Small scale starch production machine

Types of small scale starch production machines

Starch is a carbohydrate produced by many green plants and a vital ingredient in various food and non-food industries. Small-scale starch production machines make it feasible to produce the substance economically and efficiently. The small scale starch production machine is a wide term that encompasses many types of process lines.

Usually, small-scale starch production machines use potatoes, corn, cassava, sago, rice, and taro as raw materials. Regardless of the raw material, the process typically includes washing, crushing, pulping, hydrocyclone separation, gelatinization, enzyme addition, fermentation, drying, and packing.

• Small corn starch production machine: Corncob chips are crushed into powder using a starch production machine. The main equipment consists of a pulverizer, boxtype classifier, dust collector, air blower, vibrating sieve, and pipeline. The process combines airflow and vibrating sieve to classify the corn starch according to particle size.
• Potato starch production line: Potato starch extraction machines work similarly to corn starch machines, although different potatoes are used. The typical potato starch machines are designed with modern technology for better efficiency. They are mainly made up of tuber washing and peeling, mashing and extracting, hydro-cyclone separation, dewatering, and drying parts.
• Small cassava starch production line: This machine suits those looking to exploit cassava's potential. It is an imperfect substitute for potato or corn starch but has unique culinary qualities. It works similarly to the previously mentioned starch production machines, with hydro-cyclone separation being a distinctive feature.
• Small tapioca starch production line: Tapioca is the final product of the small-scale tapioca starch production line. This kind of starch has fewer production techniques and is mainly produced by extracting the juice from cassava, followed by refining and drying processes.

Specifications & maintenance of small-scale starch production machines

The specifications of small-scale starch production machines vary according to the type, manufacturer, and model.

• Processing capability

  Small-scale starch production machines usually have a smaller processing capacity than large industrial machines. Their capacity may range from several kilograms per hour to a few hundred kilograms per hour.

• Raw materials

  Some small-scale starch production machines are compatible with tuber crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, and tapioca. However, others may be specially designed for particular crops.

• Production flow

  The small-scale starch production line includes the steps of crushing, extracting, purifying, drying, and packing. Some machines may integrate several processes, while others will be separated into individual units.

• Power

  The power of small-scale starch extraction machines is usually expressed in kw. It may range from single kw to tens of kw, depending on the size and processing capacity of the machine.

Generally, the small-scale starch machines are not as complicated as their large-scale counterparts. Thus, they are fairly easy to maintain. However, regular check-ups and maintenance are still necessary to ensure efficiency uninterrupted operation. Here are some helpful instructions for the maintenance of small-scale starch processing machines:

• Regular cleaning:

  All the starch production machines should be regularly cleaned to avoid residue build-up and contamination. The operators can use water and neutral detergent to wipe the surface of the machines and the removable parts. They should pay attention to electrical components, avoiding water ingress. Also, the production lines should be dried and stored in ventilated places.

• Lubrication:

  Whether it is an emulsifying starch production machine or an extraction one, each machine comes with transmission parts that require regular lubrication to avoid unnecessary abrasion. The operators can apply lubricating oil to the sliding surfaces, bearings, etc.

• Routine Inspecting:

  The small-scale starch production machines should be inspected after a period of use. The inspection should include the fastening pieces and parts, oil seals, transmission belts, etc. Any loosen, wear, or malfunction should be repaired or replaced in time to ensure that the equipment is safe and reliable to use.

• Electrical Parts Maintenance:

  Electrical components of small-scale starch production machines should be kept clean and dry, too. Users should check the wires connecting terminals regularly, ensuring there is no loosening, breakage, or corrosion. If there are any issues, they should handle them immediately.

Scenarios of small scale starch production machines

Here's a closer look at some usage scenarios for small scale starch production machines:

• Potato industry: The potato starch production machine helps businesses that process potatoes. It lets rice, beans, or other starchy foods make potato starch right on-site. With this machine, food processors can quickly change raw potatoes into starch without having to ship the potatoes elsewhere for processing. Having the machine close by means the processing and starch extraction can happen faster, which is more convenient for the food business.
• Snack food production: Factories that make starchy snack foods like chips, fries, or puffed snacks need starch for their products. Some of these factories are not huge and may only make a small amount of snacks each day. They use small starch production machines to create the starch they need on-site instead of buying it from someone else. This lets them have a continuous supply of starch that they can control the quality of. The machines help these smaller snack food makers be more self-sufficient by providing a local source of starch.
• Personalized starch: Small-scale starch production machines allow for the creation of customized starches tailored to specific requirements. Artisanal food producers, specialty bakeries, and gourmet kitchens can utilize these machines to develop unique starches with distinct properties, flavors, or functional characteristics. These personalized starches can enhance the texture, moisture retention, or thickening abilities of niche food products, providing an individualized touch to gourmet offerings.
• Mobile street vendors: Street vendors who sell food in different places and on a small scale can benefit from small-scale starch production machines. They make affordable starch right where they sell their food. Having this compact machine lets the vendors process local ingredients like potatoes or cassava into starch. Then, they can use the fresh starch to prepare their local dishes or snacks for their customers. The machines boost convenience for the vendors. They have a cheap way to get quality ingredients for their cooking that doesn't require complicated setups.
• Restaurant kitchens: Small-scale starch production machines fit well into the food service industry, especially smaller kitchens like those in restaurants or catering services. These machines let chefs make starch right in their own kitchen instead of having to buy it from a supplier. The fresh, homemade starch can be used for all sorts of culinary purposes, like thickening sauces, improving the texture of baked goods, or acting as a binding ingredient. The ability to produce small amounts of starch on-site gives chefs more control over their ingredients and helps them create higher-quality dishes for their customers.

How to choose small scale starch production machines

When purchasing the small scale starch production machine, buyers should carefully study their need for the machines and the benefits they will derive when they finally get the machine. More than just food processing, starch production has enormous potential far beyond mere culinary pursuits. It serves as an indispensable cornerstone, providing essential raw materials for diverse industries ranging from textiles to pharmaceuticals; even the paper industry relies heavily upon starch's capabilities.

A starch production machine with a small scale can refine various root crops into valuable starches tailored for specific market demands. Buyers must consider the machine's versatility, efficiency, and adaptability, as well as the quality of starch it can produce, which should meet the expectations of end consumers. Additionally, understanding the machine's compatibility with different types of root crops is crucial in determining its effectiveness and productivity in starch extraction.

It is essential first to realize the purpose and benefit of the starch production machine and what kind of crops it can refine, which will make the purchasing process go smoother. A small scale starch extractor machine for sale will offer more than just starch extraction; it will also provide processing opportunities for businesses looking to invest in small-scale food processing facilities. Investing in such machines presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs not only to tap into local markets but also to meet export demands by supplying processed food products overseas.

In addition to these factors, buyers should also consider the following when searching for a supplier:

• Quality: The machine's building material is essential for starch extraction. Low-quality input material will lead to a low-quality output product that will not be acceptable to end consumers. Buyers will need to ensure that the machine has high-quality food-grade materials to ensure the output is consumable.
• Requirements: Buyers will need to study the market's requirements and the type of starch and root crops they will need. The processing capacity needed per day should also be known before ordering. This will help buyers order machines in bulk at wholesale prices.
• Energy: Some starch production machines require energy inputs that must be calculated before purchasing the machine. Energy consumption may include electric and water facilities.
• Supply: Buyers should consider the supplier's ability to supply replacement parts when the machine needs repairs.

Small scale starch production machine FAQ

Q1: What are the sources of starch?

A1: Starch is a carbohydrate produced by plants as an energy storage molecule, and numerous crop plants have high starch content in their roots and tubers. Such plants include potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, corn, wheat, and tapioca. However, the small scale starch production machine is mostly used on cassava and corn.

Q2: What is the process of extracting starch?

A2: The process begins by choosing the right source of starch, which is usually tuber or seed-based. The material is then cleaned to remove any impurities present in or on the starch source. Depending on the source of starch, some materials will need to be sliced or ground to expose the starch to extraction methods better. Next, hydrolysis is the most vital step in starch extraction. Hydrolysis refers to the enzymatic or chemical breakdown of the starch into glucose. For the extraction of starch to be successful, specific enzymes will be added to the raw material to aid in the breakdown. Once hydrolysis has occurred, the solution will be filtered to separate the sugar from the remaining material. The sugar will then be fermented using fermentation tanks, where yeast will be added for conversion to alcohol. Distillation will be carried out after fermentation, separating the ethanol from the grain or tuber. Finally, evaporation will remove the excess water from the ethanol, and there is the starch.

Q3: What is the difference between food starch and industrial starch?

A3: Industrial starch has a higher adhesive strength requirement and a high demand for its gelatinization capacity when heated. Additionally, it is sought after for its film-forming ability and ability to bind, emulsify, and thicken. Such qualities are necessary for construction, textiles, paper, and biotechnology. Food starch doesn’t have such requirements and is usually sought after for digestibility and nutritional value.

Q4: What is the difference between modified and unmodified starch?

A4: Unmodified starch has retained its natural characteristics and is used in its natural form. Modified starch has been altered to improve its stability, which will further enhance its functional ability.

Q5: How much does a starch production machine cost?

A5: Small scale starch production machines are usually thousands of dollars, while large scale machines will be tens of thousands.