Development of a theoretical-experimental method for the optimum selection and dosage of antifoams in the sugar industry.

摘要

Foam formation during the beet sugar manufacture causes problems mainly associated with product losses and equipment damage. With the aim of minimizing these effects, antifoam agents are added during the different stages. The consumption of these reagents during the campaign is high and because these are very expensive products, optimization is necessary. The main objective of this study was the selection of the most effective antifoam agent to be added and also the optimum addition, in order to avoid any unnecessary consumption. The Bikerman method was used in order to determine the foam formation capacity of the different juices studied. Taking into account the results obtained and the literature [4] collected, a mathematical model was established, in order to standardize the experimental method, thus minimizing experimentation. It was possible to select, from this model, the most adequate antifoam agent and also the concentration to be used. With reference to the method of initial rates used for the determination of kinetic equations in chemical reactions, a kinetic model was established, simulating the rate of foam formation in the initial phase of the test, where the variation is linear. This method is simple for comparing the effects of the different antifoam agents in the same juice.