Sugar crystals are susceptible to breaking during handling or drying, producing dust and problems for the sugar processing industry. Material is lost, wear on the bearings and gears of machines is exacerbated, and hygiene may be compromised. The appearance of the final product can be affected because fine dust on the crystals that are to be sold reduces lustre, especially when the dust gets into bagging.

In unfavourable conditions, the dust can create a risk of explosions, and in the past several incidents have led to concerns among industry professionals and regulators. For these reasons, dust extraction at all conveying transfer points is recommended.

Typically, dust is removed from conveying exhaust air streams with a suction hood and separated with a cyclone scrubber Sugar dryers are another location where collection is often required. For dry scrubbers, the dust can be recovered from a filter. Wet scrubbers which yield a sugar solution or filter bag collectors are also sometimes used. Each has advantages and disadvantages: wet scrubbers are highly efficient, but may encourage microbial growth, while filter-type products are efficient and dry, but tend to have large pressure drops. Dry cyclones have lower collection efficiencies.

As a hygroscopic material, sugar has a tendency to cake. To reduce maintenance due to dust build-up on filter surfaces, reverse pulse-jet filters can be used in place of conventional baghouses.

For further information, contact CFW’s sales engineers.