Saving and Improving the Ethanol Production Process

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Situation

A traditional Brazilian company of sugar and ethanol sector was trying to reduce operating costs, constantly investing in maintenance and modernization of the plant. Once the high consumption of sulfuric acid impacts the total operation cost and affects the final quality of the ethanol produced, the challenge of the unit was to reduce the consumption of sulfuric acid without increasing the quantity of bacteria in the fermentation process.

The application of Nalco Water technology generated significant gains in a sugar cane mill, such as the average reduction of 22% of sulfuric acid consumption and saving of U$ 149,600.00/year

Solution

Nalco Water recommended for the microbiological control the use of a technology that generates ClO2 under controlled conditions, guaranteeing the correct use of biocide without damages for the yeast or the environment, being more effective to control bacteria.

Results

Upon the application of Nalco Water technology, gains were obtained such as an average reduction of 22% of the sulfuric acid consumption and a saving of U$ 149,600.00/year. The bacterial population and yeast viability remained stable. This represented a significant reduction of the total operating cost for the customer.

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