Systems for production of white sugars

Increased demand in cane growing countries for high quality white sugars since the 1970’s, and reasons for the increase are discussed. Traditional plantation white sugars do not meet quality requirements of food and beverage processors. Systems for white sugar production include traditional free-standing refineries, white-end refineries attached to a group of sugarcane factories and improved mill-white, or “Blanco Directo” systems. Components of the latter: syrup clarification and filtrate clarification, are discussed in detail. Process variables and product quality are outlined, with estimates of current annual production. The great potential of membrane process purification is considered.