DDGS
Projects Under Way at National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center,
NCGA Notes (7-6-05)
In an effort to reduce flowability factors of dried
distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), the National Corn-to-Ethanol
Research Center (NCERC) is seeking samples of DDGS and conducting
a survey as part of a flowability study, the National Corn Growers
Association (NCGA) notes.
NCERC is conducting the survey to gain insight into
the causes and problems of DDGS flowability, said NCGA member Greg
Guenther, who is helping conduct the survey. DDGS is an animal feed
coproduct generated from the ethanol process, In addition to completing
the online survey, DDGS transporters, dry grind and wet mill ethanol
producers and DDGS users are encouraged to submit 2-lb. samples
of DDGS to the NCERC.
Addressing flowability of DDGS during transporting
is essential to maintaining the product’s value and opening
new markets, Guenther said. The information gained from the survey
will be used for a trial series at the NCERC to verify factors identified
as contributors to the problem.
“Flowability problems associated with DDGS
are costing the industry $66 million a year alone in lost revenues,”
he said. “If not handled correctly, the product integrity
of DDGS is compromised, making transportation and handling more
difficult.”
Flowability limitations have impacted marketers
in transporting DDGS. “Flowability problems add up to $6 per
ton to the cost of shipping DDGS,” Guenther said. “Marketers
have to use dedicated railcars to transport the product because
rail carriers will not accept DDGS. This has the potential to cost
the ethanol industry up to $110 million a year.”
The 22-question
survey is based on input from ethanol plants, DDGS distributors
and customers. It can be accessed online at www.ethanolresearch.com
by clicking on DDGS Survey on the left-hand side of the page.
Samples can be sent to NCERC at 400 University Park
Dr., Edwardsville, Ill. 62026.