Why Not Progressive Cavity Pumps for the Sugar Industry?

The sugar industry produces highly viscous fluids like molasses, massecuite, press mud slurry and even sludges. These materials are highly consistent and shear sensitive. Preserving these fluid properties is essential in sugar processing. While there are many types of pumps in the market, Food Grade Progressive Cavity Pumps meet these challenges head-on.  

Centrifugal and piston pumps are just not enough to transfer fluids with viscosities above 5000 cP. Sugar refineries produce a huge amount of these fluids, and they need special type of pumps.

Sugar production needs high levels of hygiene and zero impurities. Sugar refineries must transfer byproducts like molasses in hygienic conditions. Here, the pumps with Clean-In-Place (CIP) & Sterilize-In-Place (SIP) features should be installed to ensure the products are safe from impurities.  

Progressive Cavity Pumps are your Best Option!

Progressive Cavity Pumps move liquids smoothly with the help of a rotor and stator. They do this without any changes to the fluid properties. It has high suction capability, which is perfect for transferring thick, sticky fluids. Their output is consistent across viscosities, and these pumps usually have a long service life.  

Applications Across Sugar Processing Stages 

1. Cane Juice Extraction & Transfer  

Viscosity: 5 to 40cP 

Freshly extracted cane juice must be transferred without agitation or clogging. Progressive Cavity pumps preserving juice quality by transferring the raw juice with solids gently. 

2. Lime Dosing  

Viscosity: 300 to 600 cP 

Accurate lime slurry dosing is critical for clarifying the juice. Progressive Cavity pumps transfer lime slurry to the process, ensuring continuous operation even with abrasive slurries. 

3. Sludge Removal from Clarifiers  

Viscosity: 10 to 7,500 cP 

Clarifier sludges often contain high solids. Sludge pumps deliver clog-free transfer, enabling smooth operations and reducing downtime. Progressive cavity pumps are well suited to transfer sludges over long distances.   

4. Press Mud Slurry Transfer  

Solid Content: 10 to 30%  

Press mud is highly viscous and fibrous, posing challenges for conventional pumps. Progressive Cavity pumps handle this material effortlessly, ensuring consistent transfer without manual intervention. 

5. Filter Cake Disposal  

Viscosity: >10,000 cP 

Solids: > 60%  

Manual handling of filter cake is labor-intensive. Sugar industries can use Sludge Transfer Systems to automate this process, reducing effort and improving safety.