Sucrotech May 2025 Newsletter

Commissioning of centrifugal at UCL

A new K3300F

UCL has taken a significant step in enhancing its sugar processing capabilities with the installation of the BMA K3300F continuous centrifuge into their C-Station. This advanced machine is designed to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality, aligning with the mill’s commitment to operational excellence. By finely adjusting the vibration isolators and placing them far from any heat source BMA has achieved the outstandingly smooth running of the K3300F centrifugal. This not only reduces vibration stress of individual components, it extends the service life of the centrifugal as a whole.

 You can refer to below design features:

 – Patented basket design for quick syrup discharge

– Improved product distributors for perfect massecuite conditioning

– Double-angled basket for high throughputs

– Suitable housing types for all process requirements

– Exceptionally smooth running thanks to improved vibration isolators

– Fewer wear parts, use of maintenance -free components

– Newly designed screen clamping to permit quick and simple screen replacements

– Repositioned sampler

We can now confirm that the machines on ‘B’ product have met our expectations with the following results supplied by the mill. Please contact us for more details.

Pre-Owned Continuous Centrifuges

BMA K3080.

We are pleased to announce the availability of two BMA K3080 continuous centrifuges that have recently become available as trade-in machines. These units have been reliably operating in a mill environment and are now being offered as part of an upgrade initiative.

Machine 1 and 2 both currently running on B product, delivering an average throughput of 14-19 tonnes depending on massecuite quality, and is operating on a 380V soft starter.

The mill is transitioning to larger-capacity equipment, specifically the BMA K3300F, and is therefore looking to trade in the smaller K3080 units.

While these K3080 centrifuges offer a more compact throughput capacity, they are ideally suited for refinery recovery operations and smaller-scale processing needs. They remain in good working order and present a valuable opportunity for facilities requiring efficient, reliable performance without the footprint of larger machines

Bolts – a big deal or not?

A2 vs A4

Two of the most common bolts used are A2 and A4 bolts. This classification is based on the ISO 3506 standard, which defines mechanical and chemical properties for stainless steel fasteners. Although both materials can offer similar characteristics such as corrosion resistance and durability, there are evident differences that set them apart.

A2 stainless steel, otherwise known as 304 stainless steel, consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Although it may be appealing due to its ease of fabrication, and particularly its affordability, it is however not resistant to marine or highly acidic environments as they lack an element called molybdenum, which enhances corrosion resistance. This is where A4 stainless steel takes the spotlight. A4, otherwise known as 316 stainless steel, consists of that key component, being 2-3% molybdenum, which remarkably improves its resistance to chloride-rich environments, such as that of sugar mills. This makes A4 bolts the wiser choice within food industries where enhanced corrosion resistance is essential, offering a more superior quality.

Choosing the better suited material for something as simple as a bolt can drastically affect the maintenance and longevity of your centrifugal machines. Choosing the correct material can prevent overloading and failure of bolts, preventing the risk of having any potential machine problems or damages, making it ideal to have to replace a few bolts over time compared to the damages within your centrifugal machine that could from the failure of a poorer quality material bolt.

B1750 centering device that experienced bolt shear due to the use of incorrect fasteners

‘Continuous’ knowledge

Training for Swazi

In February, Vis Pillay [Process Technical Training Officer Dip Sugar Tech (MLS), BSc (Unisa), BCom (Unisa)] conducted a valuable sugar process training course at the Shukela Training Centre in Mt Edgecombe. The session brought together operators from both Mhlume and Simunye RES factories, providing a collaborative learning environment.

As part of the program, Sucrotech delivered an insightful educational talk on the Centrifugal Operators Handbook. The presentation was followed by a personalized Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to engage on key technical aspects. Discussions included OEM specifications, common process challenges, and practical adjustments tailored to varying massecuite qualities.

The session was well-received and highlighted the importance of ongoing technical training in maintaining operational excellence.

A bittersweet goodbye

Farewell Cheryl, welcome Michelle

After many dedicated years of service, we bid a fond farewell to Cheryl, our long-time financial controller, who has officially retired. Cheryl’s commitment, precision, and steady presence made her an invaluable part of our team.

As we say goodbye, we are also pleased to welcome Michelle, who steps into Cheryl’s role. Michelle brings with her a strong background in finance and a fresh perspective that we are excited to see in action.

Mechanical vs. Timer-Controlled Batch Centrifugal

Pro’s and Con’s

Two common types of control systems used in these machines are mechanical control and timer-based control. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, impacting efficiency, sugar quality, and operational costs.

BMA offer a DynFAS FS upgrade kit, a contactless measurement of sugar layer thickness for batch centrifuges. It can replace or complement a mechanical measurement and control system, permitting an automated, consistent sugar throughput and lower water consumption.

 https://www.bma-worldwide.com/after-sales-service/upgrades/available-upgrades/g-b-series-sugar-thickness-sensor-dynfas-fs.html

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