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 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. 
     
     
         2 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 1  wherein said agglomerated particle is further defined as a pellet. 
     
     
         3 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 2  wherein said pellet is further defined as having a Pellet Durability Index of at least 70. 
     
     
         4 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 3  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 to the exterior. 
     
     
         5 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 3  wherein said pellet is further defined as being generally cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         6 . The agglomerated particle according to  claim 4  wherein said pellet is further defined as being comprised of dried distiller's grain with solubles.