Based on our 30 years of agribusiness experience, VAA understands the different physical properties of a wide variety of by-product.
VAA has experience working with a variety of by-products including:
- Soy Meal
- DDGS – Dried Distillers Grain and Solubles
- Beet Pulp Pellets
- Corn Gluten
- Canola Meal
- Wheat Mids
There are many special design considerations required for facilities processing by-products:
Storage: By-products are difficult to store, because they are not a free flowing material. We have successful experience utilizing a variety of different types of storage methods including:
- Live bottom bins with a mechanical unloader;
- Flat storage buildings with reclaim tunnels;
- Concrete slip form design for meal storage, with a laidig unloader;
- Fabric buildings and/or temporary type storage
These products can be moved mechanically or by front-end loaders. We understand the need for handling products first in and first out, and design appropriately.
Conveyance: VAA is experience in mechanical belt conveyors or mass flow type conveyors as well as pneumatic conveyors. By-products require special attention to cleanout due to residual materials left on the systems. A system of cleaning by scraping belts or washing down may be required. VAA can accommodate these applications through general arrangement layouts and conveyance equipment to minimize build up with fewer ledges.
Dust Collection Systems: Dust collection is utilized to control cross contamination, returning dust from the product stream. VAA specifies the use of totally enclosed equipment and understands the need to use specialty filter media to handle the dust.
Drying: Drying by-products require special attention to environmental considerations, general arrangement and utilities. This is due to the immense amount of energy it takes to dry by-products and the potential for air emissions.
Weighing: Keeping product flowing during weighing in order for materials not to build up or clog systems is a challenge. VAA has experience with bulk weigh systems, a continuous certified measure for legal trade, and systems for internal inventory control purposes.
Pelletizing: VAA has experience with systems for round or cube-type pellets. This eases methods of conveyance, transportation, and densifies the product so able to get more of it in a smaller space. We have found this is a cost effective option when transurtatives and suitable binding material are available.
