A RAPID STARCH TEST FOR USE IN CANE MILLS

摘要

Starch is an important quality factor in raw sugar production and sugar refining. Starch concentration is higher in cane juice from immature cane plants and in green (not burned) cane, now harvested more frequently in all parts of the world. There isa need for a rapid and simple method that can be used in cane mills. A simple, rapid, and quantitative test for starch in cane juice and raw sugar has been developed by Sugar Processing Research Institute (SPRI) for use in cane mills. The method showed good correlation (>95%) with the standard method. It can be used on raw juice, clarified juice and raw sugar. The method can be easily learned, uses equipment already on hand in most mill laboratories, and can be integrated into current laboratory practices. The method was successfully tested in a Louisiana mill over a grinding season and also on cane juice representing numerous sources and a wide concentration range of starch. This paper also reviews the behavior of starch in the mill during the grinding season.