The number of crystals established in the low grade graining operation on sugar factory pan stations is generally quite variable. This is attributed to variations in the survival rate of the fine slurry particles in the large volume of molasses in the factory graining pans. In this paper trials using a specially constructed seed initiation pan to establish small crystals from the slurry particles are described. However, to date the number of crystals established in this pan which provides well-mixed uniform conditions shows a similar variation to that in factory pans. The pan design and control details together with the results of the trials are discussed.