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APPLICATIONS · SUGAR INDUSTRY

Precise process measurement technology for the sugar industry

Increase efficiency, save energy and optimise crystallisation with MWM tec

In industrial sugar production, the precise control of material concentrations and densities determines product quality and the economic efficiency of the entire campaign. Whether in juice extraction, juice purification or the demanding crystallisation process – highly viscous media, extreme solids loads and sticky deposits pose enormous challenges for conventional sensors.

With its MicroSinus measurement system, MWM tec GmbH offers a solution for these demanding process conditions. The microwave transmission method continuously measures density, dry matter or an application-specific calibrated Brix concentration in real time, directly within the process. The method does not require optical transmission through the medium.

Key applications in sugar production

Our system integrates seamlessly into existing pipework systems and tank walls, optimising the critical stages of beet or cane sugar processing:

Evaporation of thin and thick juice

Continuous online monitoring of the calibrated Brix concentration during thermal concentration. This supports the energy-efficient control of the evaporator stations.

Crystallisation and vacuum pan boiling (magma/massecuite)

High-precision in-line measurement of density and solids concentration in the cooking vessels. The system provides precise data for optimal control of crystal growth and prevents faulty batches.

Lime milk dosing in juice clarification

Reliable density measurement of the highly viscous lime milk suspension in the main flow. This ensures precise, demand-based dosing for the optimal precipitation of non-sugar substances.

Molasses and by-product control

Continuous in-line measurement of the solids content in viscous by-products for comprehensive quality monitoring and process documentation.

Your benefits at a glance

Process challengeMWM tec (MicroSinus) approachEconomic added value
Sticky deposits and cakingOptically independent microwave transmission methodNo measurement errors caused by internal pipe deposits; drastically reduced cleaning effort.
Extremely viscous media (massecuite)Non-contact volume measurement via the core flowRepresentative real-time data even with highly concentrated fill materials, rather than mere surface scans.
High energy consumption during cookingPrecise online control of the optimum Brix valueSignificant reduction in energy costs (steam consumption) in the evaporator and cooking stations.
Delayed laboratory analysesReal-time inline data acquisition on the flyImmediate process adjustment in the event of deviations from the formulation ensures a consistently high sugar quality.

Dissolving tank and juice processing

Measurement points for Brix determination in the dissolving tank as well as in thin juice and thick juice.

Brix measurement in the dissolving tank. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Dissolving tankInstallation example 01 · Enlarge photo ↗

Sugar solution

Dissolving tank

Brix measurement in the dissolving tank.

Installation
Dissolving tank
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Brix (°Bx)
Brix determination in thin juice. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Thin juiceInstallation example 05 · Enlarge photo ↗

Thin juice

Thin juice

Brix measurement in thin juice.

Installation
Measurement point in thin juice
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Brix (°Bx)
Brix measurement in thick juice. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Thick juiceInstallation example 04 · Enlarge photo ↗

Thick juice

Thick juice

Brix measurement in thick juice.

Installation
Measurement point in thick juice
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Brix (°Bx)

Cooking process

Brix measurement in batch-operated boiling pans and in continuous boiling pans.

Brix determination in a batch-operated cooking pan. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Batch panInstallation example 02 · Enlarge photo ↗

Sugar mixture in the pan

Batch pan

Brix determination in a batch-operated cooking kettle.

Installation
Pan
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Brix (°Bx)
Brix measurement in a continuous boiling pan. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Continuous panInstallation example 03 · Enlarge photo ↗

Sugar mixture in the continuous pan

Continuous pan

Brix determination in a continuous boiling pan.

Installation
Continuous pan
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Brix (°Bx)
Brix measurement in the boiling pan – a further installation example. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Another pan measurement pointInstallation example 07 · Enlarge photo ↗

Sugar mixture in the pan

Another pan measurement point

Brix measurement in the boiling pan – a further installation example.

Installation
Pan
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Brix (°Bx)

Milk of lime

Installation example for density measurement in milk of lime.

Density measurement in milk of lime. MicroSinus measuring point with immersion probe.
Milk of limeInstallation example 06 · Enlarge photo ↗

Milk of lime

Milk of lime

Density measurement in milk of lime.

Installation
Measurement point in milk of lime
Sensors
Immersion probe
Measured variable
Density

Measurement from the dissolving tank to the cooking unit

In the existing installation examples, immersion probes are used in the dissolving tank, in thin and thick juice, in the vacuum pans and in lime milk. The multi-frequency technology measures the respective parameter directly within the process. The sensor technology, temperature range and calibration are specified for the sugar solution, massecuite or lime milk suspension.

Brix is a calibrated measure of concentration and is not equivalent to total dry matter for every process medium. The correspondence is defined for the specific application.

Further applications

YOUR TRANSLATION TASK

Ready for process optimisation?

Take advantage of our many years of application expertise in industrial measurement technology for your sugar factory. We would be happy to analyse your specific requirements and configure the optimal measurement system to ensure your success.

Start an application enquiry ↗

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