L Camp, L Cegel and C Pelletan
Fives FCB, France
Recently, the demand for energy produced from renewable biomass has increased significantly and the trend is likely to continue. Therefore, the reduction of energy consumption (steam and/or electricity) within a sugar plant and the preservation of the biomass (the bagasse) for energy production are becoming essential goals. To achieve these goals, new technologies designed by engineering companies and process equipment manufacturers, together with innovative solutions, are being introduced in the sugar industry. This paper presents, reviews, and classifies on their respective technical and economic performances, some of the most interesting initiatives. Among the concepts and technologies discussed, and considering both benefits and disadvantages, the paper focuses on: the potential for saving electricity consumption at the cane preparation stage which normally represents the highest electrical consumption stage of the plant; the use of a “cold point” at the front end of the cane sugar factory helping to reduce condensate heat loss; the introduction of further evaporation effects; the use of high brix standard liquor in the crystallization station; the potential coupling of mechanical vapor compression with heat exchangers such as falling film evaporators and continuous vacuum pans. The use of those technologies and schemes allows a significant energy consumption reduction which enables factories to be self-sufficient in energy. In this way, they can join the general trend of facing up to rising energy prices and environmental issues.