Moderate temperature hydrolysis of corn starch for alcohol fermentation
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Whether production of ethanol from grain by fermentation has a positive energy balance is still a big controversey. A recent study showed that the energy output/input ratio varies between 1.08 to 1.16. About 18% of the total plant energy input is in the hydrolysis unit, which is a relatively high temperature process carried out at between 90° to 130°C. Hydrolysis at a moderate temperature of 65°C could increase the heat output/input ratio significantly. Aiming at this, the activities of ten commercially available enzymes were assayed to select the enzyme with the highest activity per unit cost. Hydrolysis of corn mash was carried out at a temperature of 65°C, varying the concentration of enzymes and the time sequence of addition of the enzymes. A mathematical model was developed based on the experimental results which could predict the dextrose equivalent as a function of different process parameters. Using this equation, the optimum level of enzyme concentrations and the time sequence of their addition were determined. The scope of further investigation is also discussed.
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