Method of Producing Dried Distiller's Grain with Solubles Agglomerated Particles

Abstract

A method of producing Dried Distiller's Grain with Solubles (DDGS) agglomerated particles is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of separating a first product stream out of the whole stillage that is primarily solid material from a second product stream that is primarily liquid, agglomerating the first product stream using a mechanical compression machine such as an extruder, and exposing the agglomerated particles to microwave radiation of a sufficient energy for a sufficient time so that the resulting moisture of the agglomerated particles is between 3% and 40% by weight. The second product stream may be condensed and blended with the first product stream prior to, or concurrently with, the step in which the agglomerated particles are formed. Additionally, other additives, such as enzymes, may be added to the first product stream to enhance the final product's desirability as a nutritional source.

1 . A method of producing dried distiller's grain agglomerated particles comprising:
 a. providing a whole stillage supply;   b. separating a distiller's wet grain substance from said whole stillage supply;   c. agglomerating a portion of said distiller's wet grain substance to form at least one particle; and   d. irradiating said at least one particle with microwave emitters producing sufficient energy until the moisture content of said at least one agglomerated particle is between 3% and 40% water by weight.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one agglomerated particle is further defined as a pellet. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said at least one agglomerated particle is formed through mechanical compression. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said mechanical compression is applied using an extruder. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4  wherein said at least one pellet is further defined as being substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein said at least one pellet is further defined as having a cross-sectional diameter between 2 and 30 millimeters. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the starting moisture of said distiller's wet grain is at least 40% by weight. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said at least one agglomerated particle is further defined as a briquette. 
   
   
       9 . A method of producing dried distiller's grain agglomerated particles comprising:
 a. providing a whole stillage supply;   b. separating said whole stillage into a first product stream that is primarily solid material and a second product stream that is primarily liquid material, wherein said first product stream is a distiller's wet grain substance;   c. separating said distiller's wet grain substance from said whole stillage supply;   d. agglomerating a portion of said distiller's wet grain substance to form at least one particle; and   e. irradiating said at least one particle with microwave emitters producing sufficient energy until the moisture content of said at least one agglomerated particle is between 3% and 40% water by weight.   
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein a centrifuge is used to separate said first product stream from said second product stream. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein said at least one agglomerated particle is further defined as a pellet. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11  wherein said at least one agglomerated particle is formed through mechanical compression. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein said mechanical compression is applied using an extruder. 
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13  wherein said at least one pellet is further defined as being substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. 
   
   
       15 . A dried distillers grain agglomerated particle, wherein said agglomerated particle is formed through mechanical compression of distiller's wet grain, and wherein said agglomerated particle is dried through microwave dryers until the final moisture content of said agglomerated particle is between 3 and 40 percent by weight. 
   
   
       16 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 16  wherein said agglomerated particle is further defined as a pellet. 
   
   
       17 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 17  wherein said pellet is further defined as having a Pellet Durability Index of at least 70. 
   
   
       18 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 18  wherein said pellet is further defined as having the naturally occurring binding agents of said distiller's wet grain concentrated adjacent the exterior of said pellet such that the interior of said pellet is comparatively soft. 
   
   
       19 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 18  wherein said pellet is further defined as being generally cylindrical in shape. 
   
   
       20 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 19  wherein said pellet is further defined as being comprised of dried distiller's grain with solubles.