An agitated drum extractor for studying cane diffusion rates: preliminary study using simulated cane

Cane diffusion is a commercially viable alternative to milling (Chen, 1985). The mechanics of extraction in a diffuser are markedly different from those in milling. With milling, the sugar is removed forcibly by expression of the juice as a result of high compressive stresses. With diffusers, the extraction depends on the much slower diffusion of sugar within the wet cane particles as a result of concentration differences. A study has begun at the University of Queensland to quantify the mechanics of cane diffusion. This paper describes experimental equipment used to determine ultimate extraction rates.