Steam Economics of Molasses Plant Evaporators: Molasses Plant Place in Citrus Industry

Processors of citrus fruit are faced with disposal of the pulp left over after juice is extracted from the fruit. Generally, the pulp is dried in steam or oil fired dryers and then sold as cattle feed. If disposal of the pulp is the prime factor of interest to the operator; shredding and hot air drying is sufficient. For more efficient removal of water from the pulp and the obtainment of other by-products, mainly citrus molasses and stripper oil, consideration should be given to the installation of presses and a molasses evaporator. Most authorities will agree that water can be evaporated more efficiently in a multiple effect evaporator than in a hot air dryer. Presses and an evaporator represent considerable investment, therefore the decision to install a Molasses Plant must be weighed carefully, balancing potential savings against the installed cost. Paper published with permission.

The Use and Results of the Wind Machine to Prevent Freeze Damage

The Federal-State Frost Warning Service, Lakeland, Florida has been investigating the use of wind machines for frost protection under Florida weather conditions for the past six years. Lake Garfield Nurseries Company of Bartow was the cooperator during all the investigations to date. Their machines were located in nursery and small tree plots, and the effectiveness of the machines on the 18" temperature profile was our primary concern. More recently, however, studies at standard shelter height have also been made in a bearing grapefruit grove. A summary of most investigations is available upon request from the Federal-State Frost Warning Service, Box 1058, Lakeland, Florida. Paper published with permission.

Electrical Design and Application Fundamentals for the Citrus Industry

Probably the most important industrial requirement is electricity, without which, the modern plant could not operate. Therefore, it is imperative that plant operators and maintenance staff be well grounded in the fundamentals of electrical system design and application of equipment. Paper published with permission.

Water Extraction of Fruit Solids From Orange Pulp

Most of the citrus processing plants in Florida producing frozen orange concentrate are now using various types of equipment and processes, which are usually referred to as “pulp washing”, for the water extraction of fruit solids from orange pulp. Such processes, which were added for the first time in some Florida plants during the 1957–58 citrus season, have been adopted extensively during the 1958–59 season because of two reasons, (a) the increase in yield of soluble solids from fruit made possible by the water extraction of orange pulp from juice finishers and (b) the possibility for improving the quality of frozen orange concentrate by substitution of pulp washing procedures for a double juice finishing operation. That an increase in yield results from water extraction of pulp has been definitely established, but the question concerning the effect of such a process on the quality of frozen orange concentrate is still being debated by many persons in the industry. Paper published with permission.

Improved Equipment and Methods for Harvesting Citrus

Considerable progress has been made in improving methods and equipment for some phases of citrus harvesting. However, this operation still requires a major portion of the labor in citrus production. Paper published with permission.

Factors Involved in Selecting Optimum Size Industrial Valves and Pipes

The transporting of liquids and gases is a basic need of civilization. Many methods have been and are used, ranging from the Egyptian water jar to the modern pipe line. The method used in today’s economy depends on the kind and amount of fluid to be transported. Martinis are delivered in 2 ounce glasses by a waiter, whereas oil is transported by 6 to 16 inch pipe lines. For purposes of discussion in this paper we will assume that the requirements are such that the fluid must be delivered to a particular location at a uniform rate. Thus, with this assumption, the most economical method of transporting would be by pipe. If the pipe and valve circuit is to be designed for most economical installation and operation, there are several things that should be known at the outset. Paper published with permission.

Electronic Brix Indication and Control - As Applied to the Citrus Concentrate Industry

Quality control of any product is of paramount importance to a manufacturer. The usual concept is to maintain standards to satisfy the customer and regulatory bodies in government and industry. Recently a more subtle meaning is emerging as a matter of great interest to industry. The uniformity of product is now being considered as a guidepost to the profit involved. Furthermore, the desire to maintain a uniform product has had a tremendous effect on the overall efficiency of plant operations, which in turn increase profit. Paper published with permission.