Carbonation

Carbonation is one of the two Primary Decolourisation technologies used in refined sugar manufacturing.

It is based on the principle of Calcium Carbonate precipitate adsorbing the colouring matter thus leading to decolorization.

Lime is pre-mixed with the Melt up to a certain pH and then CO2 is bubbled through it to form “in-situ” Calcium Carbonate. The Carbonate sludge formed is filtered and the decolorized melt goes on to the Secondary decolorization step. The CO2 required for the purpose is obtained from the Flue gas of the Boiler.

It is a simple process but requires precise control of the operating conditions.