Optimization of parameters of a single effect evaporator for agave syrup production

Abstract

The objective of this study was the design and simulation of a single effect evaporator for an agave syrup production line, using as the main raw material, the aguamiel obtained from Agave salmiana produced in the ejido "Las Mangas" municipality of Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico. The design of the single effect evaporator was carried out by evaluating the equipment design variables (such as the raw material feed to the evaporator and its outlet streams) by the response surface methodology (RSM), with which it was possible to determine saturation temperature inside the evaporator (F1) and the feed temperature (F2), which allow optimizing the consumption and supply of the flow required for saturated steam entering the evaporator (S, kg/h) and the heat required for the operation of the evaporator (q, kJ/h) in yield to obtain agave syrup.