Sweet taste of success

• Sugar factory optimises its whole energy management systems
• Measures identified and implemented result in € 272 000 in annual savings

Illintsi Sugar Factory produces 10 800 tonnes of sugar every year in what is considered an energy-demanding sector; it requires about 50 000 MWh of energy and  228 600 m3 of water. 

A review of the company's energy management practices led to a decision to modernise its processes to reduce waste heat (steam). This involved:

•  Modernisation of steam-pipelines
• Reduction of water loss
• Reduction of energy loss

Key measures

Several low-cost and high-investment measures were identified to improve the plant's performance.

One low-cost measure was to insulate the condensate return piping after the first and second evaporation stages in production. Another was to introduce a pressed pulp water return loop which reduces feed water use and steam usage in the juice evaporation process. A more capital-intensive measure was to install a 20 tonne/h biomass (pellets) boiler for steam production.