SZ/RT-juice purification system in Drochia – Processing of colloids separated from prelimed juice in the biogas plant of the sugar factory*

Südzucker has installed a SZ/RT juice purification system in its Drochia factory in Moldova in 2018. The process separates the colloids precipitated in the preliming step before the main liming stage of the classical beet juice purification.

The effects on the process stability, beet slicing rate and lime stone consumption were excellent. The main liming alkalinity could be reduced and the carbonatation lime had a high dry matter and a low sugar content. The conversion of the colloid fraction to biogas in the biogas plant attached to the sugar factory was very successful. The practical experience of the last two campaigns demonstrated that it is feasible to add the colloid fraction to the pressed pulp silage. After the campaign the ensiled pulp is used as feed for the biogas plant. The process provides a carbonatation lime that is easy to press out and very low in phosphate.