Abstract: A two stage scrubber process for ethanol fermentation has a first stage using fusel oil to remove the hazardous air pollutants and recover the majority of the ethanol. A second stage uses water as the scrubbing solvent to recover any residual ethanol that is stripped from the first stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, or a sugar source feedstock module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.

Abstract: An exemplary system for removing soil from seed comprises an auger portion, a centrifuge portion and/or a dryer portion. The auger portion comprises an inclined enclosure and an auger positioned within the enclosure and is configured to mix seed with a liquid, remove soil from the seed, and separate washed seed from the liquid and the removed soil. The centrifuge portion comprises at least one centrifuge having an outer drum and a rotatable inner basket positioned within the outer drum. The inner basket comprises a side wall having a plurality of apertures. The inner basket is configured to receive washed seed from the auger portion within the inner basket and to centrifugally separate additional liquid from the washed seed, the separated liquid passing through the plurality of apertures into the outer drum. The dryer portion further reduces moisture content of the seed using heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mash extract and a continuous method of producing the mash extract by decoction mashing. The method comprises: (a) mixing a first malt enzyme source with an aqueous liquid to obtain an aqueous malt enzyme suspension; (b) separately, mixing a second enzyme source with one or more starch-containing adjuncts to obtain a decoction suspension; (c) subjecting the decoction suspension to a first heat treatment at 60-85° C. and then a second heat treatment at a higher temperature; (d) combining the heated decoction suspension from the second heat treatment with the aqueous malt enzyme suspension to obtain a mash; (e) maintaining the mash at 35-85° C. for a time; and (f) removing spent grain from the heated mash to produce a mash extract.

Abstract: An improved system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid in a brewing pot. The improvement includes a filter assembly positioned about a drain tube. The filter assembly has a screen member surrounded by a shield member. The shield member is positioned between the drain tube and the particulate matter separated from the liquid. The bulk of the liquid, located in a top portion of a reservoir bypasses the screen member and drains through a drain reservoir and the drain tube. After removing the shield member, the remainder of the liquid drains through the screen member or filter and into the drain reservoir preventing the particulate matter from being carried through to a fermentor.

Abstract: A process for extraction of crude oil from DDGS and producing corn distillers meal that may be used as a livestock supplement is disclosed. For example, the corn distillers meal may be used as a crude protein supplement for use in a livestock feed diet or a poultry feed diet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method of producing a mash extract by decoction mashing, said method comprising: a. mixing a first malt enzyme source with an aqueous liquid to obtain an aqueous malt enzyme suspension; b. separately, mixing a second enzyme source with one or more starch-containing adjuncts to obtain a decoction suspension while maintaining temperature conditions that do not cause significant gelatinization of the starch; c. subjecting the decoction suspension to a first heat treatment at 60-85° C. to simultaneously partially gelatinize and enzymatically degrade the starch; d. subjecting the decoction suspension to a second heat treatment at a higher temperature than the first heat treatment to gelatinize the starch at an increased rate and to a higher extent; e. combining the heated decoction suspension obtained from the second heat treatment with the aqueous malt enzyme suspension from step a. to obtain a mash; f. maintaining the mash at 35-85° C. for at least minutes; and g.

Abstract: A waste material processing system includes a closed container for holding waste material having a first passage in which the waste material flows in a first direction, the first passage having first and second ends, the first end including an inlet for waste material, a second passage in which the waste material flows in a direction opposite the first direction, the second passage having first and second ends, the second end including an outlet. The first passage is separated from the second passage by a divider, the second end of the first passage being adjacent the first end of the second passage, and the first end of the first passage being adjacent the second end of the second passage. A heating device is positioned in the first passage and/or the second passage to heat the waste material with a gas and to induce the waste material to move in a corkscrew-like fashion.

Abstract: A system for filtering spent grains from unfermented beer is disclosed. The system has a pot assembly having a stock pot wall, lid, drain tube and outlet valve. A louvered false bottom is positioned in the pot assembly and forms an opening between the false bottom and the stock pot wall. The louvered false bottom has a plurality of raised louvers spaced over the false bottom. Each of the louvers has a top surface, a bottom surface, a leg and a slot. The slot can be made larger or smaller according to the grain crush size.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting a liquid yeast additive into the fermenter. The liquid yeast additive is injected in a closed-loop manner. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated, rapid composting are disclosed. An air-tight housing prevents odors from leaking out. The housing is thermally insulated to enable the compost to achieve sufficient temperatures for rapid composting. A chambered system, generally including an optional hopper, a reactor, and a cure tray, physically shields odorous material from the external environment. A mixing wand mechanically mixes and/or breaks up the compost material and enhances air flow therethrough. A drip tray segregates liquid byproducts from the solid compost material. An air pump draws in air, while a carbon filter may absorb odors before returning the air to the external environment. A motor provides mixing, and facilitates opening and closing of the two trap doors separating the chambers. An electronic controller automates the composting process while allowing certain settings to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method includes operating an apparatus having a mash circulating and recirculating system with pump and fermentation tank, an atmosphere circulating and recirculating system with blower for recirculating atmosphere between the tank and an ethanol-removal station, and an integrated refrigerating heat-transfer system with first coils remote from the tank for condensing out ethanol from the atmosphere, and second coils for warming the mash. The entire apparatus can be up-sized or down-sized for specific applications. In one form, the system includes electrically-driven pump, blower, and refrigeration compressors, with the external energy consumption being entirely electrical and kept surprisingly low.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to produce alcohol from plant-based raw materials while reducing energy consumption. Said aim is achieved by separating the husk portion of cereals during grinding and feed said husk portion to a dryer (21) which dries distiller's wash as a carrier medium for distiller's wash. The lost heat of said dryer (21) is supplied to the distillation station (15) as process heat. The lost heat of a molecular sieve (45) that drains the raw alcohol is also redirected to the distillation station (15) as process heat.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mash circulating system with pump and fermentation tank, an atmosphere circulating system with blower for circulating atmosphere between the tank and an ethanol-removal station, and an integrated refrigerating heat-transfer system with first coils for condensing out ethanol from the atmosphere, and second coils for warming the mash. A support frame supports portions of the above components, making it a transportable modular unit to facilitate installation, minimize cost, and provide for efficient operation. The entire apparatus can be up-sized or down-sized for specific applications. In one form, the system includes electrically-driven pump, blower, and refrigeration compressors, with the external energy consumption kept surprisingly low. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A process for extraction of crude oil from DDGS and producing corn distillers meal that may be used as a livestock supplement is disclosed. For example, the corn distillers meal may be used as a crude protein supplement for use in a livestock feed diet or a poultry feed diet.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of ethanol and energy. The process includes the steps of fermenting a corn mash in an aqueous medium to produce a beer. Next, the beer is distilled to produce ethanol and a whole stillage. The whole stillage is anaerobically digested to produce a biogas and a residue. The biogas is combusted to produce electricity and steam. The electricity and steam are used during the fermentation and distillation process. The residue may further be separated into a liquid fertilizer and top soil residue.

Abstract: A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of producing a mash extract, said method comprising: a. mashing particulate, starch-containing and optionally malted raw materials with a recirculated aqueous stream; b. heating the mash and enzymatically hydrolysing the starch; c. transferring the heat-treated mash into a first separator for separation into mash extract and spent grain; d. transferring the spent grain into a first mixing vessel and mixing it with sparging water; e. transferring the mixture of spent grain and sparging water into a second separator to remove spent grain; f. recirculating an aqueous stream from the second separator to the mashing step, wherein the gravity of the fermentable mash extract obtained from the first separator is maintained at above 15° P. The present method offers the advantage that it is highly efficient in terms of energy consumption and extraction yields.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction apparatus for organic and/or other substance(s) employing supercritical fluid(s) and/or subcritical fluid(s) permitting injection of organic substance(s) and/or other reactant substance(s) in homogeneous state(s) to reactor(s) without occurrence of clogging at location(s) of such injection, and also permitting actuation to occur in industrial fashion and at high energy efficiency. Reactor(s) (12) of this reaction apparatus comprise cylinder(s) (12a) and piston(s) (12b) provided at such cylinder(s) (12a).

Abstract: The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus oscillates an undiluted solution containing a target material at an ultrasonic frequency to produce mist, and collects the mist to collect a target material containing liquid that contains the target material with higher concentration than the undiluted solution. The ultrasonic solution separation apparatus includes an atomization chamber that oscillates the undiluted solution at an ultrasonic frequency by using a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators to produce the mist; and a collection portion that aggregates and thus collects the mist produced in the atomization chamber. The atomization chamber is divided into a plurality of divided chamber sections so that the ultrasonic oscillators are disposed in the respective divided chamber sections. The ultrasonic oscillators oscillate the undiluted solution supplied into the divided chamber sections to produce the mist.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ethanol production use shock waves and pulsed electric fields to increase the conversion of starch and/or cellulosic material into sugar. The shock waves or the pulsed electric fields may also control bacteria levels in the ethanol production facility. The shock waves and the pulsed electric fields may be generated, at least in part, by a pulsed electric field generator such as a Marx generator, which may have one or more semiconductor switches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbohydrate hydrolase-immobilized magnetic nanoparticle; a method of preparing ethanol from graminaceous plants and a continuous system of preparing ethanol.

Abstract: A corn oil extraction process is disclosed. The process includes the recovery of corn oil and other co-products, including but not limited to steam, electric power and chemicals, from an ethanol production process and in particular, a process that involves dry corn milling methods. The process involves extraction of oil from milled corn and residues from the fermentation step, including thick stillage, distillers wet grain, distillers dry grain and distillers dry grains with solubles, by the application of an alkyl acetate, phase separation and recovery of the separated matter. A process of drying wet co-product using ethanol and carbon dioxide from the production facility is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wine fermentation device for fermenting wine, and skins, seeds and stems which form a cap. The device includes a tank having cylindrical walls, an axis and a bottom. One or more optional interior baffles may be provided. At least one drain is located at or near the tank bottom. The device includes at least one impeller, and in a preferred embodiment two impellers, each impeller having a plurality of blades to radially and axially move the cap during fermentation and to blend the cap with liquid to permit draining of the cap (or pomace) through the drain.

Abstract: Provided by the invention is a reactor for two-phase methane fermentation of organic waste materials such as livestock excrements which can be operated for a long period with stability. The apparatus comprises an acid fermentation tank (1) connected to a feed tank, a methane fermentation tank (2) partitioned from the acid fermentation tank (1) with a partition wall (4) having a gate valve (4A) and a settling tank (3) partitioned from the methane fermentation tank (2) by a second partition wall (5) having a gate valve (5A) and the space in the upper part of the methane fermentation tank (2) serves as a gas holder (6). The methane gas generated in the methane fermentation tank (2) and collected in the gas holder (6) is taken out from a methane outlet pipeline (10) opening in the canopy of the gas holder (6).

Abstract: Method and device for cleaning germination trays. The device includes a moveable carriage comprising at least one telescoping carrier, the at least one telescoping carrier being coupled to at least one supply line, and a cleaning unit coupled to the at least one telescoping carrier. The method includes extending the at least one telescoping carrier from the moveable carriage, moving the moveable carriage, and directing a cleaning fluid onto a portion of the germinating tray using the at least one cleaning unit, wherein the cleaning fluid cleans the portion of the germination tray.