Sugar cane mill

Sugar cane mill is a factory that processes sugar cane to produce raw or white sugar. It can also mean the piece of equipment that crushes the sticks of sugar cane to extract the juice.

Processing

The mill house of a cane sugar mill has a number of machinery such as the juice extraction system, the crushing mill, and the boiling house which are essential for the processing of sugar cane into sugar.

Juice extraction

The juice extraction system is the first step in sugar production. It involves the crushing of the sugar cane to extract the juice. This is usually done by a tandem of mills which successively squeeze the cane to extract the juice.

Crushing

The crushing mill is the second step in the process. It consists of a series of mills, each containing one or more rollers. The cane is passed through the rollers, which crush and squeeze the juice out of the cane.

Boiling

The boiling house is where the juice is heated and evaporated to concentrate the sugar. The juice is boiled until it crystallizes into sugar. This process is known as crystallization.

History

The sugar cane mill has a long history, with the first instances appearing in the 19th century. The technology and methods of sugar production have evolved over the years, but the basic process of crushing the cane to extract the juice, boiling it to concentrate the sugar, and then crystallizing it remains the same.

Environmental impact

Sugar cane mills have a significant environmental impact. The process of sugar production generates a large amount of waste, known as bagasse, which is often burned, contributing to air pollution. In addition, the use of water in the process can lead to water pollution if not properly managed.

See also

• Sugar refinery
• Sugar beet factory
• List of sugar manufacturers