Milling research

The Grain Research Laboratory's Milling research unit plays a central role in the Canadian Grain Commission wheat quality assurance program by evaluating the milling performance of Canadian breeding lines, export cargoes and new crop.

Research

• Develops laboratory-scale milling procedures to evaluate wheat milling potential
• Identifies intrinsic wheat attributes associated with superior milling properties
• Determines the impact of milling technique on the properties and composition of wheat milling products
• Develops procedures for fractionation of grains such as hulless barley, oats and buckwheat to yield milled products with enhanced nutritional composition for use as functional food ingredients

Technology and methods

• The GRL's milling laboratories are climate-controlled to assure repeatable results. Equipment has been designed or extensively modified by GRL researchers to enhance performance:
  • 15-cm (Allis-Chalmers) roller mill stands
  • Laboratory-scale bran finishers
  • Laboratory purifiers
  • Laboratory sifters
  • 25-cm (Ross) research roll stands
  • Bühler tandem pilot mill
  • Chopin mill
• Methods are standards tests, or documented procedures developed at the GRL:
  • AACC International Approved Method 14-30 (Agtron color test)
  • Flour Milling and Baking Association (FMBRA) flour testing panel method 007/04 (Determination of grade colour)
  • Allis-Chalmers mill procedure for common wheat flour
  • Allis-Chalmers mill procedure for durum wheat semolina
  • Bühler tandem pilot mill procedure for common wheat flour