Batch process and apparatus for crystallizing syrup

Abstract

A batch process of producing sugar crystals from syrup in a discontinuously operated crystallization apparatus comprising a heating calandria, comprises the steps of graining a batch of concentrated syrup by adding seed crystals thereto to form a magma, causing sugar crystals in the magma to grow by subjecting it to evaporation in heat exchange with the calandria and adding syrup while maintaining the mother liquor at a desired coefficient of supersaturation to obtain massecuite, increasing the brix of the massecuite to a desired value to obtain a final volume of massecuite which is substantially equal to the volume of the magma, and controlling the flow of steam to the calandria and the flow of added syrup at least during the growing phase of the sugar crystals so that the mother liquor is maintained at supersaturation and the level of the massecuite remains substantially constant. The calandria has a minimum height of 2 m and the control system is arranged to hold the level of massecuite produced in the evaporator vessel below a maximum level spaced above an upper plane of the calandria.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.