Intermediate products or by-products of the sugar industry are an important source of raw material for the fermentation of bioproducts. (Vogelbusch proprietary processes in orange)
Clean molasses and sugar syrups can be fed straight to the fermentation unit. Pretreatment is required only for raw molasses containing sludge or certain quantities of inhibiting substances which would affect the fermentation.
Clarifying and contamination control.
Raw molasses is a by-product of refining sugarcane or sugar beets. It contains a remaining quantity of sugar that could not be crystallized into white or raw sugar as well as water, ashes and other organic compounds. For optimum yields in the fermentation process, microbial contamination and inhibitory substances contained in raw molasses have to be detected and removed.
Raw molasses is mixed with water and sulphuric acid and clarified by sedimentation or by separators. If pasteurization is required, the clarified molasses can be fed to a sterilisation coil where it is heated with live steam at a specific temperature and afterwards cooled down.
Sedimenting insoluble solids from liquids.
Precipitate reactions occur when different ions in aqueous solution combine to form an insoluble solid. This process can be induced by application of reagents that precipitate specific ions or by neutralizing target components. The precipitate drops to the bottom of the liquid for easy removal or is separated from the liquid by additional equipment like filters or centrifuges.
Vogelbusch has comprehensive experience in designing precipitation units. The targets are the removal of undesired substances from liquids as well as for product isolation. Applications include raw material preparation for fermentation by removing inhibitors, the fining of raw vinegar to bind and remove dissolved substances and the isolation of citric acid from the fermented mash.
