IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NIR BASED CANE ANALYSIS SYSTEM AT THE MARYBOROUGH SUGAR FACTORY LIMITED

FOLLOWING the successful parallel trials using a FOSS Cane Analysis System (CAS) and the conventional Queensland system for cane payment during the 2003 crushing season, the decision was taken to use the CAS for full cane payment in 2004. This paper describes the implementation of the CAS, the desired objectives, the changes to traditional laboratory operations, and the experiences gained during the first year of operation. The necessary steps for system validation and system bias changes are also discussed. Routine maintenance and non-crushing season storage requirements for the system hardware are described.