Method of processing ethanol byproducts and related subsystems

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention, a method recovers oil from a concentrated byproduct, such as evaporated thin stillage formed during a dry milling process used for producing ethanol. The method includes forming a concentrate from the byproduct and recovering oil from the concentrate. The step of forming the concentrate may comprise evaporating the byproduct. Further, the step of separating the oil from the concentrate may comprise using a centrifuge and, in particular, a disk stack centrifuge. Other aspects of the invention include related methods and subsystems for recovering oil from thin stillage.

1 . In a system for producing ethanol by dry milling and creating thin stillage as a byproduct, a subsystem comprising: an evaporator for evaporating the thin stillage to form a concentrate; and a disk stack centrifuge for receiving the concentrate and recovering oil therefrom. 
   
   
       2 . The subsystem according to  claim 1 , wherein the concentrate has a moisture content of less than about 90% by weight. 
   
   
       3 . In combination, a concentrate formed from thin stillage including oil and a disk stack centrifuge for removing at least a portion of the oil from the concentrate. 
   
   
       4 . The combination of  claim 3 , wherein the concentrate has a moisture content of greater than 15% by weight and less than about 90% by weight.