An overview on the chemistry of clarification of cane sugar juice

The main aim of the clarification process is to supply juice of optimum quality to the back end of the factory. All Australian raw sugar mills clarify mixed juice by simple defecation. This process is followed by air-flashing and gravity sedimentation. Despite advances made in recent times to improve the technological aspects of the clarification process, the variability of the cane supply still effects variability in clarification performance. This is evident from inconsistent control of juice quality and clarity, and mud levels. This paper reviews the present knowledge of the chemistry of clarification, identifies knowledge gaps and discusses potential areas of research that may lead to increased process capacity without expansion of the back end of the factory and improved raw sugar quality.