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Controlled crystallisation starts with defined seed crystals.
KEBO SLURRY is a ready to use seeding suspension containing finely dispersed sucrose particles. It is used for controlled nucleation in sugar crystallisation and provides a reproducible starting basis for subsequent crystal growth.
What matters is not a single parameter. Particle size and particle size distribution, homogeneity, agglomeration behaviour ,viscosity and sedimentation rate together determine the properties of a seeding suspension.
A defined number of seed crystals should grow as uniformly as possible. The properties of the seeding suspension determine the initial population with which the crystallisation process begins.
A homogeneous seeding suspension with a defined particle size distribution supports controlled and reproducible nucleation. How the crystals subsequently develop, however, also depends on the conditions in the crystallisation pan, particularly supersaturation, temperature, purity, circulation and subsequent process control.
The seeding suspension defines the starting basis. Process control also determines how the subsequent crystal population develops from this initial population.
Defined Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution
Particle size and particle size distribution must be considered together. A defined mean particle size combined with a narrow size distribution provides favourable conditions for reproducible nucleation.
Low Agglomeration
Well dispersed sucrose particles with a low tendency to agglomerate enable a more uniform distribution of the seed crystals and reduce unwanted variations within the initial population.
Low Sedimentation Rate
A low sedimentation rate helps the SLURRY suspension remain homogeneous for longer during storage and use. This facilitates handling and supports reproducible dosing.
Suitable Viscosity
Viscosity influences both the stability of the suspension and its flow and dosing characteristics. KEBO SLURRY combines suspension stability with flow behaviour suitable for the application.
Reproducible Quality
For the production process, it is not only the quality of an individual delivery that matters. Consistent properties from batch to batch provide reliable conditions for the seeding suspension to be used reproducibly under comparable process conditions.
The MA (Mean Aperture) describes the characteristic mean size of a crystal population.
The CV (Coefficient of Variation), by contrast, describes the relative variation in particle size around the mean. As a general rule, the lower the CV, the narrower the particle size distribution.
When assessing a seeding suspension, both parameters must be considered together: a low CV alone does not indicate the mean particle size at which this distribution is achieved.
The particle size distribution of the seeding suspension influences the initial conditions for crystallisation . However, there is no direct linear relationship with the CV of the resulting crystalline sugar.
During crystal growth, additional factors influence the developing crystal population. These include, in particular, supersaturation, temperature, Brix, circulation, possible dissolution of seed crystals and unwanted additional nucleation.
The CV is therefore an important parameter, but not the sole measure of the performance of a seeding suspension.
The properties of a seeding suspension cannot be assessed by visual inspection alone. KEBO therefore uses modern particle characterisation methods.
Dynamic image analysis is used to optically detect individual particles and evaluate their size and shape. This provides information on particle size, particle shape, agglomerates and particle size distribution, allowing particle populations to be characterised in detail, size distributions to be assessed and agglomerates to be identified.
These analyses support our quality assurance and enable a reproducible assessment of the properties of KEBO SLURRY that are relevant to crystallisation
In addition, the sucrose content is determined by polarimetric analysis. Polarimetry uses the optical activity of sucrose and is an established analytical method in the sugar industry. The measurement is based on internationally standardised methods of ICUMSA (International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis).
KEBO SLURRY is supplied ready to use, eliminating the need for in house preparation of a conventional seeding suspension.
This not only reduces the effort required for preparation and quality control, but also simplifies a process that involves additional personnel, logistical and organisational requirements in day to day operations.
For sugar factories, this means:
KEBO SLURRY differs from conventional seeding suspensions, such as IPA based suspensions, in terms of its properties and handling. To ensure that its use is optimally adapted to the specific process conditions, appropriate handling procedures should therefore be followed.
If required, our application engineers provide support during implementation and explain the relevant aspects of application directly to your team.
What Is the Difference Between KEBO SLURRY and a Conventionally Prepared Seeding Suspension?
KEBO SLURRY is supplied ready to use and with reproducible product properties. This eliminates the need for in house preparation of a seeding suspension, including the milling process, handling of the carrier liquids used and in house quality control. The low sedimentation rate also helps the suspension remain homogeneous for longer, facilitating handling and reproducible dosing.
How Does KEBO Ensure Consistent Quality of KEBO SLURRY?
KEBO uses various analytical methods to assess quality relevant properties of KEBO SLURRY. Dynamic image analysis can be used, among other things, to assess particle size and particle size distribution and to identify fines and agglomerates. In addition, the sucrose content is determined by polarimetric analysis. The combination of different test parameters supports reproducible quality control from batch to batch.
What Is the Significance of MA and CV for KEBO SLURRY?
MA and CV characterise the particle population of the seeding suspension. MA describes the characteristic mean particle size, while CV describes the relative variation in particle size around this mean. Both values should be considered together. Other properties, including fines content, agglomeration behaviour , sedimentation rate, homogeneity and viscosity, are also relevant when assessing a seeding suspension.
Does the CV of the SLURRY Affect the CV of the Crystalline Sugar?
The particle size distribution of the seeding suspension describes part of the initial population for crystallisation . However, there is no direct 1:1 relationship with the subsequent CV of the crystalline sugar. How the crystal population develops further depends largely on process control. Relevant factors include supersaturation, temperature, purity, circulation, possible dissolution of seed crystals and unwanted additional nucleation.
Why Is the Low Sedimentation Rate of KEBO SLURRY Relevant?
A low sedimentation rate helps the SLURRY suspension remain homogeneous for longer. This facilitates handling and dosing and supports reproducible conditions during addition.
Would You Like to Compare Your Current SLURRY or Replace In House Preparation?
Whether you are currently using an existing seeding suspension, an in house milling process or are planning to switch, our experts will assess your current application and the relevant process conditions together with you.
The products shown on our website are only a selection of our entire product range. There is no universal remedy for the rapid removal of impurities. Some can be removed well with alkaline agents, others better in the acidic range. The large variety of conceivable cleaning problems and the large number of additives, inhibitors and ready-to-use cleaning solutions offered by us make it advisable to obtain detailed advice before starting cleaning.
The same applies to inhibitors, defoamers, scale preventers, corrosion inhibitors, pickling inhibitors, etc. Depending on the plant, material, product and the type of boiler/cooling water is used, different individual challenges arise. We are well equipped for them.
Talk to us, we will be happy to help!
On request, we can analyze deposits in our laboratory and develop a cleaning strategy based on our many years of experience, taking into account the conditions on site.