MONITORING SUGARCANE CROPS IN THE CAUCA RIVER VALLEY (COLOMBIA), USING MODIS SATELLITE IMAGES

By  CAP.J. MURILLO, C.A. OSORIO, J.A. RBONELL and A.E. PALMA 

CENICAÑA, Colombia

pjmurillo@cenicana.org; jacarbonell@cenicana.org

Abstract 

MODIS product MOD13Q1 was used to monitor the sugarcane crop, using an enhanced
vegetation index in the Cauca River Valley for a time series from 2000–2006.
The product consists of images taken every 16 days (pixel size of 250 × 250 m),
which makes it possible to work withfields larger than 6.25 ha.
A methodology was developed for downloading, cutting, filtering and laying out the
time series of the vegetation indices on Internet for the entire area planted with sugarcane.
The relation between the time series and the information on crop establishment and
harvesting of the fields indicated that the satellite data were consistent with the phenology of
the sugarcane crop.
Similarly, there was a high correlation between the cumulative vegetation index and
cane production.
Low index values were associated with low values of tonnes of cane per hectare;
whereas high index values meant high production values.



KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Yield Forecasting, MODIS,
Enhanced Vegetation Index, Time Series.

www.issct.org
Agricultural Engineering Posters Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

STUDY ON FARMLAND APPLICATION OF VINASSE FROM SUGARCANE MOLASSES

By  CHEN YAN and SHINOGI YOSHIYUKI
National Agricultural Research Organisation
305-8609 2-1-6, Kannondai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken, Japan

Abstract

DURING bio-ethanol production from sugarcane molasses, large amounts of vinasse, which is
strongly acidic with high COD and BOD, is produced as a by-product. Disposal of vinasse is
one restrictive problem for sustainable bio-ethanol production.
In this study, possible application of vinasseto farmland was investigated. First, the
staple characteristics of vinasse were determined. Second, availability of nutrients such as
nitrogen and potassium to crops and dynamics inthe soil environment were studied in the
laboratory and, thirdly, crop growth experiments were carried out in the field.
In conclusion,
1)  potassium is the most common nutrient in vinasse;
2)  large amounts of chloride are also present;
3)  high COD and pigment from rind of sugarcane were also observed.
Farmland application of vinasse as a substitutefor one third of the potassium showed
no significant damage to the growthof red-radishes and tomatoes.
When large amounts of vinasse are applied to farmland as a substitution for the
nitrogen in traditional chemical fertilisers, nitrogen deficiency symptoms, especially
immediately after application, are expected.
In addition, it is necessary to take into consideration the leaching of ions and the
pigment in the vinasse for proper timing of application and soil conditions.


KEYWORDS: Sugarcane Molasses, Pigment,
Incubation Test, Tomato and Radish Cultivation.

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Posters Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
__________________________________________________________________________

SUGARCANE MECHANISATION FOR PROFITABILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

By  C. NORRIS(1), P. LYNE(2) and K. CHOONHAWONG(3)
1 Booker Tate Ltd, Masters Court, Church Rd, Thame, Oxon OX93FA UK.
2 SASRI, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe, 4300, South Africa
3 Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand

Chris.Norris@Booker-Tate.co.uk

Abstract
THE PAPER summarises the findings compiled from contributions of the committee members
and from the proceedings of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT)
Agricultural Engineering Section Workshop held between 3rd and 5th of March 2009 at The
University Centre, Kamphaeng Saen Campus atNakhon Pathom of the Kaestart University,
Thailand.
The opening addresses gave an excellent overview of the Thailand industry, which
globally is the second largest exporter of sugar,and has over 80% of its farms of less than
20 ha in size.
The industry is in a stage of rapid development, with appropriate mechanisation for
small growers being a significant issue.
The demand for by-products such as ethanol are significant catalysts for the growth
of the industry.
The presentations were grouped under the general headings of Machinery and
Mechanisation and Management and Logistics, with a focus on mechanisation associated
with smaller operations.
The field visits associated with the workshop focused on the very significant
development which is occurring in appropriatemechanisation for small and medium size
growers, as well as the integration of rotation crops with sugarcane and irrigation systems
used.
In the workshopping sessions, a wide range of issues were discussed, ranging from
Crop Production to the Environment. Miller–Grower ‘Politics’ and Health & Safety issues
were also seen as issues which could be addressed, with discussion on the potential of ISSCT
sanctioning various training courses. Overall, the most significant issue seen to be facing the
industry was logistics and cost of cane transport from the field to the mill.
Thailand represented an excellent venue for the workshop, because of its rapid
growth and the market driven development of appropriate mechanisation for small growers.


KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Mechanisation,
Green Cane Harvesting, Small Growers, Sustainability.
www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
__________________________________________________________________________

DRIP IRRIGATION FREQUENCY FOR SUGARCANE IN THE TROPICS

By R. CRUZ, J.S. TORRES, I.C. FRAGOSO, 
H. MESA and D. DELVASTO
Cenicaña y Malimbu Sugarcane Plantation
jrcruz@cenicana.org

Abstract

DRIP IRRIGATION was a system initially developed for desert areas where the sandy soils have
low water retention capacity and rainfall is limited.
In the Cauca River Valley, located in south-western Colombia, soils have a high
water retention capacity and frequent irrigation results in excess moisture and poor root
development, which affects crop development.
The frequent application of water in the sugarcane soils of the Cauca River Valley
results in excess soil water and little use of natural precipitation.
The current study was conducted at the Malimbú Sugarcane Plantation, located in the
driest area of the Cauca River Valley where annual precipitation is below 800 mm and soils
are loamy to clayey in texture.
The effect of irrigation frequency (daily, twice a week, weekly) was studied in dripirrigated plots. A gravity irrigation system was used as check.
In three consecutive cuts (plant crop and two ratoons), sugarcane production in dripirrigated plots was 160 t/ha with daily irrigation (483 mm water applied), 165 t/ha when
irrigated twice a week (356 mm water applied), and 166 t/ha when irrigated weekly (264 mm
water applied).
Gravity-irrigated cane produced 157 t/ha, with an average of 465 mm water applied.
Average precipitation during the three cuts reached 984 mm.
Results highlight the importance of taking advantage not only of the soil’s capacity to
store available water but also of actual precipitation, scheduling the weekly drip irrigation of
sugarcane fields in the Cauca River Valley without adversely affecting cane production.


KEYWORDS: Drip Irrigation, Irrigation Schedule,
Water Saving, Sugarcane Production, Colombia.

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

SOIL MOISTURE GROUPS FOR SUGARCANE MANAGEMENT

By J.S. TORRES and J.R. CRUZ 

Colombian Sugarcane Research Center, Cenicaña
jtorres@cenicana.org

Abstract

CANE YIELD in Colombia is normally lower after wet years due to increased damage
associated with harvest and the difficulty of post-harvest cultivation. The magnitude of the
problem is impacted on by soil characteristics.
To identify fields or areas requiring emphasis on irrigation or drainage and for the
development of agronomic management packages, soil moisture management groups have
been developed.
The definition of soil moisture management groups is based on the annual balance
between precipitation at 75% frequency level and soil permeability. The precipitation records
from the sugarcane automatic weather network and the information from a recent detailed
study of the soils of the Cauca River Valley of Colombia have been combined using the
geographical information system to generate the spatial distribution of the soil moisture
groups.
Five groups were defined on the basis of the expected annual excess or deficit of
water for sugarcane:
•  A first group with a water deficit.
•  A second group with an excess of water ranging from 0 to 200 mm/year.
•  A third group with an excess of 200 to 400 mm/year.
•  A fourth group with an excess of 400 to 600 mm/year.
•  A fifth group with an excess of water greater than 600 mm/year.
These moisture groups have been used as a backbone for the agro-ecological zoning
system of the sugarcane in the Cauca Valley of Colombia.
The Colombian sugar industry is committed to use a site specific agriculture

approach based on the combination of the production factors on each cane field.

KEYWORDS: Soil, Moisture, Drainage,

Permeability, Cane Management.

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

OPTIMAL USE OF BIOMASS IN AN ISOLATED ENVIRONMENT: CASE STUDY AT MIYAKO ISLAND, JAPAN

By YOSHIYUKI SHINOGI, TERUHITO MIYAMOTO, KOJI KAMEYAMA and CHEN YAN 
National Agricultural Research Organisation, Japan,
National Institute for Rural Engineering
yshinogi@affrc.go.jpi

Abstract 

THIS PAPERbriefly outlines an ongoing research project and some research outcomes
focusing on sugarcane.
Five research topics were identified, namely:
1)  development of technologies for farmland application of converted biomass from sugarcane molasses             such as compost, char, digestive slurry and vinasse;
2)  clarification of optimal allocation of biomass and optimal operational conditions for conversion plants;
3)  development of groundwater conservation technologies with biomass, mainly focusing on nitrogen;
4)  development of technologies for introduction of energy crops and optimal CO2gas application to crops; and
5)  clarification of favourable conditions for sugar-ethanol by-production systems using greater-biomass sugarcane.
Our target biomasses are bagasse and cattle wastes. Five conversion plants, including two pyrolysis, one composting, one bio-gas and one gasification, have already been installed
to properly and effectively convert biomass. Farmland application technologies for char and digestive slurry with bagasse have mainly been studied.
Also, vinasse (bio-ethanol by-product; distilled residue) is another biomass target.
We analysed vinasse for return of by-products to the farmland as a way to achieve sustainability and devote efforts to the application of vinasse to farmland.
Of course, safety to crops, the soil and water environment should be confirmed first.
Previous experiments revealed vinasse does not have bad impacts on crop growth. Also, we
conducted studies to clarify the favourable conditions for introduction of greater biomass sugarcane to develop sugar-ethanol by-production systems.
A favourable new variety of sugarcane was previously selected. In addition, a sugaryield equation for great-biomass sugarcane was developed from observed data.


KEYWORDS: Biomass, Refinery System, Conversion.
www.issct.org
 Agricultural Engineering          Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

EFFICIENCY OF MECHANICAL CANE LOADING IN EGYPT

By HASSAN A. ABDEL-MAWLA 
Ag. Eng Dept., Coll. of Agric. Al-Azhar Univ., Assiut
haamawla@yahoo.com

Abstract 

THE CANE growing area along the Nile valley in Upper Egypt has expanded. Most farmer
holdings are small, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 hectare. Cane delivery schedules and
consequently harvesting dates mainly depend on the delivery allocation and the date of
harvest last season. The mill administration assigns a transport vehicle (main vehicle) for
each farmer according to the schedule. Farmer/s harvest and transport cane from inside field/s
(using tractor-pulled-trailers) to temporary storage sites at which the main vehicle/s are
loaded. Loader efficiency can be low due to time losses associated with travel from one
storage site to another.
To achieve reasonable efficiency of the loader, storage sites may be amalgamated
allowing greater utilisation of loaders. Thisprocedure may increase the infield transport
distance which may reduce the rate of cane supply from fields, thus contributing to increased
cane delivery delay. Farmers may have to transport a part of the main vehicle load to the
storage site the previous day to secure continuous operation of the loader. In this study,
loader efficiency, loading rate, the percentage of main vehicle/s load/s delayed more than
24 h and cane collection efficiency were studied. In most cases, one main vehicle is assigned
to each farmer, where a trailer pulled by tractor is used to transfer cane from inside the field
to the storage area. Results show that total efficiency of the loader was 75% in the case of
loading lorries in a large storage area and 81%in the case of railway wagons loaded at a
station.
Average total efficiency of the loaderwas 61% when loading decauvelle wagons
distributed in several storage areas within the same production region. Efficiency of loading
tractor trailers in the field was 54%. Maximum efficiency was observed to be achieved if the
loader works for the full operational day in one storage area. Cane collection efficiency was
variable for the variable operating conditions. The percent of cane delayed more than 24 h
was also estimated. Large temporary storage areas at which lorries are loaded with cane, and
cane loading stations for railway wagons may represent more optimal conditions for loader
operation. The paper discusses the efficiency ofloader operation under a range of variable
conditions, and related cane delivery delay. The results highlight the role of loader operation
efficiency as a factor determining the adoption of mechanical loading of sugarcane.
Recommendations for the proper operation of a cane loader are suggested.

KEYWORDS: Wholestalk Cane Loading, Cane Loader Efficiency,
Sugarcane Transport Systems, Harvest Scheduling

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering                 Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

MONITORING THE HARVESTING OF SUGARCANE AND GENERATION OF YIELD MAPS IN REAL TIME

By J.A. CARBONELL, C.A. OSORIO and J.M. RAMÍREZ 

Colombian Sugarcane Research Center, 
CENICAÑA, A.A. 9138, Cali, Colombia, South America

jacarbonell@cenicana.org

Abstract 

IN A GIVEN area or plantation it is common to determine the variability in production that
exists between harvested sugarcane fields or lots.
The agroindustrial sugar sector in the Cauca River Valley of Colombia has
appropriate mechanisms for determining and managing the variability of production among
the cane lots, but it has not had sufficient alternatives for determining the variability within
them.
At present, the preharvest task of cutting the cane is done manually in most of the
area, while the subsequent lifting of the stalks is done with self-driven equipment.
CENICAÑA has developed a system that can beinstalled on the cane lifters, which records

the weight of each bundle and its geographic position.
The data are stored and transmitted by cell phone to a computer where they can be
visualised for carrying out a precise monitoring of the harvest and generating yield maps.
This work describes the structure of the system developed, the methodology for
obtaining and transmitting the data, and how to interpret and analyse the yield maps.
An analysis of a field harvest, for which it is known where there was fertilisation and
where not, shows the value of each weight recorded.
In this case, the best estimate of the production in the field is obtained by averaging
the data from six consecutive bundles.
Both the system for obtaining the data and the methodology for their analyses and the

generation of yield maps can be implemented in other agricultural sectors.

KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Precision Agriculture, Yield Mapping, 

Wholestalk Weigh System, Harvest Monitoring. 

www.issct.org

Agricultural Engineering Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

__________________________________________________________________________ 

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUGARCANE PROCESSING IN BRAZIL

By JAIME FINGUERUT
CTC- Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira Cx. Postal 162 Piracicaba SP Brazil 13400-970
jaime@ctc.com.br

Abstract 

SUSTAINABILITY involves the three ‘Ps’: People, Planet and Profit.
Brazilian sugarcane is a sustainable industry that has made significant gains in its
sustainability over the past 30 years.
A typical mill today can process twice as much sugarcane with the same equipment
and with approximately the same energy, maintenance, labour, water, etc., so that twice as
much product can be produced.
All residues are recycled back to sugarcane fields.
The use of energy and chemicals in processing is also considerably reduced.
The use of sugarcane bagasse, other carbohydrates from sugarcane, production of
bioplastics and second and third generation biofuels represent new avenues for increased
sustainability.
The entire Brazilian sugarcane production chain has to be very well prepared for a
more intense scrutiny of sustainability.


KEYWORDS: Sustainability, Biofuels,
Bioplastics, Residues, Productivity.

www.issct.org

 Plenary - Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
__________________________________________________________________________

REPORT ON PROFIT, PEOPLE AND PLANET. HOW DOES THE SOUTH AFRICAN SUGAR INDUSTRY REACT?

By  G.W. MAHER
South African Sugarcane Research Institute
Geoff.maher@sugar.org.za


Abstract

THE ISSCT Executive Committee has initiated a study to assist affiliates to deal with the
increasing calls for sustainable production systems.
Sustainability refers to the triple bottom line or the people, planet and profit
philosophy. Most of the ISSCT’s endeavours ofrecent history have been directed at
improving the profit component of that philosophy in both field and factory. The people and
planet have not enjoyed as much attention.
The Executive Committee decided to appoint a Task Force to report on sustainability
and this report provides the results of the study in the South African sugar industry.
Field and factory activities, which identified the Industry’s actions in respect of the
stewardship of both people and the planet, were established after dialogue with both the
miller and grower fraternities in South Africa.
Views on the successes and shortcomings are highlighted and research needs
identified. In the context of the profit component, a report on the macro economics of issues
such as total production, total revenue earned, grower’s total income and total numbers of
employees is given.


KEYWORDS: Sustainability, Protection,
Environment, Social, Research.


www.issct.org

Plenary        Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
__________________________________________________________________________

SUSTAINABILITY AND THE AUSTRALIAN SUGAR INDUSTRY

By MATTHEW KEALLEY and BERNARD MILFORD
CANEGROWERS Australia
matt_kealley@canegrowers.com.au

Abstract

THIS PAPERreviews the legislative, environmental and social requirements faced by the
Australian sugar industry.
It concludes that the Australian industry probably operates under more environmental
scrutiny and control than most, has less government protection than most but suffers less
interference in its commercial arrangements than most.


KEYWORDS: Australia,
Sustainability, Legislation.

www.issct.org

Plenary        Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

EVALUATING SUGARCANE R&D PERFORMANCE: EVALUATION OF THREE BREEDING PROGRAMS

By  W.L. BURNQUIST (1), K. REDSHAW(2) and R.F. GILMOUR (3, 4)

1 Centro de Tecnologia Canavieira, Piracicaba, Brazil
2 South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Mt Edgecombe, South Africa
3 Formerly BSES Limited, Indooroopilly, Australia
4 Currently E.I. DuPont, Wilmington, USA

william@ctc.com.br

Abstract

RESOURCESfor sugarcane R&D are scarce, as theyare for most agricultural R&D, and
investors in R&D want a return on their investment in the form of productivity and
profitability gains that arise from the adoption of new technologies.
These realities motivate productive and efficient R&D programs that are a key driver
of ongoing productivity improvement in sugarcane industries. Sound technical programs
deliver ongoing industry benefits sustaining industry profitability and underpinning industry
growth.
In the context of these R&D programs, strategic and tactical decisions made during
the management of R&D projects are vitally important with respect to the outcomes delivered
by R&D, and their subsequent uptake by industry.
We illustrate these principles using variety performance data from Australia, Brazil
and South Africa.
Our findings include evidence for rapid uptake of new varieties, significant
improvements in yield of cane per hectare and financial benefits delivered to growers
adopting these improved cane varieties.
Differences existed between the R&D programs in terms of the benefits being
delivered to the respective industries that could be directly connected with particular research
strategies employed. R&D is an investment, not a cost, but it becomes a cost if benefits are
not realised by industry.

KEYWORDS: R&D Performance, Benchmarking,
Technology Valuation, Technology Adoption

www.issct.org

Plenary           Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
__________________________________________________________________________ 

DESIGNING, PRODUCING AND PROCESSING ‘ULTIMATE’ VARIETIES OF SUGARCANE

By C. RICHARD, M. McKEE, R. TRICHE and M. GODSHALL
Sugar Processing Research Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
charley.richard@ars.usda.govor charley@sugarjournal.com

KEYWORDS: Sugarcane Varieties, Sugarcane Breeding,
Sugarcane Composition, Chromatographic Analysis, Alternative Products.

Abstract

MANY sugar industries, beet and cane, would predict that in the future they will produce a
wide range of products, which could include sugar.
To realise this prediction, new varieties must be designed, production practices
improved and alternative processing techniques developed.
Sugarcane breeding and selection has moved far beyond the ‘old days’ of crossing
the best parents and hoping to select the best segregate as a potential new variety.
Modern breeding procedures and biotechnology offer greater efficiency. Typically,
varieties are selected on the basis of high yield of sugar and characteristics important to
agronomic production and pest resistance in each growing region.
The typically measured juice quality characteristics of brix and pol along with
tonnage, ratooning ability and fibre content can predict yield of sugar per unit area. It is
anticipated that the ‘ultimate’ variety of the future will involve much more detailed analysis
than the typically measured characteristics.
Once produced, high yielding varieties for various products need to be grown in a
sustainable manner that provides maximum production with minimal environmental and
economic impact.
Processing of these varieties will need to accommodate the specific product(s) being
produced whether sugar, energy, some other product or some combination of these.
To demonstrate the importance of quality characteristics of future varieties, the Sugar
Processing Research Institute has investigated the presence of components that could either
enhance or inhibit production of various products from sugarcane.
Significant variability among and within species of sugarcane and related genera
have been found for starch, polysaccharides, ash, cations, invert sugars and other parameters.
This paper includes these data and the potential importance of these parameters in
future varieties, its importance in a sustainable production system and its importance in
processing needs.

Plenary   Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
www.issct.org
__________________________________________________________________________

USDA-AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE: A PUBLIC PARTNER FOR SUGARCANE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

By  GAIL C. WISLER
USDA-ARS, National Program Leader for Horticulture and Sugar,
Beltsville, Maryland, U.S.A.
Gail.Wisler@ars.usda.gov

Abstract

RESEARCHis the cornerstone for maintaining healthy and sustainable agricultural industries.
Systems for obtaining funding and managing and dispersing resources are as diverse as there
are systems for culturing sugarcane.This paper presents a model of managing agricultural
research programs at the Federal agency level.The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is
USDA’s principal in-house agricultural research agency and, as a Federal agency, it is tasked
with conducting publicly-funded research for the benefit of the United States.
ARS aims to generate relevant, significant, and timely scientific information for use
by the Agency’s many stakeholders: agricultural producers, food processing industries,
natural resource managers, universities, and non-profit research institutions.
To ensure that these objectives can be achieved, ARS implemented the National
Program cycle, a cycle of phases embodying a series of recurring activities. Customers and
stakeholders are actively engaged in each phase of the process and their contributions are
integral to the direction of research and its success.
Input, Planning, Implementation, and Assessment are the four sequential phases
through which ARS research progresses, ensuring that it remains of the highest quality. The
cycle ties these activities together in a recurring 5-year sequence to ensure an effective and
efficient program and project management within ARS. These efforts are aimed at
maintaining a sustainable sugarcane industry that is responsive to changing economics,
production problems, and opportunities, and will require continued Federal, but also State,
private, and international cooperation to be successful.
The beneficiaries of a sustainable sugarcane industry will be the citizens of the U.S.
who will enjoy abundant and affordable sugar and sugar-based products.

KEYWORDS: National Programs,
Stakeholders, Matrix Management.

www.issct.org

Plenary Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
__________________________________________________________________________

SUGARCANE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER—STRATEGIES FOR THE NEXT DECADE

By ALVARO AMAYA
Colombian Sugarcane Research Center, CENICANA, Cali, Colombia
aamaya@cenicana.org

Abstract 

AGRONOMICchallenges required for the decades ahead will focus on:
(1)  research and technology transfer based on multidisciplinary approaches;
(2)  a transition from production-oriented models to consumer-driven systems;
and
(3)  developments that promote sustainability and concerns for environmental
issues.
A multidisciplinary approach ensures that scientists, growers and factory engineers
are aware of the contributions of other disciplines, rather than isolated, individual efforts.
This requires not a narrowly focused ‘specialist’, but rather someone with a ‘special’ interest
in various disciplines, whose wide vision could make integrated contributions to developing a
true Renaissance in sugar industries. The transition to a consumer-driven model requires the
identification of new priorities.
Technologies for sugar production will remaina priority, but greater emphasis must
be directed towards technologies for using sugarcane for energy production and for valueadded products. In the case of energy production, the use of sugarcane has been possible
because of the availability of proven technologies, interest from investors, government
regulation and consumer demand. For value-added products, the challenge for scientists lies
not just in concrete researchoutputs, as has been the case for sugar production. Their skills
for knowledge management and the vision to transfer their achievements, open new markets
and generate interest in funding new research must be strengthened. Sustainability and
environmental protection will continue playing a role in future research, both in the field and
in factory processes. Climate change is on the agenda of challenges that agronomists and
their allied specialists must address in the design and managementof future production
systems.
The prospective use of sugarcane as a source of bioenergy to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions to the atmosphere offers an opportunity for scientists, investors and consumers to
work together on sustainability and environmental protection. Research achievements and
projections in the sugar industry worldwide, reported in the literature as well as by the
Colombian sugar industry, are usedto illustrate these strategies.

KEYWORDS: Research Challenges, Multidisciplinary Research, Sustainability.

Plenary Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
www.issct.org
__________________________________________________________________________

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER STRATEGIES FOR THE NEXT DECADE—AN INDIAN EXAMPLE

By  M.C. GOPINATHAN 
E. I. D. Parry (India) Ltd.,
Research & Development Centre,
145, Devanahalli Road, Off Old Madras Road,
Bangalore 560 049, India
GopinathanMC@parry.murugappa.com

Abstract

GLOBALISATIONis driving unprecedented, radical internal and external reforms in sugar
industries across the world.
In addition to this, five major emerging or intensifying forces with extraordinary
implications will shape sugarcane farming and the sugar industry in future—demographic,
economical, socio-political, environmental and technological.
This paper first addresses the growth and status of the sugar industry and impact of
these emerging forces in shaping future Indian sugarcane farming.
Emerging complexities and diversities in farming structure and process demand a
new and more complex model of research and technology transfer.
Consolidation of the best technologies for maximum exploitation, identification of
technology diffusion and adoption gaps, and introduction of new technologies and innovative
practices throughout the farming chain will continue to play a vital role in sugarcane
productivity improvements.
Demographic changes, socioeconomic status of farmers and prices for competing
crops will demand sugar companies provide, in addition to competitive cane price, targeted
delivery of diverse services to farmers to ensure a sustainable cane supply.
Introduction of new sustainability standards and the need for certification from
consumers will drive sugar companies to integrate the entire value chain from farmer to
consumer through various forms of cooperation, relationship and partnership.
These emerging realities will open up untapped potentials and utilise opportunities
throughout the value chain to create a new research and technology transfer architecture and
competitive landscape for the sugar industry in India.

KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Research, Innovation,
Technology Transfer, Parry Way

Plenary Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

www.issct.org

THE DSM—DEDINI SUSTAINABLE MILL: A NEW CONCEPT IN DESIGNING COMPLETE SUGARCANE MILLS

By J.L. OLIVÉRIO, V.B. CARMO and M.A. GURGEL
Dedini S. A. – Indústrias de Base
jose.oliverio@dedini.com.br

Abstract

FORalmost 500 years, sugarcane has been considered almost only as a raw material for sugar
production.  In the past decades, in Brazil, it has alsobeen used for ethanol production. So, the
complete sugarcane mill’s design evolved significantly in that direction, utilising sugarcane
juice as a feedstock for sugar and ethanol processes. Recently, for environmental, economical, social, in other words, for sustainability reasons, the world started to search for new and cleaner energy sources.
As a consequence, world interest in ethanol grew spectacularly, due to its environmental qualities and because it is produced from renewable biomass. That scenario changed the prospect for sugarcane: it allowed sugarcane to reach a new and higher dimension, and to generate a cycle of new businesses, derived from traditional and new products. This paper has the objective to show how that evolution is modifying and will continue to influence the complete sugarcane mill design, considering technological
development and sustainability evolution. The paper describes an integrated sugarcane mill with the most advanced disruptive (breakthrough) innovations, considering the technological hierarchy of first, secondand third generations, in bioelectricity, bioethanol, and integrated biodiesel production.
Also, sustainability is incorporated intothe concept of the mill resulting in an upgraded solution to an optimal design. In summary, the paper has the objective toshow the upcoming sugarcane mill, the
DSM – Dedini Sustainable Mill, designed for maximum efficiency and sustainability,
producing six bioproducts, in an approach named ‘the 6 BIOS revolution’.

KEYWORDS: Ethanol, Sugarcane, Sustainable, Bioelectricity, Biomass.

Plenary Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Proceedings (Abstracts) 
XXVIIth Congress 
March 7–March 11, 2010, Veracruz, Mexico 

ISBN: 978-0-949678-37-9  

http://www.issct.org
__________________________________________________________________________

PERFORMANCE TEST OF A PROTOTYPE OF PILOT PLANT SCALE ROTARY BAGASSE DRYER USING BOILER FLUE GAS IN SUGAR FACTORY

by MUHAMMADSAECHU

Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia, Pasuruan

ABSTRACT

Efficient energy requirement at a sugar factory (SF) can be fulfilled by burning bagasse at the
last mill. Factors affecting energy requirement at a sugar factory are sugar cane quality and capacity,
installation balance, and also equipments and machinery efficiency. In Indonesia, many sugar factories
lack of bagasse and they have to use other alternative fuels. This condition, therefore, affects the
cost of sugar production. The problem can be solved by improving calorific value of bagasse before
it enters boiler. It can be done by applying bagasse drying technology in which bagasse is dried by
utilizing gas energy from boiler flue gas that has high temperature between 220 - 300oC. This
experiment was conducted to study design characteristic and operational system of bagasse dryer
using a prototype of Rotary Bagasse Dryer (RBD). The RBD unit was placed close to the SF boiler.
The result of the test without bagasse load showed that the loss of heat on the RBD decreased as the
gas flow rate increased. The loss of energy on the RBD reached 7.14 % based on incoming energy at
full forced draft fan (FDF) operation. The test conducted at bagasse flow rate 1,410 kg/hr or 94 %
RBD load with incoming bagasse moisture content 51.60 %t, flue gas temperature 199oC resulted
in dried bagasse with moisture content 42.10 %. Efficiency of gas energy utilization reached 47.6 %
with losses of energy due to radiation and convection decreasing to 4,8 %. The decrease of bagasse
moisture content as much as 9.5 poin, could increase bagasse calorific value by 5.06 %. Theoretically
it will improve steam production by 10 % in the boiler.

Key words :Sugar factory (SF), energy crisis, bagasse calorific value, boiler flue gas, bagasse drying.

ABSTRAK

Kebutuhan energi di pabrik gula (PG) yang efisien dapat dipenuhi dari sebagian ampas gilingan
akhir. Faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap kebutuhan energi adalah kecepatan dan kualitas tebu giling, kesetimbangan instalasi, efisiensi peralatan dan mesin yang digunakan. Di industri gula Indonesia masih banyak PG kekurangan ampas dan menggunakan bahan bakar alternatif hingga mempengaruhi biaya produksi. Hal tersebut dapat diatasi antara lain dengan cara meningkatkan nilai bakar ampas sebelum masuk ketel, melalui penerapan teknologi pengering ampas yang memanfaatkan energi gas cerobong ketel yang masih bersuhu tinggi antara 220 s.d. 300oC. Untuk mempelajari karakteristik desain dan operasional pengering ampas dilakukan rekayasa dan rancang bangun prototipe rotary bagasse dryer(RBD) pada skala pilot plantyang ditempatkan di sebelah ketel di PG. Dari uji tanpa beban diperoleh kehilangan panas pada RBD menurun pada laju gas yang meningkat. Kehilangan energi pada RBD mencapai 7,14 % dari energi yang masuk ketika blowerFDF (forced draft fan) bekerja pada beban penuh. Hasil uji pada laju ampas mencapai 1.410 kg/j atau beban RBD 94 %, kadar air ampas dari gilingan 51,60 % dan suhu gas cerobong 199 oC dihasilkan ampas kering dengan kadar air 42,10 %. Efisiensi pemanfaatan energi gas dalam RBD mencapai 47,6 % dari energi yang masuk dengan kehilangan energi karena radiasi dan konveksi menurun mencapai 4,8 % dari energi yang masuk. Dengan kadar air ampas turun 9,5 poin nilai bakar per kg ampas meningkat 5,06 %, yang secara teoritis untuk bahan bakar ketel dapat meningkatkan produksi uap hingga 10 %.

Kata kunci : Pabrik gula (PG), krisis energi, nilai bakar ampas, gas cerobong ketel, pengering

ampas

INDONESIAN SUGAR RESEARCH JOURNAL Vol. 44, No. 3, September 2008
Terakreditasi B, SK LIPI No. 536/D/2007 tgl. 26 Juni 2007
Alamat Redaksi/Penerbit :
Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia
Jl. Pahlawan 25, Pasuruan 67126
Telp. 0343-421086, Fax: 0343-421178

E-mail : mpg.p3gi@gmail.com; Website: http://www.p3gi.net

EFFECT OF TWO COMMERCIAL BIOCIDES WITH DITHIOCARBAMATE AND GLUTARALDEHYDE AS ACTIVE INGREDIENTS ON GROWTH INHIBITION OF BACTERIA, YEAST AND FUNGI ISOLATED FROM CANE JUICE

by  THERESIA H.S. WAHYUNINGTYAS, ARIKRISTINI DAN TRIANTARTI

Pusat penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia, Pasuruan/Indonesian Sugar Research Institute

ABSTRAK

Salah satu faktor yang menyebabkan kehilangan sukrosa dalam proses pembuatan gula adalah
akibat aktifitas mikroorganisme di dalam nira tebu. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh
sinergis dua macam biosida komersial berbasis ditiokarbamat dan glutaraldehid terhadap
penghambatan pertumbuhan mikroorganisme dari nira tebu giling yang diisolasi dari 3 (tiga) Pabrik
Gula (PG) dan satu isolat bakteri murni pembentuk dekstran yaitu Leuconostoc mesenteroidesB-512. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menguji beberapa variasi perbandingan ditiokarbamat dan
glutaraldehid, serta pengaruh konsentrasi dari setiap kombinasi yang dibuat. Efek biosida terhadap
penghambatan pertumbuhan mikroorganisme diuji berdasarkan pengukuran diameter zona
penghambatan yang terbentuk pada media agar setelah diinokulasi dengan mikroorganisme. Hasil
penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bakteri dan yeastdari ketiga PG serta L mesenteroidesB-512 dapat
dihambat pertumbuhannya dengan biosida berbasis ditiokarbamat dan glutaraldehide serta campuran
keduanya. Terdapat korelasi positif antara konsentrasi biosida dengan diameter zonapenghambatan.
Pengaruh sinergis kedua biosida terhadap penghambatan pertumbuhan mikroorganisme hanya terjadi
untuk bakteri nira tebu giling dari tiga PG dan L. mesenteroides B-512. Pada yeastdan kapang
pengaruh tersebut tidak terlihat. Pengaruh sinergis tersebut terdapat pada larutan biosida dengan
komposisi 80% ditiokarbamat dan 20% glutaraldehide dengan konsentrasi 1 – 100 %. Biosida yang
paling efektif menghambat pertumbuhan yeastadalah ditiokarbamat saja pada konsentrasi 1 – 10%,
tanpa dikombinasikan dengan glutaraldehide. Pada inkubasi 48 jam kapang bisa dihambat
pertumbuhannya oleh semua komposisi biosida pada konsentrasi minimal 6 %. Biosida dengan
proporsi ditiokarbamat semakin besar akan semakin menghambat pertumbuhan kapang.

Kata kunci : biosida, ditiokarbamat, glutaraldehid, bakteri, yeast, kapang, nira tebu, Leuconostoc
mesenteroidesB-512

ABSTRACT

One of several factors which cause sucrose loss in sugar processing is microorganism’s activities
in cane juice. This research was conducted to determine the synergy of two commercial biocides with
dithiocarbamate and glutaraldehyde as active ingredients in affecting the growth of the
microorganisms isolated from cane juice in three sugar factories and pure culture of Leuconostoc
mesenteroides B-512. Various combinations of dithiocarbamate and glutaraldehyde and the effect of
various biocide concentration of each combination were tested in this experiment. The test method
for biocide effectivity was based on inhibition zone diameter that appears in the isolates cultured in
artificial media. The results showed that bacteria and yeast from the three sugar factories and L.
mesenteroides B-512 were inhibited not only by dithiocarbamate and glutaraldehyde in single
application but also by mix of those two biocides. There was a positive correlation between
concentration and inhibition zone diameters. The synergy effect of dithiocarbamate and glutaraldehyde
was found only on bacteria which isolated from sugar factories and L mesenteroides B-512, but not
on yeast and fungi. The synergy effect on growth inhibition of those bacteria was shown by a
combination of 80% dithiocarbamate and 20% glutaraldehyde at concentrations 1 – 100 %. The
biocides that could inhibit the yeasts growth was biocide that consist of only dithiocarbamate without
glutaraldehyde at concentration level 1-10%. Interestingly, at 48 hours of incubation period, the
growth of fungi could be inhibited by all treatments at concentration level at least 6 %. High
concentration of dithiocarbamate biocide resulted in high inhibition of the fungus growth.

Key words:biocides, dithiocarbamate , glutaraldehyde, bacteria, yeasts, fungi, cane juice, L.
mesenteroides B-512

INDONESIAN SUGAR RESEARCH JOURNAL Vol. 44, No. 3, September 2008
Terakreditasi B, SK LIPI No. 536/D/2007 tgl. 26 Juni 2007
Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia
Jl. Pahlawan 25, Pasuruan 67126
Telp. 0343-421086, Fax: 0343-421178
E-mail : mpg.p3gi@gmail.com; Website: http://www.p3gi.net

THE USE OF GREEN FLUORESCENCE PROTEIN GENE FOR DETECTING THE OCCURENCE OF ENDOPHYTE DIAZOTROPHIC BACTERIA IN SUGARCANE TISSUE

by WIWIK E. WIDAYATI

Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia, Pasuruan/Indonesian Sugar Research Institute
alamat korespondensi : P3GI Telp. 0343-421086, Fax. 0343 421178, w_e_widayati@yahoo.com

ABSTRAK

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mendeteksi keberadaan isolat bakteri diazotrof endofit
dalam jaringan tebu dengan menggunakan penanda gen gfp. Sebanyak 4 isolat bakteri
diazotrof endofit yang telah diperoleh dari penelitian sebelumnya yaitu isolat Klebsiellasp
10.2.3, Bacillussp. NB12, Pseudomonassp 10 K1 dan Acinetobactersp 10 K2 digunakan
dalam penelitian ini. Deteksi keberadaan keempat isolat tersebut, dilakukan dengan
menggunakan penanda gen green fluorescence protein (gfp), kemudian dinokulasikan pada
tebu varietas PS 851 yang ditanam di rumah kaca sampai umur 35 hari. Keberadaan bakteri
diazotrof endofit dalam jaringan tebu ditunjukkan dengan visualisasi koloni bakteri yang
berada dalam akar dan daun tebu menggunakan mikroskop fluorescencedan jumlah bakteri
pada bagian akar, batang dan daun tebu. Hasil yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa
penandaan gen gfppada bakteri diazotrof endofit telah berhasil dilakukan baik pada bakteri
gram positif maupun bakteri gram negatif. Penyisipan gen gfptersebut tidak merubah
kemampuan endofitik bakteri diazotrof yang diuji serta bersifat tetap walau disimpan secara
in vitrodalam tenggang waktu cukup lama. Visualisasi koloni bakteri diazotrof endofit dalam
akar dan sap daun menggunakan mikroskop fluorescen tampak berbentuk mikrokoloni.
Hasil reisolasi bakteri diazotrof endofit pada tebu berumur 15 hari menunjukkan bahwa
bakteri diazotrof endofit tersebut terdistribusi pada seluruh bagian tanaman tebu yaitu
dijumpai mulai di daerah perakaran tebu, batang dan di daun tebu. Acinetobactersp 10 K2
dan Pseudomonassp 10 K1 memiliki tingkat kesesuaian yang lebih tinggi dengan tanaman
tebu dari pada isolat Klebsiellasp 10.2.3 dan Bacillussp. NB12 karena pada umur tebu 35
hari masih dijumpai pada bagian akar, batang dan daun tebu.

Key words : endofit, bakteri diazotrofic, gen gfpdan tebu

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to detect the occurrence of endophyte diazotrophic bacteria
in sugarcane tissue by using green fluorescence protein gene marker. Klebsiella sp 10.2.3,
Bacillus sp. NB12, Pseudomonas sp 10 K1 and Acinetobacter sp 10 K2 as endophyte
diazotrophic bacteria isolated from sugarcane were used in this research. The fourth isolates
of endophyte diazotrophic bacteria were marked with green fluorescence protein (gfp) gene
and inoculated to sugarcane bud chip of PS 851. The bud chip was kept grow until 35 days
old at a glass house. The occurrence of endophyte diazotrophic bacteria in sugarcane tissue
was showed by visualization of endophyte diazotrophic bacteria colony in sugarcane root
tissue, leaf sap and the amount of endophyte diazotrophic bacteria in sugarcane tissue
(leaf, stalks and sugarcane root at 15 and 35 days old). The results showed that gfp gene
has been inserted successfully into the four bacterial chromosomes either gram positive or
gram negative. Endophytic properties of the bacteria did not change by the insertion of gfp
gene and these bacteria were stable during in vitro storage for a long period. Visualization of
the fourth isolates in sugarcane root tissue and leaf sap of sugarcane at 15 days old showed
that the fourth isolates presence as a micro colony. Acinetobacter sp 10 K2 and Pseudomonas
sp 10 K1 were found distributed on leaf stalks and root of sugarcane at 35 days old. It
seems that Acinetobacter sp 10 K2 and Pseudomonas sp 10 K1 have higher compatibility
to sugarcane than Klebsiella sp 10.2.3 and Bacillus sp. NB12 isolates

Key words : endophyte, diazotrophic bacteria, gfp gene,and sugarcane

INDONESIAN SUGAR RESEARCH JOURNAL  Vol. 44, No. 3, September 2008
Terakreditasi B, SK LIPI No. 536/D/2007 tgl. 26 Juni 2007

ACCELERATION OF PREPARING HEALTHY SUGAR CANE SEEDLINGS THROUGH MICRO CUTTING MULTIPLICATION

SRIWINARSIH DAN EKA SUGIYARTA

Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia, Jl Pahlawan 25 Pasuruan

ABSTRAK

Penyediaan bibit varietas tebu unggul baru secara cepat mempunyai peranan yang
penting dalam menghambat terjadinya proses degenerasi klonal. Perbanyakan bibit melalui
bagal mikro mempunyai keunggulan antara lain lebih cepat dan efisien dalam pengiriman
bibit. Penelitian yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat multiplikasi bagal mikro telah
dilaksanakan di hardening kebun percobaan Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia,
Pasuruan. Penelitian disusun menurut rancangan acak kelompok dengan 4 perlakuan
kombinasi varietas dan prosedur kultur jaringan. Dua macam varietas yang digunakan adalah
PS 851 dan PS 951 dan terdapat 2 prosedur kultur jaringan yaitu kultur pucuk dan kultur
kalus. Setiap perlakuan diulang 3 kali. Penelitian ini terdiri atas 2 bagan percobaan masingmasing menggunakan polibag kecil (17,5 x 8 cm) dan polibag besar (18 x 23 cm).
Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jumlah batang per rumpun semakin menurun
seiring dengan semakin bertambahnya umur tanaman. Jumlah mata tunas viable per rumpun
asal kultur pucuk lebih baik pada perlakuan polibag kecil. Sementara itu pada polibag besar
tidak nyata, tergantung varietasnya. Tingkat multiplikasi bagal mikro dari bibit polibag besar
lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan polibag kecil. Pada umur 4 bulan tingkat multiplikasi varietas
PS 851 pada polibag kecil berkisar antara 28–37 kali dan PS 951 adalah 19 kali. Tingkat
multiplikasi varietas PS 851 pada polibag besar berkisar antara 38–43 kali dan untuk PS
951 berkisar antara 21–27 kali. Pada umur 6 bulan tingkat multiplikasi bagal mikro dari bibit
polibag kecil adalah 26–41 kali dan 16–33 kali masing-masing untuk varietas PS 851 dan
PS 951. Sementara itu tingkat multiplikasi bagal mikro dari bibit polibag besar adalah 39–
42 dan 28–33 kali berturut-turut untuk PS 851 dan PS 951. Tingkat multiplikasi PS 851 lebih
tinggi dibandingkan dengan PS 951.

Kata kunci: tebu, bagal mikro, multiplikasi, kultur jaringan

ABSTRACT
Rapid preparation of new superior sugar cane variety has an important role in inhibiting
the occurrence of clone degeneration process. Seedling multiplication through micro cutting
has several advantages including its delivery that is rapid and more efficient. This research
was aimed to study the micro cutting multiplication which has been conducted in the hardening
of Pasuruan experiment station of Indonesian Sugar Research Institute. The research was
arranged as randomized block design with 4 combination treatments of varieties and tissue
culture procedures. There were 2 varieties used as a treatment i.e. PS 851 and PS 951 as
well as 2 tissue culture methods namely callus culture and shoot tip culture. Every treatment
was replicated 3 times. Experiment was conducted using small polybags (17,5 x 8 cm) and
large polybags (18 x 23 cm).
The results showed that the number of stalks per stool decreased by increasing the
plant age. The number of viable shoots per stool of shoot culture was better when the
plantlets were planted in small polybags compared to large polybags. Meanwhile the plants
planted in large polybags did not show significant result depending on the varieties.
Multiplication level of seedlings in large polybags was higher than that of small polybags. At
the age of 4 months, multiplication level of PS 851 and PS 951 in small polybags was
between 28-37 times and 19 times, respectively. Mean while multiplication level of PS 851
in large polybags was between 38-43 times and for PS 951 was in the range of 21-27 times.
At the age of 6 months, multiplication level of seedlings in small polybags was 26-41 times
and 16-33 times for PS 851 and PS 951, respectively, while in large polybags, it was 39-42
and 28-33 times for PS 851 and PS 951, respectively. The fact showed that multiplication
level of PS 851 was higher compared to PS 951.

Key words: cane, micro cuttings, multiplication, tissue culture

MPG/NDONESIAN SUGAR RESEARCH JOURNAL Vol. 44 No. 3 September 2008: 155-165
Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia/Indonesian Sugar Research Institute
Jl. Pahlawan 25, Pasuruan 67126
Telp. 0343-421086, Fax: 0343-421178
E-mail : mpg.p3gi@gmail.com; Website: http://www.p3gi.net

BUTANOL PRODUCTION FROM SUGARCANE JUICES

By  M. KIM and D.F. DAY 
Audubon Sugar Institute, LSU Agricultural Center, La. USA
dday@agcenter.lsu.edu

KEYWORDS: Butanol, Fermentation, Sugar Juices, Biomass.

Abstract

BUTANOLis an aliphatic saturated alcohol with the molecular formula of C4H9OH, which can 
be used as a transportation fuel, an intermediateand a solvent for a wide variety of chemical applications. 
The acetone-butanol fermentation was the standard for industrial production of 
solvents until the 1950s. 
Modern microbiological techniques have improved the original organism such that it 
produces high levels of butanol rather than mixed solvents. 
Butanol has many advantages as an alternative fuel source: 

1)  a higher energy content; 
2)  usable in existing pipelines; 
3)  easy to blend with gasoline. 

Butanol can be produced from sugarcane juice, molasses or sugars from bagasse 
hydrolysates using a strain of Clostridium beijerinckii.
Sugarcane juice and molasses ferment directly to butanol. The yield of butanol was 
0.30 g/g sugar from molasses and 0.34 g/g sugar from juice whereas equivalent sucrose 
concentrations produced 0.27 g butanol per g sugar. 
Details of the economics for a viable production of butanol from sugarcane products 
are presented.

Co-Products Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 www.issct.org
Indonesian Sugar Research Institute http://www.sugarresearch.org/index.php/profil

EPA CHALLENGES FOR BAGASSE FIRED POWER STATIONS

By
M.B. INKSON, B.J. MISPLON and E. de VILLIERS 
Thermal Energy Systems
mike.i@sucrose.com

KEYWORDS: Cogeneration,
Environmental Impact, Emissions.

Abstract 

TRADITIONALLY, the sugar industry has been treated leniently with respect to emissions
standards but, as it focuses more on electricity as a profitable by-product, that is changing
even though bagasse is a renewable fuel.
Nowhere is that more the case than at US Sugar’s Clewiston factory in Florida: even
though it is not a major exporter of electricity, when it installed a new boiler, the factory was
obliged to conform with stringent EPA standards.
The challenges imposed by the standards are discussed together with the engineering
solutions and the results obtained.
The outline specification was for a 500 000 lbs/h [~226 800 kg/h] boiler delivering
600 psig, 750ºF [~4137 kPa, ~399°C] steam when firing bagasse.
The main challenges were seen in obtaining the 0.026 lbs/MMBTU [~24 mg/Nm³]
PM10limit and the original 0.12 lbs/MMBTU [~70 ppmvd] NOXlimit without exceeding the
0.38 lbs/MMBTU [~363 ppmvd] CO limit or the 20 ppmvd ammonia slip limit.
Continuous monitoring was required. Engineering was supported by fluid dynamic
studies, in particular with respect to the NOxand CO profiles in the furnace: i) maximum NOx
reduction was required from the urea injection system so location was critical; and ii)
engineering down combustion NOxincreases CO.
In the event, the unit comfortably passed all tests. The variable OFA nozzles which
had been installed proved particularly usefulin tuning the boiler and the low uncontrolled
NOxlevels [meaning there will be reduced urea charges] were pleasing to see.
While these stringent requirements are unlikely to be applied to other bagasse boilers
in the short term, the lessons learned will makeit possible to rise to those challenges when
they arise.

Co-Products Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY IN SUGAR MILLS BY INTEGRATING CO-PRODUCTS UTILISATION

By
M. ENRÍQUEZ POY1 and R. PRADO2
1Director, Grupo MOTZORONGO
2Coordinador of Periferical Bussines Grupo MOTZORONGO
poymanuel@prodigy.net.mx

KEYWORDS: Productivity, Hydrolysed Bagasse, Compost, Biogas, Invert Rich, Molasses.

Abstract

This paper shows an ‘incentive program’ for workers, through one model of development,
using mainly co-products of sugarcane; used in different ways in ‘Granja Teresita’, 25
kilometres from the mill.
The mill has a plant to hydrolyse bagasse intwo batch reactors by a physical process
(using steam at 1.4 MPa) and areas for composting residuals (90 days, without enzymatic
process), and sell the production to the ranch.
For cattle and goats, we use the cane topswith molasses, hydrolysed bagasse, wet
fibre cane ‘cush – cush’ separated in clarifier filters, and other agriculture residuals of the
region.
For pigs, invert ‘B’ molasses and some locally produced complements are used. For
sustainable agriculture, organic fertiliser (compost), made from sugar mill products (vacuum
filter mud, bagasse, ashes, etc), and worm compost, produced locally, are used with lamb
manure.
A range of crops is grown including cornand sorghum and horticultural crops, and
there is also an aquaculture industry.


Co-Products Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 
__________________________________________________________________________

COMMUNITIES AUTO SUFFICIENT IN FUELS FOR HUMANS, TRANSPORT AND ELECTRIC NEEDS

By
PETER CHARLES JAIS 
Sugarsoft Ltda
peter@sugarsoft.com.br

KEYWORDS: Sugar, Ethanol, Co-generation.

Abstract

IN VIEW OFthe present problems facing the world withrespect to fossil fuels (pollution and
global warming, availability and price), we studied the possibility of a small community
becoming auto sufficient in sugar, automotive fuel (ethanol) and electricity, all from
renewable biomass (sugarcane).  The study was done, based on a real projectthat we are presently installing under similar lines. The fuel needs of a community of 100 000 people were quantified in terms of sugar,
ethanol, and electricity. A mass and energy balance was calculated to determine the amounts of cane and
trash needed to produce the sugar, ethanol and electricity by generation and co-generation.
The results showed us that 100 tonnes of cane per hour can supply sufficient sugar
and electric energy for a community of 100 000 people and run their cars on 96ºGL ethanol
(no mix with gasoline) and still be able to export surplus ethanol. The auto sufficiency is for the whole yearand not only the crop period. The overall results showed us that, when compared to the importation of ‘fuels’, the project was positive.


Co-Products Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
__________________________________________________________________________

POTASSIUM REMOVAL FROM DISTILLERY SLOPS BY CANDIDA UTILISPROPAGATION

By
M.A. OTERO-RAMBLA, O.A. ALMAZAN-DEL OLMO, DANIEL BELLO-GIL, 
GUSTAVO SAURA-LARIA and JULIO A. MARTINEZ-VALDIVIESO 
Biotechnology Division, Cuban Institute for Research on Sugarcane By-Products (ICIDCA)
Vía Blanca # 804 and Carretera Central, 11000 Havana, Cuba
miguel.otero@icidca.edu.cu

KEYWORDS: Distillery Slops Decontamination,
Single Cell Protein, Feed Protein, Potassium Removal
.
Abstract 

YEASTSaccumulate varied amounts of most of the minerals present in their growth media.
Much of the 7.5–8.1% ash found in the yeast grown for baking or harvested from beer is
potassium phosphate, but yeast has the ability to accumulate other ions provided (but not
necessarily needed) in high concentration. Distillery slops still contain about 70% of all potassium contributed to the soil in cane fields as chemical fertiliser, thus fertigation with these wastewaters has to be carefully
calculated since otherwise soil salinisation can occur.
When grown in a medium composed of distillery slops, nutrient salts (ammonium
phosphate and sulfates) and a microbial growth enhancer Candida utilisshows a great
resistance to potassium concentration in continuous culture.
Yeast cells were propagated under the above conditions with increasing amounts of
K2O from 2.5 g/L concentration (distillery slops from molasses fermentation) up to 25 g/Lin propagation medium. Specific growth rate (µmax) ranged from 0.32 to 0.28 h–1 for the extreme values
mentioned above, while biomass-substrate yield coefficients were 0.23 to 0.18.
These results suggest that yeast propagated on supplemented distillery slops could
significantly reduce the potassium content of these wastes making them more suitable for
irrigation purposes. According to the nutritional assessment reported, the potassium accumulated has no
deleterious effect on animal health.

Co-Products Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

COGENERATION POTENTIAL IN COLOMBIAN SUGAR MILLS

By
EDGAR F. CASTILLO M., ADOLFO L. GÓMEZ, 
DIEGO COBO and CARLOS AGUIRRE 
Colombian Sugarcane Research Center CENICAÑA,
Cali, Colombia
efcastillo@cenicana.org

KEYWORDS: Cogeneration, Colombia, Distillation,
Electricity, Ethanol, Steam, Sugar.

Abstract

NOWADAYS, the Colombian sugar industry is involved in an expansion process, mainly
related to the diversification of final products.
In this way, since 2005 five ethanol distilleries are running, covering just 65% of
total ethanol demand. Distilleries were designed coupled with a composting plant, based on
vinasses and sludges from the sugar plant.
Both distilleries and composting plants show many features which make them a
special case in the ethanol market, so theyproduce a maximum of 3 L vinasse/L ethanol.
Besides, in all cases, the thermal and electrical power requirements at the ethanol
plant are supplied by the sugar plant.
In this paper, a brief description of technological features of the typical process
configuration followed by the Colombian sugar industry is shown.
It comprises the steam consumption distribution by sections, the common
configuration of the heat exchanger network (HEN) developed for vegetal steam usage and
the role of the energetic self-sufficiency ofthe factory played by the bagasse quality.
A set of possible scenarios for improving energy efficiency in a selected mill which
comprises a modified HEN can be formulated, including a revamping of existing boiler and
finally a new boiler operating at higher pressure.
Based on the previous information, the state of the main Colombian cogeneration
projects based on sugar cane and its potential impact on national energy supply is shown.
Finally, the paper describes how Colombian governmental requirements for
cogeneration plants are trying to establish a legal framework for this novel industrial activity
in the country.

Co-Products Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER STRATEGIES FOR THE NEXT DECADE—AN INDIAN EXAMPLE

By M.C. GOPINATHAN 

E. I. D. Parry (India) Ltd.,
Research & Development Centre,
145, Devanahalli Road, Off Old Madras Road,
Bangalore 560 049, India
GopinathanMC@parry.murugappa.com

KEYWORDS: Sugarcane, Research, Innovation,
Technology Transfer, Parry Way.

Abstract

GLOBALISATIONis driving unprecedented, radical internal and external reforms in sugar
industries across the world.
In addition to this, five major emerging or intensifying forces with extraordinary
implications will shape sugarcane farming and the sugar industry in future—demographic,
economical, socio-political, environmental and technological.
This paper first addresses the growth and status of the sugar industry and impact of
these emerging forces in shaping future Indian sugarcane farming.
Emerging complexities and diversities in farming structure and process demand a
new and more complex model of research and technology transfer.
Consolidation of the best technologies for maximum exploitation, identification of
technology diffusion and adoption gaps, and introduction of new technologies and innovative
practices throughout the farming chain will continue to play a vital role in sugarcane
productivity improvements.
Demographic changes, socioeconomic status of farmers and prices for competing
crops will demand sugar companies provide, in addition to competitive cane price, targeted
delivery of diverse services to farmers to ensure a sustainable cane supply.
Introduction of new sustainability standards and the need for certification from
consumers will drive sugar companies to integrate the entire value chain from farmer to
consumer through various forms of cooperation, relationship and partnership.
These emerging realities will open up untapped potentials and utilise opportunities
throughout the value chain to create a new research and technology transfer architecture and
competitive landscape for the sugar industry in India.

Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010 www.issct.org

Indian sugar industry - a strong industrial base for rural India

Pandey, Adya Prasad (2007): Indian sugar industry - a strong industrial base for rural India. Forthcoming in:

PDF - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader 364Kb

Abstract

Indian sugar industry, second largest agro-based processing industry afte the cotton textiles industry in country, has a lion's share in accelerating industrialization process and bringing socio-economic changes in under developed rural areas. Sugar industry covers around 7.5% of total rural population and provides employment to 5 lakh rural people. About 4.5 crore farmers are engaged in sugarcane cultivation in Inda. Sugar mills (cooperative, private, and public) have been instrumental in initiating a number of entrepreneurial activities in rural India. Present paper is an attempt as to review progress of sugar industry in India, understand it's problems and challenges in context of ongoing liberalization process. Indian sugar industry can be a global leader provided it comes out of the vicious cycle of shortage and surplus of sugarcane, lower sugarcane yield, lower sugar recovery, ever increasing production costs and mounting losses. It needs quality management at all levels of activity to enhance productivity and production. Attention is required on cost minimization and undertaking by product processing activities.

Source :http://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/6065/

SUGARCANE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER—STRATEGIES FOR THE NEXT DECADE

By
ALVARO AMAYA
Colombian Sugarcane Research Center, CENICANA, Cali, Colombia
aamaya@cenicana.org

KEYWORDS: Research Challenges,
Multidisciplinary Research, Sustainability.

Abstract

AGRONOMICchallenges required for the decades ahead will focus on:
(1)  research and technology transfer based on multidisciplinary approaches;
(2)  a transition from production-oriented models to consumer-driven systems;
and
(3)  developments that promote sustainability and concerns for environmental
issues.
A multidisciplinary approach ensures that scientists, growers and factory engineers
are aware of the contributions of other disciplines, rather than isolated, individual efforts.
This requires not a narrowly focused ‘specialist’, but rather someone with a ‘special’ interest
in various disciplines, whose wide vision could make integrated contributions to developing a
true Renaissance in sugar industries. The transition to a consumer-driven model requires the
identification of new priorities.
Technologies for sugar production will remaina priority, but greater emphasis must
be directed towards technologies for using sugarcane for energy production and for value-added products. In the case of energy production, the use of sugarcane has been possible
because of the availability of proven technologies, interest from investors, government
regulation and consumer demand. For value-added products, the challenge for scientists lies
not just in concrete researchoutputs, as has been the case for sugar production. Their skills
for knowledge management and the vision to transfer their achievements, open new markets
and generate interest in funding new research must be strengthened. Sustainability and
environmental protection will continue playing a role in future research, both in the field and
in factory processes. Climate change is on the agenda of challenges that agronomists and
their allied specialists must address in the design and managementof future production
systems.
The prospective use of sugarcane as a source of bioenergy to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions to the atmosphere offers an opportunity for scientists, investors and consumers to

work together on sustainability and environmental protection. Research achievements and
projections in the sugar industry worldwide, reported in the literature as well as by the
Colombian sugar industry, are usedto illustrate these strategies.

 http://www.issct.org.

Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

Application of dextranases in sugarcane factory: overcoming practical problems

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=243463


Authors 

	Eggleston, Gillian
	Monge, Adrian -
	Montes, Belisario -
	Stewart, David -

Interpretive Summary: This paper reviews practical problems frequently faced when enzymes (compounds that speed-up a reaction) are added to industrial processes. This is done by highlighting the application of dextranases (enzymes that break down dextran, an unwanted large chain sugar) in the U.S. sugar industry. Practical application of enzymes to usually harsh industrial process conditions is still often problematic, and ways to improve the optimization of dextranase are described. These include measuring the activity of destranases at the factory to economically compare different commercial enzymes, applying the enzymes as a working solution prepared at the factory with water, and heating sugarcane juice. Finally, the short and long-term outlooks are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Dextranases only have a small market and low volume sales compared to many other industrial enzymes. Consequently, research and development efforts to engineer tailormade properties of destranases to specific conditions of industrial processes have not occurred and are not expected soon. This book chapter highlights the difficulties associated with the practical application of dextranases that are sometimes applied to break down dextran polysaccharide in sugar manufacture when bacterial deterioration of sugarcane or sugarbeet has occurred. Application sub-optimization existed because of misinformation about where to add the destranase in the factory/refinery and which commercial dextranase to use. The wide variation in activities of commercially available dextransases in the U.S., and a standardized titration method to measure activities at the factory are discussed. Optimization by applying "concentrated" dextranases as temporary working solutions to heated juice is described. Promising short-term technologies to further improve industrial dextranase applications are discussed, as well as the long-term outlook.

Submitted to: Sugar Tech 
Publication Type: Review Article 
Publication Acceptance Date: April 20, 2009 
Publication Date: July 15, 2009 
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/43790 
Citation: Eggleston, G., Monge, A., Montes, B., Stewart, D. 2009. Application of dextranases in sugarcane factory: overcoming practical problems. Sugar Tech. 11(2):135-141.

New Developments in Information Technologies

By Weiss, L.W. 

Sugars International LLC, 30 Glenmoor Dr., Englewood, Colorado 80113 USA
E-mail: WWeiss@SugarsOnline.com

Abstract 

The development of Extensible Markup Language (XML) is leading to new inter-application communication that will provide more flexibility for software utilization in an
enterprise. Initially, XML data is passed between programs in a manual asynchronous
manner for programs that do not need continuous interaction; for example, importing
factory data into the Sugars modeling program to provide on demand heat, material and
color balances along with the net process revenues for the factory. In the future, Web
services can be used to provide synchronous or asynchronous interactions using Web
Services Description Language (WSDL) and SOAP for message passing in a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) to provide interactive communications and functionality
between software applications used by a sugar company.

www.sugarsonline.com/SugarsPapers/ISJ_NewDevInIT-2005.pdf

Measuring Starch in the Raw Sugar Factory

Marianne McKee, Ronnie Triche, Mary An Godshall and Charley Richard 

Sugar Processing Research Institute, Inc., New Orleans, LA 70124

ABSTRACT

Starch is a polysaccharide that arrives at the raw sugar factory in the sugarcane plant. It is released from the plant during the milling or diffusion stage of sugarcane processing.  After release into cane juice, starch in high concentrations can cause problems inside the raw factory as well as being carried into the raw sugar and subsequently into the refinery process.  If starch is present in raw sugar in concentrations of approximately 250 ppm or higher, problems arise during refining.  These include filterability issues, higher phosphate levels in clarified liquor using phosphatation refining, and poor filterability after clarification in carbonatation refining.  Many methods exist for measuring starch in raw sugars, but no standard method is in use throughout the international sugar industry.  These methods, while oftentimes very accurate, are not rapid and not well suited for use in the raw sugar factory laboratory.  Sugar Processing Research Institute (SPRI) has developed a simple, rapid, and quantitative starch test for use with cane juice and raw cane sugar samples.  The time required to complete the analysis of the SPRI Rapid Starch Method is 15-20 minutes and multiple samples can be analyzed at once.  Very small amounts of reagents are required and the equipment needed is usually readily available in most mill laboratories.  This paper will discuss starch and problems it can cause in cane sugar processing from raw sugar factory and refinery perspectives,  the SPRI rapid starch method details, equipment requirements, and the analysis of mixed cane juice, clarified cane juice, and raw sugar samples.

Abstract for an oral presentation at the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists - ASSCT 41ST Annual Joint Meeting – June 8-10, 2011 at the Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

http://www.spriinc.org/homepg1c0103.html

Refined Sugar – What Is It? What Does it Need to Be for Your Application?

Mary An Godshall, 

Sugar Processing Research Institute, Inc., 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA

ABSTRACT

We all have a “pretty good” idea of what is refined sugar, but there are various definitions, specifications, contracts and standards in the marketplace. Refined sugar is one of the purest commercial products available, yet the many specifications for various quality parameters indicates that even such a very pure product may cause an issue when it is used in a food formulation.  The quality of refined sugar can be affected by minute (ppm) quantities of various constituents, such as color, turbidity, dextran, ash, moisture, odor, flavor, residual sulfur dioxide or sediment.  It may have floccing potential or carried over amylase.  The crystal size and uniformity may be a critical factor.  Each one of these components can cause a particular quality problem in one or another food or beverage.  However, not in all foods.  Therefore, the question is – what are the quality aspects that specifically affect your product, and do you have to worry about certain other ones? 

This presentation, part of a workshop, will review quality criteria of refined sugar and describe how various parameters may affect or not affect certain food applications of refined sugar. 

Abstract for an oral presentation at the SPRI 2012 Conference – March 11-14, 2012 at the Chateau Bourbon Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

http://www.spriinc.org/homepg1c0103.html

IRON MEDIATED CLARIFICATION AND DECOLOURISATION OF SUGARCANE JUICE

By 

L.R. MADSEN II and D.F. DAY 

Louisiana State University Agricultural Center 

Audubon Sugar Institute, St. Gabriel, La. 70776 

Lmadsen@agctr.lsu.edu

KEYWORDS: Colour, Removal, 

Clarification, Iron. 

Abstract 

IN ORDER TOoperate most profitably, the sugar producers in Louisiana wish to engage in a
cooperative arrangement with the sugar refineries. Because the sugar refinery is an industrial scale decolouriser that operates using natural gas as fuel, it makes sense that sugar with less colour, produced using bagasse-power, would likely have greater profit margins.
The removal of phenolic colorants from raw juice using native cane protein as a
vehicle and Fe3+as an oxidative catalyst was studied. Colour was removed as phenol-protein
conjugates which rapidly precipitated with the addition of a cationic flocculant. The decanted juice was clarified via cold-liming. The treatment yielded clarified juice with up to 70% lower colour than hot-liming juice. It appears that the phenolics were oxidised by Fe3+ which engaged a REDOX cycle
yielding quinoid species. The free N-ε-amino groups of lysine in the albuminoid proteins appeared to add to the quinones. Stoichiometry indicated a degree of polymerisation of eight. Oligomer formation
ceased at this length which appeared sufficient tofacilitate irreversible cross-linking and/or capping of the protein. The aggregates of iron, lignol(s) and protein were insoluble and precipitated. The process was tested in a 150 L settling clarifier which was operated in both pulsed and continuous modes. The method scaled well and the product juice exhibited 50–60% less colour than a cold-limed control when Fe3+ was applied in quantities ranging from 100–200 mg/L
.
Factory Processing Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010

www.atamexico.com.mx/PDF/Abstract.pdf

THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF SUGAR

By P.W. REIN

Louisiana State University
Consultant to Better Sugarcane Initiative, United Kingdom
peterein@gmail.com

KEYWORDS: Carbon Footprint, Energy,
Sugarcane, Sugar, Ethanol.

Abstract

CLIMATE change is rapidly becoming a serious issue and one which will increasingly demand
the attention of sugar producers.
Estimation of the greenhouse gas emissions in the production of sugar, otherwise
known as the carbon footprint, is an essential part of any sustainability study.
A method of estimating net energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions has been
developed, based initially onwork done on biofuels.
The calculation routine was developed for use in the Better Sugarcane Initiative
standards, which focus on the sustainability of the sugarcane industry.
This estimation procedure estimates primary energy requirements including both
direct effects, mainly energy usage, and indirect effects, which include energy used in the
production of fuels, fertilisers and chemicals. Allowance is also made for the inclusion of
direct land use change effects.
The estimation procedure allows for the production of molasses and/or ethanol, and
for the export of power. Attention is given to the potential errors and problems in arriving at
these estimates.
The main problems are uncertainties in emissions from fertiliser use and the way in
which emissions are allocated to co-products. The results show that the carbon footprint is
most affected by sugarcane yield, sugar recovery, fertiliser usage, irrigation, cane burning and
power export.
A factory set up efficiently for maximum power generation can show a negative
carbon footprint and, in this respect, maximum export of electric power can deliver a lower
carbon footprint than maximum ethanol production.
The calculation routine estimates the greenhouse gas emissions from field to factory
gate and can be used for an existing operation orin the design of a new project to assist in
making good sustainability choices.

Proc. Int. Soc. Sugar Cane Technol., Vol. 27, 2010
www.atamexico.com.mx/PDF/Abstract.pdf