and native starch processing lines.
• They provide end-to-end solutions, from equipment design to production technologies, ensuring efficient, high-quality starch modification.
• Microtec combines cutting-edge R&D with engineering excellence, offering the latest advancements in starch processing.
• Their equipment portfolio includes modified starch reactors, hydrocyclones, flash dryers, and MVR evaporators, optimizing stages like refining, dehydration, and drying.
• Microtec delivers tailored solutions using automation to maximize efficiency and enhance starch product quality.
• The company focuses on sustainability, offering solutions that reclaim starch from potato waste and minimize water consumption in snack plants.

Conclusion

Microtec remains at the forefront in the field of starch technology. By integrating the newest developments in starch processing equipment, they help manufacturers to easily produce high-quality potato and cassava starch. Whether your goal is to boost your current operations or set up a new production line, Microtec’s starch machinery is the solution for success. Their equipment allows you to optimize your production workflow, increase production, and ultimately achieve superior outcomes with minimal effort.

The food businesses need to constantly evolve to meet the growing demand for processed, high-quality products. One crucial element of the food products is glucose, a versatile sweetener used in everything from beverages to baked goods. Here, high-grade glucose production machinery plays a pivotal role in ensuring that glucose is produced efficiently, consistently, and meets the required quality standards. Whether it’s for sweeteners, syrups, or different food components, glucose production plants are the core of this vital sector.

The Role of Glucose in the Food Industry

Glucose, mostly derived from starch, is actually a key ingredient in food production. It’s a versatile component that acts as a sweetener, preservative, fermentation agent, etc. It has become an indispensable component of many food products.

From the soft drinks to the confectionery and snack items, glucose provides that perfect touch of sweetness, texture, and stability. It’s present in almost everything from candies and cookies to sauces and dressings.

The progression from basic sugar processing to modern glucose production exemplifies the remarkable advancements in food technology. Recent industry analyses indicate that the worldwide market for glucose syrup is poised to expand to $4.73 billion by the year 2026, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. This expansion is indicative of the escalating demand for superior sweetening agents across diverse culinary applications.

Today’s food manufacturing requires precision and consistency. A starch manufacturing line, outfitted with the latest technology, ensures that each production batch meets precise requirements. This accuracy goes beyond just flavor—it’s about preserving the product’s consistency, extending its longevity, and adhering to strict food safety regulations.

Key Benefits of Installing High-Grade Glucose Production Machinery

A high-grade starch production line designed by Microtec Engineering Group can optimize the glucose concentration process, efficiently handle syrup concentration (including fructose and other syrups), and effectively manage steep water evaporation. It’s time to take a closer look at some of the key features and benefits of these high-performance machines:

1. Improved Product Quality

The efficiency and precision of high-grade glucose machinery can ensure enhanced product quality. Sophisticated equipment like falling film evaporators and plate evaporators ensure that glucose syrup is concentrated to the perfect Brix level, adhering to strict quality criteria. Employing the latest technology helps in creating consistent glucose products with little deviation and ensures that manufacturers can fulfill the stringent requirements of the food sector.

2. Higher Product Concentration

High-grade glucose production machinery ensures that the syrup is perfectly concentrated to a higher degree and more efficient use of raw materials while reducing the additional processing steps. Through the application of evaporators such as the falling film evaporator, glucose can be concentrated quickly with little waste, resulting in a higher yield per batch. This heightened concentration is especially advantageous for creating premium sweeteners, rendering the equipment very efficient in large-scale production.

3. Low Liquid Hold-Up

A major benefit of high-grade glucose production machinery is its minimal liquid retention. This feature shortens the duration the syrup stays in operation, reducing the risk of deterioration and preserving the sugar or sweetener’s quality intact. Whether it’s sugar, fructose, or different types of syrup, keeping liquid retention to a minimum is crucial for upholding the purity of the product and cutting down on energy use during the evaporation phase.

4. Flexible Capacity

High-grade glucose machinery is crafted to accommodate different production needs. The evaporator types, such as the falling film and plate evaporator, can adjust to production sizes, ranging from modest operations to extensive industrial environments. This versatility enables producers to adjust their output levels according to market requirements, all while ensuring peak efficiency. This adaptability is crucial for companies aiming to respond to changing market demands or to create diverse glucose and sweetener products for various food uses.

5. Low Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency is a key focus for today’s advanced glucose production equipment, and these premium machines are crafted to cut down on energy use. The capability to function at smaller temperature variances between the steam and syrup in evaporators, like the falling film evaporator, ensures that the equipment consumes less energy yet still reaches the required concentration levels. This focus on energy efficiency not only lowers the costs of running the equipment but also helps food producers in reaching their sustainability objectives by decreasing their environmental impact.

Conclusion

High-grade glucose machinery is vital for the efficient, high-quality production of glucose and sweeteners in the food sector. By employing sophisticated evaporator technologies, like falling film and plate evaporators, glucose production plants can ensure enhanced product quality, increased concentration, and reduced energy consumption. These technologies provide adaptability, allowing producers to adjust their processes to satisfy market needs while minimizing waste and energy consumption. As the demand for refined glucose products increases, it’s essential for food manufacturers to invest in premium glucose production equipment to stay competitive and ensure the continued success of food manufacturers.

The food processing industry is too competitive, and ensuring superior product quality is paramount. This holds especially true in the sector of starch manufacturing, where the need for superior-quality starch is on the rise. To satisfy these needs, manufacturers are adopting starch machinery that features cutting-edge technologies and advancements. A notable innovation in this area is the centrifugal sieve, an intricate device for starch processing that greatly improves the production quality.

The Evolution of Starch Processing Technology

Starch processing has seen major progress in technology, especially in methods for separating and cleaning. Central to these enhancements is advanced starch processing equipment that helps manufacturers reach new standards of product cleanliness. A key breakthrough is the use of automated systems that ensure consistent quality during production.

The Centrifugal Sieve: A Breakthrough in Starch Processing

One of the standout innovations in starch processing equipment is the centrifugal sieve. Crafted for peak efficiency, this sophisticated device helps in the separation of starch from pulp and fine fibres, enhancing the overall quality of the starch produced. Here are a few primary applications of the centrifugal sieve:

Starch and Pulp Distillation: The centrifugal sieve effectively divides starch from pulp, ensuring that the final product is of high purity.

Pulp and Fine Fibre Extraction: Through the successful elimination of fine fibres, the sieve improves the quality of the starch and its suitability for various applications.

Fibre Filtration from Wheat Starch: This equipment is especially efficient in refining wheat starch, a widely used component in numerous food items.

Key Features and Benefits of the Centrifugal Sieve

The Centrifugal Sieve not only helps in separation but also has several features that collectively enhance the starch production process and the quality of the final product.

High Starch Quality

The main benefit of employing a centrifugal sieve is its capacity to generate top-quality starch. Through reducing contaminants and keeping the best qualities of starch, it ensures that the final product adheres to industry norms.

Continuous and Smooth Operation

Crafted for smooth operation, the centrifugal sieve works without interruption, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity as a whole. This aspect is especially advantageous for big-scale starch manufacturing plants.

Optimal Extraction

The centrifugal force applied by the sieve enables the extraction of the highest amount of starch from the slurry, ensuring that manufacturers extract the maximum value from their raw materials.

Minimised Fibre in Starch Milk

Through the effective separation of fibres from the starch milk, the centrifugal sieve improves the quality of the starch, rendering it more appropriate for a range of purposes, such as food processing and industrial applications.

Automated Cleaning

Keeping equipment clean is a significant hurdle in starch processing. The centrifugal sieve tackles this issue by incorporating an automated cleaning function, which helps in lowering the expenses related to labour and the time lost due to manual cleaning.

Skid Mounting Option

The skid mounting feature simplifies the process of setting up and moving the equipment, making it a perfect selection for producers to enhance their manufacturing processes.

How the Centrifugal Sieve Works

Understanding how the centrifugal sieve works helps to appreciate its impact on production quality. The procedure starts when slurry is pumped directly into the middle of the conical rotating screen basket. As the basket rotates, centrifugal force propels the starch across the screen, permitting it to pass through while the fibres and pulp are released through the front opening.

To improve performance, water spraying nozzles are strategically positioned both inside and outside the basket. These nozzles remove any leftover fibres or pulp, avoiding clogging of the screen and ensuring a consistent flow of starch through the machinery.

The Impact on Overall Production Quality

The deployment of sophisticated starch processing equipment, such as the centrifugal sieve, significantly impacts the whole manufacturing workflow. Through optimising starch purity and reducing contaminants, manufacturers can provide goods that adhere to strict quality criteria. This improves the brand’s image and fosters confidence among consumers seeking reliable and superior ingredients.

Additionally, the continuous operation and optimal extraction capabilities enable manufacturers to expand their activities without compromising on quality. The automated cleaning function also minimises interruptions, facilitating smoother production timelines.

Conclusion

Investing in advanced starch machinery, especially high-speed centrifugal sieves, is beneficial for manufacturers looking to enhance their production quality. This equipment excels at efficiently separating starch from the pulp and fine fibres. By incorporating these innovations, production plants can improve the quality of their products and streamline their operations for a more sustainable and lucrative future. As the sector progresses, adopting this modern starch processing equipment will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the starch production industry. Microtec provides state-of-the-art starch processing equipment like Centrifugal Sieve and helps manufacturers with the necessary resources to achieve superior production quality and satisfy the requirements of the current market.

Installing a starch production line can be a challenging endeavour that demands sophisticated technology, skilled engineering, and reliable equipment. Microtec, possessing a vast array of experience and in-depth understanding in the technology of starch production, provides services that help manufacturers build effective, superior production systems customised to their specific requirements. With expertise in the production and process technology for corn starch, wheat starch, cassava starch, potato starch, modified starch, glucose, fructose, and bio-plastic, Microtec distinguishes itself as a premier supplier in the industry.

Why Choose Microtec for Your Starch Production Line?

Microtec’s approach to the starch production line is grounded on years of expertise and a thorough grasp of both technology and machinery design. The firm’s combination of affordable systems, top-notch equipment, and adaptability enables them to cater to varying budgets and project scales. This adaptability enables Microtec to create effective, tailored production lines that fulfil the specific needs of investors.

What truly distinguishes Microtec is its dedication to achieving high returns and superior product quality. Its starch manufacturing facilities are engineered to optimise the extraction of gluten and starch, all while upholding strict criteria that improve the quality of the final product. Microtec’s technology also integrates modified starch machinery for interruption-free production of modified starches and starch sweeteners. This adaptability is perfect for industries looking to diversify their products within the starch and biomaterials sector.

Cost-Effective and High-Yield Starch Processing

Microtec’s starch production lines are engineered to be both cost-effective and productive. Each system is tailored to cut down on running expenses without compromising the quality of the output, employing machinery that is energy-efficient, thereby enabling manufacturers to reduce their costs. This configuration enables businesses to boost their profits while keeping the production of gluten and starch at high levels. Microtec’s emphasis on sustainability and efficiency ensures that customers can produce high-quality goods with the least use of resources, making it a financially viable and eco-friendly option.

Comprehensive Engineering and Technology Support

Establishing a starch manufacturing unit requires more than just the installation of equipment. Microtec provides comprehensive engineering and technological assistance, led by a team with expertise in chemical, mechanical, electrical, and process engineering.

• Microtec strengthens your team by sharing crucial knowledge and technology, facilitating efficient operations.
• From the processing of raw materials to the packaging of the final product, every stage is engineered for peak efficiency, making the setup easier and ensuring a seamless transition from the planning phase to the production phase.

With Microtec’s end-to-end services, clients get the support they need to construct, maintain, and operate their starch manufacturing lines without any hassle.

High-Quality, Certified Production Machinery

Microtec offers advanced equipment designed to meet global benchmarks for making corn starch, wheat starch, potato starch, cassava starch, glucose, and bioplastic. These machines are constructed to last and work efficiently, minimising interruptions and the expenses associated with upkeep. Every unit of equipment meets strict safety and quality criteria, such as:

• CE Mark for compliance with European safety regulations,
• ASME Standards for American mechanical engineering needs, and
• PED compliance for European pressure equipment.

Clients get reliable, high-performing equipment that ensures safety and quality in starch production, with the option to include modified starch machinery to accommodate a broader spectrum of starch products.

Turnkey Project Solutions

Microtec’s turnkey projects make it easier to establish a starch production line by taking care of every step—from the initial proposal to the final operation. Their comprehensive turnkey service is divided into three main stages:

• Proposal: Microtec assesses the needs of the project and offers a customised solution designed to meet the specific requirements of the client.
• Order Execution: The process of acquiring equipment, manufacturing, and installing it is handled by Microtec, ensuring that each aspect is managed professionally.
• Operation and Maintenance: Continuous support is provided to ensure the smooth operation of the production line, offering clients the assurance that their needs will be perfectly met.

By adopting Microtec’s turnkey method, clients can concentrate on other important matters while the experts take care of the intricate details involved in setting up a starch production line.

Research and Development for Enhanced Innovation

Focused on research and innovation, Microtec is always enhancing its starch processing techniques, boosting the quality of its products, and enhancing energy use efficiency. This dedication to creativity allows Microtec to adapt to changing market needs while minimising its ecological footprint. Their advanced starch equipment provides versatility in managing different starch modifications, empowering businesses to broaden their range of products and stay ahead in the competition.

Installation and Commissioning Services

Installing a starch production line demands precision and expertise, which Microtec delivers through its installation and commissioning services. Experienced technicians and engineers ensure a seamless installation process, comprehensive testing, and training for the staff, enabling your team to operate the equipment efficiently. By entrusting Microtec with the installation, companies can enjoy a hassle-free initiation and continuous operational assistance.

Conclusion

Installing a starch production line doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Microtec provides the necessary technology, expertise, and comprehensive support to help you set up a manufacturing system that satisfies your quality and productivity requirements. Their cutting-edge equipment, ranging from simple starch extraction devices to advanced modified starch machinery, along with their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction, positions them as a reliable partner in the starch manufacturing sector. If you’re ready to start or upgrade your starch production line, Microtec (Microtec Engineering Group) is here to help every step of the way.

Starch is known to be the main component of cereal grains and roots and when it undergoes physical, chemical or enzymatic modifications, this starch has increased functionality and is given a new name called ‘modified starch’. Food materials which have modified food starch as the main ingredient are called convenience products. Native starches experience heat-treatment processes like annealing treatments and heat-moisture that lead to no damage to granular integrity and show increased visco-stability and consistency. All thanks to the advanced modified starch technology that modified starches are not limited to food industry applications only; even paper and textile industries are reaping the benefits of using modified starch.

For many years now, corn has been an integral part of starch extraction. Compared to any other plants, corn is naturally blessed with adequate capacity to effectively convert a large amount of solar energy to chemical energy. It is this energy that is stored as oil, cellulose, and most importantly starch in the corn plant and kernel. In the battle between corn and wheat, corn is hailed to be one of nature’s biggest multipliers. Do you know why? After planting for four months approximately, a single corn kernel that weighs only one-hundredth of an ounce produces around 800 kernels. On the other hand, wheat accounts for 50-fold yield per seed planted. Moreover, corn has nearly 70-75% starch present that makes it the most valuable raw material for the modified starch production process.