ACREC Solutions By Annel K. Greene, PhD, Professor and Center Director Clemson University Animal Co-Products Research and Education Center Identifying the Industry’s Research Needs It is time to identify the rendering industry’s research needs for next year. A list of potential research topics will be included in the request for proposals (RFP) sent by the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF) to the Clemson University Animal Co-Products Research and Education Center (ACREC) researchers. Experience has proven that the rendering industry’s suggestions and lists of needs results in better focused, pertinent ACREC research projects that yield greatest value to the rendering industry. The RFP will be sent to hundreds of Clemson University researchers across several colleges and dozens of different disciplines. Detailed lists of needs allow researchers to understand how they can apply their expertise in research assisting the rendering industry – an industry that many researchers may not be aware exists! After the RFP is issued, research proposals will be gathered and submitted to the renderer members of the ACREC Research Committee, which is comprised of the sustaining members of FPRF. The committee will then meet and each researcher will present his/her proposal. After discussion and review, the ACREC Research Committee will prioritize research proposals based on their assessment of the greatest need for the industry. The top proposals will be selected for funding and research projects will be initiated July 1, 2014. Current research projects at ACREC began this past summer and include studies to improve processes, develop new associated products, and ensure safety of rendered animal products. Wastewater treatment typically used by processing and rendering plants involves use of chemicals in a dissolved air flotation system to remove solids. Dr. Scott Husson, professor of chemical engineering, is studying membrane purification of rendering facility wastewater. Husson’s work has demonstrated that wastewater can be processed effectively and economically without the need for chemical treatments. The membranes can clean even variable concentration wastewaters with no need for modifications. His laboratory is working to understand the interactions between wastewater components and filter matrices. Eventually, the goal is to be able to predict how operating conditions affect wastewater permeate flux through the membrane. This is important not only for improving the process but also for determining membrane operating costs. Improving ability to separate fat components from rendered materials could open new possibilities for renderers. Since fat has greater economic value, the ability to extract more fat from rendered protein meals would mean more valuable product for sale. The reduction in fat from the meals also could have enhanced value as pet food manufacturers seek to produce lower fat animal diets. Dr. Christopher Kitchens, associate professor of chemical engineering, is completing a study on improving separation of fat from animal protein meals. Using a carbon dioxide assisted mechanical removal, Kitchens was able to reduce remaining fat content in protein meals from 12.1 percent to 2.3 percent. Odor emissions pose a dilemma to the rendering industry. Drs. Daniel Whitehead and Frank Alexis are developing cutting edge chemistry to grab and destroy malodorous compounds. Their technology has potential for a variety of applications within the rendering industry. Whitehead and Alexis are conducting the proof of concept experiments now on the basic scientific principles for this technology. It is hoped this project can lead to a wholly new approach for odor remediation in the rendering industry. As featured in this column in the October 2013 Render, Dr. Andrew Hurley has found a new biodegradable polymer that can replace polyethylene-based liners. He is now working to develop gloves and other products with the polymer to help the rendering industry avoid polyethylene issues. To prevent oxidation of unsaturated fats in animal feed ingredients and resultant quality losses, antioxidant compounds are added to rendered products. Drs. Alexey Vertegel and Vladimir Reukov have created a new antioxidant product from animal blood. Comparison with other commercially available antioxidants proves their new antioxidant effectively protects rendered products. Estimated production costs are very promising for making an economical and effective new natural antioxidant for the rendering industry. In a project funded by the Poultry Protein and Fat Council, Dr. Joseph Thrasher is conducting a study to assess whether any trace contaminants are present in feed-grade chicken feather meal. Using cutting edge chemical detection methods that can detect as low as a few parts per billion, Thrasher and his team are validating the quality of feather meal as a feed ingredient. Salmonella contamination in animal feed ingredients continues to be a concern for the rendering industry. Dr. Xiuping Jiang has studied the use of bacteriophages as a lowcost and effective treatment to control Salmonella in rendering plant environments and finished products. Bacteriophages 28 December 2013 Render www.rendermagazine.com
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