Maximising revenue from sugar extraction and cogeneration through imbibition rate regulation.

Operating data obtained from two factories were used to test the validity of the Hugot formula which quantifies mill extraction at various imbibitions % fibre for a constant cane crushing rate. Simulations were carried out through an energy balance to determine electricity production at different imbibition % fibre. The net and combined revenues obtained from sugar extraction and electricity production were determined and plotted against imbibition % fibre. Results show that, for each factory, there is an optimum imbibition % fibre that yields maximum revenue.