Alternative methods for separation of water and sucrose

Results: The project led to a range of new separation technologies, and we estimate that especially one - removal of water through gas hydrates - has a future potential in the sugar production. Together with the pilot test the effected concept calculations have shown that potentially this process may reduce the energy consumption with between 30% and 60%. The hydrate process may possibly also reduce the consumption of lime stone in the present juice purification. It is a new unique separation technology - not yet commercially accessible. The process in the beginner phase and further progress requires considerable in depth development both theoretically as well as technologically. Danisco Sugar has applied for a patent for use of the hydrate process in the sugar production (SE-2000381). We have made tests where crushing (mechanical opening of the beet cells) and separation of sugar juice and pulp were tested at pilot scale. The tests proved that it was impossible to obtain a juice output close to the level required to make the concept sustainable. It requires a considerable effort to develop the neccessary process equipment. The German Heinz Heyer, with whom we cooperated actively, has applied for patent for the process (DE 19736080). In addition to the hydrate process we have evaluated a range of biotechnological separation processes (sucrose binding proteins and yeast). The result of these examinations was that at the present technological stage we are unable to utilize these methods