SPRI 2010 - SUGAR PROCESSING CONFERENCE

The Dr. Margaret A. Clarke Award

for

Best Paper

 

March 30, 2010

Award Winner for the Best Paper at the SPRI Conference.

DR HENRIQUE V AMORIM

FERMENTEC LTDA

PIRACICABA SP, BRASIL

The Dr. Margaret A. Clarke Award for Best Paper presented at the International SPRI Conference on Sugar Processing Research, was presented by Mr. Doug Emek, Chairman of SPRI to Dr. Henrique V. Amorim, representing Fermentec Ltda, Piracicaba SP, Brasil, at the Iberville Suites/Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, on March 30, 2010.

SPRI wishes to thank Dr. Henrique V. Amorim for his remarkable work presented at this year SPRI Conference on Sugar Processing Research with the theme “Research in a Changing Sugar Industry,” in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.  As the sugar industry moves forward with new processing and technologies in sugar research in sugarcane, sugarbeet and ethanol production we were pleased to congratulate Dr. Henrique V. Amorim in his interest and dedication to the sugar industry.  Abstract of paper presented is listed below.

ABSTRACT OF THE BEST PAPER PRESENTED

Impact of Sugar Cane Juice Chemical Composition on Clarification and VHP Sugar Quality, Henrique Amorim, Fermentec, Antonia Pizzinato Sturion Street 1155, Jd. Petropolis, 13420-640 Piracicaba SP, Brasil, Tel: 55-192105-6100, Fax: 55-192405-6101, E-mail: amorim@fermentec.com.br

It is well known that the sugar cane composition affects clarification and sugar recovery and quality. However, it is not well known the levels of such variables in clarification and VHP sugar quality.  This research was performed in a sugar and ethanol plant in Brazil which crushes 4 millions ton of cane per season and 25,000 ton per day.  Fifty four samples were collected in first extraction juice, dosed juice and clarified juice during several weeks and also samples of the VHP sugar, were analyzed.  The juices were analyzed for sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactic acid, acetic acid, dextran and minerals. S was analyzed for solid impurities, turbidity and color.  Positive correlations were found between phosphorus and clarification efficiency and VHP color.  The lactic and acetic acids, as well glucose and fructose in juice, correlated negatively with sugar quality (increase color).  Dextran interferes in clarification and affects Honig-Bogstra indice.  Knowing better the variables that affect clarification and sugar quality, it is possible to improve the process.