Significance of the study
Optimizing and reducing the inefficiencies for the process of producing sugar can help improve
cogeneration and reduction of energy consumption. Though the production of sugar is already
improving energy efficiency through cogeneration and using of more efficient technology, it can still be
improved through modifications of the feed conditions. This specifications may be applied by addition of
vacuum pumps, and pre-boilers. In order to obtain the specific values for optimal feed conditions,
exergy analysis through response surface methodology is implied. Through this, exergy losses can be
located and optimal conditions are determined.
Methodology
I. Process diagram of the study
The process diagram of this study is shown in figure ___. Sugar production from raw sugar cane to
refined sugar is shown.
II. Data collection instruments and procedures
A. CARSUMCO pilot plant diagram
1. Clarification
2. Evaporation
3. centrifugation
B. ASPEN simulation
For the simulation process using ASPEN, a process flow diagram was first developed which consists of
unit operations (blocks and flows) and streams that feed and connect operations. The process flow
diagram was designed basing on the pilot plant provided by CARSUMCO. The whole process was
designed in a way that it would respond properly to produce the desired product and to show relevant
and reliable results in the analysis used. Adequate unit operations and their operating conditions were
entered. The unit of measurement used in this study is in SI units.
The initial computations for the feed streams were calculated using Microsoft Excel. The other
components and their properties used for the entire simulation model were also specified and input
manually.
(Streams used and properties)
(Unit operations used)
III. Data analysis plan
A. Optimization of raw sugar production
Optimization of process improving raw sugar production was carried out using the Response Surface
Methodology. Basing from the design, the validation of the Clarifier, evaporator, and centrifuge outlet
streams results were simulated using ASPEN and tabulated. The validation consists of the temperature,
pressure, flow rate, and mole percentage of the bottom and distillate of each unit operations.
B. Statistical analysis
The recommended method to be used for the optimization of the production of sugar is the response
surface methodology (RSM) based on literatures regarding optimization. This process determines the
optimum conditions, but also gives information necessary to design the process. It is a scientific
approach for determining optimum conditions which combines special experimental designs with
quadratic polynomial model. In addition to the terms for each individual parameter, the relation must
contain terms for interaction of the parameters. In order to determine a critical points the maximum,
minimum and saddle, it is necessary for the polynomial function to contain quadratic terms according to
the following equation:
k k k
y = β 0 + ∑ β i β i + ∑ β ii x +2
i ∑β ij xi x j
i =1 i =1 1≤ i ≤ j
In the equation β and X are the polynomial constants and independent operational parameters,
respectively. In RSM method are experiments are designed so intelligently that the results of
experiments can be fitted through the equation. Since in this study the preparation of simulations of the
process is of concern, each experiment represents one of the runs in this simulation in Aspen. So, after
running the simulation at specified conditions the results of each run on exergy loss is calculated. The
set of experiments designed for reactor and the results of exergy analysis are tabulated. That is, by
running the simulation in different operational parameters, the volume of exergy loss in each run is
calculated and the results are inserted in the equation. It must be mentioned that the values of
parameters in the runs is specified.
