Bulk Handling of Brewer’s Spent Grain Containing Spent Diatomaceous Earth

Abstract

Brewers spent grain (BSG) and brewers spent diatomaceous earth (BSDE) were blended into a mixture used as a feed supplement. This supplement, containing about 3% BSDE on a dry weight basis, provided an ecologically sound method of disposing of these by-products of brewing. A problem occurred during the shipmentBSDE generally segregates from the mixture and the percentage of BSDE as the bottom becomes too high for animal feed. Three other brewing by-products, brewers condensed soluble (BCS), centrifuge cake (CC), and pressed liquor (PL), were tested as adhesives to reduce BSDE segregation. The BCS was the most effective. Moisture contents of BSG and concentration levels of additive were important factors. The BSDE segregation was reduced by almost 30% when moisture content of BSG was increased from 4 to 9% w.b.; and by 53 and 88% at 5% and 15% concentration levels, respectively, when BCS was added to the test samples of 9% moisture content.