Fractal applications for sugar decolorization processes.

Ion exchange decolorization to date plays no significant role in white sugar production from sugar beet. An increasing demand for high performance decolorization equipment in the refining and liquid sugar industry has pushed ion exchange resin manufacturers to improve selectivity, kinetics, color uptake capacity and cycle lifetime of their products. Fractal processing equipment allows for the best possible utilization of the advantages of the enhanced resins resulting in extremely effective and compact systems. In conjunction with nanofiltration systems the demand for water and salt as well as the waste water production are significantly reduced. Thick juice or molasses desugarisation extract are disposing of very high colors in comparison to typical cane liquors. Trials to decolorize these products in fractal decolorizing systems have proved successful thus representing a backup or alternative for existing unit operations. The flow turndown ratios of fractals allow for the combination of high throughput thin juice softeners and comparably low flow syrup decolorization applications in one dual-use installation helping to further improve economics.