+49 531 804 0
Am Alten Bahnhof 5, 38122 Braunschweig

Vertical continuous pans (VKT)

phone mail whatsapp

One solution, many applications

Vertical continuous pans (VKT) from BMA were developed to ensure maximum exhaustion or crystal content for a wide range of massecuite purities in the beet and cane sugar factories and sugar refineries. To date, VKT have been installed in more than 75 factories, meeting very high requirements: process continuity, massecuite with a high crystal content, and a small footprint for outside installation.

Request now
Engineering products

Optimised personnel deployment thanks to automation

Unlike in batch-type crystallisation and evaporation processes, the operator only has monitoring duties during normal operation.

Procurement delivering solutions

Around-the-clock availability

Consistent operating conditions make for long working cycles. VKT from BMA feature a bypass system that optimises the cleaning process. This permits continuous 24/7 operation of the VKT during the campaign.
Construction putting plans into

Efficiency thanks to continuous throughput

In contrast to batch-type crystalliser, the VKT permits a consistent level of vapour bleeding from the evaporator station. This results in more even running of the evaporator station and a consistent dry substance content of the thick juice.
After-sales much can happen in the service life of a factory

Vapour savings with low heating steam pressure

The low massecuite level above the calandria keeps the heating steam pressure low when an agitator is used. Moreover, circulation and homogeneity of the massecuite are improved. The heating steam can therefore be taken from a downstream effect of the evaporator station and fully used in the upstream effects.
Request now
Continuous massecuite circulation with use of agitators, even at lower heating steam pressure levels

Continuous massecuite circulation with use of agitators, even at lower heating steam pressure levels

If the factory output has to be reduced, the crystallisation and evaporation in the VKT is adjusted simply by lowering the heating steam pressure. The combination of an agitator and a double-cone bottom ensure continued good circulation and homogeneity of the product. It is therefore not necessary to add water or steam to the massecuite, making the process more energy-efficient.

Feed solution added from the bottom of the pan

Adding a feed solution with a very high dry substance content (e.g. >75 Brix) and/or a superheated solution to the vacuum-sealed vapour chamber results in flash evaporation. This produces incrustations and fine crystals in the VKT. One undesirable effect of the incrustations is that they shorten the operating time of the VKT.

The presence of spontaneously formed crystals changes the crystal size distribution curve (e.g. higher CV values) and is often not acceptable for end customers.

To minimise flash evaporation, BMA only ever adds the feed solution to the lower cone (see Fig. 1), as is the case with the batch pan (DVK).

The key benefits of the VKT from BMA at a glance

  • Field-proven cylindrical chambers
  • Use of agitators make for excellent circulation and mixing
  • Defined massecuite flow between chambers
  • Controlled process state in each chamber
  • Cleaning of individual chambers during production
  • Space-saving solution thanks to vertical structure
we-care-green-icon

VKT plus MVR

The vertical continuous pan (VKT) has proved to be a positive force in the sugar sector: simple process control and automation, continuous material flows and small temperature differences.

Policy changes regarding energy conservation and the substitution of carbon-based energy sources have brought the VKT into the spotlight. It achieves energy savings thanks to the very small temperature differences between the heating steam and the massecuite.

The difference in pressure between vapour and heating steam is also very small, making the VKT the perfect choice for mechanical vapour recompression (MVR). In this process, vapour from the VKT is compressed to increase pressure and then reused as heating steam.

Downloads

Please refer to the product brochure for more detailed information. We would also be happy to advise you in a personal consultation.

Crystallization plants
Crystallization plants
Improved crystallisation in cane sugar mills with updated strategies and equipment
Improved crystallisation in cane sugar mills with updated strategies and equipment
Request now