Attard, J., Sheehan, M., and Gilberd, J. (2024) Using activated bio-char to reduce colour during juice clarification in a raw sugar mill. In: Proceedings of the 45th Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. pp. 276-285. From: ASSCT 2024: 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, 16-19 April 2024, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Biochar derived from sugarcane bagasse promises to be a suitable alternative to coal-based activated carbon, which is currently used to decolourise sugar in refineries. Decolourisation during the clarification stage in raw sugar milling was explored. Adsorption experiments replicating the conditions of the clarification stage in milling were undertaken using activated carbon (AC) from coal and activated wood biochar (AWB) (used as a substitute for activated bagasse biochar (ABB)). Both first express juice (FEJ) and synthetic sugar juice were used. The general pore structures, elemental composition, and specific surface area and pore volumes of coal AC, AWB, and ABB samples were compared, using SEM analysis and BET analysis. Specific surface areas of ABB, AWB, and coal AC were 793 m²/g, 830 m²/g, and 137 m²/g, respectively. Maximum colour removal from FEJ by coal AC and AWB were 75% and 67%, respectively, both at a dose of 10 g adsorbent per 100 mL solution. Colour removal from synthetic solutions was enhanced compared to FEJ (AWB at a dose of 5 g /100 mL solution led to 85% colour reduction).

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