CARBON DIOXIDE
The co-product arising from the fermentation process is carbon dioxide gas of high purity. Members normally supply this to the traditional gas companies, under contract. They compress the gas and then market liquefied carbon dioxide and dry ice to appropriate market sectors, such as the carbonated beverage industry, welding accessories and ice cream distribution.
ANIMAL FEED
During fermentation most of the sugar (in the molasses or enzymatically modified starch) is consumed by the microbiological activity of ethanol and carbon dioxide production. After distillation the residues are concentrated and these liquids are then respectively known as Condensed Molasses Solubles (CMS or vinasse) or Distillers Grain Solubles (DGS or DDGS, if dried). CMS and DGS are rich in protein (or protein equivalent) and minerals and are thus useful as animal feed or animal feed supplement.
Among the minerals, the potassium content is high and CMS is also used as a fertiliser.