RDE Abstract of Completed Research
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Sugar Processing / Raw Sugar
Rationalization of cane handling with milling practice. (2001) Rogelio T. Genzola
The study identifies the last cane handling system suited for the local sugar industry. The importance of a handling program for efficient milling operation was discussed. Recommendations were presented as guides establish a suitable cane handling system.
An inquiry into the technical and economic feasibility of installing cane cleaning stations for the local sugar industryMa. Alicia L. Sabordo
A comparative study was undertaken between the wet and dry cleaning of sugarcane. Technically, it was shown that dry cleaning is more effective than wet cleaning; however the economic feasibility cannot be established clearly due to unavailability of data.
The effect of soil-applied phosphorus in juice clarificationRosie Tapay
The effect on clarification of phosphorus fertilizer applied to the soil was studied on two (2) varieties of sugarcane. Soil application of phosphorus fertilizer (70 – 150 hg/ha P2O5) increases the P2O5 content of the juice of the two (2) varieties. There was a significant increase in clarity and color removal at 150 hg/ha P2O5 soil application in Phil 8829; while different rates of P2O5 gave comparable results in Phil 8839. The LKg/TC increased at higher rates of P2O5 soil applications but they were not statistically significant.
Performance rating of the mills clarification technology using non-pol ratio as an index of clarification efficiencyEdna P. Singian
An assessment of the mills’ clarification performance on the basis of non-pol and non-sugar ratios and other clarification data that affects BHR and other recovery efficiency figures was undertaken. Five cooperator-mills considered were Capiz, Ursumco, CAT, First Farmers and Caneland. Results show that a good non-sugar removal (non-sugar < 1) could be attained through good clarification coupled with good boiling techniques. Individual evaluation of clarification techniques and performance were thoroughly discussed.
Optimizing filtration efficiencyMa. Victoria M. Manalo
Six (6) experimental runs were conducted in Eastern Visayas, Panay and Negros. Test runs results pointed out the generally poor filter performance with retention results mostly below 80%. Pol loss in cake was mostly way below the 1.5 2.0% levels, the value generally accepted as good. Operating parameters like supply of bagacillo of correct size and distribution in feed and wash water, vacuum and mud concentration and quality of wash water were identified as having influence to improve performance high mud retention and low pol loss in cake. The optimum range of these operating parameters were given in the report.
Color pick-up at evaporatorCorazon S. Ledesma
Investigation on color formation was conducted in three (3) sugar mills, one of which is a diffuser type and the others using the conventional mill roller tandems. Increase in color units from clarified juice to syrup were monitored at different time intervals (15, 30, and 45 min.) between the two mill types using ICUMSA method at 560 nm. Data were correlated with pH, Brix, AP ;and Clarity. Other relevant data in the evaporator station were likewise taken simultaneously with the color analysis like exhaust steam pressure, cell and vapor temperature and pressure, number of effects and total heating surface area.
Color formation was found higher in the diffuser type mill compared to the two conventional mill-tandems. This could be attributed to higher non-sugars extracted in the diffuser mills. Color pick-up is directly proportional to retention time at evaporators for each mill under study. In all cases, there was color pick-up in evaporators at 38% mean value.
Optimization of evaporator operationLeonida D. Banjao
Experiments were conducted in (3) three sugar mills determine evaporation coefficient and the effective / efficient control of operational parameters with the purpose of improving evaporation efficiency. The juice in each vessel was analyzed for brix, pol and pH. Operating conditions like steam pressure, temperature and vacuum of last effect were monitored at a specified time. Results showed there was an average of 71% of water evaporation which is 88% of the required 80% evaporation. Based on 96% evaporation coefficient which indicates good evaporation operation, only one (1) mill performed satisfactorily. Temperature difference affects heat transfer coefficient as well as operation of the system.
Improving centrifugal operations through innovative fugalling techniqueMa. Theresa S. Quiban
Purging efficiency is a measure of the level of impurity removal and it is a significant control figure in the efficient centrifugal operation. Three (3) experimental runs were conducted to measure purging efficiency. Data obtained showed similar trend – as the washing time increases, purging efficiency also increases. Water washing is better than syrup washing. The only chance of syrup as an alternative medium is in terms of steam savings especially if the factory is practicing longer washing time.
Massecuite exhaustibility index of raw sugar factoryLory-Vi C. Garcia
The assessment of a massecuite exhaustibility index best suited to each local processing scene is one leap towards attaining optimum boiling house efficiency. The adoption of this index by sugar factories would redound to their efficiency and productivity. The results obtained from the 3 cooperator – mills rendered good results on RS/Ash ratio and final molasses exhaustion. Results showed that massecuite exhaustion can still be improved high good boiling techniques, enough crystallizers capacity with ample cooling. Actual monitoring / observation was discussed.
Investigation of carbonatation process from an existing conventional raw sugar factory. Study B. Carbonatation of remelt or recycled C- sugarArlene C. Matti, Rosie M. Tapay, Cristina Peraren and Corazon S. Ledesma.
Carbonatation is a tested technology for removal of color and impurities in refineries and plantation white sugar production. But, despite the abundance of CO2 freely available from the boiler flue gas, a number of sugar factories have not installed a carbonatation equipment. Study A of this project had already evaluated carbonatation of mixed juice and clarified juice utilizing raw juice clarifiers for subsidation.
C- sugar which is the tail end product of raw sugar manufacture, when treated with lime and CO2 will make a high purity raw liquor which when recycled in high grade boiling will produce superior grade of washed, white or near refined sugar. This study specifically evaluated the remelt C-sugar from an existing raw sugar plant before and after Cabonatation process which is carried out in a fabricated mini-carbonator.
The C-sugar is affined or double-purged and at 55 brix was dozed with CO2 in a minicarbonator and different parameters evaluated/determined brix, pol, AP clarity, pH, temperature, etc.; the most important is the color removal. The tests showed a marked increase of 131.2% in clarity and a total % color removal of 88-93%.
These laboratory tests conducted indicated very favorable technical feasibility of producing white, near white, premium or improved raw sugar.
State of exhaustion of final molasses in Negros and Panay millsEster L. Verde and Chilian S. Gotera
The final molasses utilized for this study were monthly composite samples from the different mills of Negros and Panay CY 1998-99 sent for analysis to the SRA Sugar Laboratory per Molasses Order.
% Sulfated Ash was analyzed per sample and results interpreted with the previous results from the Sugar Lab., namely the Brix % Pol, Apparent Purity, % Sucrose, % Reducing Sugar.
The following values were computed to arrive at the state of exhaustion of each mill:
| a. True Solids | = | Brix – 0.72 Ash (Sylman’s) | |
| b. % non sugar | = | True solids - % Sucrose | |
| c. R.S. % Non Sugar | = |
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| d. Ash % Non sugar | = |
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| e. Target True Purity | = |
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| f. True Obtained Purity | = |
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| g. State of Exhaustion | = |
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A value equal to unity (1) would indicate proper exhaustion while less than one (1) would mean poor exhaustion.
Based on the above mentioned formula, the state of exhaustion of different sugar mills could be determined and for comparative purposed at any given crop year.
In summary, good exhaustion is a product of good cane quality, adequate liming, correct sugar boiling and enough crystallizers.
The rate of dextran formation in various stages of sugar processing. Study B. Dextran level of syrup and molassesErvin D. Salsalida
This study covers the last effect evaporator, vacuum pans and centrifugals where the syrup, high-grade molasses (A&B), and Final Molasses come from respectively.
Methodically refinement for dextran analyses using the Robert’s Copper Method suited to viscous and dark colored process juices is considered and applied to samples taken from nearest sugar mills.
Dextran content of syrup, high-grade and final molasses were determined by laboratory analysis, examined, discussed and compared to derived standards based on an initial 1000 ppm standard for mixed juice by making exhaustive material balance calculations.
Control and preventive measures are considered in coping with the dextran problem that could plague the sugar industry at any time of the year.
Determination of starch levels of raw sugar in Negros and Panay mills for crop year 2000-2001Ester Verde and Corazon Ledesma
Starch, one of the polysaccharides is disadvantageous in a process especially in a refinery. It causes slow settling of clarified juice, increased viscosity of liquors, slow crystallization of crystals, slow filtering rate or decreased capacity of refineries.
They are found in juices depending on soil and cane variety. They are introduced by milling excessive amount of tops and leaves.
Its level was determined for raw sugar produced in Negros and Panay for crop year 2000-2001 using the iodine test.
The result is 140-320 ppm surpassing the standards of 150 and 200 ppm for some refineries in the U.S.
Evaluation of the effect of lead sub-acetate on removal of dextran in cane juiceEster Verde and Ma. Luisa Bedayo.
The study begins with a comparative test run between the dextran content of the juice vs. its apparent purity to verify the premise that the dextran prevalent in burnt and deteriorated canes because of its dextrorotatory characteristic increases the pol or sugar content of the juice thereby increasing its apparent purity. If it were so, as a consequence it will cause an artificial rise in LKg/tonne cane or an overstated planter’s share.
Hence, a relationship of dextran vs. its purity was the initial object of the study and equally important is to ascertain whether dry lead sub-acetate used in juice analysis can remove the dextran content to give accurate pol readings.
The Robert’s Copper method for dextran analysis was used, the method involves precipitating all polysaccharides from the sample using absolute alcohol. Dextran is selectively precipitated from the mixture by alkaline CuSO4. It is then determined colorimetrically using spectrophotometer at 485 nm. The value of the dextran is computed from a previously prepared standard calibration curve using a dextran standard.
High percentage of dextran removal is evident from the analyses result because dextran substances are precipitated by lead during clarification leaving only a very small amount to affect the pol reading.
The findings show that lead sub-acetate has significantly removed dextran at 94.58%. this approached the findings of Clarke who extensively studied dextran. Because of the high removal of dextran by lead sub-acetate, it has no significant effect on pol readings.
The rate of dextran formation in various stages of sugar processingRosaline R. Agosto
Dextran levels in various stages of sugar manufacture was identified, quantified and monitored with the ultimate objective of controlling the presence of dextran in the end product. The study was conducted in a mill-cooperator. Results showed that dextran become a problem during the late milling runs as dextran content light of juices exceed 1000 mg/kg on brix. Subsequently, sugar produced during this period were also high in dextran content, above 400 mg/kg.
Capacity utilization gauged from the weather windowFernando H. Corpuz
A new formula for capacity utilization of milling plants is proposed. This takes away the effect of stoppages and delays due to weather.
Cost of efficiency improvement in raw sugar factoriesCarmen T. Sarabia
A cost benefit analysis to provide mill management with and insight on the potential gains from such investment opportunity was undertaken. The study dealt with the efficiency improvement in four (4) modules throughout the raw sugar factory areas of operations.
Parallel test results of recoverable sugar sharing (RSS) vs conventional systemFernando H. Corpuz
After the establishment in 1995 of the grower’s recoverable sugar (GRS) formula, it was tested in parallel with the present production sharing in seven (7) milling districts. Each test duration lasted for 2-3 weeks per mill. Analyses and evaluation of the results concluded that the tests duration needed a longer run. The GRS which is now known as RSS (recoverable sugar sharing) has to be observed how it reacts with the changes in cane quality regimes across the cropping year. The season – long parallel test was conducted in Victoria’s Milling Company because of its direct cane analysis facilities. However, calculations of the results of the two (2) systems in terms of the planters’ sugar assigned across the season and at different cane qualities were not made because of insufficient data. At the end, the differences were quantified for better comprehension and appreciation.
Process and systems audit of direct consumption sugars (DCS)Fernando H. Corpuz
The lack of a clear cut policy by authorities on DCS welcomes more scams and anomalies pertaining to sugar trade. Of late, imported sugars of the DCS class received differing evaluation as to whether it is raw or refined, based on different specifications as % pol, color, packaging, etc. Toward this end an audit of DCS process and systems is conducted in the industry. The audit covers all raw sugar factories that are presently producing or may produce DCS in the past, sugar refineries, either integrated or stand alone, are automatically covered by the audit since they possess built-in capability to produce DCS.
The audit team recommends to create another class of sugar to be comprised of sugar having quality specifications intermediate to raw and refined sugars. The recommendation includes: quality specifications, process requirement, proper labeling, proper documentation and reporting (factory statements): and quedaning.
Standardization of reports/ MI instrument and data logs for the raw sugar factoriesCarmen Sarabia
A revised factory statement and worksheet to standardize production and performance format was formulated for implementation at the local sugar industry.
Annual synopsis of production and performance data- Philippine raw sugar factoriesRaw & Refined Sugar Operation Division
An annual technical publication on production and performance statistics of operating sugar mills excepted from their respective final weekly factory reports or statements. Copies are made available to various industry clientele for a fee.
