It is widely recognised that a variety of technologies must be applied in the sugar industry to attain lower operating costs, higher yields and improved final product quality.
The replacement of calcium and magnesium ions with Na+ in standard decalcification (NaCl as regenerant) or with K+/Na+ in closed loop decalcification (thick juice regeneration) affords the substantial advantage of eliminating undesired evaporator scale, which is the main cause of costly plant shutdowns; evaporation capacity is also considerably enhanced because of the reduced viscosity of the decalcified juice.
The removal of nonsugars by demineralisation improves crystallised sugar yield, which is further improved by the substitution of alkali ions with magnesium ions in the green syrups, with low investment costs.

Final alkalinisation of the demineralised juice eliminates additional nonsugars, improves decolourisations and stabilises juice characteristics against subsequent heat treatment.
Decolourisations of sugar remelts in the refinery helps maintain the highest standards as to crystallised sugar quality.

Sucrose is converted catalytically to glucose plus fructose by a strong cation exchanger in -H+ form; this and other mixtures of different sugars can be separated into their single components by chromatographic processes.

Chromatographic methods are also used in sugar production processes (e.g.: green syrup and molasses) to reduce the nonsugars and to increase the quantity of crystallisable sugar.
The waste water from sugar treatment plants is normally subjected to extended aeration in ponds and is ultimately made to undergo intensive biological oxidation.
The processes above described in their general lines are likewise applied by Termokimik in the production of liquid or special sugars, starting from hydrolised starch.

The vast and consolidated expertise gained by the Water Treatment Division places Termokimik amongst the leaders in the field of sugar treatment, where it applies the most advanced ion exchange technologies.

The Company also owns a patent on a chromatographic separation process.
All plants supplied by the Division are equipped with computer-assisted automation systems designed by Termokimik itself.
Such automation systems are also used to monitor and control diffusion plants, carbonation batteries, evaporators, crystallisation pans, pulp driers as well as steam and power generators.



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