Milling OPERATIONS Adjusting the break system Break extraction is dependent on the ideal break release schedule by Mark Fowler Maximizing the extraction of high-quality flour to create the optimum consumer product has long been the primary objective of the flour miller. Fine tuning the flow of wheat through the mill requires skill and a good understanding of how to optimize the separation of bran from the endosperm. The break system refers to the first passages in a mill diagram. These passages open wheat kernels and separate the bran from the endosperm. Maximizing the extraction of endosperm from the bran is critical to maximizing flour production. Finished product quality and consistency is dependent on following a pre-determined break release schedule from 114 first break through to the end of the break system. The importance of measuring break release to balance the mass flow of product through the milling system is well understood by a trained miller. The question of "How do you determine the optimal break release for the mill?" has been asked numerous times by young millers just starting out to the most seasoned millers questioning if it is possible to improve their current practices. When determining the optimal break release it is imporDan Wells, right, adjunct milling instructor at Kansas State University, inspects mill stock with course participants from Nigeria. Photo courtesy of IGP. April 2014 / World Grain / www.World-Grain.comhttp://www.World-Grain.com