Sugar and food industry

Polishing and filtration of molasses to protect the chromatography column

Molasses at sugar production

Molasses is the residual sugar syrup that can no longer crystallize, remaining after several stages of crystallization and centrifugation during sugar production from sugar beets or sugar cane.

Molasses still contains approximately 50–60% residual sugar, as well as other substances that prevent further crystallization.

To optimize yield, the molasses is separated into its sugar and non-sugar components using chromatography columns. This requires efficient removal of the undissolved solids.

This process is carried out year-round, regardless of the seasonality of the raw materials (sugar beets or sugar cane).

Chromatography blockage.

Chromatography columns are high-quality equipment that is highly susceptible to clogging by solids. To prevent this, disposable bag filters are often used. However, this leads to increased operating costs due to frequent bag filter changes requiring manual intervention and high disposal costs.

Even the use of plate or cartridge precoat filters as a polishing stage does not offer a reliable solution, as solids frequently pass through and clog the chromatography columns.

Closed fully automatic system.

By using a fully automatic backwash filter system, the need for filter aids or disposable bag filters can be largely eliminated.

At the same time, using such a system as a polishing filter downstream of the precoat filter provides reliable protection for the chromatography and minimizes losses resulting from the recirculation of the reject.

The solution: LENZING OptiFil

Fully automated polishing and filtration of molasses with no losses.

5 µmFilter fineness
Continuous operationseveral months

Simplified process diagram of the installation of a LENZING OptiFil

Polishing and filtration of molasses

Advantages of using the LENZING OptiFil system

Efficient backwash

A patented backwash mechanism enables continuous operation with just one filter.

High filter fineness

Filtration down to 5 µm provides a reliable barrier against fine particles.

Cost savings

The minimal use of filter aids reduces operating costs.

LENZING OptiFil

The LENZING OptiFil system is a reliable backwash filter for the finest filtration of industrial fluids and in water treatment. Its patented backwash system enables maximum process continuity with minimum backwash quantities.

High backwash efficiency (patented)

Filter fineness down to 1 μm

Very high throughput rates

Completely closed system

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