Genencor launches new enzyme for ethanol production

SPEZYME® RSL improves liquefaction, reducing production costs and increasing ethanol Yield

Genencor today launched SPEZYME® Robust Starch Liquefaction (RSL) at the 2010 Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo (FEW) in St. Louis, Mo. The latest in the company’s liquefaction product line, the enzyme more efficiently liquefies dry ground corn or milo, significantly reducing costs and increasing yields for ethanol producers.

“This is liquefaction without compromise,” said Troy Wilson, Genencor’s vice president of grain processing. “Genencor continues to innovate in grain processing, bringing both high performance and high yield to ethanol producers. These efficiencies are increasingly important as the corn ethanol industry delivers on America’s promise of a homegrown, environmentally friendly, renewable fuel.”

Unlike the conventional liquefaction enzymes, SPEZYME® RSL breaks down starch efficiently across a range of pH levels, substantially reducing the amount of sulfuric acid that is required to complete the liquefaction process. In addition, while the current practice typically requires two pH adjustments and two enzyme doses, SPEZYME® RSL is effective with just one dose and no pH adjustment. Actual cost savings will vary depending on the production facility; however, many ethanol producers can expect to see a 25 to 50 percent reduction in sulfuric acid usage with SPEZYME® RSL.

“Genencor has focused their innovation on the needs of ethanol producers, resulting in real benefits for us,” remarked Stan Janson, Manager of Operation Big River Resources, LLC. “Their focus has been on improving the corn to ethanol process by improving yields at a reasonable price. Genencor has the same goal as the producer, reducing the cost per gallon of ethanol produced.”

Source : Press Release