Refinement of the Vacuum Press filters for the sugar and alcohol industry

• Grant number: 97/07452-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: January 01, 1998
• End date: November 30, 2000
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Pedro Gustavo Córdoba Junior
• Grantee: Pedro Gustavo Córdoba Junior
• Company: Technopulp Consultoria e Comércio de Equipamentos Industriais Ltda

Abstract

The objective of the research is the technological refinement of the continuous double screen filter known as Vacuum Press, used in the purification treatment of raw sugar juice (garapa) in sugar and alcohol factories, enabling an increase in efficiency and productivity. The project aims at a more detailed study of the market, research in the laboratory to test new screen membranes and filtering aids, such as polymers and chemical coagulation agents, for higher operational performance. This is only possible by means of work in the laboratory and plant, using a pilot filter for trials and tests. The installation of a laboratory with pilot equipment will make it possible to attain higher levels of automation and efficiency, and for the company to broaden the market range, resulting in socioeconomic benefits with the creation of new jobs. The Vacuum Press filter is the most recent development of the company which is active in the areas of engineering and processes linked to the sugar and alcohol, paper and cellulose sectors, and is being used in the sugar and alcohol sector with satisfactory results, as a replacement for conventional rotating filters, which have a low power of retention of impurities and a high level of sucrose loss. (AU)