Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of Using a Destoner to Fractionate Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

Abstract. With the rapid development of the ethanol industry in recent years, various studies have examined distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the main co-product from ethanol production. Previous studies have examined fractionating DDGS using sieves and aspirators. However, information about the cost effectiveness is lacking. The objective of this project was to determine techno-economics of DDGS fractionation using a destoner to separate nutrients. Mathematical models were built for conducting techno-economic analysis (TEA), which allowed for estimations of capital costs, annual operating costs, annual revenues, and net profits. The techno-economics of the base case ethanol plant were examined by adjusting material and market costs, and estimating fractionation efficiencies and fraction prices based on protein content. This study demonstrated the possibility of using a destoner to fractionate DDGS to produce higher economic returns.

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