Analysis of heat transfer fouling by dry-grind maize thin stillage using an annular fouling apparatus

In dry-grind processing to produce ethanol from corn, unfermented solids are removed from ethanol by distillation and dried to produce distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), an animal food. Fouling of thin stillage evaporators has been identified as an important energy consumption issue in dr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cereal chemistry 2006-03, Vol.83 (2), p.121-126
Main Authors: Wilkins, M.R, Belyea, R.L, Singh, V, Buriak, P, Wallig, M.A, Tumbleson, M.E, Rausch, K.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
alcoholic fermentation
annular fouling apparatus
ash content
Biological and medical sciences
Cereal and baking product industries
corn
distillers grains
dry milling
ethanol
ethanol production
evaporators
Food industries
Fouling
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
grinders
grinding
Heat transfer
pollutants
protein content
solids
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In dry-grind processing to produce ethanol from corn, unfermented solids are removed from ethanol by distillation and dried to produce distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), an animal food. Fouling of thin stillage evaporators has been identified as an important energy consumption issue in dry-grind facilities. Using an annular fouling apparatus, four batches of thin stillage were analyzed to determine repeatability of fouling rate and induction period measurements. Dry solids, protein and ash concentrations, and pH were correlated to fouling rate and induction period to determine how variation in thin stillage from the same dry-grind facility affects these fouling parameters. Effects of increasing Reynolds number (Re) in the laminar region on fouling rate, induction period, and fouling deposit protein and ash concentrations were also determined. Repeatability of fouling rate measurements was similar to other studies (CV < 7.0%) but repeatability of induction period measurements was high relative to other studies (CV < 88.7%). Fouling rate increased with increasing dry solids concentration. Thin stillage at Re = 440 had shorter induction periods and greater fouling rates than at Re = 880. Fouling deposits collected from Re = 440 tests had similar protein concentrations and lower ash concentrations compared with deposits from Re = 880 tests.
ISSN:0009-0352
1943-3638
DOI:10.1094/CC-83-0121