Zein Extraction Process Plant

Carl A. Nelson & Company was selected through a qualification based selection process to provide design-build services for this first of its kind zein extraction plant at the Big River Resources ethanol plant site in Galva Illinois. Zein is a highly valuable corn protein that can be used for biodegradable plastics, paper coatings, food packaging, antioxidants, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, food and cosmetics.

This high technology process plant is a 2 story facility with 18,562 GSF. This process building include space for processing and packaging, control room, sanitation room, laboratory, offices, break rooms, restrooms and warehouse.

The plant receives ground corn from the ethanol plant and removes the zein protein before the remaining ground corn is fed to the ethanol plant for use in the production of ethanol and dried distillers grains. The starch used in the production of ethanol remains unaffected.

Until now, the zein extraction process was expensive and energy-intensive. The new technology was developed at the University of Illinois using the patented COPE process. Prairie Gold has an exclusive license and seven patents in the United States and Canada for the technology. They expect to perfect the production technology at this facility and eventually construct a much larger plant.

Construction began in September 2014 and was completed in October 2015. The plant is one of only two facilities that extract zein protein domestically.