Method and apparatus for improving efficiency and reliability of stillage processing

An apparatus for dewatering a feed stream of aqueous solids residual from a fermentation and distillation process, the apparatus comprising:

• a first separation device comprising a centrifuge to clarify a stream of aqueous solids into a first sub-stream and a second sub-stream;
• a mixing tank in fluid connection with the first separation device to receive the first sub-stream and to provide a third sub-stream;
• an evaporator in fluid communication to the first separation device to receive the second sub-stream and to provide a fourth sub-stream to the mixing tank;
• a second separation device in fluid connection with the mixing tank to receive the third sub-stream and to clarify the third sub-stream into a fifth sub-stream and a sixth sub-stream,
• wherein the second separation device comprises a hydrocyclone, a screen bend, or a clarifier;
• a third separation device in fluid connection with the second separation device and to receive the sixth sub-stream and to clarify the sixth sub-stream into a seventh sub-stream and an eighth sub-stream, and
• wherein the third separation device comprises a screw press, a centrifuge, or a belt filter press.

An apparatus for dewatering a feed stream of aqueous solids residual from a fermentation and distillation process using corn or milo, the apparatus comprising:

• a first separation device comprising a solid bowl decanter centrifuge to clarify a stream of aqueous solids into a first sub-stream and a second sub-stream,
• wherein the first sub-stream comprises less than about 32 weight percent (wt %) total solids;
• a mixing tank in fluid connection with the first separation device to receive the first sub-stream and to provide a third sub-stream;
• an evaporator in fluid communication to the first separation device to receive the second sub-stream and to provide a fourth sub-stream to the mixing tank;
• a second separation device comprising a hydrocyclone in fluid connection with the mixing tank to receive the third sub-stream and to clarify the third sub-stream into a fifth sub-stream and a sixth sub-stream;
• a third separation device comprising a screw press in fluid connection with the second separation device and to receive the sixth sub-stream and to clarify the sixth sub-stream into a seventh sub-stream and an eighth sub-stream;
• a dryer in fluid communication with third separation device for drying the seventh sub-stream,
• wherein the evaporator is in fluid communication with the dryer and provides a syrup to the seventh sub-stream;
• one or more pH adjusting apparatuses in fluid communication with the mixing tank;
• one or more boiler blowdown apparatuses in fluid communication with the mixing tank;
• and
• one or more dewatering aide apparatuses in fluid communication with the mixing tank and the sixth sub-stream.