Steam boilers are crucial for several key processes in sugar and jaggery production, where they provide the necessary heat and energy for various stages:
Extraction: Boilers assist in the generation of steam to grind sugar cane and also to get most of the juice out leaving behind something known as bagasse which is used to generate power.
Juice Purification: Heat and chemical treatment are required for the sulfidation and carbonation processes to purify the juice.
Crystallization: The vacuum pans thin out the syrup, and thicken on the boilers to form the sugar crystals.
Drying: High-pressure steam is used to dry the sugar to reduce the moisture content for storage and packing.
Key Considerations for Steam Boilers
Fuel Type: Bagasse, coal, or biomass is used, but efficient combustion is essential to reduce fuel costs.
Efficiency: Mixture control enhances the air-to-fuel ratio to reduce emissions and safeguard equipment.
Cogeneration: Energy efficiency can be improved by using boilers to generate electricity in the sugar mills.