High grade continuous pans: to stir or not to stir

Continuous pans for A, B and C massecuites are in use in Australia. None of these pans include stirrers. They all rely on natural circulation, these pans often use substantial quantities of movement water and/or jigger steam. The overall design of a continuous pan is made simpler by using natural circulation alone, but there are significant negative cost implications and design constraints imposed. The use of forced circulation, particularly in the latter sections of continuous pans may lead to capital cost reductions and greater pan capabilities. Calculations are presented to estimate the equivalent mixing power which is introduced to the massecuite as a result of boiling. The power level provides a benchmark against which forced circulation devices can be specified.