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More sugar from the same cane

Profit from more efficient sugar cane processing with rapid analysis of incoming cane, juice, syrup, molasses, bagasse and final sugar

Sugar top image

 

 

As we continue to discuss the levels of sugar in our diet, there’s no escaping the importance of sugar as a high-value commodity. Performing an essential role in feeding the world, more than 170 million tonnes of sugar is produced per year, of which 60-70 percent comes from sugar cane.

Another increasingly relevant topic, both from inside and outside the industry, is the sustainability foot print of cane sugar production. Making effective use of bagasse for by-product electricity production and minimising run-off of water in the process is increasingly important. Above all, the quest to get as much sucrose as possible from the whole process is top of mind for producers.

Reliable analytical data has proven significant in addressing such challenges. Today, the recent development of fast and easy to use analytical instruments presents a range of options for cane sugar producers. Among the possibilities, near infrared (NIR) analysis is a powerful tool for monitoring the quality of incoming cane as well as minimising the loss of sucrose throughout the production process. Variations in key parameters such as Pol, Brix, Reducing Sugars and Moisture can be constantly monitored against targets allowing for more efficient and sustainable production. In short, the opportunities for efficiency and profit improvement are numerous throughout the cane sugar production process.

Insights add value

Sugar process

Raw material control

Ensure quality of incoming cane by analysis directly on shredded/prepared cane or cane juice, get the right payment for suppliers, save time with reduced sample preparation, eliminate or reduce use of chemicals.

Process control

Improve extraction performance, monitor evaporation and sucrose inversion, control crystallisation and centrifuge performance, optimise value of bagasse and molasses.

Final product control

Ensure products are within specification, secure brand protection.

 

Smarter decisions in sugar processing with rapid control of incoming cane

 

Rapid analysis with near infrared (NIR) has many benefits. While traditional chemical analysis methods can be automated for efficiency and safety, a near infrared (NIR) solution offers an attractive way to speed-up the flow of results dramatically.



€ 400,000



Results for multiple parameters of sugar cane such as pol, brix and moisture are delivered within a minute. Given the variability in sucrose content of raw material, the ability to deliver a greater frequency of measurements is a valuable way to select and make best possible use of incoming cane while ensuring fair payment to farmers.

Proven cases show that 1% more recovered sugar can lead to increased revenue of more than 400,000 Euros per year for a typical sugar mill. In the video case story included here, a user of NIR solutions explains the value of rapid NIR analysis in sugar processing.

 

 

Find more profit through in-line control of the whole process

Benchtop analytical solutions such as the NIRS™ DS3 analyser which has become widely established and relied upon for accurate and rapid measurements of key process control parameters in sugar cane processing. Nonetheless, the amount of process data available is limited by the need to manually take a sample and present it to the instrument. The introduction of so-called inline solutions such as the FOSS ProFoss™ 2 changes the game by providing direct and continuous measurements directly in the process.

By measuring directly in the process every few seconds, process variation of key parameters such as Pol, Brix and moisture can be constantly monitored against targets allowing adjustments to be made accordingly.

At the same time, the reliability of the results could also be easily checked against the highly stable benchtop analyser.

More sucrose and more power from bagasse
An application that shows the power of in-line analysis is the testing of outgoing bagasse at the diffuser. This allows tighter control of washing to maintain the optimal balance between sucrose and moisture in the bagasse.


As an example of the benefits of inline testing, let’s use the regulation of bagasse just after the diffuser as a case in point. Typically, 1000 tonnes cane gives 350 tonnes bagasse after juice is removed. The bagasse is burned to generate electricity and the ideal balance in the bagasse for this purpose is 45% moisture and max 1% sucrose.

If sucrose is higher, the mill is burning sugar. If the moisture is higher, less power is generated. Close monitoring of pol, brix and moisture with an in-line analyser gets the balance just right.

The analyser is installed close to the outlet via an optical fibre and a sample interface that is especially designed for the job. Notably, it is insensitive to vibration and can handle the complexities of the sample type.

Further, it makes use of the right type of near infrared (NIR) technology to fit with the nature of the material. In the example of bagasse, measurements are based on the latest in NIR window reflectance technology for process applications including a robust sensor with a double window system. The window into the process always remains in place while the second can be removed for service work on the sensor without interruption to the process operations.

See this video interview for an in-depth explanation of how it works.
 

 

READ MORE

 

 

Profit from automated closed-loop control
of sugar processing

 

Applications for in-line analysis in sugar processing include shredded (prepared) cane or press-juice, juice extraction, crystalisation, testing outgoing bagasse and final product control.

In addition to feeding back results to a monitor in the control room, the data can be automatically fed into the PLC system. Adjustments to processing are then done automatically. Accordingly they are performed more quickly and with greater precision leading to production closer to targets with less waste and optimal profit.

A sugar mill that is reaping the benefits of closed-loop control of sugar processing is the Pitangueiras production facility in Brazil. See this video interview for full details.

 

 

Max sucrose recovery from juice

 

While regular analysis of bagasse (pol and moisture) can be used to maximise overall sucrose extraction, regular analysis of the juice (first expressed juice and mixed juices) can be used to monitor individual rollers. The juice sample is just collected and analysed directly.

In Juice clarification, frequent analysis of mud cake gives you valuable information about critical steps in the clarification and filtration steps. Likewise, in juice evaporation, you can monitor and optimise your evaporators through frequent and fast analysis of syrup. Both the mud-samples and syrup samples are measured directly without the need for sample-preparation.

Save with streamlined crystalisation and centrifugation

 

Fast analysis of massecuite can provide valuable information to ensure satisfactory crystallization processes with optimal use of resources. In centrifugation, fast and frequent analysis of molasses (A,B and C) as well as crystal sugar ensures that centrifuge equipment operates as planned with minimal use of power and resources. All samples can be measured directly without sample preparation.

Performance, uptime and transparency of data

 

FOSS solutions draw on multiple technology disciplines including instrumentation, software and connectivity. Among the benefits of this complete solution approach is rock-solid and consistent high analytical performance of instruments, no matter where they are located and who is using them. Other advantages include transparency and traceability of results and unique levels of service and support.

Network DS3 

With you in your daily work

 

Our integrated and remotely controlled support and optimisation services ensure maximum value from all your FOSS solution wherever you are in the world. Beyond on-site maintenance, our service engineers and application specialists are always with you online. The team monitors performance status and secures that your connected analytical operations run smoothly. Our preventive maintenance warrants up-time and quality of data - day after day. Read more

Are you ready to explore how much you can save in your production by switching to NIR?

Get in touch with our specialists to discuss your potential business value with no strings attached. Let's talk
NIRS DS3 Product Picture

NIRS DS3 for Sugar Analyser

Monitor and control minimum nine steps in your production process with one single analyzer. The DS3 fast, accurate and easy analyse the following products:

  • Shredded/Prepared Cane, Juice, Mud Cake, Syrup, Massecuite, Seed Magma, Molasses, Bagasse and Raw Sugar
  • Present the products as they are to the DS3 as using the specific cup – no sample preparation requiured.
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ProFoss™ 2 for In-line Cane Analyser

ProFoss™ 2 provides direct and continuous measurements of the incoming cane. Analysing for parameters such as Pol, Moisture it gives real time information about quality - especially sucrose content - of the incoming cane. This important information helps to optimise extraction and calculate mass balances. In some countries, this information is also used for fair payment to farmers.

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Profoss 2 for feed product picture on grey background
ProFoss 2 Sugar

ProFoss™ 2 for Bagasse Analyser

ProFoss™ 2 provides direct and continuous measurements of the outgoing bagasse. Analysing Pol, Moisture and Fibers, important information to control washing, and maintain the optimal balance between sucrose and moisture in the bagasse.

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