Fugalling characteristics of high grade massecuites

The inherent fugalling behaviour of massecuites has a strong influence on the capacity of batch and continuous high grade centrifuges. The amount of wash water, and its efficiency in removing molasses from the crystal surface while minimising sucrose dissolution, are also strongly dependent on the fundamental 'fugallability' of the material. Improved understanding of the influence of specific massecuite properties on fugalling performance will indicate where changes to process operations could be implemented to produce high grade massecuites of good purging characteristics. This information is essential for achieving higher productivities for the pan stage and high grade fugal station, particularly when producing high polarisation sugars. Massecuite properties which are considered likely to influence the fugalling behaviour are mother molasses viscosity and the crystal size distribution parameters. The fugalling characteristics of high grade strike massecuites at several factories have been studied in terms of these parameters. This paper describes the trials and the results of the investigation.