A Sweet Solution to Explosive Dust

Harvesting sugar cane and sugar beets is done primarily by a machine, but can also be done by hand. The cane stalks are harvested and then loaded mechanically into trucks or railroad cars, where they are then transported to mills for processing into raw sugar. Once it arrives at the mill yards, the sugar cane is cleaned with warm water to remove any debris and then crushed to extract a large portion of the juice. Small grains of sugar crystals then begin to form.

The dust generated from the production of sugar can become explosive if not contained. Maintaining a safe work environment is key in controlling the potential hazard of uncontrolled sugar dust during food processing. A build-up of sugar dust in the plant’s equipment can be deadly, but is entirely preventable.

A large manufacturer of sugar was looking for a way to remove the dust from the equipment of their sugar store. The service life of their two current collectors had ended and they needed a unit that would minimize the build-up of dust deposits, while offering an efficient collection of particulate. AAF® recommended the RotoClone® N because of its design for continuous operation with minimal service and it ensures performance is maintained without interruption.

Challenge

A large manufacturer of sugar was looking for a way to remove the dust from the equipment of their sugar store. The service life of their two current collectors had ended and they needed a unit that would minimize the build-up of dust deposits, while offering an efficient collection of particulate.

Solution

AAF® proposed one RotoClone® N hydrostatic collector. The disposal was a type “D” in order to facilitate the precipitation of the sugar at the bottom. This unit was the most cost effective dust collection solution that did not require compressed air, replacement cartridges, or fabric bags.

Benefits

The customer reported that the installation of the RotoClone® N unit effectively and efficiently removed the sugar dust from their store. Its access doors, with quickopening handles, provide accessibility to the interior, and because there are no replacement cartridges or fabric bags, the unit is able to run without interruption.