Residue from Sugarcane Juice Filtration (Filter Cake): Energy Use at the Sugar Factory

Abstract

Sugar from sugarcane represents 65-70% of the world production of sugar and its production is mainly located in developing countries. The production process requires high amounts of steam and electricity at the different stages, and generates important quantities of residues. A major residue of the sugar production is filter cake (in Cuba: Cachaza), the residue from cane juice filtration. Filter cake causes significant pollution, and in several sugar factories it is considered a waste, posing problems of management and final disposal. This paper reviews recycling and recovery opportunities of filter cake (and bagasse) and experimentally studies the use of filter cake as fuel at the sugar factory. Filter cake may e.g. be used as a fertilizer/soil improver directly applied on the fields or after composting. During its decomposition, it generates, however, an acid leachate and emits significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Moreover, the experimental part of the paper shows that blends of filter cake with bagasse can be combusted in industrial boilers in sugar factories, and that loose, non-vitrified ashes with a similar appearance as bagasse ash are obtained. This results in lower volumes and masses of residues to be transported, so that transportation costs are reduced. Moreover, it gives a new economic value to the filter cake, and reduces its environmental impact. When all filter cake would be combusted blended with bagasse, about 25% more ash would be obtained than for bagasse and the trace element composition would comply with the regulatory limits for use as fertilizer/soil improver.

Bioethanol Production from Cachaza as Hydrogen Feedstock: Effect of Ammonium Sulfate during Fermentation

“…In Colombia, Cachaza production is approximately 700 MTon year −1 , and it is mainly employed as fertilizer and compost. However, such applications could have several drawbacks such as (i) health effects due to the presence of possible pathogens; (ii) water pollution; (iii) soil eutrophication; and (iv) GHG emissions due to improper disposal [9]. Rather than being used as a fertilizer or compost, up-grading Cachaza is more attractive in terms of environmental impact and the possibility of boosting NCS facilities.…”

Biodiesel Production Using Calcined Waste Filter Press Cake from a Sugar Manufacturing Facility as a Highly Economic Catalyst

“…Filter cake contains moisture; wax; fiber, sugar and appreciable amount of calcium and trace amount of other element such as Mg, P, Mn, Fe, etc. [19]. The filter press cake washed with ethanol and diethyl ether and dried at 100 °C during 12 h. The dried filter press cake includes about 97 % of calcium carbonate and less than 3 % impurities such as P 2 O s , MgO, etc.…”

“…Most sugar factories have problems with filter cake management, handling and transportation. This is due to its high water content, its smell and its attraction to insects, in addition to which it can also cause significant water pollution [19]. The correct management of the filter cake residue is a real challenge for the sugar industry.…”

New Insight into Sugarcane Industry Waste Utilization (Press Mud) for Cleaner Biobutanol Production by Using C. acetobutylicum NRRL B-527

“…During its large scale processing, cane's stalks produces 104 kg sugar, 231 kg bagasse, and 26 kg molasses. In addition, 430 kg liquid effluents and 33 kg press mud is also generated as by-products [19]. India produces around 8-10 million tons press mud every year as a waste, which is being used as manure during farming [20].…”