Method for wet milling and related control system

Abstract

A control system for a fiber washing system of a wet milling system and related methods are disclosed, the control system comprising a controller comprising one or more processors and an interface, where the one or more processors are configured to: acquire fiber data, the fiber data includes an input fiber parameter indicative of a fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; acquiring a time parameter for indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank; determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; and controlling one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wet milling, and in particular to fiber washing and control thereof in wet milling. Specifically, a control system for a fiber washing system of a wet milling system and a method for generating fiber output by a fiber washing system of a wet milling system are disclosed. Background Art

[0002] Cereal wet milling and processes associated therewith have gained increasing attention in terms of increasing starch and protein / gluten yields and reducing waste. Today, in a typical mechanical corn wet milling (CWM) process, most of the starch and protein present in the corn kernels are separated and enriched as corresponding byproduct streams through a series of mechanical and separation stages. However, some starch and protein remain bound to the corn fiber matrix of the corn kernels. WO 2018 / 053220 relates to an improved wet milling process in which an enzyme incubation tank is integrated as part of a fiber washing system, thereby increasing the yield of starch and protein bound to the fiber component. These yield results depend on the incoming fiber parameters (e.g., fiber solids, bound starch and protein values), incubation time, temperature, pH and most importantly, the amount of enzyme added. Although the incubation time, temperature and pH are regularly monitored and adjusted in plant operations, the amount of enzyme added is not monitored and adjusted, and the amount of enzyme added is determined based on the volume of corn kernels soaked and ground in the initial stage of the process, which is performed 24 to 48 hours before the enzymatic fiber washing step. In addition, fiber solids are not monitored, which results in huge fluctuations in the fiber slurry entering the incubation tank. Therefore, the current process has a gap in adding enough enzymes to the fiber solids directed to the incubation tank. This practice affects enzyme efficiency and results in large variations in the amount of starch and protein yield, specifically due to excessive or insufficient addition of enzymes required to maintain consistent yield targets. Therefore, there is a need in the industry to improve the fiber washing step in order to avoid excessive or insufficient addition of enzymes. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for methods and apparatus for optimizing yields in wet milling, particularly starch and / or protein yields, and processes associated with wet milling.

[0004] A control system for a fiber washing system or a component thereof for a wet milling system is disclosed, the control system comprising a controller, the controller comprising one or more processors and an interface. The one or more processors are configured to obtain fiber data, for example, via the interface, the fiber data, for example, including input fiber parameters indicating fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; obtain time parameters indicating incubation time of slurry in the incubation tank, for example, via the interface and / or using the one or more processors; determine an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameters, for example, using the one or more processors; and control one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme, for example, via the interface and / or using the one or more processors.

[0005] Further, a fiber washing system is disclosed, the fiber washing system comprising a control system as described herein. The fiber washing system comprises an incubation tank and a plurality of screening units, such as in the range from 2 to 10 screening units, including a first screening unit and a second screening unit located downstream of the first screening unit, the first screening unit having a first fiber input and a first fiber output, and the second screening unit having a second fiber input and a second fiber output, wherein the first fiber output of the first screening unit or the second fiber output of the second screening unit is optionally coupled to the incubation input of the incubation tank.

[0006] Further, an enzymatic corn wet milling process is disclosed, the enzymatic corn wet milling process comprising performing fiber washing in the wet milling process using a control system as described herein.

[0007] Additionally, disclosed is the use of a control system as described herein in a corn wet milling process, for example, wherein the control system is applied to an enzyme incubation tank integrated into a fiber washing system.

[0008] A computer-implemented method for generating a fiber output by a fiber washing system of a wet milling system is disclosed, the method comprising acquiring fiber data, the fiber data including, for example, input fiber parameters indicating fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; acquiring, for example, time parameters indicating an incubation time of a slurry in the incubation tank; determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and / or the time parameters; and controlling one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme.

[0009] The present disclosure achieves optimization of fiber washing and input to the wet milling system, which in turn can increase or optimize the yield of starch and / or protein. Further, the fiber purity of the fiber slurry output from the fiber washing system can be improved.

[0010] An important advantage of the present disclosure is that more accurate improved fiber washing control is provided, which in turn achieves a more stable optimal wet milling process to, for example, improve the separation of corn or grain components. In particular, real-time monitoring and determination of fiber input and / or fiber output achieves more precise control of the fiber washing process.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of on-site real-time online monitoring and control of the wet milling system reduces the risk of reduced starch / protein yields due to insufficient dosage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary wet milling system according to the present disclosure,

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram of example components of an example fiber washing system,

[0015] Figure 3 is a block diagram of example components of an example fiber washing system, and

[0016] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of producing a fiber output from a fiber washing system of a wet milling system,

[0017] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of generating a fiber output,

[0018] Figure 6 An example starch release profile is shown,

[0019] Figure 7 An example protein release profile is shown.

[0020] Figure 8 Enzyme performance models showing protein production, and

[0021] Fig. 9 A model of enzyme performance for protein production is presented.

[0022] Fig.10It is demonstrated how to readjust the enzyme addition to achieve optimal performance based on real-time input and output parameters (collected by instruments and sensors). These parameters can include fiber solids content and density data of the flow to the incubation tank, temperature data, tank fill level, and MIR spectral data from the sensor / probe. The optimal target parameters are the protein yield and starch yield obtained from the incoming fiber solids and flow after the fiber-enzyme interaction in the incubation tank. The enzymatic fiber washing process is optimized based on real-time online measurement system data and calibrated enzyme addition amount.

[0023] Fig.11 The effects of five different enzyme addition schemes and three different fiber solids contents on the release of insoluble protein bound in the fiber over time are shown. It can be seen that the protein in the fiber (PIF) is reduced. For example, in order to reduce the fiber protein by 1% (i.e., to make the target PIF be 5.8%), if the fiber solids are 4%, 0.35 kg enzyme / ton corn is required. In order to make the target PIF be 5.8% for the same, if the fiber solids are 5% and 6%, 0.2 and 0.17 kg enzyme / ton corn are required respectively.

[0024] Fig.12 An example of mid-infrared (MIR) spectral data recorded by a MIR sensor / probe is shown. The spectrometer probe collects real-time data in a reaction vessel including corn fiber solids and enzyme products. The change in spectral values ​​(absorbance) at different wave numbers is related to the enzyme activity on the corn fiber between two time points, for example: T = 0 and T = 180 minutes for corn fiber solids of 4.5% and enzyme addition of 0.25 kg enzyme / ton corn.

[0025] Fig.13 The enzymatic hydrolysis of corn fiber with an enzyme blend (cellulase and GH5 xylanase) and the resulting release of bound starch and protein from the corn fiber are shown. Thus, after an incubation time of 180 minutes, the residual starch in fiber (SIF) and protein in fiber (PIF) are reduced. For corn fiber solids of 4.5%, the enzyme addition was 0.25 kg / ton corn at pH 4.4 and a temperature of 48 degrees Celsius.

[0026] Fig.14 The enzymatic hydrolysis of corn fiber with an enzyme blend (cellulase and GH5 xylanase) and the resulting release of bound starch and protein from the corn fiber are shown. Thus, during an incubation time of 150 minutes, the residual starch in fiber (SIF) and protein in fiber (PIF) decreased, while the concentration of corn fiber hydrolysates (i.e., different sugars) increased. For corn fiber solids of 5%, at pH 4.4 and temperature of 48 degrees Celsius, the enzyme addition was 0.30 kg / ton corn. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A number of different exemplary embodiments and details are described below with reference to the relevant drawings. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn to scale or not to scale, and in all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent elements with similar structures or functions. It should also be noted that the purpose of the drawings is only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be used to describe the invention in detail or to limit the scope of the invention. In addition, the embodiments shown do not need to have all aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a specific embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, but may be practiced in any other embodiment even if not so described or not so explicitly described.

[0028] A control system for a wet milling system, such as a control system for a fiber washing system of a wet milling system, is disclosed. The control system includes a controller including one or more processors and an interface.

[0029] In one or more examples, a control system for a fiber washing system of a wet milling system is disclosed, the control system including a controller including one or more processors and an interface, wherein the one or more processors are configured to acquire fiber data including input fiber parameters indicating fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; acquire time parameters indicating an incubation time of a slurry in the incubation tank; determine an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameters; and control one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme.

[0030] The one or more processors of the controller are configured to acquire (such as one or more of determining, measuring, receiving, and retrieving) fiber data, for example, via the interface. The fiber data may indicate one or more fiber inputs and / or one or more fiber outputs in the wet milling system, such as fiber content and / or fiber / slurry flow. The wet milling system may be a corn wet milling system.

[0031] The fiber data, denoted FD, comprises one or more input fiber parameters, denoted IFP_1, IFP_2, ..., IFP_N, indicating the fiber input to the incubation tank of the fiber washing system. The input fiber parameters indicating the fiber input to the incubation tank of the fiber washing system may be obtained based on input fiber data / sensor data (also denoted ISD) from one or more sensors arranged in the wet milling system, such as at the input of the incubation tank.

[0032] For example, the fiber data may include: a fiber percentage as a first input fiber parameter IFP_1 indicating the fiber content in the slurry (e.g., mass or volume of fiber / mass or volume of slurry), and / or a slurry flow rate (e.g., slurry volume / time) as a second input fiber parameter. In other words, the first input fiber parameter IFP_1 may be the fiber percentage in the slurry, and / or the second input fiber parameter IFP_2 may be the slurry flow rate of the slurry entering the incubation tank.

[0033] The one or more processors of the controller are configured to determine an input scheme based on the fiber data (such as IFP_1 and / or IFP_2) and the time parameter. The input scheme may include and define control parameters for one or more input devices in the wet milling system, such as control parameters for one or more pump devices, one or more valves, one or more conveyors, or other devices operating as input devices in the wet milling system.

[0034] The one or more processors of the controller are configured to control one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme. For example, controlling one or more input devices of the wet milling system may include, for example, outputting or transmitting one or more control parameters, also referred to as input control parameters (ICPs), including one or more enzyme control parameters (ECPs), to the input device of the wet milling system via an interface.

[0035] In one or more examples, the fiber data includes spectrometer data and / or density data of the fiber input, and wherein acquiring the fiber data includes determining one or more parameters (such as input fiber parameters and / or output fiber parameters) based on the spectrometer data and / or the density data. The spectrometer data can be acquired by a mid-infrared (MIR) and / or near-infrared (NIR) sensor (probe) device (such as a Keit instrument). The density data can be acquired by a densitometer (such as a Coriolis mass flow meter).

[0036] In one or more examples, a Coriolis mass flow meter or magnetic flow meter (eg, forming part of an input sensor device and / or output sensor) is used to measure the slurry flow into and / or out of the incubation tank. Advantageously, the Coriolis mass flow meter also provides density and / or mass flow.

[0037] In one or more examples, one or more input fiber parameters are indicative of fiber content in a slurry input to an incubation tank.

[0038] The fiber data may include one or more output fiber parameters, denoted as OFP_1, OFP_2, ..., OFP_M, indicating the fiber output of the incubation tank of the fiber washing system. The output fiber parameters indicating the fiber output of the incubation tank of the fiber washing system may be obtained based on output fiber data / sensor data (also denoted as OSD) from one or more sensors arranged in the wet milling system (such as at the output of the incubation tank).

[0039] The output fiber parameters may indicate the fiber content in the slurry of the incubation tank. For example, the fiber data may include: a fiber percentage as a first output fiber parameter OFP_1 indicating the fiber content in the slurry (e.g., mass or volume of fiber / mass or volume of slurry), and / or a slurry flow rate (e.g., slurry volume / time) as a second output fiber parameter. In other words, the first output fiber parameter OFP_1 may be the fiber percentage in the slurry, and / or the second output fiber parameter OFP_2 may be the slurry flow rate of the slurry flowing out of the incubation tank.

[0040] In one or more examples, obtaining a time parameter (denoted as t_res) indicating an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank includes obtaining a tank level parameter (such as a current slurry level from one or more sensors), and determining the time parameter based on the tank level parameter. The tank level parameter can be a slurry level expressed as a percentage of the volume of the incubation tank, a slurry level by volume, or a slurry level by mass.

[0041] In one or more examples, obtaining a time parameter indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank includes: for example, using an input flow meter of an input sensor device to obtain a tank input flow parameter TIFP, and determining the time parameter based on the tank input flow parameter. In other words, the time parameter t_inc can be a function of the tank input flow parameter TIPF.

[0042] In one or more examples, obtaining a time parameter indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank includes: for example, using an output flow meter of an output sensor device to obtain a tank output flow parameter TOFP, and determining the time parameter based on the tank output flow parameter. In other words, the time parameter t_inc can be a function of the tank output flow parameter TOPF, optionally combined with TIPF.

[0043] In one or more examples, a time parameter (denoted as t_inc) indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank may be:

[0044] t_inc = V_slurry / TIFP,

[0045] Wherein, V_slurry is the slurry level of the slurry in the incubation tank, and TIFP is a tank input flow parameter indicating the flow rate of the fiber slurry entering the incubation tank, for example based on input sensor data ISD from an input sensor device (e.g., including an input flow meter). The slurry level V_slurry may be based on the tank volume and the current tank fill level (expressed as a percentage), for example based on a level sensor from the tank sensor device and / or level data LD acquired from the system control.

[0046] In one or more examples, the fiber data FD includes a component input parameter (expressed as CIP) indicating the amount of insoluble protein and starch entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the component input parameter. In other words, the input scheme can be determined according to the CIP.

[0047] In one or more examples, the fiber data includes a protein input parameter indicating an amount of insoluble protein entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen based on the protein input parameter.

[0048] In one or more examples, the fiber data includes a starch input parameter indicating an amount of insoluble starch entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen based on the starch input parameter.

[0049] In one or more examples, one or more processors are configured to obtain a protein output parameter indicating the amount of insoluble protein exiting or output from the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen based on the protein output parameter.

[0050] The input protocol may include an enzyme dosing protocol. The enzyme dosing protocol indicates and defines enzyme control parameters, also denoted as ECP_1, ECP_2, ..., for controlling enzyme dosing in a wet milling system.

[0051] In one or more examples, determining the input scheme includes determining an enzyme addition scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter, the enzyme addition scheme includes a first enzyme flow rate or at least a first enzyme control parameter for a first enzyme, and wherein controlling the one or more input devices includes controlling the first enzyme input device according to the enzyme addition scheme (such as a first enzyme flow rate or a first enzyme amount). In other words, the enzyme addition scheme may include a first enzyme control parameter ECP_1, such as a first enzyme flow rate and / or a first enzyme amount or an indication thereof. The first enzyme may be a first enzyme or a first enzyme composition.

[0052] In one or more examples, input device is controlled and comprises according to the first enzyme flow rate and / or according to other first enzyme control parameters (such as first enzyme distribution and / or first enzyme amount) to control the first enzyme input device. In other words, input scheme can include enzyme scheme, and this enzyme scheme includes the first enzyme control parameter, and controller can be configured to indicate or be the first enzyme flow rate and / or the first enzyme amount of first enzyme control parameter ECP_1 output or transfer to for example the first enzyme input device (such as dosing pump or valve). The first enzyme input device can be a metering pump or a gravity flow distributor, and it has a controllable outflow valve that is configured to control the amount of the enzyme that flows through the flow valve and flows into the incubation tank.

[0053] In one or more examples, the first enzyme is selected from xylanase and cellulase, or is a first enzyme composition comprising one or more of xylanase and cellulase.

[0054] In one or more examples, the xylanase belongs to GH family 5, 8, 10, 11, or 30, and includes one or more of a GH5 xylanase, a GH8 xylanase, a GH30 xylanase, a GH10 xylanase, and a GH11 xylanase.

[0055] In one or more examples, the first enzyme is or includes a GH62 arabinofuranosidase.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the xylanase is a GH5-21 xylanase (xylanase A) derived from Chryseobacterium sp-10696 disclosed in WO 2021 / 122867. In another preferred embodiment, the xylanase is a GH10 xylanase and is preferably used in combination with a GH62 arabinofuranosidase.

[0057] In one or more examples, the cellulase comprises one or more of endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase and beta-glucosidase. In a preferred embodiment, the cellulase is a whole cellulase (cellulase A) derived from Trichoderma reesei. The cellulase composition will contain all cellulase activities expressed in Trichoderma reesei.

[0058] In one or more examples, the enzyme adding scheme includes a second enzyme flow rate or at least a second enzyme control parameter for a second enzyme, and wherein controlling the input device includes controlling the second enzyme input device according to the second enzyme flow rate or the second enzyme amount. In other words, the enzyme adding scheme may include a second enzyme control parameter ECP_2, such as a second enzyme flow rate and / or a second enzyme amount or an indication thereof. The second enzyme may be a second enzyme or a second enzyme composition. The second enzyme may be different from the first enzyme. In other words, the controller may be configured to determine and control the input of a plurality of enzymes or enzyme compositions, thereby achieving the input of adjusting the enzyme according to the fiber input.

[0059] In one or more example controllers, input device is controlled and comprises according to the second enzyme control parameter (such as the second enzyme flow rate and / or the second enzyme amount) controls the second enzyme input device. In other words, the input scheme can include the enzyme adding scheme, and this enzyme adding scheme includes the second enzyme control parameter, and the controller can be configured to indicate or the second enzyme control parameter ECP_2 of the second enzyme flow rate and / or the second enzyme amount is output or transferred to for example the second enzyme input device (such as dosing pump or valve). The second enzyme input device can be a metering pump or a gravity flow distributor, and it has a controlled outflow valve that is configured to control the amount of the enzyme that flows through the flow valve and flows into the incubation tank.

[0060] The enzyme addition scheme can limit the difference between the rate or different enzyme flow rates. For example, the enzyme addition scheme can include a first ratio indicating the ratio between the first enzyme flow rate and the second enzyme flow rate. In other words, controlling the input device can include controlling the ratio between the input of the first enzyme and the input of the second enzyme.

[0061] In one or more examples, determining the input scheme includes determining a feed rate, and wherein controlling the one or more input devices includes controlling the feed input device according to the feed rate. The feed rate may include a process water feed rate or other water source feed rate. The feed rate may include a mill feed rate.

[0062] In one or more examples, the fiber data / sensor data includes spectrometer data and / or density data of the fiber input. Acquiring the fiber data optionally includes determining a first component parameter of a first component of the fiber input based on the spectrometer data and / or density data. The spectrometer data can be acquired by a mid-infrared (MIR) and / or near-infrared (NIR) sensor device (such as a Keit instrument). The density data can be acquired by a densitometer (such as a Coriolis mass flowmeter). An input protocol (such as an enzyme addition protocol) can be based on a first component parameter (also represented as CP_1).

[0063] In one or more examples, the first component is one of starch, protein, and fiber.

[0064] In one or more examples, obtaining fiber data includes determining a second component parameter of a second component or a second component composition of the fiber input based on the spectrometer data. The second component is different from the first component and can be one of starch, protein, and fiber. The second component can be a combination and / or composition of two or more of starch, protein, and fiber. An input scheme (such as an enzyme addition scheme) can be based on a second component parameter (also represented as CP_2).

[0065] In one or more examples, the fiber data includes temperature data indicating a temperature of the fiber input, and wherein determining the input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen (such as an enzyme addition regimen) based on the temperature data.

[0066] In one or more examples, the fiber data includes pH data indicating a pH value of a fiber input, and wherein determining an input regimen based on the fiber data and a time parameter includes determining an input regimen (such as an enzyme regimen) based on the pH data.

[0067] A fiber washing system is disclosed. The fiber washing system includes: a control system; optionally, an incubation tank; and a plurality of screening units, including a first screening unit and a second screening unit located downstream of the first screening unit. The incubation tank can be integrated into the fiber washing system. In one or more exemplary fiber washing systems, the number of screening units in the fiber washing system is in the range from 4 to 10, and the screening units are arranged between the fiber input and the fiber output of the fiber washing system. The retention time is the time taken for the fiber slurry to pass through the fiber washing system from the fiber input to the fiber output, and is also expressed as T_retention. In one or more exemplary fiber washing systems, the retention time T_retention is in the range from 1 to 5 hours, such as in the range from 1.5 hours to 4 hours.

[0068] The incubation tank has an incubation input and an incubation output. The incubation time is the time taken for the fiber slurry to pass through the incubation tank from the incubation input to the incubation output, and is also represented as t_inc. In one or more exemplary fiber washing systems, the incubation time t_inc ranges from 0.5 hours to 3 hours.

[0069] In one or more examples, the first screening unit has a first fiber input and a first fiber output, and the second screening unit has a second fiber input and a second fiber output, wherein the first fiber output of the first screening unit or the second fiber output of the second screening unit is coupled (such as directly coupled) to an incubation input of an incubation tank.

[0070] In one or more examples, the second fiber input of the second screening unit is coupled (such as directly coupled) to the incubation output of the incubation tank. In other words, the slurry from the incubation tank can be fed (such as directly fed) into the second screening unit.

[0071] The incubation tank is configured for enzyme incubation and can be arranged in a fiber washing system, wherein the fiber content (also expressed as dry solid fiber content) has been increased to about 4% to 10% (w / w) in order to obtain optimal reaction conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis. When the slurry (also referred to as the process material flow) enters the fiber input of the fiber washing system, the fiber content is generally in the range of from 1.5% to 2.0% (w / w), and since the concentration of fiber material in the slurry will increase when the slurry moves through the screening units / stages of the fiber washing system, the optimal positioning of the incubation tank will be somewhere in the middle or between the intermediate stages / screening units of the washing system. For example, in a fiber washing system with 6 to 8 screening units / stages, the incubation tank can be arranged between the screening units of the third stage and the screening units of the fourth stage, between the screening units of the fourth stage and the screening units of the fifth stage, or between the screening units of the fifth stage and the screening units of the sixth stage. In one or more examples, the incubation tank is arranged before one, two or at least three screening units, i.e., one, two or at least three screening units are arranged between the incubation tank and the fiber output of the fiber washing system. Arranging the incubation tank between the intermediate screening units / stages of the fiber washing system can make the fiber material in the slurry fully concentrated and the slurry incubated with the enzyme fully washed at the same time.

[0072] In one or more examples, the incubation tank is arranged between the screening unit of the second stage and the screening unit of the third stage of the fiber washing system. In other words, for example, for a fiber washing system having screening units in the range of from 6 to 10, the fiber output of the second stage screening unit can be connected to the incubation input of the incubation tank, and the fiber input of the third stage screening unit can be connected to the incubation output of the incubation tank.

[0073] In one or more examples, the incubation tank is arranged between the screening unit of the third stage and the screening unit of the fourth stage of the fiber washing system. In other words, for example, for a fiber washing system having screening units in the range of from 6 to 10, the fiber output of the third stage screening unit can be connected to the incubation input of the incubation tank, and the fiber input of the fourth stage screening unit can be connected to the incubation output of the incubation tank.

[0074] In one or more examples, the incubation tank is arranged between the screening unit of the fourth stage and the screening unit of the fifth stage of the fiber washing system. In other words, for example, for a fiber washing system having screening units in the range of from 6 to 10, the fiber output of the fourth stage screening unit can be connected to the incubation input of the incubation tank, and the fiber input of the fifth stage screening unit can be connected to the incubation output of the incubation tank.

[0075] The first screening unit may be arranged at a first stage of the fiber washing system and the second screening unit may be arranged at a second stage of the fiber washing system.The first screening unit and the second screening unit may be adjacent screening units.

[0076] The first screening unit may be arranged at the second stage of the fiber washing system, ie at the first stage of the fiber washing system another screening unit is arranged upstream of the first screening unit, and the second screening unit may be arranged at the third stage of the fiber washing system.

[0077] The first screening unit may be arranged at the third stage of the fiber washing system, ie, in the fiber washing system, two screening units are arranged upstream of the first screening unit, and the second screening unit may be arranged at the fourth stage of the fiber washing system.

[0078] The first screening unit may be arranged at the fourth stage of the fiber washing system, ie, three screening units are arranged upstream of the first screening unit in the fiber washing system, and the second screening unit may be arranged at the fifth stage of the fiber washing system.

[0079] The first screening unit may be arranged at the fifth stage of the fiber washing system, ie, four screening units are arranged upstream of the first screening unit in the fiber washing system, and the second screening unit may be arranged at the sixth stage of the fiber washing system.

[0080] A wet milling process is disclosed, wherein the wet milling process includes fiber washing in the wet milling process using a control system as described herein. The wet milling process may be an enzymatic corn wet milling process.

[0081] In one or more examples, starch yield and / or corn gluten yield from the ground corn kernel is increased compared to an enzymatic corn wet milling process in which there is no control system.

[0082] In one or more examples, the wet milling process includes: a) soaking corn kernels in water to obtain soaked kernels; b) grinding the soaked kernels to obtain ground kernels; c) separating the germ from the ground kernels to obtain corn kernel pellets containing fiber, starch and gluten; and d) subjecting the corn kernel pellets (particularly the ground fiber portion of the corn kernel pellets) to a fiber washing procedure to separate starch and gluten from the fiber to obtain a fiber output, wherein at least one xylanase and / or one or more cellulases are present / added before or during step d), and wherein in step d), a control system is applied to an enzyme incubation tank in the fiber washing system.

[0083] In one or more examples, the wet milling process includes: e) separating the starch from the gluten; and f) washing the starch.

[0084] In one or more examples, a computer-implemented method for generating a fiber output by a fiber washing system of a wet milling system is disclosed, the method comprising: obtaining fiber data, the fiber data including input fiber parameters indicating fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; obtaining a time parameter indicating an incubation time of a slurry in the incubation tank; determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; and controlling one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme.

[0085] The control system optionally includes a sensor system. The sensor system includes one or more sensors connected to a controller of the control system for providing sensor data to the controller. The control system may be a distributed control system. In other words, the control system may include a plurality of controllers, each of which implements one or more control schemes to control the wet milling system or a component thereof, such as a fiber washing system of the wet milling system.

[0086] In one or more examples (such as an example controller), determining an input scheme includes determining a feed rate and / or a feed scheme for one or more of, for example, water, corn, corn kernels, and corn kernel pellets, and wherein controlling one or more input devices optionally includes controlling a feeder input device according to the feed rate / feed scheme. The feed scheme optionally includes a first feed rate or a first feed amount of a first feeder input device, the first feeder input device being used, for example, to feed corn kernel pellets to a fiber washing system. Controlling one or more input devices optionally includes controlling a first feeder input device according to a feed rate / feed scheme (such as a first feed rate or a first feed amount). In other words, the feeding scheme may include a first feed control parameter FCP_1, such as a first feed rate and / or a first feed amount, or an indication thereof.

[0087] In one or more examples, such as an example controller, controlling the input device includes controlling the first feeder input device according to a first feed control parameter, such as a (first) feed rate and / or a (first) feed amount. In other words, the input scheme may include a feed rate and / or a feed scheme including the first feed control parameter, and the controller may be configured to output or transmit a first feed control parameter FCP_1 indicating or being the first feed rate and / or the first feed amount to, for example, the first feeder input device.

[0088] In one or more examples, such as an example controller, determining a feed schedule includes determining a second feed rate or a second feed amount of a second feeder input device, such as for feeding one or more of water, corn, corn kernels, and corn kernel pellets to a fiber washing system, and wherein controlling one or more input devices optionally includes controlling a second feeder input device according to the feed schedule, such as a second feed rate or a second feed amount of the second feeder input device, such as for feeding grain or other raw materials to a bioethanol system. In other words, the feed schedule may include a second feed control parameter FCP_2, such as a second feed rate and / or a second feed amount, or an indication thereof.

[0089] In one or more examples, such as an example controller, controlling the input device includes controlling the second feeder input device according to a second feed control parameter, such as a second feed rate and / or a second feed amount. In other words, the input scheme may include a feed rate and / or a feed scheme including a second feed control parameter, and the controller may be configured to output or transmit a second feed control parameter FCP_2 indicating or being the second feed rate and / or the second feed amount to, for example, the second feeder input device.

[0090] The control system may include one or more sensors, including a first sensor and / or a second sensor. The sensor provides sensor data to the controller, for example for determining an input scheme based on the sensor data. The sensor data may form at least a part of the fiber data and / or be used to determine the fiber data, such as input and / or output fiber parameters.

[0091] In one or more example control systems, the control system (such as one or more sensors) includes a density meter (such as a Coriolis mass flow meter) and / or a spectrometer (such as a Keit instrument).

[0092] In one or more example control systems, the control system includes a thermometer (second sensor or second sensor device) for providing temperature data indicative of a temperature of the fiber input.

[0093] In one or more example control systems, the control system includes a pH meter (third sensor or third sensor device) for providing pH data indicative of a pH value of the fiber input,

[0094] In one or more exemplary controllers, determining a first enzyme flow rate or a first enzyme amount of a first enzyme is based on fiber data, such as one or more input fiber parameters and / or one or more output fiber parameters.

[0095] In one or more examples, such as an example controller, determining a first enzyme flow rate or a first enzyme amount of a first enzyme is based on a first component parameter and / or one or more other component parameters, such as a second component parameter.

[0096] In one or more examples, such as the example controller, determining a second enzyme flow rate or a second enzyme amount of a second enzyme is based on a second component parameter and / or one or more other component parameters, such as a first component parameter.

[0097] It should be noted that the descriptions and features of the control system, fiber washing system, controller and their functions also apply to the method and vice versa.

[0098] Figure 1 An exemplary wet milling system implementing a control system according to the present disclosure is shown. The wet milling system 2 includes a preparation system 4, a fiber washing system 6, 6A, a fiber slurry post-processing system 8, and a starch and protein extraction system 10. The control system 12 controls the devices and operations in one or more of the systems 4, 6 / 6A, 8, 10. The control system 12 can be a distributed control system having a central controller and one or more sub-controllers distributed in the corresponding systems 4, 6 / 6A, 8, 10. The preparation system 4 generally includes one or more of soaking, threshing, dehydrating, grinding, germ separation, and germ processing of corn to provide a slurry (also called fiber slurry), which is fed as a fiber input 14 to the fiber washing system 6. The fiber washing system 6 washes the fiber slurry for providing a fiber output 16 to the fiber output post-processing system 8, and a starch and protein output 18 to the starch and protein extraction system 10. The combination Figure 2 The fiber washing system 6 is described in further detail. The fiber output post-processing system 8 generally includes one or more of pressing, mixing and drying the slurry from the fiber output 16 to obtain a fiber product, and the starch and protein extraction system 10 generally includes one or more of desanding, draining, centrifuging, washing, thickening, dewatering and drying based on the starch and protein output 18 to obtain a starch product 22 and / or a protein or gluten product 24. It should be noted that the terms slurry and fiber slurry are used interchangeably herein.

[0099] Figure 2A more detailed block diagram of an example fiber washing system according to the present disclosure is shown. The fiber washing system 6 includes a plurality of screening units, including a first screening unit 30 and a second screening unit 32 located downstream of the first screening unit. Further, a third screening unit 34, a fourth screening unit 36, a fifth screening unit 38, and a sixth screening unit 40 are arranged downstream of the second screening unit 32. The number and positioning of the screening units can be adjusted according to different applications and specifications, but are generally in the range of from 4 to 10. The fiber slurry 14 from the preparation system 4 is fed as a first fiber input 30a to the first screening unit 30 arranged in the first stage of the fiber washing system. The fiber slurry 14 is washed in the first screening unit 30 to provide a first fiber output 30b and a first wash liquor output 30c, the first fiber output 30b forming a part of the process material flow, and the first wash liquor output 30c forming a part of the milled starch flow. The first wash liquor output 30c is fed at least as a part of the starch and protein output 18. The second screening unit 32 is arranged at the second stage of the fiber washing system 6, and the second wash liquid output 32c from the second screening unit 32 is fed to the first screening unit 30 as at least a part of the first wash liquid input 30d.

[0100] The fiber washing system 6 includes an incubation tank 42. The first fiber output 30b is the pulp or fiber slurry from the first screening unit 30 and is fed as a fiber input to the incubation tank 42, and the fiber output of the incubation tank is fed as a second fiber input 32a to the second screening unit 32. In other words, the incubation tank 42 is disposed between the first fiber output 30b and the second fiber input 32a.

[0101] A control system for a fiber washing system is provided, the control system comprising a controller 44 comprising one or more processors and an interface. The control system comprises one or more sensor devices connected to the interface of the controller 44 by wire or wirelessly.

[0102] The fiber washing system comprises a first enzyme input device 46 configured to feed a first enzyme or a first enzyme composition 46a into the incubation tank 42. The first enzyme input device 46 is connected to the controller 44 for controlling the first enzyme input device 46 by the controller 44.

[0103] The fibre washing system 6 comprises an input sensor device 48 arranged at the input of the incubation tank 42. The input sensor device 48 is connected to the controller 44 for providing input sensor data ISD to the controller 44. The input sensor device 48 may comprise a spectrometer and / or a densitometer.

[0104] The fiber washing system 6 optionally comprises an output sensor device 50 arranged at the output of the incubation tank 42. The output sensor device 50 is connected to the controller 44 for providing output sensor data OSD to the controller 44.

[0105] The fiber washing system 6 optionally comprises a tank sensor device, which comprises a level sensor device 52 arranged in and / or at the incubation tank 42. The level sensor device 52 is connected to the controller 44 for providing the controller 44 with level data LD representing the slurry level / volume in the incubation tank 42.

[0106] The one or more processors of the controller 44 are configured to acquire fiber data including one or more input fiber parameters indicative of fiber input to the incubation tank 42. The fiber data includes input sensor data ISD from the input sensor device 48 and / or is based on, such as determined from, the input sensor data.

[0107] The one or more processors of the controller 44 are configured to obtain a time parameter indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank. The time parameter is optionally based on the liquid level data LD from the liquid level sensor device 52, such as determined according to the liquid level data. The time parameter is optionally based on the input sensor data ISD from the input sensor device 48 and / or the output sensor data OSD from the output sensor device 50, such as determined according to the input sensor data and / or the output sensor data.

[0108] The one or more processors of the controller 44 are configured to determine an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter, the input scheme including an enzyme addition scheme and / or defining the enzyme addition scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter. The enzyme addition scheme includes a first enzyme flow rate for a first enzyme. The controller 44 / one or more processors transmits a first enzyme control parameter ECP_1 representing the first enzyme flow rate as a control signal to the first enzyme input device 46 to control the first enzyme input device 46 according to the enzyme addition scheme. In other words, the controller 44 is configured to control one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme.

[0109] The input sensor device 48 is arranged at the input of the incubation tank 42 and is configured to sense or measure one or more characteristics of the fiber input entering the incubation tank 42. In other words, the input sensor data ISD indicates one or more characteristics, such as weight, density, flow rate, of the fibers or fiber slurry passing through the input sensor device 48. Therefore, the input sensor device 48 may include a weight meter (also called a mass meter).

[0110] The input sensor arrangement 48 may include a spectrometer, optionally including one or more MIR and / or one or more NIR sensors, for providing spectrometer data of the fiber input as part of the input sensor data ISD.

[0111] The output sensor device 50 is arranged at the output of the incubation tank 42 and is configured to sense or measure one or more characteristics of the fiber output output from the incubation tank 42. In other words, the output sensor data OSD indicates one or more characteristics, such as weight, density, flow rate, of the fiber or fiber slurry passing through the output sensor device 50. Therefore, the output sensor device 50 may include a weight meter (also called a mass meter).

[0112] The output sensor arrangement 50 may comprise a spectrometer, optionally comprising one or more MIR and / or one or more NIR sensors, for providing spectrometer data of the fiber output as part of the output sensor data OSD.

[0113] The sixth wash liquid input 40d is the process water input 54 and is supplied with process water.

[0114] Figure 3 A more detailed block diagram of an example fiber washing system according to the present disclosure is shown. The fiber washing system 6A includes a plurality of screening units, including a first screening unit 30 and a second screening unit 32 located downstream of the first screening unit. In addition, a third screening unit 34 and a fourth screening unit 36 ​​are disposed upstream of the first screening unit 30. The third fiber input 34a of the third screening unit 34 is configured as the fiber input 14 of the fiber washing system 6A. A fifth screening unit 38 and a sixth screening unit 40 are disposed downstream of the second screening unit 32.

[0115] In the fiber washing system 6A, the incubation tank 42 is arranged between the intermediate stages, that is, between the third stage and the fourth stage, that is, between the first screening unit 30 arranged at the third stage of the fiber washing system and the second screening unit arranged at the fourth stage. The first fiber output 30b is the pulp or fiber slurry from the first screening unit 30 and is fed to the incubation tank 42 as a fiber input, and the fiber output of the incubation tank is fed to the second screening unit 32 as a second fiber input 32a. In other words, the incubation tank 42 is arranged between the first fiber output 30b and the second fiber input 32a.

[0116] Figure 4An exemplary controller of a control system according to the present disclosure is shown. The controller 44 includes one or more processors 80, a memory 82, and an interface 84. The interface 84 connects the controller 44 (wired and / or wirelessly) to a sensor device (such as sensor devices 48, 50, 52) and / or an input device (such as input device 46) of the fiber washing system. The one or more processors 80 are connected to the memory 82, which stores input schemes and / or system configuration parameters or other settings related to the operation of the controller 44.

[0117] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of generating fiber output. The method 100 is a computer-implemented method of generating fiber output by a fiber washing system of a wet milling system, the method 100 comprising: acquiring S102 fiber data, the fiber data comprising input fiber parameters indicating fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; acquiring S104 a time parameter indicating an incubation time of slurry in the incubation tank; determining S106 an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; and controlling S108 one or more input devices of the wet milling system according to the input scheme.

[0118] Figure 6 Example starch release curves (combined starch vs. fiber solids) for enzyme compositions (xylanase A and cellulase A) for different combinations of fiber content and enzymes in the fiber slurry are shown. These release curves are measured in a static setting, but can be transformed to include or take into account the conversion of time into flow. Curve 202 (diamonds) shows the change in starch release with incubation time for a fiber solids content of 3% and an enzyme protein amount of 706 micrograms / g dry fiber solids in 1.2 kg of fiber slurry. Curve 204 (triangles) shows the change in starch release with incubation time for a fiber solids content of 4.5% and an enzyme protein amount of 706 micrograms / g dry fiber in 1.2 kg of fiber slurry. Curve 206 (circles) shows the change in starch release with incubation time for a fiber solids content of 6% and an enzyme protein amount of 1.412 mg / g dry fiber solids in 1.2 kg of fiber slurry. The starch release curves 202, 204, 206 were obtained by setting the temperature at 48 degrees Celsius, the pH at 4.2 to 4.5, and stirring at 200 rpm using a cellulase and xylanase mixture as enzymes.

[0119] Figure 7Example protein release curves (combined protein vs. fiber solids) of enzyme compositions (xylanase A and cellulase A) for different combinations of fiber content and enzymes in fiber slurry are shown. These release curves are measured in a static setting, but can be transformed to include or take into account time. Curve 302 (diamonds) shows the change in protein release over incubation time for a fiber solids content of 3% and an enzyme protein amount of 706 micrograms / g dry fiber in 1.2 kg of fiber slurry. Curve 304 (triangles) shows the change in protein release over incubation time for a fiber solids content of 4.5% and an enzyme protein amount of 706 micrograms / g dry fiber in 1.2 kg of fiber slurry. Curve 306 (circles) shows the change in protein release over incubation time for a fiber solids content of 6% and an enzyme protein amount of 1.412 mg / g dry fiber solids in 1.2 kg of fiber slurry. The protein release curves 302, 304, 306 were obtained by setting the temperature at 48 degrees Celsius, the pH at 4.2 to 4.5, and stirring at 200 rpm using a cellulase and xylanase mixture as enzymes.

[0120] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The enzyme performance models for protein yield (isovalues) as a function of total incubation time and fiber solids at different enzyme addition rates (0.4 kg enzyme product / ton corn and 0.1 kg enzyme product / ton corn) are shown. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Different ranges of protein yields are shown as a function of fiber solids and incubation time. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Based on the difference in the protein yield contour responses in the experiment, the enzyme dosage model is suitable for optimizing the target protein yield of a corn wet mill by controlling the enzyme dosage based on fiber solids content and incubation time.

[0121] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not imply any particular order, but is intended to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary", etc., here and elsewhere, are used for labeling purposes only and are not intended to indicate any particular spatial or temporal ordering.

[0122] The memory may be one or more of the following: a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable medium, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or other suitable device. In a typical arrangement, the memory may include a non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and a volatile memory used as a system memory for the processor. The memory may exchange data with the processor via a data bus. The memory may be considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0123] The memory may be configured to store information, such as information indicative of parameters and / or a model for feed control, in a portion of the memory.

[0124] Furthermore, the reference of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0125] Understandably, Figures 1 to 9 Including some modules or operations shown with solid lines and some modules or operations shown with dotted lines. The modules or operations included in the solid lines are the modules or operations included in the broadest example embodiment. The modules or operations included in the dotted lines are exemplary embodiments that can be included in the modules or operations of the solid line exemplary embodiments, or a part thereof, or other modules or operations that can be adopted outside the modules or operations of the solid line exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these operations do not need to be performed in the order presented. In addition, it should be understood that not all operations need to be performed. The exemplary operations can be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0126] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0127] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0128] It should be further noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by means of both hardware and software, and that several "members," "units," or "means" may be represented by the same item of hardware.

[0129] The various exemplary methods, devices, and systems described herein are described in the general context of method steps and processes, which can be implemented by a computer program product on the one hand, which is embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by a computer in a networked environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), etc. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program codes for performing the steps of the methods disclosed herein. A specific sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents an example of corresponding actions for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0130] List of Reference Numerals

[0131] 2 Wet grinding system

[0132] 4 Preparation system

[0133] 6. 6A Fiber washing system

[0134] 8 Fiber output post-processing system

[0135] 10 Starch and protein extraction systems

[0136] 12 Control System

[0137] 14 Fiber input, fiber slurry, slurry

[0138] 16 Fiber Output

[0139] 18 Starch and protein output

[0140] 20 Fiber products

[0141] 22 Starch products

[0142] 24 Protein / Gluten Products

[0143] 30 First Screening Unit

[0144] 30a First fiber input

[0145] 30b First fiber output

[0146] 30c First washing liquid output

[0147] 30d First washing liquid input

[0148] 32 Second Screening Unit

[0149] 32a Second fiber input

[0150] 32b Second fiber output

[0151] 32c Second washing liquid output

[0152] 32d Second washing liquid input

[0153] 34 Third Screening Unit

[0154] 34a Third fiber input

[0155] 34b Third fiber output

[0156] 34c Third washing liquid output

[0157] 34d Third washing liquid input

[0158] 36 Fourth Screening Unit

[0159] 36a Fourth fiber input

[0160] 36b Fourth fiber output

[0161] 36c Fourth washing liquid output

[0162] 36d Fourth washing liquid input

[0163] 38 Fifth Screening Unit

[0164] 38a Fifth fiber input

[0165] 38b Fifth fiber output

[0166] 38c Fifth washing liquid output

[0167] 38d Fifth washing liquid input

[0168] 40 Sixth Screening Unit

[0169] 40a Sixth fiber input

[0170] 40b Sixth fiber output

[0171] 40c Sixth washing liquid output

[0172] 40d Sixth washing liquid input

[0173] 42 Incubation tank

[0174] 44 Controller

[0175] 46 First enzyme input device

[0176] 46a. First enzyme, first enzyme composition

[0177] 48 Input sensor device

[0178] 50 Output sensor device

[0179] 52 Liquid level sensor device

[0180] 54 Process water input

[0181] 80 One or more processors

[0182] 82 Memory

[0183] 84 Interface

[0184] 100 Computer-implemented method for generating fiber output

[0185] S102 Obtain fiber data, the fiber data including input fiber parameters indicating fiber input to an incubation tank of a fiber washing system

[0186] S104 Obtaining a time parameter indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank

[0187] S106 Determine input scheme based on fiber data and time parameters

[0188] S108 Controlling one or more input devices

[0189] 202 Starch release curve

[0190] 204 Starch release curve

[0191] 206 Starch release curve

[0192] 302 Protein Release Curve

[0193] 304 Protein release curve

[0194] 306 Protein release curve

[0195] The invention is further disclosed in the following numbered examples.

[0196] Embodiment 1. A control system for a fiber washing system of a wet grinding system, the control system comprising a controller, the controller comprising one or more processors and an interface, wherein the one or more processors are configured to:

[0197] acquiring fiber data including input fiber parameters indicative of fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system;

[0198] acquiring a time parameter indicating an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank;

[0199] determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; and

[0200] One or more input devices of the wet grinding system are controlled according to the input scheme.

[0201] Embodiment 2. A control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the input fiber parameter indicates the fiber content in the slurry input to the incubation tank.

[0202] Embodiment 3. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein obtaining a time parameter indicating an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank comprises: obtaining a tank level parameter, and determining the time parameter based on the tank level parameter.

[0203] Embodiment 4. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein obtaining a time parameter indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank comprises: obtaining a tank input flow parameter, and determining the time parameter based on the tank input flow parameter.

[0204] Embodiment 5. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein obtaining a time parameter indicating the incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank comprises: obtaining a tank output flow parameter, and determining the time parameter based on the tank output flow parameter.

[0205] Embodiment 6. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the fiber data includes ingredient input parameters indicating the amount of insoluble protein and starch entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the ingredient input parameters.

[0206] Embodiment 7. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fiber data includes a protein input parameter indicating the amount of insoluble protein entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the protein input parameter.

[0207] Embodiment 8. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the fiber data includes a starch input parameter indicating the amount of insoluble starch entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the starch input parameter.

[0208] Embodiment 9. A control system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the one or more processors are configured to obtain a protein output parameter indicating the amount of insoluble protein leaving the incubation tank, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the protein output parameter.

[0209] Embodiment 10. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein determining the input scheme includes determining an enzyme addition scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter, the enzyme addition scheme includes a first enzyme flow rate for a first enzyme, and wherein controlling one or more input devices includes controlling a first enzyme input device according to the enzyme addition scheme.

[0210] Embodiment 11. A control system according to embodiment 10, wherein controlling the input device includes controlling the first enzyme input device according to the first enzyme flow rate.

[0211] Embodiment 12. A control system according to any one of embodiments 10 to 11, wherein the enzyme addition scheme includes a second enzyme flow rate for a second enzyme, and wherein controlling the input device includes controlling the second enzyme input device according to the second enzyme flow rate.

[0212] Embodiment 13. The control system according to any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the first enzyme is selected from xylanase and cellulase, or is a first enzyme composition comprising one or more of xylanase and cellulase.

[0213] Embodiment 14. The control system of embodiment 13, wherein the xylanase belongs to GH family 5, 8, 10, 11 or 30 and comprises one or more of GH5 xylanase, GH8 xylanase, GH30 xylanase, GH10 xylanase and GH11 xylanase.

[0214] Embodiment 15. The control system according to any one of embodiments 13 to 14, wherein the cellulase comprises one or more of endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase and β-glucosidase.

[0215] Embodiment 16. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein determining the input scheme includes determining a feed rate, and wherein controlling one or more input devices includes controlling the feed input device based on the feed rate.

[0216] Embodiment 17. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the fiber data includes spectrometer data of the fiber input, and wherein acquiring the fiber data includes determining a first component parameter of a first component of the fiber input based on the spectrometer data.

[0217] Embodiment 18. The control system of embodiment 17, wherein the first component is one of starch, protein and fiber.

[0218] Embodiment 19. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the fiber data includes temperature data indicating the temperature of the fiber input, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the temperature data.

[0219] Embodiment 20. A control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the fiber data includes pH data indicating a pH value of the fiber input, and wherein determining the input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input scheme based on the pH data.

[0220] Embodiment 21. A fiber washing system, comprising a control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the fiber washing system comprises an incubation tank and a plurality of screening units, the plurality of screening units comprising a first screening unit and a second screening unit located downstream of the first screening unit, the first screening unit having a first fiber input and a first fiber output, and the second screening unit having a second fiber input and a second fiber output, wherein the first fiber output of the first screening unit or the second fiber output of the second screening unit is connected to the incubation input of the incubation tank.

[0221] Embodiment 22. An enzymatic corn wet milling process comprising performing fiber washing in the wet milling process using a control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20.

[0222] Embodiment 23. The enzymatic corn wet milling process of embodiment 22, wherein the starch yield and / or gluten yield from the ground corn kernels is increased compared to an enzymatic corn wet milling process in which there is no control system.

[0223] Embodiment 24. The enzymatic corn wet milling process according to any one of embodiments 22 to 23, wherein the enzymatic corn wet milling process comprises:

[0224] a) soaking the corn kernels in water to obtain soaked kernels;

[0225] b) grinding the soaked kernels to obtain ground kernels;

[0226] c) separating the germ from the ground kernels to obtain a corn kernel mass containing fiber, starch and gluten; and

[0227] d) subjecting the corn kernel mass to a fiber washing process to separate starch and gluten from the fiber to obtain a fiber output,

[0228] Wherein at least one xylanase is present / added before or during step d), and wherein in step d) the control system is applied to an enzyme incubation tank in the fiber washing system.

[0229] Embodiment 25. The enzymatic corn wet milling process according to embodiment 24, comprising:

[0230] e) separating starch from gluten; and

[0231] f) washing the starch.

[0232] Embodiment 26. Use of the control system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20 in a corn wet milling process.

[0233] Embodiment 27. The use according to embodiment 26, wherein the control system is applied to an enzyme incubation tank integrated into a fiber washing system.

[0234] Embodiment 28. A computer-implemented method for producing a fiber output from a fiber washing system of a wet milling system, the method comprising:

[0235] acquiring fiber data including input fiber parameters indicative of fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system;

[0236] obtaining a time parameter indicating an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank;

[0237] determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; and

[0238] One or more input devices of the wet grinding system are controlled according to the input scheme.

[0239] The present invention is further described in more detail in the following examples.

[0240] Examples

[0241] Example 1. Improved wet milling process including a control system according to the present invention

[0242] The enzymatic fiber washing step in the corn wet milling process utilizes the application of a single enzyme product or a blend of enzyme products to increase starch and protein yields. The fiber slurry is mixed with enzymes (cellulases: exo / endo-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, β-glucosidases; hemicellulases, such as GH family 5, 8, 10, 11 or 30 xylanases) in an incubation tank for a desired amount of time (also referred to as the incubation time).

[0243] These enzymes help to release the insoluble starch and protein of fiber binding, which ultimately increases the starch and protein yield in the whole wet milling process. These yield results depend on the fiber parameters (e.g., fiber solids, bound starch and protein value), incubation time, temperature, pH value and most importantly the amount of enzyme added that are passed in. Although the incubation time, temperature and pH value are regularly monitored and adjusted in factory operation, the amount of enzyme added is not monitored and adjusted, and the amount of enzyme added is determined based on the volume of the corn kernels soaked and ground in the initial stage of the process, which is carried out 24 to 48 hours before the enzymatic fiber washing step. Another input parameter, i.e., fiber solids, is not monitored, and has huge fluctuations in the fiber slurry entering the incubation tank. Therefore, the current process has a gap in adding enough enzymes to the fiber solids directed to the incubation tank. This approach affects enzyme efficiency and causes a significant change in the amount of starch and protein yield, specifically because the enzyme required for maintaining a consistent yield target is added too much or insufficiently.

[0244] like Fig.10As shown, the control system for fiber washing system can be developed to determine the input scheme (e.g., enzyme addition amount) by collecting real-time incubation tank input parameters (i.e., fiber flow, density, solid, temperature, pH and spectrometer reading) and output parameters (i.e., fiber flow, density, solid, temperature, pH and spectrometer reading). For example, a typical corn wet milling industrial plant processes 800 to 1250 tons of corn every day. A large amount of corn is soaked for 24 hours, then ground for the first time to separate the germ (i.e., oil-containing tissue), and then ground for the second and third time to release and separate the starch and protein present in the milling flow via a series of typically 4 to 8 (e.g., six fiber washing and screening units). In the enzymatic fiber washing process, after the second fiber washing station / screening unit, the fiber slurry flow is turned to the incubation tank, where the enzyme product reacts with the fiber slurry for a certain time (e.g., 150 minutes). During this period, the enzyme enhances the release of protein in combination with starch and fiber. After incubation, the fiber slurry is directed to a series of remaining fiber washing stations / screening units, where countercurrent wash water helps to wash and separate starch and protein from a large amount of fiber slurry. The amount of fiber solids entering the incubation tank can be determined using the mass flow and density meter installed at the tank inlet. The fiber solids entering the incubation tank usually vary between 3% and 6%. Mid-infrared (MIR) probes / sensors (e.g., KEIT MIR probes) installed at the inlet and outlet of the incubation tank record the changes in the fiber hydrolysis analyte spectrum. Temperature and pH probes can also be installed at the inlet and outlet. In short, the data collected by these instruments are referred to as input fiber parameters and output fiber parameters. The MIR spectral data at the inlet and outlet of the incubation tank are related to the performance of the enzyme composition. In order to obtain optimal performance, the amount of enzyme added is adjusted based on the calibrated input and output fiber parameters (e.g., fiber solids, MIR spectrogram, starch and protein in the fiber).

[0245] Example 2. Correlation between fiber concentration in slurry, enzyme dosage and incubation time in tank

[0246] The fiber washing incubation system will receive fiber slurries at various fiber solids concentrations. For example, the fiber solids concentration can vary between 4% and 6%. Fixed addition of enzymes to the enzyme incubation tank can yield different levels of protein yield performance. Enzymes or mixtures of enzymes (e.g., endoglucanases, cellobiohydrolases, β-glucosidases, β-xylosidases, arabinofuranosidases, and xylanases) can be used to improve insoluble protein recovery. In such an enzymatic fiber washing process, a reduction in protein in fiber (PIF) is an indication of enzyme-assisted recovery of protein from the fiber. As Fig.11As illustrated, if other input parameters (e.g., fiber flow and solids) can be retrieved simultaneously, the amount of enzyme added can be determined in real time to achieve target protein recovery. This example illustrates the relationship between the performance of an enzyme composition containing different doses of Trichoderma reesei cellulase and GH5 xylanase and different fiber solids content. The total incubation time was 150 minutes, and the reaction pH and temperature were 4.4 and 48 degrees Celsius, respectively. The enzyme addition performance depends on the fiber solids concentration. As shown in the figure, at the same dosage (e.g., 0.35kg enzyme / ton corn), the performance level varies within the fiber solids range. Here, when the fiber solids were 4%, 5%, and 6%, the protein in the fiber (PIF) was reduced to 5.8%, 5.35%, and 5.15%, respectively.

[0247] In order to maintain consistent enzyme performance across a range of fiber solids, the optimal enzyme addition amount can be adjusted based on input parameters (e.g., fiber solids). Fig.11 As described in, in order to achieve a certain level of residual protein in fiber (e.g., 5.8%), the enzyme dosage was adjusted to 0.35, 0.2, and 0.17 kg / ton corn for 4%, 5%, and 6% fiber solids entering the reaction vessel (also called incubation tank), respectively. Therefore, the enzyme dosage was optimized for fiber solids.

[0248] Example 3. Real-time monitoring of enzymatic hydrolysis of fiber slurry and release of bound starch and protein

[0249] Online spectrometer data is collected using mid-infrared (MIR) probes / sensors, such as KEIT MIR probes, installed at the inlet and outlet of the incubation tanks where the corn fiber reacts with the enzyme. Fig.12 As shown, the fiber hydrolysis activity of enzyme can be distinguished between two time points via the spectrometer data recorded by the MIR probe installed at the inlet and outlet of the tank. The inlet MIR spectral data is referred to as T=0, and the outlet MIR spectral data is referred to as T=180 minutes. During this time (i.e. 180 minutes), enzyme products, such as: cellulase and xylanase blends hydrolyze corn fiber to release bound starch and protein. The level of fiber hydrolysis is assessed based on the model, which includes trained input (i.e. T=0) parameter data and output (T=180 minutes) parameter data. These parameters are input fiber solids, protein in fiber, starch in fiber, online process data, spectral data and output spectral data, protein in fiber, starch in fiber.

[0250] exist Fig.12The example provided in represents the collection of MIR spectral data for the hydrolysis of 4.5% corn fiber solids at pH 4.4 and temperature 48 degrees Celsius by an enzyme blend (cellulase and GH5 xylanase) dosed at 0.25 kg / ton corn at T = 0 minutes and T = 180 minutes. Fig.13 As shown, residual starch in fiber (SIF) reduction (10.3% reduction to 4.9%) and protein in fiber (PIF) reduction (7.2% reduction to 5.3%) values ​​were recorded at T = 180 minutes. Therefore, the enzymatic fiber washing process helps to recover additional starch and protein from corn fiber. The enzymes show similar performance in commercial scale operations. Fig.12 The spectral MIR data in represents the real-time changes in the spectral profile of the enzymatic corn fiber hydrolysis reaction. Such online MIR data can be used to develop control systems to manage the addition of fiber hydrolyzing enzymes on a commercial scale and maintain their optimal performance.

[0251] Example 4. Sugar analytes released by enzymatic action on fiber during fiber washing

[0252] The enzymatic hydrolysis process releases five- and six-carbon sugar molecules. These can be monomeric sugar (DP1) products: xylose, arabinose, and glucose; disaccharides (DP2): cellobiose; and oligosaccharides: DP6 and DP7. Fig.14 The graph in shows the incremental release of these DP1, DP2, DP6 or DP7 sugars with incubation time (0 to 150 minutes) and the relationship between the residual protein or starch in the fiber. The example description is carried out as follows: enzyme dosage: 0.3 kg enzyme / ton corn, fiber solids: 5%, and incubation time: 0 to 150 minutes, at 48 degrees Celsius and pH 4.4 conditions. As the reaction (incubation) time progresses, the concentration of various sugar molecules increases (horizontally from left to right, X-axis) and the release of fiber-bound insoluble (recoverable) starch and protein increases, thereby, the residual starch in fiber (SIF) and protein in fiber (PIF) decrease (vertically from top to bottom, right direction, Y-axis). The changes in the distribution of these analytes in the bulk liquid flow can be compared with the MIR spectrum (at 800 to 1800 cm- 1 In the area, such as Fig.12 as shown) and changes in SIF and PIF data.

[0253] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that these features are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A control system for a fiber washing system of a wet grinding system, the control system comprising a controller, the controller comprising one or more processors and an interface, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to: acquiring fiber data including input fiber parameters indicative of fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; acquiring a time parameter indicating an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank; determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; as well as controlling one or more input devices of the wet grinding system according to the input scheme; and Among other things, the input fiber parameter indicates the fiber content in the slurry input to the incubation tank.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein: Acquiring a time parameter indicative of an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank includes acquiring a tank level parameter, and determining the time parameter based on the tank level parameter.

3. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: Acquiring a time parameter indicative of an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank includes acquiring a tank input flow parameter, and determining the time parameter based on the tank input flow parameter.

4. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Acquiring a time parameter indicative of an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank includes acquiring a tank output flow parameter, and determining the time parameter based on the tank output flow parameter.

5. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The fiber data includes ingredient input parameters indicative of amounts of insoluble protein and starch entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining an input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen based on the ingredient input parameters.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The fiber data includes a protein input parameter indicative of an amount of insoluble protein entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining an input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen based on the protein input parameter.

7. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The fiber data includes a starch input parameter indicative of an amount of insoluble starch entering the incubation tank, and wherein determining an input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter includes determining the input regimen based on the starch input parameter.

8. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The one or more processors are configured to obtain a protein output parameter indicative of an amount of insoluble protein exiting the incubation tank, and wherein determining an input regimen based on the fiber data and the time parameter comprises determining the input regimen based on the protein output parameter.

9. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: Determining an input profile includes determining an enzyme dosing profile based on the fiber data and the time parameter, the enzyme dosing profile including a first enzyme flow rate for a first enzyme, and wherein controlling one or more input devices includes controlling a first enzyme input device according to the enzyme dosing profile.

10. The control system according to claim 9, wherein: Controlling the input device includes controlling the first enzyme input device based on the first enzyme flow rate.

11. The control system according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein: The enzyme addition protocol includes a second enzyme flow rate for a second enzyme, and wherein controlling the input device includes controlling the second enzyme input device based on the second enzyme flow rate.

12. A control system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The first enzyme is selected from xylanase and cellulase, or is a first enzyme composition comprising one or more of xylanase and cellulase.

13. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: Determining the input profile includes determining a feed rate, and wherein controlling the one or more input devices includes controlling the feed input device based on the feed rate.

14. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The fiber data includes spectrometer data of the fiber input, and wherein acquiring the fiber data includes determining a first component parameter of a first component of the fiber input based on the spectrometer data.

15. The control system according to claim 14, wherein: The first component is one of starch, protein and fiber.

16. A fiber washing system, comprising a control system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The fiber washing system includes an incubation tank and a plurality of screening units, the plurality of screening units including a first screening unit and a second screening unit located downstream of the first screening unit, the first screening unit having a first fiber input and a first fiber output, and the second screening unit having a second fiber input and a second fiber output, wherein the first fiber output of the first screening unit or the second fiber output of the second screening unit is connected to the incubation input of the incubation tank.

17. An enzymatic corn wet milling process comprising a control system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for fiber washing in the wet milling process.

18. The enzymatic corn wet milling process according to claim 17, wherein: The starch yield and / or gluten yield from the ground corn kernel is increased compared to an enzymatic corn wet milling process in which there is no control system.

19. Use of a control system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 in a corn wet milling process.

20. A computer-implemented method for generating a fiber output from a fiber washing system of a wet milling system, the method comprising: acquiring fiber data including input fiber parameters indicative of fiber input to an incubation tank of the fiber washing system; acquiring a time parameter indicating an incubation time of the slurry in the incubation tank; determining an input scheme based on the fiber data and the time parameter; as well as One or more input devices of the wet grinding system are controlled according to the input scheme.

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