HAUS Decanter Centrifuges increase environmental sustainability and economic efficiency in potato processing plants, while reducing wastewater treatment costs and adding value to businesses with starch recovery.
Starch Recovery in Potato Processing
The direct discharge of starchy water generated during the cutting and washing processes in potato processing plants both creates environmental damage and increases operating costs. HAUS Decanter Centrifuges offer an innovative solution to this process, combining starch recovery, water saving and environmental sustainability goals.
Process Stages and Importance of Starch Recovery
During the cutting or shredding processes of potatoes, when the potatoes are sliced or broken into particles of different sizes, starch granules are released by breaking the cell walls and mixed into the water.
The free starch on the surface of the cut potatoes dissolves in the washing water and causes an increase in BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) values in production waters. This creates a high stress on wastewater treatment plants and may cause environmental and economic problems.
Starch Concentration
- The starch content in potato processing waters usually varies between 1 and 4 %.
- As an average value we can assume a starch concentration of 2% (0.2 kg starch in 10 kg water).
Use of HAUS Decanter Centrifuges
HAUS Decanter Centrifuges enable efficient processing of starchy waters and starch recovery. The benefits provided by this system are as follows:
Starch Recovery:
• Dehydrated starch with 50% dry content is obtained.
• The recovered starch can be dried and used in industrial and food applications.
• Since this starch is a high purity product, it contributes directly to the economy.
• Discharging starchy water directly into nature creates both environmental damages and legal problems. Organic compounds such as starch are rapidly consumed by microorganisms when mixed with water and this process can lead to excessive algal growth in aquatic ecosystems. Eutrophication reduces water quality and negatively affects biodiversity.
Reduction of Wastewater Treatment Costs:
• Starch purification of water sent to the wastewater treatment plant reduces BOD and COD loads.
• Chemical usage and operating costs are significantly reduced.
• The process can cause excessive algal growth in aquatic ecosystems. Eutrophication reduces water quality and negatively affects biodiversity.
• Such water must be treated or recycled. With appropriate technologies, both the environment can be protected and economic benefit can be provided to the business.
Clean Water Saving:
• The cleaned water from the decanter can be used again in potato cutting and washing processes.
• The need for clean water is reduced, which provides an advantage in terms of environmental sustainability.
Technical Components of the Process
Rotary Drum Sieve
• Task: Separates large particles such as potato peelings and high micron impurities in starchy water.
• Capacity: Effectively removes coarse particles from the process line.
HAUS Decanter Centrifuge
Output Products:
• Dehydrated starch with 50% dry content.
• Purified process water.
• Efficiency: It enables both the recovery of starch and the reuse of water.
Drying and Packaging
• The recovered starch is stabilised by drying and packaged for various applications.
• The value of 1 tons of Dried Potato Starch is approximately 2.000 - 2.500 EUR, the investment amortisation period of the recovery process is less than 1 year, depending on market and plant, country conditions.
Contribution to Business and Environment
• Economic Contribution: Recovered starch generates direct sales revenue or reduces operating costs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduction of wastewater load and water reuse minimises environmental impact.
• Process Optimisation: Thanks to HAUS's modern equipment, processes are made more efficient.
This method makes it possible to achieve sustainable production targets by optimising the use of water and resources in food industry plants. With its expertise in this field, HAUS continues to both protect the environment and provide economic value to businesses.
