Reducing the risk

Even in low concentrations, mycotoxins can have a toxic effect on humans and animals. This means contaminated kernels need to be removed as early as possible, as even a few can render a batch unfit. Our range of solutions to address this growing challenge covers grain drying and cleaning, safe material storage and cutting-edge sorting technologies.

We offer integrated process solutions for effective mycotoxin reduction across the entire value chain. Our focus is on the highly efficient removal of mold-infested grains and fractions, based on their gravity or optical properties. Our sample collectors and separator classifiers help to accurately assess mycotoxin content in incoming deliveries, then remove impurities and low-density particles through efficient pre-cleaning. Our high-capacity grain cleaners remove matter likely to be contaminated by mycotoxins, such as light, broken and shriveled kernels, while our Sortex optical sorter can identify and separate grains with visual mold signatures.

LumoVision, meanwhile, is an optical sorting solution on our cutting-edge Bühler Insights platform. It can identify and sort corn contaminated with aflatoxin faster and more accurately than ever, using hyperspectral cameras and an LED-based UV lighting system. Once a contaminated kernel has been identified, air nozzles blow it out of the product stream. LumoVision reduces yield loss to less than 5% and was described by Forbes as a ‘remarkable new technology’.

Finally, our scourers and degerminators ensure highly efficient surface cleaning and substantially reduce any mold adhering to the grain surfaces.