Distiller grain production device

Abstract

A device for producing a high density compact livestock feed from a loose granular material according to various embodiment can include a source for supplying a loose granular material to be treated and moving the treated material through a series of successive treatment zones. Rotatable screws are provided within an extruder to compress and transport the treated material a die. The treated material is pressed through the die while a two-dimensional cross-section compression is applied to the treated material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for producing a high density compact livestock feed from a loose granular material, comprising:
 a source for supplying a loose granular material to be treated;   a controller in communications with a plurality of sensors for monitoring temperature of at least one zone as the treated material moves through a series of successive treatment zones;   an extruder comprising an elongated housing having an inlet end and a discharge end, the inlet end in communication with the source and to receive the loose granular material to be treated and to compress the treated material within the extruder, wherein the extruder includes:
 rotatable screws provided within the housing and extending between the inlet end and the discharge end for compressing and transporting the treated material, the screws apply a compressive force to the treated material as the screws rotate and move the treated material longitudinally along the screws; 
 at least one drive coupled to the screws for axially rotating the screws; and 
 at least one heater disposed along a portion of the housing for heating the treated material moving along the screws to a first predetermined temperature which causes at least one of an oil and a liquid to boil within the treated material and changes physical properties of the treated material into a modulus state; and 
   a die located at tips of the screws at the discharge end of the extruder for creating a substantial pressure for compacting the treated material, wherein the die includes:
 a chamber having a through hole which extends longitudinally through the chamber and provides a restricted passageway for compressing the treated material, the through hole includes an inlet orifice for receiving the treated material from the discharge end of the extruder and an outlet orifice for discharging the treated material, pressing the treated material in the modulus state longitudinally through the restricted passageway by applying a two-dimensional cross-section compression which includes a pressure applied in a direction traverse to a direction of transport and a pressure applied in a direction parallel to the direction of transport, the two-dimensional cross-section compression is applied to the treated material such that liquids in the treated material migrates to its outer surface upon reaching the outlet orifice. 
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the high density compact body is shaped to form at least one of a pellet, a cube and a tub.