Optimization of milling performance of a sugar mill

Abstract

Thailand is the sugar cane exporters in the world market. It is important for sugar factory to operate efficiently in milling against its competition. This study was conducted to find the optimization of milling performance of a sugar mill based on extraction (EXT), power requirements (POW), specific energy consumption (SEC), and specific extraction per energy consumption (SEE) that is important parameters for sugar factory. Testing was performed using a small milling machine. The compressed pressure and speed were adjusted from 2.7 to 10.0 x 106 N/m2 and 0.0844 m/s to 0.1631 m/s, respectively. After the test, the polarization meter was used to measure sugar in juice. The results showed that the maximum extraction (%) is earned at the intermediate compressed pressure and the lowest speed. The minimum power requirement (W) is earned at the lowest compressed pressure and the lowest speed. The minimum specific energy consumption (kWh/t) is earned at the lowest compressed pressure and the intermediate speed. The maximum specific extraction per energy consumption (%.t/kWh) is earned at the intermediate compressed pressure and the lowest speed. The method and results of this study can benefit for sugar factory to find performance and to make the decision on process operation.