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ROC Carbon Company is proud of all the industries that comprise our client base. We are grateful to Ryan H. at Alma Plantation in Lakeland, LA., who sat down with us and walked us through their operation so that we could see just how important our segmented graphite rings are to their process.
How Boilers, Steam Turbines, Blowers, and Segmented Graphite Rings Transform Sugar Cane Into Crystals
Alma receives 500 tons of cane daily by truck or rail during their processing season. They send the cane to the boilers first to soften the cane to make the cutting, shredding, and mashing easier.
After the boiling, they go to the knives that cut the cane. Steam turbines power these knives. The fiber from the cane is used to power boilers. Six mills crush the cane and produce juice and the “bagasse.” The hydrolyzed lime rock slurry is added to adjust the pH levels in the mixture and is being tested by highly qualified plantation managers.
Now is the time for diffusion. The sugar must be extracted from the cane fiber. Hot water is injected to make the cane cells more permeable to remove the sugar at greater levels. Once the sugar “juice” is ready for extraction and further clarification, it goes to the centrifuge. This process reminds us of unfiltered apple juice, which takes on a clearer-looking juice when it is processed further.
The liquid is extracted from the “mud” and separated in a centrifuge. At this point, the sugar liquid is thick like molasses. The mud is processed more to remove the sugar from it. The liquid is then put in an evaporator crystallizer pan. The pan is blown on by large blowers, which are also equipped with ROC Carbon segmented “blower” seals.
The sugar is formed into black crystals, which the crystallization manager inspects. After the inspection, the sugar returns to the centrifuge to be separated. The sugar is sent to the refinery for further processing to become the sugar we bake with and use in our iced tea! Boilers, steam turbines, and blowers power each stage of Alma’s operation. ROC Carbon Company manufactures graphite segmented seals in our plant here in Houston, TX
Enhance Sugar Processing with ROC Carbon’s Segmented Seal Rings & More
With our high-quality segmented graphite rings and other parts, you can maximize your production and ensure seamless operations. Contact us today to learn how we can support your sugar processing needs.
