Technical solutions for starch loss recycling in cassava processing

Cassava is a vital staple crop and a primary source of starch globally. However, significant starch loss occurs during processing, representing substantial economic waste and environmental strain. Recovering and recycling this lost starch is crucial for improving profitability, sustainability, and resource efficiency. This article explores key technical solutions targeting major starch loss points in cassava processing.

Major Starch Loss Points & Technical Solutions:

1. Washing:

Loss Cause: Starch leaches from damaged tubers and is washed away.

Solutions:

Counter-Current Washing Systems: Design washing lines where fresh water enters only at the final stage, and progressively dirtier water is reused for initial washing stages. This concentrates starch in the first wash water. Paddle washer is common used machine in cassava starch processing line to realize high washing effect as well we reducing starch loss.

paddle washer

2. Rasping (Grating) and Extraction:

Loss Cause: Inefficient release of starch granules from cells; incomplete separation during extraction; starch lost with cassava pulp.

Solutions:

Optimized Rasping: Ensure cassava rasper are sharp and correctly adjusted to maximize cell rupture without excessive fiber generation. Monitor pulp consistency.

Multi-Stage Extraction: Employ counter-current extractors where fresh water contacts the least extracted pulp first, maximizing cassava starch yield from the pulp stream.

cassava rasper

3. Starch Milk Separation and Refining:

Loss Cause: Inefficient separation of starch from impurities (cellulose fines, soluble proteins, sugars) in the milk, leading to starch loss in wastewater streams (dewatering, separation overflow).

Solutions:

Multi-Stage Hydrocyclone Stations: The industry standard for efficient cassava starch purification. Properly designed and operated multi-stage units maximize starch recovery and purity while minimizing loss in overflow streams. Regular monitoring and maintenance are critical.

hydrocyclone station

4. Qualified Starch Power Drying

Loss Cause: Shabby drying machine with poor welding technology, leading to starch loss through the gaps.

Solutions:

Flash dryer: Negative pressure cassava starch drying machine. Properly designed multi-stage units, advanced welding process and negative pressure principle maximize starch drying while minimizing starch loss in air streams.

flash dryer

Cassava starch processing high yield ratio depend on processing technology include high grating rate, many stage extraction rate and negative pressure drying. If you want to learn more cassava starch processing machine, welcome contact us for more discussion!

Henan Jinrui, dedicated in manufacturing cassava starch processing machine, potato starch extraction line, and sweet potato starch making facility for over 10 years, can provide turnkey solutions to you, catering to various demands!