Embodiments include animal feed preparation systems and methods. In an embodiment, a method of administering fine particulates with a total mixed ration includes adding total mixed ration components to a vessel. The method further includes adding the fine particulates and an aqueous composition to the vessel. The method further includes mixing the aqueous composition, the fine particulates, and the total mixed ration together to form an agglomerated total mixed ration. The method further includes providing the agglomerated total mixed ration to an animal. Other embodiments are also included herein.
A61K 31/351 - Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin having six-membered rings with one oxygen as the only ring hetero atom not condensed with another ring
A61K 9/00 - Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
A23K 40/10 - Shaping or working-up of animal feeding-stuffs by agglomerationShaping or working-up of animal feeding-stuffs by granulation, e.g. making powders
A23K 20/121 - Heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen or sulfur as hetero atom
A23K 10/30 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms
Embodiments herein relate to compositions herein can include one or more of a tomato extract, a rhubarb extract, a garlic extract, a cashew shell composition, and a saponin composition, wherein the composition prevents or reduces methanogenesis in animals. Embodiments herein also relate to compositions including one or more of glycoalkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, anacardic acid, and allicin and methods for using the same for mitigating methanogenesis in animals. In an embodiment, a composition can include glycoalkaloids, such as α-tomatine, that can prevent methanogenesis. In an embodiment, a method of processing animal feed is included. In an embodiment, a method of treating an animal to reduce methanogenesis is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.
A61K 31/122 - Ketones having the oxygen atom directly attached to a ring, e.g. quinones, vitamin K1, anthralin
A61K 31/192 - Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having aromatic groups, e.g. sulindac, 2-aryl-propionic acids, ethacrynic acid
A61K 31/7048 - Compounds having saccharide radicals and heterocyclic rings having oxygen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. leucoglucosan, hesperidin, erythromycin, nystatin
Embodiments include moisture addition systems and methods. In an embodiment, a system includes a vessel defining an interior volume, a fluid supply system to add fluid into the vessel, a first moisture sensor, and a control module. The first moisture sensor is configured to measure the moisture content of a material within the vessel, such as a total mixed ration (TMR). The first moisture sensor can include a microwave moisture sensor. The control module is configured to control the fluid supply system. The control module controls the amount and rate at which fluid is added to the vessel. The control module is configured to receive a signal regarding the moisture content within the vessel from the first moisture sensor. The amount or rate at which fluid is added can be varied based on the moisture content within the vessel. Other embodiments are also included herein.
A23N 17/00 - Apparatus specially adapted for preparing animal feeding-stuffs
A23K 10/38 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms from waste material from distillers' or brewers' waste
5.
Methods and apparatus for producing alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks, alcohol feedstocks, and acids
Embodiments herein relate to the production of alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks. In an embodiment, a process for producing alkyl esters is included. The process can include mixing a lipid feed stock with an alcohol, water, and at least one of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and/or one or more acids to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst comprising a metal oxide. Other embodiments are also included herein.
C11C 3/00 - Fats, oils or fatty acids obtained by chemical modification of fats, oils or fatty acids, e.g. by ozonolysis
C11C 3/04 - Fats, oils or fatty acids obtained by chemical modification of fats, oils or fatty acids, e.g. by ozonolysis by esterification of fats or fatty oils
B01J 21/06 - Silicon, titanium, zirconium or hafniumOxides or hydroxides thereof
C07C 67/08 - Preparation of carboxylic acid esters by reacting carboxylic acids or symmetrical anhydrides with the hydroxy or O-metal group of organic compounds
C07C 67/02 - Preparation of carboxylic acid esters by interreacting ester groups, i.e. transesterification
C11C 1/00 - Preparation of fatty acids from fats, fatty oils, or waxesRefining the fatty acids
C11B 13/00 - Recovery of fats, fatty oils or fatty acids from waste materials
C07C 67/03 - Preparation of carboxylic acid esters by reacting an ester group with a hydroxy group
C07C 51/15 - Preparation of carboxylic acids or their salts, halides, or anhydrides by reaction of organic compounds with carbon dioxide, e.g. Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis
6.
Methods and apparatus for producing alkyl esters from a reaction mixture containing acidified soap stock, alcohol feedstock, and acid
Embodiments herein relate to the production of alkyl esters from acidified soap stock. In an embodiment, a process for producing alkyl esters is provided. The process can include mixing acidified soap stock with an alcohol, water, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, to form a reaction mixture, and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst including a metal oxide. Other embodiments are also included herein.
7 colony forming units (CFU) per gram of one or more bacterial strains. The saponins can reduce a bactericidal activity of protozoa within the animal on the one or more bacterial strains. Other embodiments are also included herein.
A23K 10/30 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms
Embodiments herein include a composition that can include a saponin composition including saponins and at least one medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) or ester or salt thereof. In an embodiment, the saponins and at least one MCFA present in the composition can work synergistically to prevent methanogenesis by bacteria. In another embodiment, a method of processing animal feed using the compositions herein is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.
A23K 20/158 - Fatty acidsFatsProducts containing oils or fats
A61K 36/77 - Sapindaceae (Soapberry family), e.g. lychee or soapberry
A61K 31/20 - Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid having a carboxyl group bound to an acyclic chain of seven or more carbon atoms, e.g. stearic, palmitic or arachidic acid
A61K 31/215 - Esters, e.g. nitroglycerine, selenocyanates of carboxylic acids
A23K 10/30 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms
9.
Systems and methods for synthesis of phenolics and ketones
Embodiments herein relate to apparatus and systems for phenolic and ketone synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, a method of producing phenolics and ketones is included. The method can specifically include forming a reaction mixture comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and water. The method can also include contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of 350 degrees Celsius or higher and a pressure of at least about 3200 psi to form a reaction product mixture. The reaction product mixture can include at least about 20 wt. % phenolics and at least about 10 wt. % ketones as a percentage of the total mass of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Other embodiments are also included herein.
The invention is related to compositions including saponins and saponin-protective agents and related methods. In an embodiment, a composition is included herein. The composition can specifically include a saponin composition comprising saponins and a saponin-protective agent, wherein the saponin-protective agent prevents deglycosylation of the saponins in an aqueous environment containing glycosidase enzymes. Other embodiments are included herein.
A23K 50/10 - Feeding-stuffs specially adapted for particular animals for ruminants
A23K 10/30 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms
A61K 31/704 - Compounds having saccharide radicals attached to non-saccharide compounds by glycosidic linkages attached to a carbocyclic compound, e.g. phloridzin attached to a condensed carbocyclic ring system, e.g. sennosides, thiocolchicosides, escin, daunorubicin, digitoxin
Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.
B01J 8/08 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with moving particles
B01J 8/10 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with moving particles moved by stirrers or by rotary drums or rotary receptacles
B01J 19/20 - Stationary reactors having moving elements inside in the form of helices, e.g. screw reactors
B01J 3/00 - Processes of utilising sub-atmospheric or super-atmospheric pressure to effect chemical or physical change of matterApparatus therefor
C11C 3/00 - Fats, oils or fatty acids obtained by chemical modification of fats, oils or fatty acids, e.g. by ozonolysis
Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.
C10L 1/02 - Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only
B01J 8/08 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with moving particles
B01J 8/10 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with moving particles moved by stirrers or by rotary drums or rotary receptacles
B01J 19/20 - Stationary reactors having moving elements inside in the form of helices, e.g. screw reactors
B01J 3/00 - Processes of utilising sub-atmospheric or super-atmospheric pressure to effect chemical or physical change of matterApparatus therefor
C11C 3/00 - Fats, oils or fatty acids obtained by chemical modification of fats, oils or fatty acids, e.g. by ozonolysis
Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.
Embodiments of the invention include processing lipid feedstocks into various products. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of processing a lipid feedstock comprising combining triglycerides from the lipid feedstock with water to form a first reaction mixture, contacting the first reaction mixture with a first metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than 200 degrees Celsius to form a first product mixture including free fatty acids and glycerin, combining the free fatty acids with a diol to form a second reaction mixture, and contacting the second reaction mixture with a second metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than 200 degrees Celsius to form a second product mixture. Other embodiments are also included herein.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to carbon dioxide sequestration systems and methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of sequestering carbon dioxide. The method can include mixing carbon dioxide with an alcohol to form a reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst under reaction conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate as a reaction product. In an embodiment, the invention includes a carbon dioxide sequestration system. The system can include a carbon dioxide supply source, an alcohol supply source, and a reaction vessel. A metal oxide catalyst can be disposed within the reaction vessel. The system can be configured to mix carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide supply source with an alcohol from the alcohol supply source to form a reaction mixture and contact the reaction mixture with the metal oxide catalyst. Other embodiments are also described herein.
The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels and fuel precursors from carbohydrates. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing a biofuel including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. Other embodiments are also described herein.
The invention is related to compositions including sulfide binding agents and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a composition including saponins, and a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of processing animal feed including contacting an animal feed material with a composition, the composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating animals for dietary sulfur overload including administering to an animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for reducing ruminal sulfide concentrations including administering to an animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. Other embodiments are included herein.
A23K 1/175 - with inorganic substances; Salt blocks
A23K 50/10 - Feeding-stuffs specially adapted for particular animals for ruminants
A23K 10/30 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms
A23K 20/121 - Heterocyclic compounds containing oxygen or sulfur as hetero atom
The present invention relates to catalysts, systems, and methods for producing products such as fuels and fuel additives from polyols. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of producing a fuel additive, including combining a polyol and a component selected from the group consisting of alcohols and organic acids to form a reaction mixture and contacting the reaction mixture with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 150 degrees Celsius. Other embodiments are also included herein.
The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of producing a diesel-equivalent fuel, including pyrolyzing biomass to form a pyrolysis oil and contacting the pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of refining pyrolysis oil including contacting pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the invention includes a system for processing biomass into fuel including a pyrolysis chamber defining an interior volume; a first heating element configured to heat the pyrolysis chamber; a refining chamber in selective fluid communication with the pyrolysis chamber, the refining chamber defining an interior volume, a metal oxide catalyst disposed within the interior volume; and a second heating element configured to heat the refining chamber. Other embodiments are also described herein.
C10B 53/02 - Destructive distillation, specially adapted for particular solid raw materials or solid raw materials in special form of cellulose-containing material
C10B 19/00 - Heating of coke ovens by electrical means
C10G 1/06 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal by destructive hydrogenation
The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels and fuel precursors from carbohydrates. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing a biofuel including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. Other embodiments are also described herein.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to fuel tanks including features for capturing vapors displaced during a filling process. In an embodiment, the invention includes a fuel tank including a housing defining an interior volume; an inflow conduit providing fluid communication between the outside of the housing and the interior volume; a check-valve coupled to the inflow conduit, the check-valve configured to allow fuel to flow through the check-valve into the interior volume but prevent the flow of gases from the interior volume to the outside of the housing; an expansion member configured to reversibly change in volume; and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the expansion member and the interior volume of the housing. Other embodiments are also described herein.
The invention is related to compositions including sulfide binding agents and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a composition including saponins, and a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of processing animal feed including contacting an animal feed material with a composition, the composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of treating animals for dietary sulfur overload including administering to an animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for reducing ruminal sulfide concentrations including administering to an animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a sulfide binding agent, the sulfide binding agent comprising a metal containing compound. Other embodiments are included herein.
The invention is related to methods and compositions for reducing protozoa populations in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for reducing protozoal populations including administering a first composition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for killing protozoa comprising contacting protozoa with a composition comprising an effective amount of saponins and an effective amount of ethoxyquin. Other embodiments are included herein.
A61K 36/48 - Fabaceae or Leguminosae (Pea or Legume family)CaesalpiniaceaeMimosaceaePapilionaceae
A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
A01N 43/40 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom six-membered rings
An algae cultivation system and method. In an embodiment, an algae cultivation system is included. The algae cultivation system can include a cultivation tank, a plurality of light transmitting elements configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid medium disposed within the cultivation tank, wherein the light transmitting elements increase the effective surface area of the liquid medium exposed to light, and a plurality of gas injectors configured to emit gas into the liquid medium. In an embodiment a method of culturing algae is included. The method can include measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in a cultivation system and modulating the amount of light being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, a method of culturing algae can include measuring the amount of light being input into a cultivation system and modulating the amount of carbon dioxide being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of light. Other embodiments are also described herein.
The invention is related to methods and compositions for controlling microorganism populations in the digestive system of an animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a composition for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive tract of an animal including a saponin containing composition and an anti-microbial agent. Other embodiments are included herein.
A61K 33/14 - Alkali metal chloridesAlkaline earth metal chlorides
A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
A23K 1/18 - specially adapted for particular animals
29.
CATALYSTS AND METHODS FOR COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATE HYDROLYSIS
The present invention relates to methods and catalysts for hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for producing monosaccharides from a complex carbohydrate feedstock including the operations of heating the complex carbohydrate feedstock to a temperature greater than about 150 degrees Celsius and contacting the complex carbohydrate feedstock with a metal oxide catalyst. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates including the operations of heating the complex carbohydrate feedstock to a temperature greater than about 150 degrees Celsius and passing the complex carbohydrate feedstock through a housing to form a reaction product mixture. In an embodiment, the invention includes a polysaccharide hydrolysis reactor including a reactor housing and a catalyst disposed within the reactor housing. Other embodiments are also described herein.
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing L-pipecolic acid concentrations and/or effects in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of reducing plasma concentrations of L-pipecolic acid in animals including administering an effective amount of a composition including saponins. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of reducing anorectic effects of L-pipecolic acid in animals including administering an effective amount of a composition including saponins. Other embodiments are also included herein.
A61K 31/704 - Compounds having saccharide radicals attached to non-saccharide compounds by glycosidic linkages attached to a carbocyclic compound, e.g. phloridzin attached to a condensed carbocyclic ring system, e.g. sennosides, thiocolchicosides, escin, daunorubicin, digitoxin
The invention is related to methods and compositions for improving feeding and/or production characteristics in animals. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for improving feeding characteristics of an animal including administering a first composition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for improving production characteristics of an animal including administering a first composition comprising an effective amount of saponins to the animal, and administering a second composition comprising an effective amount of a preservative to the animal.
A61K 36/48 - Fabaceae or Leguminosae (Pea or Legume family)CaesalpiniaceaeMimosaceaePapilionaceae
A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
A01N 43/40 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing heterocyclic compounds having rings with one nitrogen atom as the only ring hetero atom six-membered rings
32.
Methods and compositions for maintaining or enhancing feeding characteristics in post-receiving stressed animals
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for maintaining or enhancing feeding characteristics of post-receiving stressed animals using a saponin composition. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for increasing feed intake of an animal after a post-receiving stressful event comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising saponins to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for increasing weight gain of an animal after a post-receiving stressful event comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising saponins to the animal.
A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
33.
Methods and compositions for increasing milk production in animals
The invention is related to methods and compositions for increasing milk production in animals using a saponin containing composition. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for increasing milk production of an animal comprising administering an initiation dose of a saponin-containing composition to the animal within five days before or after the time of freshening of the animal, and administering a plurality of maintenance doses of the saponin-containing composition to the animal.
A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
34.
Methods and compositions for controlling microorganism populations in the digestive system of animals
The invention is related to methods and compositions for controlling microorganism populations in the digestive system of an animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for reducing protozoa populations in the digestive system of an animal including administering an effective amount of a saponin containing composition to the animal, and administering an effective amount of an anti-microbial agent to the animal. In an embodiment, the invention is a composition for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive tract of an animal including a saponin containing composition and an anti-microbial agent. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for reducing the bacterial load in the digestive system of an animal including administering an effective amount of a saponin containing composition to the animal.
A61K 33/14 - Alkali metal chloridesAlkaline earth metal chlorides
A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines
A23K 1/18 - specially adapted for particular animals
35.
Automatically controlled steam flaking systems and methods
The invention is related to an apparatus and method for controlling a steam flaking operation. In an embodiment, the invention is a steam flaking system including at least one sensor to measure the flow of material in the steam flaking system, a steam chest, a peg feeder, disposed at the bottom of the steam chest, and an automatic control unit, wherein the automatic control unit receives data from the at least one sensor and controls the peg feeder. In an embodiment, the invention is a steam flaking system including a steam chest, at least one sensor to measure the flow of material in the steam chest, a peg feeder, and an automatic control unit, wherein the automatic control unit receives data from the at least one sensor and controls the peg feeder. In an embodiment, the invention is a method for automatically controlling the residence time of a product in a steam chest including the steps of calculating a residence time (Tr) of a product, calculating a desired peg feeder RPM based on a calibration curve relating RPM and residence time, and adjusting the RPM of the peg feeder to the desired amount.
