This study investigated the feasibility of using sweet sorghum as an alternative arable crop within the European Union. The first phase consisted of a review of processing options as well as evaluation of some specific technology for recovery of sugar juice from the harvested stalks. This consisted of a series of trials in which samples of stalk, residual fibre and sugar juice were taken over a range of operating conditions that included changes in operation speed and volume of process water. These followed the production of a detailed protocol for harvesting, processing and analysis over the course of the maturation and ripening period of around 6 weeks. The data produced were used to compare the proposed process with conventional sugar cane processing (using either roller mills, or diffusers) and the various options incorporated into a flow chart of possible options, including production and concentration of juice and the use of bagasse as a source of fuel and for electricity generation through a steam turbine/generator. This work led to a further detailed (model-based) feasibility and cost study. The contents of the study included:

Crop characteristics

Harvesting

Processing

Mass balance

Theoretical aspects

Comparison of results with theory

Effect of fibre on sugar extraction

Process requirements in sugar extraction

Conventional systems (mills, diffusion)

Bagasse dewatering

Juice dilution and juice concentration

Process integration

Crop reception and pre-processing

Juice extraction and concentration

Fermentation

Electricity generation