Sugar Extraction Process Research Articles

Optimization of Sugar Extraction Process from Date Waste Using Full Factorial Design Toward Its Use for New Biotechnological Applications.

In Tunisia, the date industry generates a large quantity of waste, raising environmental concerns. However, dates are rich in sugars, which offer a renewable source of nutrients for various applications. In this study, sugar extraction from two low-grade pitted date fruits (Alig and Kentichi) under ultrasound, was optimized using full factorial design. At 40 °C, for20 min, and with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 mL/g, the optimum sugar contents were 60.87% and 50.79% for the varieties Alig and Kentichi, respectively. The date extracts were chemically analyzed, revealing low fat and protein contents, but significant polyphenol and mineral contents in both varieties. HPLC-IR analysis revealed more inverted sugars (glucose and fructose) in the Alig variety and more sucrose in the Kentichi variety. FTIR and SEM analysis showed the efficiency of the ultrasonic treatment of the biomass in terms of improving mass transfer diffusion through ultrasonic cavitation. Thus, ultrasound-assisted extraction constitutes an effective method for the recovery of sugar from date waste.

Continental-scale insights into the sugarbeet diffusion juice microbiomes.

Bacterial contamination of raw diffusion juice poses unique challenges during the sugar extraction process. This study profiled bacterial communities by using full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantified the carbohydrate concentrations in raw diffusion juice samples received from sugar factory regions across the USA and Canada. Juice samples were collected at four time points during the 2021 and 2022 processing campaigns. Firmicutes was the dominant phylum from the raw diffusion juice samples collected during both campaigns and comprised 85.5% of total bacterial abundance. Lactic acid bacteria such as Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus were among the core genera which also dominated the bacterial community in raw diffusion juice. Positive correlations in the abundance of functionally and taxonomically related bacterial communities were identified. During the 2021 campaign, 44 bacterial genera were differentially abundant in raw diffusion juice extracted from sugarbeet roots in Periods 1 to 4. This number declined sixfold during the 2022 campaign to three genera. The concentration of raffinose in raw diffusion juice positively correlated to the relative abundance of Leuconostoc. Furthermore, an in vitro assay was performed to assess the growth dynamics of Leuconostoc mesenteroides in sucrose or raffinose-rich medium and observed the rapid consumption of both carbohydrates by this bacterium. This finding is important for deciphering microbial growth dynamics in raw diffusion juice that can be useful in minimizing sugar loss during the factory processing.IMPORTANCEFindings additionally provide baseline information that can be used to develop mitigation strategies that reduce losses due to microbial contamination of sucrose processing streams.

Wastewater treatment via sugarcane bagasse pulp

Textile wastewater effluents yield tons of dyes that, even at low concentrations, are toxic and need to be removed before this water is disposed of in aquatic life. Methylene blue has a low degradation rate and causes severe harm to the environment even at low concentrations. Adsorption is an effective method of getting rid of these dyes. In this study sugarcane bagasse pulp, which is a waste resulting from the sugar extraction process, is examined as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from textile wastewater. Batch experiments are carried out to determine the efficiency of the adsorption of methylene blue onto the sugarcane bagasse pulp surface. Seven different parameters including the adsorbent dose, temperature, initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, and adsorbent particle size are studied to determine their effect on the adsorption process; characterization of the adsorbent is carried out. Artificial neural network is used to determine the optimum conditions that give maximum efficiency. The results of this study showed that bagasse pulp is an effective adsorbent material for methylene blue removal with a maximum adsorption efficiency of 95%.Graphical abstract

Field Burning Fallout: Quantifying Emissions from Sugarcane Fires.

Field Burning Fallout: Quantifying Emissions from Sugarcane Fires.

Sustainable production of cellulose nanofiber from sugarcane trash: A quality and life cycle assessment

Developing green processes in the chemistry and engineering domains is one of the most significant challenges for sustainable production. Sugarcane trash (ST) generated during the sugar extraction process is an excellent feedstock for the production of cellulose nanofibers (CNF). Four distinct routes for CNF production from ST has been designed. The OTH procedure included an Organosolv pretreatment, TEMPO oxidation, and High-pressure homogenization; the OLH procedure included an Organosolv pretreatment followed by Lime juice hydrolysis. Alkaline pretreatment, TEMPO oxidation and High-pressure homogenization comprised the ATH. The ALH consisted of Alkaline pretreatment, lime juice hydrolysis, and High-pressure homogenization. The characterization of the CNF samples revealed excellent purity and crystallinity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterize the synthesized CNF. X-ray diffractograms (XRD) showed a crystallinity value of 64.28 %, 69.52 %, 60.54 %, and 68.81 % for OTH, OLH, ATH, and ALH, respectively. The OTH route produced the highest yield of cellulose (0.98 g/g ST) while the OTH and OLH routes produced high yields of CNF (0.34 g/g ST). Environmental parameters associated with the processes used to obtain CNF from ST were evaluated to achieve sustainable production and asses the environmental impact, including EcoScale (ES) and Life Cycle Analyses (LCA). EcoScale analysis assigned the OTH method a score of 84 and OLH, ALH, and ATH methods 74, 67, and 74, respectively. The life cycle assessment results indicated that the ATH method had a relatively low environmental impact across all impact categories. Finally, comparing CNF value to other carbon nanomaterials, the CNF derived from biomass was found to have a low environmental impact.

Cambios en propiedades de suelos en entidad cañera, y su incidencia en los indicadores agroindustriales

The research took place in the sugarcane production entity "El Limpio", in Cienfuegos, Cuba, with the objective of identifying changes in soil properties, and the State Indicators that affect the agribusiness efficiency in the sugar extraction process. For the analysis and organization of the research, the Manual of Procedures for the implementation of Sustainable Land Management was used and other theoretical and empirical methods were also applied, with their corresponding techniques. The data were recorded in worksheets and matrices. The parameters and qualifications were evaluated according to the aforementioned Manual, applying statistical and mathematical methods. The results are: characterization of the sugarcane entity based on Sustainable Land Management; identification of specific indicators to evaluate their status in the implementation of Sustainable Management and identify changes in soil properties that most affect agro-industrial efficiency. As the main conclusion: that the entity has conditions that compromise both the efficiency of its processes and those of the sugar industry to which it is taxed, which could find answers in the systematic implementation of the Sustainable Land Management Plan that is drawn up to this entity.

Aged Refuse Filled Bioreactor Using Like a Biological Treatment for Sugar Mill Wastewater

The serious pollution problem that exists nowadays in aquatic environments has been caused, mainly, by intensive industrial activity. For this reason, this article presents the results obtained in the treatability tests of sugar mill wastewater, using an aged refuse filled bioreactor, (O = 0.2 m, h = 3.0 m, of PVC), which was fed under four hydraulic loads (50, 100, 150 and 200 L/m3 day), each of them for a period of 8 weeks. The efficiency of the system was evaluated by the removal of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color. The average values in the influent were 2473 ± 437 mg/L for COD and 1048 ± 287 Pt–Co for color. The highest COD removal (98.8%) was achieved with a hydraulic load of 100 L/m3 day, generating an effluent with an average value of 26.8 mg COD/L. In the case of color, a removal of 84.2% was achieved. The results obtained show the evaluated system as an efficient, novel and friendly alternative in its operation, with minimum sludge and odors generation in the treatment of wastewater generated in the cane sugar extraction process.

Improvement of Methane Production from Sugar Beet Wastes Using TiO2 and Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Chitosan Micropowder Additives.

An experimental study was performed to measure biogas production from sugar beet waste, which is, in fact, the chopped parts of the sugar beet not going through the sugar extraction process, at different additive concentrations. Medium molecular weight chitosan in microsize and TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were added to ten experimental reactors to investigate their effect on the anaerobic digestion process. Three different concentrations of 0.01, 0.04, and 0.12% w/w were used for each additive. Biogas production and methane content were compared with a control sample containing no additive. Adding chitosan in powder form did not help the process nor improved methanogenic activities. The results showed no effect on anaerobic digestion by the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in the mentioned concentrations, whereas adding Fe3O4 nanoparticles led to a slight increase in methane production and in volatile solid and total solid reduction. The maximum enhancement in methane and biogas production in the sample containing 0.04% Fe3O4, as compared with the control sample, reached 19.77% and 15.09%, respectively.

Influence of Sugar Beet Nitrogen Content on Quality and Efficiency of Sugar Extraction

The present study highlights on the effect of over nitrogen content on beet sugar quality, sugar content, alkalinity, impurity value, raffinose formation, chemical impurities especially (Na) ions and the loss of sugar in molasses. The results showed that nitrogen content must be done in the way that causes a high productivity of roots with a high content of sucrose and pureness percentages with low levels of vegetarian growth levels. Also, the acceptable values of α-amino N, K and Na in roots for processing must be about 150, 140 and 700 -1000 mg 100g-1 sugar, respectively. One of the greatest effects is the increment the loss of sugars to molasses rate as a result of the increment of sucrose solubility hence decrement in crystallization. Therefore, this study recommends not to overuse nitrogen fertilization because the increase of the nitrogen inside the roots inhibits the processes of crystallization process hence, decreasing the quality of sugar extraction process.

Update on nitrite in animal feed – Results of the studies of the ESST-working group ‘Nitrite in feed’

The presentation includes monitoring results of the companies participating in the ESST expert study group on “Nitrite in feed”. It will be obvious that the complex behaviour of nitrite in the sugar extraction process overlaps with external effects such as growth condition of the beet which are not under the control of the process owner. Currently the lack of reliable and validated analytical methods do not allow to comply to the questionable maximum nitrite limit for animal feed materials.

Effects of drying and storage on year‐round production of butanol and biodiesel from algal carbohydrates and lipids using algae from water remediation

Algae harvested from a pilot water quality improvement technology at the Rockaway Wastewater Treatment Facility in New York were examined as a source of carbohydrates and lipids for the production of biofuels. Dried stocks of algae harvested during a 6‐month period were used to feed the bioreactors, and the process to extract sugar from the natural wastewater grown algae was optimized. The length of storage time, storage conditions, sugar extraction process, and fuel production were studied. The results show that if the algae is stored dry (<25% moisture) the algae stock can be used for up to a year with good conversion of carbohydrates to sugars using a 10% w/v of dried algae. These optimized conditions extracted the maximum amount of sugar, which yielded an average of 0.11 (g butanol/g sugar) from the bioreactors year‐round from a wide range of diatoms and other microalgae used to treat wastewater. Similarly, lipids could be obtained from the stored algal with value of >0.015 g/g algae even after a year in storage. These results demonstrate the potential for year round production of fuel from algae harvested as part of a water reclamation process. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 1013–1022, 2013

Dynamic modelling of the sugar extraction process from sugar beet

Dynamic modelling of the sugar extraction process from sugar beet

Modeling and Optimization of the Sugar Extraction Process

In this work, a mathematical model is first developed for the sugar extraction process under steady state conditions. The process takes place in a vertical tower in which hot water and beet cossettes are entered counter currently and the juice is enriched with sugar. The amount of sugar extracted and also the amount of sugar loss at the exit would be increased by an increase in the tower length, the beet residence time or the amount of fresh water consumed. However, this would lead to an increase in the amount of non-sugars within the extractor which is highly undesirable and requires much more in operating costs. To avoid this, the tower length and beet residence time should be at their optimal values in addition to draft, which is the percent ratio of raw juice extracted to the beet processed. This study determines these optimal values in a way to minimize the total operating costs based on the mathematical model using the genetic algorithm method. The results of this study can be used as a framework to optimize the performance of industrial extractors.

Microbiological counts during beet sugar extraction.

In order to discover the main microbial populations present throughout the process of beet sugar extraction and to identify the steps where possible control measures could be implemented, four Spanish beet sugar extraction factories were investigated. Eighteen stages were sampled at each factory and analyzed for several microbial groups and physicochemical parameters. Beets, cossettes, and diffusion juices were the most contaminated samples during beet sugar extraction, and mesophiles, thermophiles, and yeasts were the most numerous microbiota. Differences in contamination among factories and among stages of the sugar extraction process were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Beets and cossettes showed high numbers of mesophiles and lactic acid bacteria, with gum-forming bacteria and yeasts being at levels of >6 log CFU/g. Diffusion juices were highly contaminated with aerobic mesophiles, lactic acid bacteria, and thermophiles. Beet-washing water, equipment, and air were also important sources of contamination; in contrast, diffusion water showed moderate levels of microorganisms due to the acid treatment performed. Gum-forming bacteria, which are present at high levels from the first step of the extraction, survive the diffusion process and remain in the diffusion juice, where they may produce "gums" responsible for obstruction of filters. Thermophiles were present, although at levels lower than expected in most samples. Other microbial groups, particularly yeasts, may also contribute to the destruction of sugar. No biocides were used during the beet sugar extraction in the factories investigated.

Performance Enhancement of Poly(lactic acid) and Sugar Beet Pulp Composites by Improving Interfacial Adhesion and Penetration

Sugar beet pulp (SBP), the residue from the sugar extraction process, contains abundant dietary fibers and is mainly used for feedstuff. In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and SBP composites were prepared using a twin screw extruder. The phase structure, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and water absorption of the composites were studied. The molecular weight change of PLA in the composites was also studied. Polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI) was used as a coupling agent and resulted in significant increases in mechanical properties and water resistance. The tensile strength of the PLA/SBP (70/30 w/w) composite was only 56.9% that of neat PLA, but it was increased to 80.3% with the addition of 0.5% pMDI and further increased to 93.8% at 2% pMDI. With 50% SBP and 2% pMDI, the tensile strength of the composite was 87.8% of that of neat PLA. The microstructure of the composites indicated that the addition of pMDI greatly improved the wettability of the SBP particles by PLA and increased the penetration of PLA into the porous SBP. Consequently, the failure of the composites in mechanical testing changed from extensive debonding without pMDI to progressive rupture of the SBP particles with pMDI.

Economics of alternative sugar cane milling options

Cane processing energy consumption (per unit mass processed) varies between sugar mills. Although lower energy consumptions appear to indicate better performance, closer examination of the sugar extraction process reveals that more efficient extraction may increase sugar revenue sufficiently to offset higher investment and specific energy consumptions. The present analysis relates to proposed modifications in the milling process in Agroval, an old sugarcane factory. Cane processing energy consumption and sugar extraction efficiency for the current process that extracts 92.1% of the sugar, are compared to a hypothetical process similar to that in Japungu, a modern fuel alcohol distillery. Since the fermentation broth must be dilute, distilleries can use more soak water to increase juice extraction during crushing so bagasse humidity and sugar dilution in the cane juice are higher. Though more energy is expended to process cane the proposed process extracts 95.7% of the sugar content. An analysis of the substitution of the process in Agroval, based on measured and estimated data, suggests that if the evaporator steam consumption does not rise appreciably, the net revenue increases significantly. Further measurement and analysis could determine the expected improvement more accurately.

Clean water recycle in sugar extraction process: Performance analysis of reverse osmosis in the treatment of sugar beet press water

In the beet sugar manufacturing the treatment of the press water represents a challenging design task. In fact presently, press water is completely recycled to the extraction of sugar beet cossettes. Press water is essentially a dilute solution (1–3% total solids) containing, besides sugar (60–80% of the total solids), impurities in the form of dissolved species, salts, colloids, and suspended solids (20–40% of the total solids). The impurities in press water lead to a lower purity of the raw juice while the sugar content causes a decrease of the extraction yield. In this work, we study the feasibility of treating press water by reverse osmosis (RO) in order to obtain a clean water stream (the permeate) to be recycled for the sugar extraction and a concentrate stream to be sent to the low grade sugar crystallisation. A suitable purification system of press water for membrane fouling control and the use of high RO process temperatures for preventing microbiological activity are studied. A model to interpret the results of RO experiments is also presented. Possible benefits that can be achieved through the use of the RO are indicated.