Pulsed Electric Field Treatment of Sugar Beet

Abstract

The effect of high electric filed pulses on sugar extraction from sugar beet strip during continuous pilot scale extraction was investigated. The results have shown that sugar beet strip could be extracted at moderate temperature (35-50°C) using PEF pre-treatment. The sugar extraction yield of PEF pre-treated samples was about 98.5 to 99.8 % (for extraction times of 30 an 70 min at 50 °C respectively). In contrast, the sugar extraction yield for untreated samples was distinct lower (92.5 % at 50 °C, 30 min and 94 % at 50 °C and 70 min extraction time. In additions, the pressing of PEF pre-treated extracted pulp was more effective than thermal extracted (at 70 °C) sample. Furthermore, the drying of PEF pre-treated extracted pulp was faster than drying of pulp from thermal extracted sample. The results of this study confirmed that the PEF technique is an energy and time saving method for continuous sugar beet processing.