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ARS Home » Plains Area » Brookings, South Dakota » Integrated Cropping Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #212342
Title: Modeling the flow properties of distillers dried grains with solubles

Author
item GANESAN, VYKU - SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
item Rosentrater, Kurt
item MUTHUKUMARAPPAN, K - SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Cereal Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/19/2007
Publication Date: 11/1/2007
Citation: Ganesan, V., Rosentrater, K.A., Muthukumarappan, K. 2007. Modeling the flow properties of distillers dried grains with solubles. Cereal Chemistry. 84:556-562.

Interpretive Summary: Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the primary coproduct from corn-based dry grind ethanol production, is primarily used as a feed ingredient, especially for ruminants, but use in monogastric rations is also increasing. With the remarkable growth of the US fuel ethanol industry in the last several years, large quantities of distillers grains are now being generated. DDGS flow is often problematic, as it cakes and bridges during storage and transport. In our previous research, we have found that increased soluble and moisture levels significantly impact the flow properties of DDGS. Currently, however there is no comprehensive model available to predict flowability of DDGS. The objectives of this study were to combine the data obtained from our previous research, to thoroughly investigate potential relationships using exploratory data analysis techniques, and to develop a comprehensive model to predict the flowability of DDGS. A nonlinear statistical model (R2=0.93; SE=0.12) was developed by combining the important flow properties obtained from both Carr and Jenike tests using dimensional analysis and response surface modeling.

Technical Abstract: Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are an excellent source of energy, minerals, and bypass protein for ruminants, and are also used in monogastric rations as well. With the remarkable growth of the US fuel ethanol industry in the past decade, large quantities of distillers grains are now being produced. DDGS flow is often restricted by caking and bridging during its storage and transportation. In our previous works, it has been found that increased soluble and moisture levels significantly affected the flow properties of DDGS. Currently, however there is no model available to predict the flowability of DDGS. So, the objectives of this study were to thoroughly investigate the data obtained from our previous work using exploratory data analysis techniques, and to develop a comprehensive model to predict the flowability of DDGS. A simple and robust model (R2=0.93; SE=0.12) was developed by combining the important flow properties obtained from both Carr and Jenike tests using dimensional analysis and response surface modeling. The model developed was exclusively based on the DDGS from one ethanol plant. As DDGS flow properties will differ with each plant, it is suggested to use this methodology to develop a similar model to predict the flowability of DDGS for other plants as well.