Evaporation automation at the Central de Mieles de Útica, Colombia, for non-centrifugal sugar cane production: Sustainable optimization strategies

Abstract

Non-centrifugal sugar cane production is important worldwide for its economic, cultural, culinary, and sustainable impact. Colombia contributes to the Latin American sugar industry and the country's economy, preserving cultural traditions and rural employment. This research analyzed the productive variables of the non-centrifugal evaporation process of sugar cane automation and their relationship based on a descriptive-correlational quantitative methodology. It was found that the sugar levels in the cane granules must be <1.5 %, for which the cane syrup must have between 65.2 and 66.4 °Bx, pH between 4.56 and 5.7, temperature dependent on the altitude of the area and the boiling and sedimentation point <10 %. Automation strategies were proposed with sensors to optimize technological resources in evaporation processes. This will improve operational efficiency, productivity, workplace safety, product quality, and sustainability within the non-centrifugal sugarcane industry, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on promoting innovation and industrial infrastructure.