The Role of Inline Concentration Meters (Refractometers) in the Sugar Industry

1. Raw material testing stage

Before sugar cane, beet and other sugar raw materials enter the production process, Inline Brix Refractometers can quickly detect the sugar content of the raw materials. This helps sugar mills evaluate the quality of raw materials, determine a reasonable purchase price, and provide a basis for subsequent production process adjustments. For example, if a batch of sugar cane is detected to have a high sugar content, the sugar mill can appropriately adjust the parameters of the pressing equipment to increase the juice yield of the raw materials.

2. Pressing process

1). Real-time monitoring of sugarcane juice concentration

1.1 During the sugarcane or beet pressing process, Inline brix refractometers can monitor the concentration of the squeezed sugarcane or vegetable juice in real time. Through continuous monitoring, fluctuations in raw material quality and the operating status of the pressing equipment can be discovered in a timely manner. If the sugarcane juice concentration suddenly drops, it may mean that the pressing equipment has failed or the raw material quality has deteriorated, and the operator can take timely measures to adjust it.

1.2 Ensure the efficiency of the pressing process, avoid the increase of impurities and equipment loss caused by over-pressing, and also prevent the waste of raw materials caused by insufficient pressing.

2). Optimize mixed juice processing

Cane juice or vegetable juice from different sources may have different concentrations. Inline brix refractometers can help sugar mills accurately grasp the concentration of mixed juice so as to make reasonable blending and processing. For example, the amount of clarifier added can be adjusted according to the concentration of the mixed juice to improve the clarification effect and remove impurities.

3. Evaporation and concentration stage

1). Accurately control the concentration
Evaporation is a key link in the sugar production process. Water is evaporated by heating to increase the concentration of the sugar solution. Inline brix refractometers can monitor the concentration changes of the sugar solution during the evaporation process in real time. Operators can accurately control the temperature and time of evaporation based on the concentration data to ensure that the sugar solution reaches the appropriate concentration. If the concentration is too high, it may cause the sugar to crystallize too quickly and affect the product quality; while too low a concentration will increase energy consumption and production time.
For example, when the Inline brix refractometers show that the sugar solution concentration is close to the target value, the evaporation temperature is gradually reduced to prevent excessive evaporation from causing caramelization of the sugar solution.

2). Improve production efficiency
With the real-time monitoring of Inline brix refractometers, automatic control can be achieved, manual intervention can be reduced, and the stability and consistency of the evaporation process can be improved. This can not only improve production efficiency, but also reduce labor intensity and production costs.

4. Crystallization stage

1). Determine the crystallization timing
During the crystallization process of sugar solution, it is crucial to accurately grasp the concentration of sugar solution. Inline brix refractometers can monitor the concentration changes of sugar solution in real time. When the concentration reaches the crystallization point, a signal is sent in time to notify the operator to start the crystallization procedure. This ensures that the crystallization process is carried out at the best time, improving the crystallization efficiency and sugar recovery rate.
For example, according to the data of Inline brix refractometers, when the concentration of sugar solution reaches a certain value, the temperature is slowly lowered to promote the formation of sugar crystals.

2). Monitor the crystallization process
During the crystallization process, continue to use Inline brix refractometers to monitor the concentration changes of sugar solution to determine the progress of crystallization. If the concentration changes abnormally, it may mean that there is a problem in the crystallization process, such as too fast or too slow crystallization speed, impurity influence, etc. Operators can adjust the crystallization conditions in time based on this information to ensure the smooth progress of the crystallization process.

5. Finished product testing stage

1). Quality control
Inline brix refractometers can quickly test the concentration of finished sugar to ensure that the product meets the quality standards. If the concentration of finished sugar does not meet the requirements, it may affect its taste, storage stability and market value. Through online testing, unqualified products can be discovered in time and corresponding measures can be taken to deal with them.
For example, for finished sugar that does not meet the standards, it can be re-dissolved, recrystallized, etc. to improve product quality.

2). Production optimization
Based on the concentration test results of finished sugar, sugar factories can analyze and optimize the entire production process. If problems are found in the concentration control of a certain link, the process parameters can be adjusted in a targeted manner to improve production efficiency and product quality. At the same time, the long-term accumulated concentration data can also provide a reference for the production management of sugar factories and help formulate more scientific and reasonable production plans.