Distilleries, breweries, and biofuel plants generate large amounts of distillers’ grain as their by-products. This cereal by-product, a mixture of rice, corn, and other grains, is created by drying and distilling mash. Distillers’ grains come in two standard types – Wet Distillers’ Grains (WDG) and Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS).
WDG primarily contains unfermented grain particles rich in protein, fiber, and fat with up to 70% moisture. Owing to the high water content, it has a short shelf life of four to five days. As a result, its transport is usually economically viable within 200 km from the distillery or biofuel facility.
On the other hand, DDGS is dried WDG with 10–12% moisture and possesses an indefinite shelf life. Therefore, it can be shipped to any market regardless of distance or climatic conditions.
Various Uses of Distillers’ Grain
In the US, dried distillers’ grains are packaged and traded as a commodity product for various purposes. As distillers’ grain is widely available at a low cost wherever alcohol is consumed and biofuel is used, many possible uses of this cereal waste as a food additive, animal feed, and fertilizer have been studied, postulated, and tested. It is also considered a means of reducing environmental impact.
Some of the popular uses include:
As an animal feed: DDGs are typically used as protein-rich livestock feed, particularly for ruminants. It can increase efficiency and lowers subacute acidosis risk in livestock mainly reared for meat.
For human consumption: Distillers' grain is also nutritionally fit for humans. Recent studies suggest that DDGS may reduce heart disease risk in humans. It contains nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals with a good amount of fiber and germ, making it an ideal flour for baked foods like cookies and bread.
As a fertilizer: The latest research at Carrington Research Extension Center of North Dakota State University shows that distillers’ grains can be used as fertilizer on crops like wheat and corn. The researchers successfully developed a fertilizer by combining WDG, soil, and Condensed Distillers Solubles (CDS), the liquid form of distillers’ grains.
The Rotordryer® Technology for Distiller's Mash
Drying is expensive and complicated, requiring more energy input and the latest drying technology. In this situation, Prater offers a solution with Rotordryers®. They come in a wide range of sizes and capabilities. This machinery combines a Rotormill and a heatwave source, allowing simultaneous grinding and drying of slurries and highly wet materials. The Rotordryer® can bring moisture loss of 7% to 1% in distillers' mash, while a Rotormill can get only 7% to 4%.
A Few More Benefits
- Reliable performance with a long life
- They can accommodate a wide range of sizes and materials
- Expedite your process workflows efficiently
- Easily integrate with existing systems
- Savings on investment and operational costs
Rotordryers are apt for steady fine milling at higher production rates, simultaneous mixing or coating during milling, and fiber fluffing. They can be used in various industries, including poultry, biomass, hemp, gasification, and industrial sludge. Contact us to learn more about Rotodryers.
