PEF technology to reduce energy input for sugar beet production

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) processing of sugar beets for sucrose extraction involves the application of microsecond high voltage pulses in the order of 10 to 60 kV. PEF causes tiny pores in the sugar beet cell walls, also known as cell permeabilization, which facilitates sugar leaching. 

Enhanced sucrose extraction of sugar beets
By permeabilizing cell membranes of sugar beets, PEF enables tissue softening and enhanced mass transport, resulting in improved extraction of sucrose from sugar beets, higher product quality and purity and increased process capacity. Sugar beet processing becomes more homogeneous with PEF processing, evening the structure and resulting in the reduction of seasonal variation in raw materials. As a result, an improved refining efficiency and a significant reduction of energy input and water use can be measured.

The new range of industrial scale equipment – named ‘Conditioner’ – has treatment capacities from 1 ton an hour to 50 tons an hour (about 110,000 lb/h) for sugar beet processing systems. The pulse generator is combined with a robust and hygienic transport system and PEF treatment chamber.