ARS | Publication request: The extraction and use of DDGS lipids for biodiesel production

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 15, 2010
Publication Date: August 1, 2011
Citation: Haas, M.J. 2011. The extraction and use of DDGS lipids for biodiesel production. Book Chapter. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2012, p.487-502, Liu, K and Rosentrater, K.A. (eds.) Distillers Grains; Production, Properties and Utilization.

Technical Abstract: The microbial fermentation process whereby fuel ethanol is produced does not destroy the acylglycerols resident in the fermentation feedstock. These lipids are contained in the thin stillage and Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) coproducts of fermentation. Recovery and conversion of these acylglycerols to biodiesel, a lipid-based replacement for petroleum-derived diesel fuel, would increase biodiesel production and improve the economics of ethanol production. Available technologies for the recovery of post-fermentation oil are reviewed here. Current approaches include (a) recovery of oil from the liquid, aqueous thin stillage stream, (b) extraction of the lipids from DDGS with organic solvents, and (c) direct in situ transesterification of the acylglycerols in DDGS, resulting in single-step biodiesel production. These technologies and the extents of their adoption in contemporary biodiesel production are described, as are unique quality aspects of the resulting lipid streams and of biodiesel preparations synthesized from them.