(176aj) Efficiency Optimization of Sugar Concentration: Integrating Thermal and Mechanical Vapor Recompression Techniques with Economic Evaluation

Sugar concentration is a critical step in the production of various sugar-based products, including syrups, juices, and crystallized sugars. Traditionally, evaporation processes have been employed for sugar concentration, utilizing steam to evaporate water and increase sugar content. However, these conventional methods often suffer from high energy consumption and operational inefficiencies. In response to these challenges, this study demonstrated two case studies to optimize sugar concentration processes, focusing on energy-saving techniques and enhanced efficiency. The base case modeling of multiple effect evaporator (MEE) provides a benchmark for evaluating the performance of the proposed integrated TVR and MVR system. Through detailed analysis and simulation, the advantages of TVR and MVR in terms of energy efficiency and process optimization are quantified. The synergistic combination of TVR and MVR demonstrates significant improvements in energy consumption and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional MEE methods. Furthermore, this research investigates critical factors affecting energy consumption, such as enhanced evaporator location and steam distribution strategies. By considering these factors in the design and operation of the sugar concentration system, tailored solutions for minimizing energy usage and maximizing efficiency are developed. Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) is employed to assess the energy consumption and cost-effectiveness of the integrated TVR and MVR system. Through rigorous economic modeling and sensitivity analysis, the feasibility and financial viability of adopting the proposed approach are evaluated, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in the sugar industry. By leveraging the synergies between TVR, MVR, and location-specific considerations, significant improvements in energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness are achieved, paving the way for greener and more economically viable sugar production processes.