Conversion of raw sugar and after product batch evaporating crystallization to continuous horizontal cascades

Among several projects to reduce primary energy consumption, the raw sugar and after product batch evaporating crystallization of the Jülich sugar factory was converted in 1999 to continuous horizontal cascades. The consequent switch from steam to low-pressure vapor made possible additional evaporation in the evaporator plant. Thanks to the fact that the old equipment of the batch crystallization could be reused, the conversion, essentially limited to pipeline changes, was completed within three months. The operating experiences and results of the 1999 beet campaign, notably more even operation, better centrifugal performance and energy savings through greater water extraction in the evaporator plant, confirmed the advantages of continuous evaporating crystallization, compared with batch working.