Visit to Paramesu Biotech Pvt. Ltd.

Report on Industrial Visit

(27/10/2018)

Department of Biotechnology

NIT Andhra Pradesh

Objective:

In order to inculcate the habit of practical learning through application, the Department of Biotechnology,

National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh organized an industrial trip to Paramesu Biotech Pvt Ltd.

Details of the journey:

The trip started from the campus of NIT-AP at 8:00 am. It took nearly 30 minutes to reach the industry. The

session of visual and practical learning started at 8:30 am and all the students were able to impart the

knowledge by the time we concluded the visit.

About the Industry:

Paramesu biotech Pvt Ltd is basically manufacturer and supplier of maize starch powder. It is established in

2015 at Khammam - Devarapalli Rd, Devarapalli, Andhra Pradesh 534313

Products

White dextrin, maize starch powder, maize germs, Cornstarch, maize native starch, maize modified starch,

maize starch, pulverized fibers, spray starch.

Pulverized fiber Maize starch powder

Details of industrial visit:

The raw material they use is maize (supplied by the farmers), from which they produce starch (product) and

corn gluten meal, pulverized fibers and maize germ (byproducts).

Maize has mainly 2 parts

1. Soluble part

1.1 Corn steep liquor

2. Insoluble part

2.1 Germ

2.2 Fibre (Seed coat)

2.3 Soluble part and

2.4 Part where the starch and gluten is present.

Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a high-protein, high-energy feed ingredient made from the soluble parts of

the corn kernel through a steeping process. CSL is a byproduct and is used as a premium additive to the cattle

feed.

The germ is rich in oil (45-50%) and the corn germ oil is used for cooking. The gluten has about 68-69%

of protein and it can be used as fish feed. The starch has application in textile, paper, and food,

pharmaceutical, adhesive, etc.

There are four major processing units.

• Storage and cleaning (raw materials) unit

• Steeping unit

• Milling unit

• Separation and Packaging unit

Cleaning and storing unit

It consisted a storage area with a bucket elevator which transports the uncleaned raw maize for the cleaning

process, then after the cleaning process, the stock of clean maize is stored in a storage tank of capacity 6000

ton which provide a good aeration to the maize.

Steeping unit

Aeration tank 4 layered

It is where the maize is softened by sulphurous acid steam by increasing the moisture content in maize.

The waste produced in this process is corn steep liquor, which produces methane when reacted in an

anaerobic reactor.

Milling unit

After the softening the maize it is crushed mildly so that they can remove the maize germ. Then the cyclone

separator separates the germ and the seed coat which are in turn sent for the drying process.

The germ and fiber are washed and dried separately. Then the remaining parts of maize are sent for the fine

milling. After the maize is crushed finely, we will get the starch and gluten mixed in the form of cake .

Separation unit

A high speed centrifugation machine running around 3000-4000 rpm separates the starch and the gluten.Some

amount of gluten left over in the starch is removed by sending it through a set of six cyclone separators.

Maize after steeping

Drying process

The starch is exposed to the hot air which absorbs the moisture present and then the starch is packed.

.

Interactive session

It was a good experience, which has provided exposure to industrial life.The students were fascinated to

see the state of the art equipments and machinery.They are benefited in terms of Technical details

provided by the company and various career opportunities in downstream industries.

End of the line

The students and staff members have relished this technical endeavor and hope to visit such industries

more often. This visit, in particular, was extremely informative and gives a good learning experience.

Student’s feedback:

The guiding staff on site were very supportive and helpful to all the students.

This visit will help in our professional lives.However, it brought about a change in our thinking and

approach towards education and practical learning.

We, the students of biotechnology, are extremely thankful to Prof. C.S.P Rao sir director, NIT AP for

letting this happen. We would also like to give a special mention to Dr. P.Manasa and Dr. Geetha Priya for

their immense contribution and support throughout the visit.

Starch separating unit

Packaged starch bags

End of the Report

Group photograph of NIT AP students and faculties of department of biotechnology with

the general manager of Paramesu Biotech Pvt. Ltd.