Sugar Beet Pulp
Proactive Avoidance of Issues Controlled by Moisture
Improving the efficiency of the process of converting sugar beet pulp into pellets or pulp fibre for animal feed is done by reducing the drying time and energy costs involved by monitoring and controlling moisture levels during production. Accurate moisture testing instruments optimize production—helping yield the highest quality products AND save money along the way. But it’s difficult to choose the best moisture analyzer, when so many options are available on the market – MoistTech has the diamond standard in solutions!
Typically 1/3 of a sugar plant’s fuel consumption is used in the drying of byproducts such as sugar beet. MoistTech’s NIR moisture sensor can greatly reduce the energy costs used during drying by optimizing the dryer – knowing exact moisture levels before and after the dryer make this possible.
Beet pulp, a fibrous byproduct from sugar beets, is primarily used as animal feed for livestock. Beet pulp is traditionally sold in pellet form or as dried flakes. Beet pulp is a popular choice for feeding older horses as it eases chewing efforts when compared to hay. The moisture content of beet pulp is extremely important during production, even though this product is sold in a dried form. Before it is dried, it has high moisture content and is susceptible to mold. Unnecessary moisture increases the chances of mold, which makes the plant both unsellable and unsafe to handle.
If beet pulp is kept at proper moisture levels during production and handling, horses that ingest it can be just as healthy as those that eat hay. Because the product contains fairly low crude protein content and a profuse level of fiber, animal owners rely on beet pulp as a positive alternative to hay and grain.
Side by Side Comparison
non-contact
Our equipment never comes into contact with the product, allowing for less waste
zero drift
Our sensors are guaranteed not to drift over time – which saves time and money
closed loop
Create a closed-loop process by tying a moisture sensor into your PLC. Full control over the line!
no recalibrations
We’ve mastered the art of moisture sensors – your unit will never need to be recalibrated for the same product twice!
Return on Investment
Implementing online moisture measurement will enhance the efficiency of the sugar beet pulp conversion process, whether it is being converted into pellets or pulp fiber for animal feed. This improvement will result in reduced drying time and lower energy costs. Typically, around one-third of a sugar plant’s fuel consumption is utilized in the drying of this by-product.
To maximize the surface area exposed to hot water in the diffuser, the beets are sliced into ‘v’ shaped wedges known as cossetts. Due to the osmotic gradient, sugar diffuses from the cossets into the water. Throughout the process, the sugar solution flows in one direction and becomes increasingly concentrated, while the cossets move toward a screw press. The moisture content is reduced from 95% to approximately 75% at this stage.
Before drying and pelletization, the pulp often has molasses added to it, resulting in a moisture content of approximately 10%.
Assess
The measurement of moisture is typically conducted at the exit of the press and the exit of the dryer. The moisture gauge is positioned around 4 to 12 inches above a conveyor. It is crucial to place the NIR IR3000 sensor a few feet away from the dryer exit to ensure a stable reading and reliable operation. A vortex cooling option is available for installations with ambient temperature exceeding 50˚C.
Contact
We offer service and support throughout the world for our moisture measurement sensors and would be happy to connect you with a rep in your area. Contact us today for more information!
Understand the Process
See how our sensor works directly on the line in similar applications