What is difference between dry corn milling and wet milling?

Dry corn milling and wet milling are two distinct processes used to separate and extract different components from corn kernels. Here are the key differences between dry corn milling and wet milling:

Dry Corn Milling:

1. Process: Dry corn milling involves mechanically grinding and sifting corn kernels to separate various fractions, such as cornmeal, grits, flour, and germ. The process is primarily focused on producing corn products for human consumption.

2. Water Usage: Dry corn milling uses minimal water, primarily for cleaning the corn kernels before grinding. The process is mainly mechanical and does not involve extensive water-based separation techniques.

3. Components Extracted: Dry corn milling primarily separates the endosperm (the starchy part of the kernel) from the germ (the oily part) and the hull (the outer covering). The resulting products include cornmeal, corn flour, and grits.

Wet Corn Milling:

1. Process: Wet corn milling is a more complex process that involves steeping corn kernels in water and then separating various components through a series of physical and chemical processes. The process is used to extract starch, protein, and other valuable components from corn.

2. Water Usage: Wet corn milling uses significant amounts of water to soak and separate corn components. The water acts as a medium for steeping, washing, and extracting different components from the corn kernels.

3. Components Extracted: Wet corn milling produces various components, including starch, corn oil, gluten, and fiber. The starch is further processed to create a wide range of products such as corn syrup, sweeteners, and biofuels.

4. By-Products: Wet corn milling generates various by-products, including corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal, which are valuable sources of protein for animal feed.

In summary, dry corn milling focuses on mechanically separating corn components for human consumption, while wet corn milling involves water-based processes to extract a wider range of components, including starch, oil, and protein, for various industrial applications.