Orlando Parra Ruiz1, Lalit Solanki2 and Harsh Vardhan3
1Piller Blowers & Compressors GmbH, Moringen, Germany; Orlando.Parraruiz@piller.de
2Piller Global (India) PVT Ltd., Pune, India,
3DCM Shriram Ltd., Uttar Pradesh, India
Energy efficiency involves reducing the amount of energy consumed to achieve the same outcome. Mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) has long been recognized as a key technology for reducing primary energy consumption, by using electrical power, in steam-reliant processes across various industries. In particular, the sugar industry could significantly benefit from MVR technology by recycling low temperature vapors that would otherwise be condensed, thus reducing net energy usage and enhancing overall process efficiency. Real-world projects are referenced to provide a holistic view in implementing Piller MVR Technology, in existing plants and new plants, into the sugar juice evaporation and crystallization processes. Also given is how it is implemented in distilleries as water vapor as well as ethanol vapor compression. Insights on MVR Technology based on centrifugal blowers is given and includes knowledge on mechanical features, operational limits as well as key parameters. Challenges and considerations for integrating MVR into existing plants are also discussed. The potential for MVR to enhance by-product utilization, such as bagasse, excess or surplus power, and its impact in driving a circular economy are also highlighted. The results obtained after upgrading existing plants with MVR technology would be used to underscore the benefits that the technology can provide to the industry. The paper concludes by emphasizing MVR’s strategic relevance in meeting the global demand for sustainable and efficient sugar production, aiming to encourage industry stakeholders to adopt this technology.