Application of cleaner production in the sugarcane clarification process for sugar production

Abstract

This paper’s objective is to verify the application of those principles that guide cleaner production of sugar. Cleaner production divides its objectives into three levels: level 1 (avoid waste and emissions), level 2 (return wastes to the production process) and level 3 (external recycling and final disposal of wastes). The traditional clarification process used for sugar and alcohol agribusiness is characterized by a step known as sulphiting, where sulphur (SO2) is introduced, and this is an input that releases residue which is harmful to human health and the environment. However, the need to produce high quality sugar and free of toxic residue, is encoura- ging factories in this segment to seek alternatives that are technically viable to substitute this product in the production process. In this study, two technically viable alternatives were presented to replace sulphur, ozone and bicarbonates in the clarification process, in order to minimize residues and emissions. This meets level 1 for cleaner production applications, reducing pollutants at the source and modifying the sulphiting process by replacing the input (SO2). Keywords: Cleaner Production; Gravy clarification; Sugar.