Spent Grain Preservation via Pressing and Lactic Acid Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving Treber, a by-product from beer and bioethanol production, are costly and inefficient, requiring additional additives and complex processing steps to extend its durability as animal feed, limiting economic viability.
Innovation Solution
Treber is converted into a compact monolithic body through pressing and lactic acid fermentation in an airtight covering, eliminating the need for additives and simplifying handling and storage by forming a cuboid shape that is easier to transport and store, with airtight wrapping preventing ambient air damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If spent grain is preserved using conventional methods with additives and complex processing steps, then shelf life is extended, but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes air from the spent grain mass before sealing, eliminating the need for preservative additives. By taking out the harmful element (air) that causes spoilage, the method achieves preservation without additional substances, reducing production costs while extending shelf life
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of spent grain from loose bulk material to a compacted, air-free mass. This parameter change in density and structure creates anaerobic conditions that prevent spoilage, extending shelf life without requiring expensive additives or complex processing steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If spent grain is transported as bulk material, then flexibility is maintained, but handling and storage become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the spent grain into individual compacted units (packages) that can be easily handled, transported, and stored. Each unit is self-contained and air-free, making it manageable while maintaining flexibility in distribution and storage arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting air and compacting the spent grain into dense units, the invention creates packages that are easier to handle and transport. The removal of air reduces volume and creates stable, stackable units that improve operational ease while maintaining adaptability
3Volume of stationary object
If spent grain is packaged in bulk, then storage space is utilized, but air contact damages the contents through leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts air from the spent grain mass before sealing in the package. This creates an anaerobic environment that prevents spoilage even if packaging leaks occur later, maintaining preservation integrity while utilizing storage space efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
By removing air and creating an anaerobic environment within the package, the invention establishes a protective inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation and spoilage. This ensures preservation integrity is maintained regardless of potential packaging defects, while still allowing efficient storage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enhances lactic acid fermentation, reduces handling and storage challenges, and maintains feed quality by minimizing air interference and leakage, making the process more cost-effective and widely applicable.
Implementation Method 1
the resulting lactic acid fermentation (which also occurs during conventional ensiling of green fodder) significantly extends the shelf life of the spent grain
Implementation Method 2
the process of pressing spent grain for the purpose of converting it from a wet, mushy bulk material to a drier, compact body
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for preserving spent grain (3) as animal feed, wherein the spent grain (3) originates from beer production and/or from the production of bioethanol from grain, wherein the water content of the spent grain (3) is reduced by a pressing process and the spent grain (3) is subjected to lactic acid fermentation in a closed casing made of airtight casing material (10). The spent grain (3) is provided with the casing in the form of a compact, monolithic body formed by pressing pressure.