As the raw stock corncobs are introduced to the plant, they pass through a hammermill that produces corncob fractions. The corncob fractions are then heat-dried. The drying process utilizes a rotary dryer systemthat heats the corncob fractions to approximately 200 degrees fahrenheit for two to three minutes. An aspiration process separates the woody-ring portion of the corncob from the pith and chaff portions. Smaller fractions/particles are produced by rollermill and hammermill processes. The particles are then sized and separated through a sifting process which utilizes screens conforming to U.S. standards. The particles pass through a final aspiration process to remove any remaining dust and aspiration process to remove any remaining dust and are then placed in overhead storage until packaged. The pith and chaff portions are processed through a pellet mill to produce the pelleted corncob product. Plant operating procedures require a minimum testing frequency of twice per shift for measuring moisture content and particle size distribution.

Listed below is information on average particle size and absorption rates.

• 7092 — 1/8" corn cobs, 40 lbs.
• 7092A, Autoclavable — 1/8", corn cobs, 40 lbs.
• 7902.25 Irradiated — 1/8" corn cobs, 25 lb. cap sacks
• 7902,CS Irradiated — 1/8" corn cobs, four by seven lbs./case
• 7097 — 1/4" corn cobs, 40 lbs.
• 7097A Autoclavable — 1/4 " corn cobs, 40 lbs.
• 7907.25 Irradiated — 1/4" corn cobs, 25 lb. cap sacks
• 7907.CS Irradiated — 1/4" corn cobs, four by seven lbs./case