Recoverable Sugar Research Articles

Early selection of sugarcane using path analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) biometric and technological data, obtained at different timepoints, using path analysis. The experiment was conducted in União, PI, Brazil, and evaluated 12 sugarcane genotypes (RB036066, RB9438, RB935744, RB021764, RB021754, RB021534, RB966229, RB977540, RB863129, and RB987935, and the varieties RB92579 and RB867515 as controls) in a randomized block design with four replications. Data were collected at six timepoints that were spaced 30 days apart (90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 days). Direct and indirect effects of the following production components were compared: stalk length, stalk diameter, internode length, number of tillers, number of green leaves, and stalk dry matter. The technological variables evaluated were total recoverable sugar, degrees Brix, tons of polarization (pol, apparent sucrose content) per hectare, juice purity, fiber, juice pol, and tons of sugarcane per hectare. The coefficients of determination were high in all path analyses, suggesting that the components evaluated explained a large part of the variation in stalk production and in the technological variables. Stalk diameter was the trait that best correlated with stalk dry matter yield at all timepoints, with positive values that were higher than the residual effect. This demonstrates the possibility of obtaining significant gains via indirect selection for stalk dry matter yield via stalk diameter or via stalk diameter and number of tillers. The technological variables degrees brix and juice pol were the traits that best correlated with total recoverable sugar production, indicating that they could be used to indirectly select for total recoverable sugar.

Association among agro-industrial traits and simultaneous selection in sweet sorghum.

Sweet sorghum has emerged as an alternative crop for ethanol yield. The breeding of this crop is performed to obtain cultivars with high ethanol yield, which necessarily requires associating favorable phenotypes for multiple traits. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the association between agro-industrial traits related to ethanol yield and identify the promising genotypes considering multiple traits in sweet sorghum. For this purpose, we evaluated 45 genotypes using a 9 x 5 alpha-lattice experimental design with three replications. The traits measured were flowering time, plant height, tons of stalk per hectare, total soluble solids, tons of brix per hectare, juice extraction, total recoverable sugars, and ethanol yield. Analyses were performed after the recovery of inter-block information. The interrelation of the traits was described by genotype-by-trait biplot. For simultaneous selection, the Modified Mulamba and Mock index was used. For almost all of the agro-industrial traits, except for juice extraction, selective accuracy was above 70%. There were significant differences among genotypes for all the traits. The genotype-by-trait biplot evidenced a positive association between most of the traits related to ethanol yield, except for juice extraction, indicating the possibility of indirect selection to obtain more productive genotypes. Some genotypes proved to be promising based on the selection index, as they accumulated phenotypes favorable for the traits of interest.

Selecting sugarcane genotypes by the selection index reveals high gain for technological quality traits.

Sugarcane (Saccharum sp) is one of the most promising crops and researchers have sought for renewable alternative energy sources to reduce CO2 emission. The study of strategies, which allow breeders in the selection of superior genotypes for many traits simultaneously, is important. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: i) to apply path analysis to better understand the relationship between the lignocellulosic traits and technological quality traits with total recoverable sugars (TRS) and ii) to use several multivariate selection indexes to predict the genetic gain and to select superior genotypes in the sugarcane breeding. A total of 40 sugarcane genotypes were evaluated in an experimental design using incomplete blocks with two replicates. The follow traits were evaluated: dry matter (DM), total soluble solids (BRIX), apparent sucrose content in the juice (POL), apparent sucrose content in sugarcane (POLS), fiber content (FIB), purity (PUR), TRS, lignin content (LC), cellulose content (CC), hemicellulose content (HC), and ash content (AC). These traits were analyzed by analysis of variance, phenotypic correlation network, path analysis, and selection index. The highest direct effect on TRS was obtained by POLS (0.337), POL (0.299), BRIX (0.227), and FIB (-0.146). The estimates of phenotypic correlation between these characters and TRS were in the same direction, which demonstrated a cause-and-effect relationship. The highest indirect effect was of POL via POLS (0.331) followed by POLS via POL (0.294). BRIX presented high indirect effects via POLS (0.266) and via POL (0.246). On the other hand, FIB presented negative indirect effects via POLS (-0.169) and POL (-0.103). In conclusion, path analysis and index selection are useful strategies to help breeders in the selection of superior genotypes in sugarcane.

Comportamento de genótipos de maturação precoce de cana-de-açúcar na Zona da Mata de Pernambuco

In sugarcane commercial cultivation the knowledge related to genotypes performance in different harvest seasons are essential for the identification of early genotypes which, when selected, will contribute to a significant increase in agroindustrial productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the agroindustrial performance of 26 sugarcane genotypes and to select genotypes that stood out for early maturation and a consequently early harvest. The experiments were conducted at ‘Olho D’gua’farm in the ‘Zona da Mata’ region, north of Pernambuco state. A randomized block design with four replications was used and the evaluated variables were: tons of pol per hectare (TPH), tons of sugarcane per hectare (TCH), fiber (FIB), adjusted pol% (PCC), soluble solids content (BRIX) and total recoverable sugar (ATR). The variance analysis and estimationof the genetic parameters were carried out, grouping the genotypes according to Scott-Knott´s test and a total economic analysis was realized. The average heritability for TPH and TCH indicates high possibility of success in the selection of early and highly productive genotypes. It was observed that the genotypes RB92579, RB867515, RB75126, RB942991, SP81-3250, RB93509, RB72454 and RB863129 presented better performance for an early harvest.

GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SUGARCANE VARIETIES UNDER VARIOUS IRRIGATION LEVELS

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the growth and agro-industrial productivity of sugarcane varieties subjected to different irrigation levels in the county of Penápolis - São Paulo, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block with a factorial arrangement of 2 × 7 (two cultivars of sugarcane: RB965902 and RB855453, at seven irrigation levels: L0 = 0%, L1 = 25%, L2 = 50%, L3 = 75%, L4 = 100, L5 = 125% e L6 = 150% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc) with four replicates. The irrigation system was a subsurface drip at a flow rate of 1.4 Lh-1. The variables evaluated were tillering, culm length, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter, and industrial productivity. The maximum number of plants per linear meter was 30 for variety RB965902 at 100% ETc, and 29 for variety RB855453 at 125% of ETc. Maximum tillering occurred at 120 and 150 days after planting (DAP) for RB965902 and RB855453, respectively. The maximum LAI of BR965902 was 9.57 at 210 DAP and 9.81 at 201 DAP for the RB855453 variety. The RB855453 variety produced an average of 178.93 t ha-1 with irrigation and 164.81 t ha-1 without, while the variety RB965902 produced 164.08 t ha-1 and 154.61 t ha-1 with and without irrigation, respectively. At harvest, the total recoverable sugars (TRS) were 129.62 kg t-1 for RB965902 and 131.63 kg t-1 for RB855443. The RB855453 variety produced on average 14.19 t ha-1 more than the RB965902 variety.

Cultivar genetic gains from 50 years of irrigated sugarcane breeding in South Africa

Cultivar genetic gains provide a measure of benefits to growers from sugarcane breeding programmes and determine the effectiveness of cultivar development. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic gains for cane yield, percent estimated recoverable crystal (ERC%) cane and sugar yield of cultivars developed for the irrigated regions of South Africa after 50 years of sugarcane breeding. Data were derived from advanced cultivar trials planted in the early and mid-season in the Pongola and Mpumalanga regions. Significant (p < 0.01) cultivar differences were observed for cane and sugar yield and ERC% cane. There were significant (p < 0.05) season effects on ERC% cane and significant (p < 0.01) season by cultivar effects on ERC% cane and sugar yield, suggesting seasonal adaptation of cultivars. Cultivar genetic gains of 0.26 Mg ha−1 y−1 for cane yield, 0.03 Mg ha−1 y−1 for sugar yield and 0.06% y−1 for ERC% cane were observed. Genetic gains by sequence of release were 0.31 Mg ha−1 cultivar−1 for cane yield, 0.09 Mg ha−1 cultivar−1 for sugar yield and 0.06% cultivar−1 for ERC% cane. Cultivars released after 2000 produced genetic gains equivalent to 6% increase in sugar yield and 9% increase in ERC% cane compared with those released before 1990.

Identification of commercial blocks of outstanding performance of sugarcane using data mining

In order to achieve more efficient agricultural production systems, studies relating to the patterns of influence factors on commercial blocks of outstanding performance can be performed to assist management practices. The performance is considered to be the difference between the yield of a given block and the average yield of the homogeneous group that it belongs to. The methods available to identify these outstanding blocks are usually subjective. The aim of this study was to propose an objective and repeatable approach to identify outstanding performance blocks. The proposed approach consisted of performance determination, using regression trees, and the classification of these blocks by k-means clustering. This approach was illustrated using a sugarcane model. The main factors influencing the tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH) and total recoverable sugar (TRS) yields were found to be crop age and water availability during ripening, respectively. These were used to create potential yield groups, and blocks with high and low performance were identified. The proposed approach was found to be valid in the identification of outstanding sugarcane blocks, and it can be applied to different crops or in the context of precision agriculture.

Effect of Micronutrients Soil Supplementation on Sugarcane in Different Production Environments: Cane Plant Cycle

Fertilization of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) with micronutrients is not common and this can affect crop yield. Research results of micronutrients in sugarcane in Brazil are still scarce and inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to assess the sugarcane crop response to Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, and B fertilization in different sugarcane production environments in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. An experiment was conducted at 11 locations. The treatments consisted of the application of fixed micronutrient doses only to the planting furrow as follows: control, Zn (10 kg ha−1), Mn (10 kg ha−1), Cu (10 kg ha−1), B (3 kg ha−1), Mo (2 kg ha−1), and complete (Zn +Mn + Cu + B +Mo). The design consisted of a randomized block with five replicates. The leaf content, tillering, sugarcane yield, and total recoverable sugar were determined in cane plant. The responses varied with location, soil type, climate, and variety. Positive responses to micronutrients application were observed in all parameters studied with the exception of total recoverable sugar. The sugarcane yield increased significantly with the application of micronutrients in the following order of magnitude: Zn &gt; Mo = Mn &gt; Cu &gt; B = Complete, with yield gain of 18, 12, 12, 10, 9, and 9 tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH), respectively. Sugarcane responded positively to micronutrient, especially Zn fertilization, demonstrating that this practice may be economically viable and increase the productivity of Brazilian sugarcane fields, making agribusiness sugarcane more sustainable. Micronutrients can increase sugarcane yield. Zinc is the principal micronutrient to sugarcane producer. The application of high doses of micronutrients may increase the productivity of sugarcane Brazilians.

English

The sugar and alcohol sector has invested heavily in technologies to increase the productivity of sugarcane and consequently the gross income of sugar and alcohol; among these practices irrigation and fertilization stands out. The objective of this study is to evaluate the agro industrial and sugarcane yield (plant cane and first ratoon cycle) grown in the Sudoeste Goiano, Brazil, as affected by water replacement and nitrogen (N) rates; and to evaluate the residual effect from N rates on sugarcane ratoon grown under water replacement levels. The study was carried out with pots filled with a mixture of 120 kg of Oxisol (Rhodic Hapludox) and cattle manure, in a proportion of 3:1 v/v, respectively. A completely randomized design was used, 3x4, with three repetitions, analyzed in split plots. The treatments were combinations of three levels of replacement water (75, 50 and 25% of available water) and four N rates (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1, equivalent to pots), which were also the same doses for the treatment residual N rate. In both cycles, at harvesting the stem yield and the total recoverable sugar (TRS) were determined for calculation of gross income of sugar and alcohol. The plant cane was not affected significantly by any of the factors evaluated. Interactions between the residual N doses and water replacements influenced the TRS and the gross income of sugar and alcohol in ratoon cane, proving that the N applied on a cycle can be leveraged by another; the stem productivity was affected only by water replacements. &nbsp; Key words: Residual nitrogen, sugar yield, alcohol yield, irrigation, stem productivity.

CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE COMPONENTES DA PRODUTIVIDADE DA CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR COM pH DE UM ARGISSOLO VERMELHO DISTRÓFICO DO NOROESTE PAULISTA

A produtividade agrícola depende primordialmente da capacidade produtiva dos solos. Assim, as práticas de adequação química do solo objetivam modificações nas suas características, com vistas a proporcionar melhores condições ao desenvolvimento das culturas. O presente estudo avaliou as correlações lineares e espaciais entre os atributos da produtividade da planta com o pH do solo. Na Fazenda Valença-I, Suzanápolis-SP, instalou-se uma malha geoestatística contendo 118 pontos amostrais, em uma área de 10,5 ha, onde foram analisados os atributos da cana-de-açúcar: produtividade de tonelada de colmos por hectare (TCH), população de plantas (POP) e açúcares totais recuperáveis (ATR); e como atributos químicos do solo: o pH (pH) e Delta pH (DpH), em diferentes profundidades no perfil (0-0,20; 0,20-0,40; 0,80-1,00 m). Os resultados indicaram que a correlação linear entre os atributos da planta com os do solo é significativa. A melhor correlação ocorre entre TCH com o pH na profundidade de 0,80-1,00 m. Espacialmente, há uma apreciável resposta entre a produtividade com o pH do solo na camada de 0,20-0,40 m. O DpH na camada de 0,80-1,00 m também apresenta importante interação com o ATR, o que permite inferir que melhor qualidade química na camada mais profunda proporciona melhor qualidade tecnológica do produto industrializável. Por fim, o estudo do solo nas camadas mais profundas (0,20-0,40 m e 0,80-1,00 m) aponta interação (linear e espacial) tanto com a produtividade quanto com o atributo tecnológico da cultura, apresentando-se como satisfatórios alvos de adequação química do solo.

Morpho-anatomical aspects and technological quality of saccharine sorghum submitted to plant regulators

Com o aumento na demanda de combustíveis renováveis, a indústria sucroenergética tem tido como desafio o aumento da produtividade agroindustrial, além da redução dos custos de produção. Atualmente, são escassos os relatos da utilização de reguladores vegetais na cultura do sorgo sacarino. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar aplicação dos reguladores vegetais na qualidade tecnológica e aspectos morfoanatômicos do sorgo sacarino. O ensaio foi realizado na usina Cerradinho em Catanduva SP. As aplicações dos reguladores vegetais foram: etephon nas dosagens de 1,32, 0,66, 0,33 L ha-1, sulfometuron-methyl nas dosagens de 20, 10, 5 g ha-1, thiadizuron nas dosagens de 0,150, 0,100, 0,50 L ha-1, ethyl-trinexapac nas dosagens de 0,80, 0,40, 0,20 L ha-1 e controle. O experimento foi conduzido em Blocos Casualizados, no esquema de parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis tecnológicas: pureza do caldo, açúcares redutores, açúcares totais recuperáveis, brix do caldo, pol do caldo, açúcares teóricos recuperáveis, fibra (%) e mensurados: espessura da epiderme da face adaxial (EAD); espessura da epiderme da face abaxial (EAB); diâmetro do esclerênquima (DE); espessura do mesofilo (MF); diâmetro dos vasos xilemáticos (DX) e diâmetro dos vasos floemáticos (DF). Para as características tecnológicas, os maturadores químicos sulfometuron-methyl e etephon nas doses 5 g ha-1 e 0,33 L ha-1, respectivamente, promoveram os melhores resultados a partir dos 37 dias após a aplicação. Para as características morfonatômicas, o maturador químico thiadizuron na dose 0,100 L ha-1 apresentou os melhores resultados aos 44 dias após a aplicação.

Technological quality and yield of sugarcane grown under nitrogen doses via subsurface drip fertigation

ABSTRACT This study characterized the technological quality and yield of sugarcane cv. SP80-3280 under nitrogen doses via subsurface drip fertigation. Five treatments were established using N-fertilizer in the form of urea (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1), with four replicates, applied via subsurface drip fertigation. The technological quality (fiber% cane; Brix% juice; pol% juice, pol% cane; juice purity and total recoverable sugar - TRS), as well as yield of stalks and sugar were determined 381 days after the third harvest. The technological variables Brix%, pol% juice, purity% and TRS of sugarcane, cultivar SP80-3280, were altered by the application of nitrogen doses via subsurface drip fertigation, with significant reductions at the dose of 200 kg N ha-1. Stalk and sugar yields increased linearly with the increment in nitrogen doses applied through subsurface drip fertigation.

Maturation curves of sweet sorghum genotypes

ABSTRACT Sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] stands out as a complementary crop to sugarcane Saccharum spp. for the production of ethanol, since it has juicy stems with directly fermentable sugars. Due to this fact, there is a need for the analysis of sweet sorghum properties in order to meet the agro-industry demand. This work aimed to develop and study the maturation curves of seven sweet sorghum cultivars in ten harvest dates. The results showed a significant difference between cultivars and harvest dates for all parameters analysed (p≤0.01). Regarding the sugar content, the cultivars BRS508, XBWS80147 and CMSX629 showed the highest means for the total reducing sugars (TRS) and recoverable sugar (RS). In the production of ethanol per tonne of biomass (EP), the cultivars BRS508 and CMSX629 presented the best results.

Ecology and Management ofPemphigus betae(Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Sugar Beet

Pemphigus betae Doane (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a sporadic pest of sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L. var. vulgaris ) in all major sugar beet production regions of North America. These oval-shaped, pale-yellowish insects, with a body length ranging from 1.9–2.4 mm, secrete a waxy material, giving their subterranean colonies a moldy appearance. Poplars in the genus Populus L. are the preferred primary hosts, while sugar beet and certain weed species, such as common lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album L.) and kochia ( Kochia scoparia (L.)), are among the secondary hosts. Pemphigus betae has a complex and varied life cycle and is usually heteroecious and holocyclic, although anholocyclic apterae are known to overwinter in the soil. Heavy infestations of this aphid can induce significant reductions in yield, sugar content, and recoverable sugar. Under conditions of extreme stress and heavy infestations, the alienicolae can induce stunting, chlorosis, wilting, and even death of sugar beet plants. Accurately establishing population densities for sugarbeet root aphids presents a challenge, because the economic important stage of this insect is subterranean. However, use of a fall root rating index aids in estimating relative population densities. Furthermore, root aphids are especially difficult to control by means of conventional insecticides. For this reason, integrated pest management tactics, including the use of host plant resistance, cultural control techniques, and the use of natural enemies, should take precedence.

Sugar Beet Yield and Quality Prediction at Multiple Harvest Dates Using Active‐Optical Sensors

Yield prediction in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is important as a basis for in‐season N application. Active optical sensors have been researched in sugar beet for yield estimation. A common field method for using active‐optical sensors is to establish an N non‐limiting area, and compare the yield predicted from sensor readings with readings from the rest of the field. Yield difference is the basis for calculation of N rate. Sugar beet gains root mass and sugar content with time. The objectives of these experiments were to utilize two active‐optical sensors at two timings with canopy height measurements and relate readings to root yield and recoverable sugar yield at consecutive harvest dates. A 2‐yr study in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota was conducted on four sites to compare two active‐optical sensors, GreenSeeker and Holland Crop Circle, red normalized differential vegetative index (NDVI), red edge NDVI, with and without canopy height for use in sugar beet yield prediction. The red NDVI and red edge NDVI, used at V 6–8 and V 12–14 were similar in their relationship to sugar beet yield over several harvest dates. The r2 of sensor measurement and yield relationships at V 6–8 improved when canopy height was considered but not at V 12–14. Active‐optical sensors when canopy height is considered could be used to predict sugar beet root yield and recoverable sugar yield over a range of harvest dates, which would be useful in developing algorithms for in‐season N fertilization.

Growth and yield of sugarcane as a function of phosphorus doses and forms of application

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate sugarcane growth and its agricultural and industrial yield influenced by phosphorus (P) sources and forms of application. The experiment was carried out at the Paisa Sugar Mill, in Penedo-AL, Brazil, from February 2012 to February 2013. The adopted experimental design was a randomized block in a factorial arrangement, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of five doses of triple superphosphate applied in the planting furrow (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 of P2O5), and three doses of Bayóvar reactive phosphate rock (0, 100 and 200 kg ha-1 of P2O5) applied in the total area. Phosphorus applied in the planting furrow improved sugarcane quality through the reduction of fiber and increases in purity, corrected pol, total recoverable sugar, ton of pol per hectare (TPH) and ton of sugarcane per hectare (TSH). The Bayóvar reactive phosphate rock promoted increases in stem diameter at 120 days after planting (DAP), TPH and TSH. For the interaction triple superphosphate applied in the planting furrow x Bayóvar reactive phosphate rock applied in the total area, there were significant differences in the number of tillers at 30 DAP, stem diameter at 120 DAP and TSH.

Evaluation of rhizomania-resistance segregating sequences and overall genetic diversity pattern among selected accessions of Beta and Patellifolia. Potential implications of breeding for genetic bottlenecks in terms of rhizomania resistance

AbstractSugar beet is hypothesized to have a narrowed genetic base due to its origin as White Silesian Beet and from numerous breeding selections and practices. High sugar quality, yield of recoverable sugar, cytoplasmic-male sterility system, monogermity, pests and disease resistance and bolting resistance constitute some of the adaptations that significantly influenced the existing genetic background of the crop. In this study we aimed to evaluate the extent of genetic diversity existing in wild beet representatives of Beta and Patellifolia and sugar beet cultivars, with a special focus on the complex Beta vulgaris. Another purpose was to determine the potential usefulness and conformity of selected molecular markers in different groups of materials in the context of rhizomania resistance. To reach these goals, molecular RAPD, ISSR techniques, literature-selected rhizomania resistance-segregating sequences as well as mitochondrial markers were used. The comparison of genetic diversity in wild and cultivated Beta forms shows that the population differentiation values and distance values are relatively high in cultivars. Moreover, the diversity component seemed to be compromised rather on the level of population (Hs) than in total (Ht) in cultivars. Our results shed a new light on the expected genetic bottlenecks existing in cultivars and revealed features specific for individual taxa (Patellifolia, Corollinae). Some degree of distinctiveness was suggested between genetic determinants of rhizomania resistance in modern cultivars in comparison with wild resistance sources. In addition, we document here an internal heterogeneity existing in selected wild/weedy accessions at the level of crucial sequences using high resolution melting.

Sugarcane Yield and Technological Ripening Responses to Chemical Ripeners

The present investigation was carried out in Khuzestan province of Iran to evaluate the effects of chemical ripeners on the advancement of cane maturity (var. CP57-614) during incline phase. Three chemicals viz. Ethephon (2-Chloroethyl phosphoric acid), Glyphosate, and Fitomas M (a growth regulator) were applied as foliar spray on the crop using a small aircraft. The result showed that application of glyphosate increased brix, pol%, fiber, and recoverable sugar; however, its application reduced cane length and invert sugars and also showed marginal decline in the cane yield. The improvement in cane quality was more pronounced compared to the reduction in cane yield. Ethephon application had no impact on cane tonnage, and showed marginal improvement in pol per cent (3.3 %) and recoverable sugar (3.4 %) compared to untreated control. Fitomas-M had no effect on cane tonnage; on the contrary, it showed decline in pol%. Based on the large-scale trials done in Khuzestan province, it was demonstrated that 0.5 l ha−1 of glyphosate increased recoverable sugar to the extent of 10.60 % indicating that this treatment was most suitable for increasing sucrose content during incline period of crop maturity or early stages of harvest.

&lt;b&gt;TRS value of sugarcane according to bioenergy and sugar levels

In the specific case of sugarcane, producers in Brazil are currently paid by the content of total recoverable sugars (TRS) in the raw material when it reaches the industry, according to CONSECANA: TRS = 9.6316 *PC +9.15 * RSS, where PC is the Pol in cane (apparent sucrose) and RSS are reducing sugars in sugarcane (glucose + fructose). The objective of the project was to propose changes in the procedures used to mathematically determine the TRS, estimating the calorific value of moist cake and weight of moist cake. The final model is then proposed: TRS = 25.9892 + 0.02172*CVmc*WMC+0.536*WMC – 4.14*CVmc + + 4.8158*PC + 4.575*RSS. Thus we obtain the TRS calculated according to the calorific value of moist cake (CVmc), weight of moist cake (WMC), Pol cane (PC) and the reducing sugars in sugarcane (RSS). This form is included in the estimation of TRS, the calorific value of moist cake, which reflects the bioenergy of fiber, weight of moist cake that estimates sugarcane fiber, in addition to existing factors Pol cane and reducing sugars in sugarcane. In the proposed model, the estimated values of TSR were 11.08% higher than the estimated values in the CONSECANA model.

Reduction of process steam demand and water-usage through heat integration in sugar and ethanol production from sugarcane – Evaluation of different plant configurations

The sugarcane industry represents one of the most important economic activities in Brazil producing sugar and ethanol for the internal and external markets. There are also plants dedicated only to ethanol production. The aim of this study is to accomplish a joint assessment to evaluate the reduction of process steam demand and water usage obtained through heat integration and an exergy analysis to quantify the reduction in irreversibility generation owing to heat integration procedure. Two configurations of plant were analysed Case I – all sugarcane juice is destined to produce ethanol without sugar production and Case II – distribution of 50%/50% of total recoverable sugars in sugar and ethanol production. Simulations in ASPEN PLUS® software were performed in order to evaluate the mass and energy balances and heat integration using the Pinch Method was applied in order to minimize the utilities consumption. The results showed that heat integration promoted a reduction in steam consumption of 35% approximately, while the reduction in water consumption (water collecting requirement) was 24 and 13% in comparison to the conventional cases without heat integration.