Secondary Beet Molasses (Raffinate)
Secondary beet molasses (raffinate) is a viscous, dark brown liquid that remains after sugar extraction from original beet molasses. While lower in sugars compared to molasses, raffinate contains higher levels of protein, potassium, and other nutrients. Its primary use is as a livestock feed additive for species like cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.
Raffinate serves as an excellent high-energy ingredient to boost caloric content of feeds. With over half of its make-up as digestible proteins, it enhances the protein quality of animal diets efficiently and cost-effectively. Additionally, raffinate improves palatability which supports feed intake.
The residual sugars also allow it to be used as a carrying agent for vitamins, minerals, and medications in mixed feeds. Raffinate can also serve industrial purposes like deicing agent due to its high sugar levels. At around 25% dry matter and 8-10% protein content, this sustainable byproduct of the sugar industry provides nutritional and environmental benefits.
The residual sugars also allow it to be used as a carrying agent for vitamins, minerals, and medications in mixed feeds. Raffinate can also serve industrial purposes like deicing agent due to its high sugar levels. At around 25% dry matter and 8-10% protein content, this sustainable byproduct of the sugar industry provides nutritional and environmental benefits.
Now you have a clear idea of what is raffinate all about. With that in mind, let’s explore the main characteristics of it.
Nutrient
Dry Matter
Moisture
Protein, Crude
Fiber, Crude
ADF - Acid Detergent Fiber
NEL - Net Energy Lactation
NEG - Net Energy Gain
NEM - Net Energy Maintenance
TDN - Total Digestible Nutrients
Fat
Ash
NEF - Nitrogen Free Extract
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
PH
Reducing Sugars
TSI - Total Sugars as Invert
Brix
Dry Matter
Moisture
Protein, Crude
Fiber, Crude
ADF - Acid Detergent Fiber
NEL - Net Energy Lactation
NEG - Net Energy Gain
NEM - Net Energy Maintenance
TDN - Total Digestible Nutrients
Fat
Ash
NEF - Nitrogen Free Extract
Calcium
Phosphorus
Potassium
PH
Reducing Sugars
TSI - Total Sugars as Invert
Brix
Main Characteristics of Secondary Beet Molasses
Units
%
%
%
%
%
Mcal/lb
Mcal/lb
Mcal/lb
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
s.u.
%
%
-
%
%
%
%
%
Mcal/lb
Mcal/lb
Mcal/lb
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
s.u.
%
%
-
As Fed
61.12
38.88
7.97
0
0
0.45
0.29
0.42
43.52
0.13
16.71
36.3
0.05
0.02
6.43
7.4
2
22.5
74.9
61.12
38.88
7.97
0
0
0.45
0.29
0.42
43.52
0.13
16.71
36.3
0.05
0.02
6.43
7.4
2
22.5
74.9
Industrial Applications of Secondary Beet Molasses
Secondary beet molasses raffinate can be utilized as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and biomethane. Its high sugar content provides an excellent source of methane when broken down by anaerobic bacteria. Typical inclusion rates range from 5-15% of the total feedstock input to anaerobic digesters. Co-digestion with animal manure and other waste biomass can further optimize biogas yields.
Pretreatment is often unnecessary since the viscous liquid consistency and lack of lignocellulose make raffinate easily accessible to microbes. The high nutrient levels like potassium and phosphorus also aid the microbial processes. Its use reduces reliance on crops like corn and provides a sustainable waste-to-energy pathway. The biomethane can serve as green fuel for heat, electricity, or vehicle use as a petrol/diesel substitute. Digestate byproduct is a biofertilizer.
Pretreatment is often unnecessary since the viscous liquid consistency and lack of lignocellulose make raffinate easily accessible to microbes. The high nutrient levels like potassium and phosphorus also aid the microbial processes. Its use reduces reliance on crops like corn and provides a sustainable waste-to-energy pathway. The biomethane can serve as green fuel for heat, electricity, or vehicle use as a petrol/diesel substitute. Digestate byproduct is a biofertilizer.
Biogas/Biomethane Production
As a sugary byproduct stream of the sugar industry, secondary beet molasses raffinate can provide an alternative feedstock to conventional crops for ethanol biofuel production. It contains high levels of fermentable sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose that yeasts can readily convert to ethanol. Typical ethanol yields from raffinate range from 35-45% of total sugars. Dilution and addition of nutrients like ammonium sulfate or phosphorus may be necessary to optimize the fermentation process. Contaminants are usually low.
The process generates several co-products like fuel-grade ethanol, livestock feed, yeast biomass, and CO2 for industrial uses. As an abundant waste resource requiring minimal preprocessing, raffinate-based ethanol production improves the economic and environmental footprint over traditional corn or cane sugar-based production. Integrating raffinate bioethanol with existing sugar facilities also enables localized circular economies.
The process generates several co-products like fuel-grade ethanol, livestock feed, yeast biomass, and CO2 for industrial uses. As an abundant waste resource requiring minimal preprocessing, raffinate-based ethanol production improves the economic and environmental footprint over traditional corn or cane sugar-based production. Integrating raffinate bioethanol with existing sugar facilities also enables localized circular economies.
Ethanol Production
It is also important to follow best practices when transporting and storing raffinated sugar. Follow these tips to ensure it.
Storage and Transportation of Secondary Beet Molasses
Transportation
- Raffinate should be transported in stainless steel tanker trucks or railcars that are heated and insulated. Temperatures between 60-85°C are optimal;
- Tankers should have sloped bottoms and steam heating coils running through them to allow complete draining and prevent caramelization of sugars;
- Tank capacity is usually around 25 metric tons for road transport up to 90 metric tons for rail shipments;
- Loading/unloading should use steam injection to lower viscosity and pumps capable of pushing high density fluids.
Storage
- Store in temperature controlled stainless steel or coated carbon steel tanks;
- Maintain temperatures between 60-85°C to keep the raffinate pumpable for further transport or processing;
- Tanks work best with conical bottoms and low heat systems like hot water, steam coils, or jacketed exteriors;
- Insulation prevents heat loss and saves energy but is not mandatory;
- Minor agitation can prevent separation of components;
- Ideal storage times are 4-6 months. Beyond that can cause burning, higher viscosity, and microbial degradation.
Proper heated transportation and storage of secondary beet raffinate maintains quality for industrial feed applications or processing.
Check out our raffinate price and proceed with your order today.
Check out our raffinate price and proceed with your order today.
