Tharaldson Ethanol announced the purchase of Alfa Laval’s Prodec Oil Plus centrifuge technology to improve corn‑oil recovery at its Casselton, North Dakota plant. The move follows a six‑month trial of two Prodec 65 Oil Plus units that met performance expectations, prompting plans for a full‑scale capital rollout.
What Happened
Tharaldson Ethanol bought Alfa Laval’s Prodec Oil Plus centrifuge system and installed two Prodec 65 Oil Plus units as a trial. After six months of operation, the trial “met expectations,” and the company intends to proceed with a full capital project implementation. Chief Operations Officer Ryan Carter highlighted the partnership, noting that Alfa Laval’s patented technology adds “the latest, most innovative and energy‑efficient technology in the marketplace” to the facility.
Project Context
The trial was conducted at Tharaldson’s dry‑mill ethanol plant, which has an annual production capacity of roughly 175 million gallons. The facility already produces low‑carbon renewable fuel, distillers grains, and corn oil. The new centrifuges are positioned to further optimize oil recovery while supporting the plant’s broader focus on process innovation and efficiency.
Market Relevance
Improving corn‑oil capture can enhance the value of by‑products such as high‑protein distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). For ethanol producers, incremental gains in oil recovery translate into higher overall product yields without expanding feedstock input, aligning with industry goals of maximizing asset utilization and profitability.
Key Takeaways
- Tharaldson Ethanol purchased Alfa Laval’s Prodec Oil Plus centrifuge technology.
- Two Prodec 65 Oil Plus centrifuges were installed and operated for six months as a trial.
- The trial met expectations, leading to plans for a full capital project implementation.
EnergyInsyte's Take
The adoption of Alfa Laval’s centrifuges illustrates how ethanol plants are leveraging proven equipment to extract additional value from existing feedstocks. Executives should monitor the upcoming full‑scale rollout for insights into capital allocation, operational integration, and potential impacts on by‑product margins. Further data on oil recovery rates and energy consumption will be needed to assess the technology’s long‑term economic case.
Source: PR Newswire
