Progress 06/01/08 to 01/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: ACTIVITIES. The main objective of the proposed project was to evaluate the combined process of fractionation plus ethanol extraction of oil from the germ, known as the GORME process. Phase I of the SBIR grant focused on the parameters that affect oil extractability from germ using ethanol. The range and levels of the variables were established and optimized to maximize oil yield while minimizing loss of non oil components. This was followed by studies on the use of membrane technology to desolventize the extract, i.e., to simultaneously concentrate the oil and recycle the ethanol. A final technical report was sent to USDA on January 20, 2010. EVENTS. The investigator has applied for a USDA/SBIR Phase II grant to complete the work started in Phase I. Due to the project's proprietary nature no events have been attended in which the information was released to the public. SERVICES. There were no services provided under Phase I. PRODUCTS. Prairie Gold, Inc. is considering the writing of a patent disclosure. We are gathering data such as publications surrounding this technology to determine the feasibility of filing a patent and how broadly that patent might extend coverage. The project has fostered discussions between Prairie Gold and an ethanol producer who has interest in the technology. Prairie Gold has signed a Letter of Intent with this company to commercialize the technology if a Phase II study reaches a successful conclusion. The project has also involved the cooperation of two fractionation companies. These companies supplied fractionated germ produced at a dry grind ethanol plant for our oil extraction purposes. Both of these companies have great interest in this technology. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS: Philip Shane, President of Prairie Gold, Inc., managed the overall success of the project. His responsibilities included overall funding for the project, negotiating a Technical Testing Agreement with the University of Illinois and assigning employees. Felipe Arana, Technical Manager for Prairie Gold, Inc., conducted the solvent extractions and conditioning of the corn germ. He was also responsible for determining the economics of the dry fractionation portion of the project and the procurement of corn germ. Dr. Munir Cheryan, Research Professor, University of Illinois, was responsible for membrane evaluations and their efficiency. Dr. Cheryan and Mr. Arana conducted preliminary economics for the process. Ankur Patel, Project Engineer for Prairie Gold, came into the project about midway and completed membrane analysis with Dr.Cheryan. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS The University of Illinois provided laboratory space to conduct some of the experiments under a subcontract and a Technical Testing Agreement. Cereal Process Technologies, a fractionation company, provided support and corn germ from their process for the project. TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCE. The target audience for this technology is the dry grind ethanol industry. Adaptation to this technology will provide them with additional co-products to sell to make their ethanol production more viable. Information about the project was disseminated to a potential commercial partner, an ethanol producer, who is interested in Phase III funding and commercialization. Until proprietary issues are resolved and completion of a Phase II project is completed, Prairie Gold will not disseminate the information further. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
CHANGE IN KNOWLEDGE. A change in knowledge occurred when the investigators learned how to condition the germ prior to extraction. This coupled with solvent temperature, concentration, and ratio affected the amount of oil that could be extracted with ethanol over different periods of time. The results of this information is considered proprietary and may be the subject of a patent disclosure. Further technology will be developed in a Phase II grant. Membrane techniques were developed, as well as, specific types of membranes and their conditioning. This information is also proprietary. CHANGE IN ACTION. Previously,corn germ oil extraction has only occurred on a commercial scale using hexane. This technology has shown that a natural solvent, such as ethanol, can be used to efficiently extract corn oil in a much more environmentally friendly manner using membranes for purification and reducing energy requirements for evaporation. While it is too early to tell if the ethanol industry will adopt this technology, Phase II should give us the needed information to promote its use. Phase I has helped Prairie Gold determine the value and need for additional research in this area. It is anticipated that rural dry grind ethanol plants will adopt the technology when it becomes commercially viable. CHANGE IN CONDITIONS. A change in societal conditions has not occurred at this point in the technology's development. The technology is too immature for this type of activity. Upon the completion of a Phase II study, it may be possible to measure such a change by analyzing the direct adoption of the technology.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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