Distillers’ spent grain (DSG) is a by-product of ethanol production and used for swine feed supplement due to its nutrient composition. Lowering the moisture content of DSG using superheated steam (SS) drying can be more energy efficient compared to hot air drying. One objective was to investigate parameters associated with SS drying on DSG including maximum condensation, condensation time, and restoration time. Increasing SS temperature from 120 to 180 °C and SS velocity from 1.0 to 1.4 m/s resulted in a 97% and 67% decrease in maximum condensation, respectively. Another objective was to determine the effect of SS temperature, velocity, and pellet orientation on effective moisture diffusivity of DSG pellets. The diffusion model was based on finite cylinder geometry accounting for volumetric shrinkage. The diffusivity coefficient was determined to be 1.56 × 10-8 m2/s. A significant effect of pellet orientation on moisture diffusivity was found during the constant drying-rate period. / October 2015

Superheated steam (SS) drying of distillers’ spent grain (DSG) is a more energy efficient alternative to conventional hot air drying. SS drying at sub-atmospheric pressure (also referred to as low pressure) can prevent burning and lowering the quality of the food product. The objective of this study was to design, fabricate, and test a SS drying system that could operate at sub-atmospheric pressure for drying DSG. After the custom designed system was constructed, major problems associated with the system were identified. A number of tests were carried out and modifications were made to the system to resolve technical problems. Distillers’ spent grain was then successfully dried using the system under various levels of temperature from 95 to 115°C and pressure of either -25 or -20 kPa, with a SS velocity from 0.100 to 0.289 m/s.

Superheated steam (SS) drying of distillers’ spent grain (DSG) is a more energy efficient alternative to conventional hot air drying. SS drying at sub-atmospheric pressure (also referred to as low pressure) can prevent burning and lowering the quality of the food product. The objective of this study was to design, fabricate, and test a SS drying system that could operate at sub-atmospheric pressure for drying DSG. After the custom designed system was constructed, major problems associated with the system were identified. A number of tests were carried out and modifications were made to the system to resolve technical problems. Distillers’ spent grain was then successfully dried using the system under various levels of temperature from 95 to 115°C and pressure of either -25 or -20 kPa, with a SS velocity from 0.100 to 0.289 m/s.