Ultrafiltration of gelatinous cornstarch suspensions

It was the objective of this study to examine ultrafiltration of gelatinize d starch to compare with other viscous streams and to develop a supporting data base. The objective was broadened to explain and model observations co ntrasted with other viscous materials. In particular, the results of ultraf iltration of starch are not consistent with diffusion-based theories of ult rafiltration; however, the resistance to flow is well modeled as a flowing filter cake. The results presented here may be useful for predicting the pe rformance of a starch reactor wherein the goal is to convert the starch int o sugars or alcohol via the action of special enzymes or hydrolysis.