| abstract |
An improved corn wet milling process is disclosed. In a process in which corn kernels are steeped in an aqueous solution and are milled to facilitate the separation of the components thereof, in which starch from the corn is separated from gluten, and in which at least one aqueous gluten-containing stream is generated, the improvement comprises membrane filtration of an aqueous gluten-containing stream, producing a gluten-enriched retentate, and removing water from the gluten-enriched retentate, thereby producing a substantially dry gluten product. This improved process provides an economical means of recovering a higher percentage of the available protein for inclusion in high value products. |