Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Thermo-Physical Properties of Distillers’ Spent Grain Pellets at Different Moisture Contents and Condensed Distillers’ Soluble Concentrations

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Food and Bioprocess Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The thermo-physical properties of distillers’ spent grain (DSG) pellets are the key input parameters for the heat and mass transfer modeling of the drying process and for the design of the suitable drying and storage systems. The main thermo-physical properties like particle density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity of DSG pellets were determined using standard laboratory methods. The effects of moisture content, percentage of condensed distillers’ solubles (also called solubles), and temperature on these selected properties were determined. The average particle density of the DSG pellets with 0, 10, 30, and 50 % solubles was found to be in the range of 898.8–1136.7 kg/m3. It was observed that the particle density of DSG pellets increased with an increase in condensed distillers’ soluble concentration and decreased with an increase in moisture content. Thermal conductivity (0.17–0.42 W/(mK)) and specific heat (1.76–3.47 kJ/(kgK)) of the DSG pellets increase linearly with an increase in moisture content, soluble concentration of the sample, and temperature of the drying medium. Three multiple linear regression equations were developed for predicting these properties as a function of moisture content, soluble concentration, and temperature with R 2 value ≥0.86.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • AACC Method 44-15A (2000). Moisture-air-oven methods. St. Paul: Approved Methods of the American Association of Cereal Chemists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ashtiani, S., Emadi, B., Sanaeimoghadam, A., & Aghkhani, M. (2014). Effect of moisture content and temperature on thermal behaviour of sesame seed. The Annals of the University Dunarea de Jos of Galati Fascicle VI—Food Technology, 38(1), 87–103.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourassa, J., Ramachandran, R. P., Paliwal, J., & Cenkowski, S. (2015). Drying characteristics and moisture diffusivity of distillers’ spent grains dried in superheated steam. Drying Technology, 33, 2012–2018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi, Y., & Okos, M. R. (2004). Thermal conductivity of foods. In D. R. Heldman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of agricultural, food, and biological engineering (pp. 1004–1010). New York: Marcel Dekker Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Defraeye, T. (2014). Advanced computational modelling for drying processes—a review. Applied Energy, 131, 323–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drouzas, A. E., Maroulis, Z. B., Karathanos, V. T., & Saravacos, G. D. (1991). Direct and indirect determination of the effective thermal diffusivity of granular starch. Journal of Food Engineering., 13(2), 91–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dutta, K. S., Nema, V. K., & Bhardwaj, R. K. (1988). Thermal properties of gram. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 39(4), 269–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elansari, A. M., & Hobani, A. I. (2009). Effect of temperature and moisture content on thermal conductivity of four types of meat. International Journal of Food Properties, 12, 308–315.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emami, S., Tabil, L. G., & Tyler, R. T. (2007). Thermal properties of chickpea flour, isolated chickpea starch, and isolated chickpea protein. Transactions of the ASABE, 50(2), 597–604.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erriguible, A., Bernada, P., Couture, F., & Roques, N. (2006). Simulation of superheated steam drying from coupling models. Drying Technology, 24, 941–951.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fitch, A. L. (1935). A new thermal conductivity apparatus. American Journal of Physics, 3(3), 135–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamawand, I. (2011). Effect of colloidal particles associated with the liquid bridge in sticking during drying in superheated steam. International Journal of Engineering, 24(2), 119–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamawand, I. (2013). Drying steps under superheated steam: a review and modelling. Journal of Energy and Environment Research, 3(2), 107–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamawand, I., Yusaf, T., & Bennett, J. (2014). Study and modelling drying of banana slices under superheated steam. Asia-Pacific Journal of Chemical Engineering, 9, 591–603.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Husky Energy (2016). http://www.huskyenergy.com/huskyproducts/canada.asp. Accessed on May and 1 Aug 2016.

  • Iyota, H., Nishimura, N., Yoshida, M., & Nomura (2007). Simulation of superheated steam drying considering initial steam condensation. Drying Technology, 19(7), 1425–1440.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jancazak, D. (2013). The effect of temperature, composition and phase of the composting process on the thermal conductivity of the substrate. Ecological Engineering Journal, 61, 354–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jian, F., Jayas, D. S., & White, N. D. G. (2013). Specific heat, thermal diffusivity, and bulk density of genetically modified canola with high oil content at different moisture contents, temperatures, and storage times. Transactions of the ASABE, 56(3), 1077–1083.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, P., Cenkowski, S., & Paliwal, J. (2011). Bulk density and angle of repose of distiller ’ s spent grain under different drying methods and soluble concentrations. Winnipeg, Manitoba: CSBE/SCGAB 2011 Annual Conference Inn at the Forks 10-13 July 2011. Paper No. CSBE11-318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, P., Paliwal, J., & Cenkowski, S. (2013). Superheated steam drying characteristics of single cylindrical compacts produced from wet distiller’s spent grain. In Proceedings of CSBE/SCGAB 2013 Annual Conference, Saskatchewan 7–10 July 2013. Paper No. CSBE13–11.

  • Johnson, P., Paliwal, J., & Cenkowski, S. (2014). Analysis of the disintegration of distiller’s spent grain compacts as affected by drying in superheated steam. Drying Technology, 32, 1060–1070.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, P., Paliwal, J., & Cenkowski, S. (2015). Effect of solubles on disintegration of distiller’s spent grain compacts during superheated steam drying. Drying Technology, 33(6), 671–683.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaliyan, N., & Morey, R. V. (2009). Factors affecting strength and durability of densified biomass products. Biomass and Bioenergy, 33(3), 337–359.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kustermann, M., Scherer, R., & Kutzbach, H. D. (1981). Thermal conductivity and diffusivity of shelled corn and grain. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 4, 137–153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahapatra, A. K., Lan, Y., & Harris, D. L. (2011). Influence of moisture content and temperature on thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of rice flours. International Journal of Food Properties, 14, 675–683.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mani, S., Tabil, L. G., & Sokhansanj, S. (2003). An overview of compaction of biomass grinds. Powder Handling and Processing, 15(2), 160–168.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mannheim, H. C., Steinberg, M. P., Nelson, A. I., & Kendall, T. W. (1957). The heat content of bread. Food Technology, 11(7), 394–388.

    Google Scholar 

  • Modi, S. K., Durga, P. B., & Basavaraj, M. (2014). Effect of moisture content and temperature on thermal conductivity of Psidium guajava L. by line heat source method (transient analysis). International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 78, 354–359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohseni, N., & Zaske, J. (1976). Stress relaxation and energy requirements in compaction of unconsolidated materials. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 21, 193–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohsenin, N. N. (1980). Thermal properties of foods and agricultural materials. New York: Gordon and Breach Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosqueda, M. R., Tabil, L. G., & Muthukumarappan, K. (2013). Effects of condensed distillers solubles and drying temperature on the physico-chemical characteristics of laboratory-prepared wheat distillers grain with solubles. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 6(2), 73–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosqueda, M. R., Tabil, L. G., & Muthukumarappan, K. (2014). Physico-chemical characteristics of wheat distillers dried grain with solubles sourced from a Saskatchewan ethanol plant. Canadian Biosystems Engineering, 56, 3.1–3.15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muir, W. E., & Viravanichai, S. (1972). Specific heat of wheat. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 17(4), 338–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nesvadba, P. (1982). Methods for the measurement of thermal conductivity and diffusivity of foodstuffs. Journal of Food Engineering, 1(2), 93–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pakowski, Z., & Adamski, R. (2011). On prediction of the drying rate in superheated steam drying process. Drying Technology, 29, 1492–1498.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, J. D. (1978). Improving quality of pellet feeds. Milling Feed and Fertilizer, 162(5), 34–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickard, G. E., Roll, W. M., & Ramser, J. H. (1961). Fundamentals of hay wafering. Transactions of ASABE, 4(1), 65–68.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman, S. (1991). Evaluation of precision of the modified Fitch method for thermal conductivity measurement of foods. Journal of Food Engineering, 14, 71–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samuelsson, R., Larsson, S., Thyrel, M., & Lestander, T. A. (2012). Moisture content and storage time influence the binding mechanisms in biofuel wood pellets. Applied Energy, 99, 109–115.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Serrano, C., Monedero, E., Lapuerta, M., & Portero, H. (2011). Effect of moisture content, particle size and pine addition on quality parameters of barley straw pellets. Fuel Processing Technology, 92, 699–706.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sousa, S. C. L., Silva, J. P., Ramos, A. M. M., & Simões, R. M. S. (2007). Pulping and papermaking potential of brewery’s spent grain. Cellulose Chemistry and Technology, 41(2), 183–191.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sreenarayanan, V. V., & Chattopadhyay, P. K. (1986). Thermal conductivity and diffusivity of rice bran. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research., 34, 115–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stitt, F., & Kennedy, E. K. (1945). Specific heats of dehydrated vegetables and egg powder. Food Research International, 10(5), 426–436.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stroem, L. K., Desai, D. K., & Hoadley, A. F. A. (2009). Superheated steam drying of brewer’s spent grain in a rotary drum. Advanced Powder Technology, 20, 240–244.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suvarnakuta, P., Devahastin, S., & Mujumdar, A. S. (2007). A mathematical model for low pressure superheated steam drying of biomaterial. Chemical Engineering and Processing, 46(7), 675–683.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, M., Van-Vliet, T., & Van-der-Poel, A. F. B. (1998). Physical quality of pelleted animal feed. 3. Contribution of feedstuff components. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 70(1–2), 59–78.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tumuluru, J. S., Tabil, L., Opoku, A., Mosqueda, M. R., & Fadeyi, O. (2010). Effect of process variables on the quality characteristics of pelleted wheat distiller’s dried grains with solubles. Biosystems Engineering, 105(4), 466–475.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waszkielis, K. M., Wronowski, R., Chlebus, W., Bialobrzewski, I., Dach, J., Pilarski, K., & Jancazak, D. (2013). The effect of temperature, composition and phase of the composting process on the thermal conductivity of the substrate. Ecological Engineering Journal, 61, 354–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Waszkielis, K. M., Białobrzewski, I., Nowak, K. W., Dzadz, & Dach, J. (2014). Determination of the thermal conductivity of composted material. Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation, 58, 441–447.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiros, C., Topakas, E., Katapodis, P., & Christakopoulos, P. (2008). Hydrolysis and fermentation of brewer’s spent grain by Neurospora crassa. Bioresource Technology, 99(13), 5427–5435.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, W., Sokhansanj, S., Tang, J., & Winter, P. (2002). Determination of thermal conductivity, specific heat and thermal diffusivity of borage seeds. Biosystems Engineering, 82(2), 169–176.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zielinska, M. (2016). Thermophysical properties of laboratory-prepared corn/wheat dried distiller’s grains and dried distillers solubles dehydrated with superheated steam and hot air. Drying Technology, 34(10), 1147–1161.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zielinska, M., & Cenkowski, S. (2012). Superheated steam drying characteristic and moisture diffusivity of distillers’ wet grains and condensed distillers’ solubles. Journal of Food Engineering, 109(3), 627–634.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zielinska, M., Cenkowski, S., & Markowski, M. (2009). Superheated steam drying of distillers’ spent grains on a single inert particle. Drying Technology, 27(12), 1279–1285.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zuritz, C. A., Sastry, S. K., McCoy, S. C., Murakami, E. G., & Blaisdeh, J. L. (1989). A modified Fitch device for measuring the thermal conductivity of small food particles. Transactions of ASAE, 32(2), 711–718.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship for their financial support. Thanks are also due to NSERC-funded summer research assistants, Jennifer Pieniuta, Clifford Dueck, and Craig Heppner, for their technical assistance.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biosystems Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Rani Puthukulangara Ramachandran, Jitendra Paliwal & Stefan Cenkowski

Authors
  1. Rani Puthukulangara Ramachandran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jitendra Paliwal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Stefan Cenkowski
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stefan Cenkowski.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ramachandran, R.P., Paliwal, J. & Cenkowski, S. Thermo-Physical Properties of Distillers’ Spent Grain Pellets at Different Moisture Contents and Condensed Distillers’ Soluble Concentrations. Food Bioprocess Technol 10, 175–185 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-016-1807-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-016-1807-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation