USE OF CALCIUM CARBONATE (CACO3) INFLUENCE IN CANE JUICE ALKALIZATION AND SEDIMENTATION

Abstract

Introduction:
It is needed to explore the CaCO3 from Tanque Viña deposit in Remedios as a possible alkalizing agent in cane juice alkalization intensification and its influence on sediment calcium content for animal feed and/or fertilizer use.
Objective:
To study the use of CaCO3 as an alkalizing agent in the intensification of the purification of cane juices in the sugar industry.
Materials and Methods:
An experimental explanatory investigation was structured, using a tube sedimentation test at laboratory level and the statistical software Statgraphics Centurion XVI.II. Cane juice and mineral agents (CaCO3 and Ca(OH)2) were used in laboratory test.
Results and Discussion:
Different analytical results are obtained such as: brix, pol, purity, turbidity, and clarified juices color, as well as sedimentation speed and alkalization pH. These results were the support to determine the best treatment for cane juices and to propose the best alternative.
Conclusions:
it is concluded that the juice treatment with a mixture of 1-1 (1 of CaCO3 -1 of Ca(OH)2) presents favorable results when it is used at values close to 8ºBe of alkalization, showing color values of 148 UTF, turbidity of 38 UTF and a sedimentation rate of 1.58E-04m/s. although it does not exceed the conventional strategy of clarification implemented in sugar plants, it is presented as a novel and diversifying alternative, due to the possibility of using the obtained sediments in animal feed formulations because they are rich in minerals.