Feed Mill Automation (to Improve Efficiency and Quality)

A typical South Florida citrus feed mill was studied by controls engineers to determine the benefits of modern controls. The peel bin, lime addition, dryer, and waste heat evaporator all showed considerable savings potential (2.5 year simple payback). With modern controls, the pellet feed output will be more consistent in quality while consuming less energy to produce. With total computer monitoring, safety for the operators will also be improved. Paper published with permission.

VOC Emissions From Citrus Processing Plants

The Florida citrus industry currently consists of approximately 25 citrus processing plants located in 12 counties. Historically, peel dryers have been the only regulated sources of air emissions at citrus plants. Particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (S02) emissions have been historically the only pollutant regulated from peel dryers. These emissions have generally been addressed in permit applications for peel dryers, along with emissions due to fuel combustion, which include carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Recently, the question of the magnitude of VOC emissions from citrus peel dryers as well as from citrus processing plants has arisen because federal operating permit regulations and prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) regulations would apply if VOC emissions exceed certain levels. In preparing Title V permit applications, several citrus processors have obtained air emission data from peel dryers, including VOC data. These limited data have indicated that VOC emissions can be significant. The citrus industry is planning to obtain additional VOC data in the upcoming processing season in order to better quantify such emissions. This paper presents available industry data in regard to VOC emissions from citrus plants and peel dryers. Test data are presented, summarized, and evaluated. Test methods are also identified and discussed in relation to results obtained. Potential VOC emissions based on mass balance are presented. The citrus peel drying process and operation is discussed in relation to the VOC emissions data. Finally, potential air permitting implications of VOC emissions are discussed. Based on the information gathered in this study, it is concluded that VOC emissions from peel dryers and from citrus processing plants are significant. Most plants would likely be considered as major sources for Title V purposes, and larger plants could be major sources for PSD new source review purposes. Paper published with permission.

Pumping Power Requirements and Role of Viscosity During Agitation of Concentrated Orange Juice

The rheological behavior of concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) has been shown to be shear-thinning in several recent studies. Concentric cylinder viscometers have been used to obtain the rheological data in these studies. The effect of temperature, soluble solids, and pulp content has been described quantitatively. To estimate the pumping power requirements of FCOJ, the mechanical energy balance equation is used together with the necessary estimates of pressure drop due to friction in pipes and fittings estimated from empirical equations. Empirical equations are available to calculate power consumption during agitation of concentrated orange juice in terms of the dimensionless groups: power and agitator Reynolds numbers for several types of agitators. Paper published with permission.

Thermal Imaging of Electrical and Mechanical Systems

The main objective of predictive maintenance is to identify a small problem before it becomes a big problem. Thermal Imaging is one of the best tools for predictive maintenance. This technology allows us to see a small temperature increase before it becomes a catastrophic failure. Modern technology is able to more accurately evaluate potential problems. The technology allows for collecting better and more extensive data than was previously available — from which very detailed temperature analysis can be made. Thermal inspections of electrical and mechanical systems will show you the necessary areas in your company on which to concentrate your efforts. By focusing specifically on those areas that need to be maintained, you will be saving money several ways: avoiding downtime in production, non-productive wages, greater repair costs and lost time. By performing annual thermal inspections you will also benefit by maintaining the most favorable insurance rating. Paper published with permission.

The Internet and the Citrus Industry

The Internet is a worldwide connection of thousands of computer networks. All of them speak the same language, TCP/IP, the standard protocol. The Internet allows people with access to these networks to share information and knowledge. Resources available on the Internet are chat groups, e-mail, newsgroups, file transfers, and the World Wide Web. The Internet has no centralized authority and it is uncensored. The Internet belongs to everyone and to no one. Paper published with permission.

How to Calculate Return on Investment for Maintenance Improvement Projects

Maintenance — a function within most corporations, that most people do not understand. Unfortunately, too many people think they understand the maintenance function. This is evident by the many differing methods currently used to organize and perform maintenance in American corporations. It is no secret that many corporate and plant executives have concentrated on operations or manufacturing management, while management of the more technical disciplines such as maintenance have been ignored or placed in a secondary status. Maintenance, for example, has been viewed as an necessary evil or insurance policy, where money is paid and nothing (in their lifetime) is ever seen as a return. Paper published with permission.