Some factors affecting the concentration of silica in cane juice evaporators

Silica remains one of the most common and problematic components in cane su gar juice evaporator scale. The relationship between silica concentration i n clear juice and its precipitation in the evaporator train is considered. Methods of reducing silica levels in clear juice through changes in the ext raction conditions are investigated through laboratory experimentation, whi ch shows that pH and cane preparation may be important variables. The labor atory findings have been supported by factory experience which found that r educed liming in the diffuser resulted in lower silica concentrations in th e evaporator scale.