Sugar
Sugar technology
Sugar Services
Monitoring
The quality of the beet is particularly important in order to achieve an optimum result. Given the limited shelf life of the beet, it can only be processed within a certain period of time (campaign), the ideal length of which also significantly contributes to the economic efficiency of sugar production. It is becoming increasingly important to monitor the quality of white sugar, and the by-products resulting from sugar production, by means of monitoring programmes in order to meet the ever growing number of requirements.
ADVANCED ANALYSIS OF KEY PRODUCTS
To this end, there are fixed arrangements for sugar factories based in Austria, such as the advanced analysis of key products from sugar production as well as information platforms such as the ‘ARIC March conference’, the plant discussion rounds in May and the pre-campaign discussion in September. In addition, the Sugar Technology department takes part in the annual AGRANA Sugar Division workshops in order to share experience and information, and addresses current issues.
ANALYSIS INCLUDING ATTESTATION AND FOUNDING
The Sugar Technology department at the AGRANA Research & Innovation Center also offers to carry out a whole variety of different analyses for external clients, including certification and diagnosis of results at market rates. The focus here is on the quality testing of white sugar – from the usual analysis of the EC points to determining the turbidity, as well as from testing floc properties and filterability to heavy metals – and molasses.
EMPLOYMENT IN WORKGROUP (COCS)
There is also a need to get involved in tackling current problems faced by the AGRANA Group from time to time. In addition to the experience gained over several decades, the department’s outstanding analytical skills can also be useful here. The services provided also include involvement in working groups (CoCs) within the Südzucker Group.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AND ENERGY SAVING PROCEDURES
The main aim of the work is to develop new, environmentally-friendly and energy-saving processes and process steps. In addition, it also provides services in application technology, process optimisation and diagnostics for clients.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES
The department’s staff are members of national and international professional committees (FZÖ, VDZ, ICUMSA, ESST, IIRB) and contribute to a wide range of conferences. The pooled experience is also disseminated through internal courses and lectures (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna; FH Wiener Neustadt; Campus Tulln).
Beet quality
Sugar technology is a separation technology
Sugar technology is a separation technology in which the sugar beet’s ingredients are separated into the main product of crystalline white sugar and various by-products in the feed and fertiliser segment, mainly pellets, molasses and carbolime.
From an economic perspective, this should be done with no losses as far as possible and with minimal consumption of energy and process materials.