FULL AUTOMATION OF A WESTERN STATES CONTINUOUS LOW GRADE FUGAL

THE low grade fugal station at Mulgrave Central Mill consists of three Western States CC6 centrifugals, the first installed in 1986. This particular machine underwent a rebuild to repair a number of age-related corrosion issues. In addition, full automation of the fugal was developed and installed for trial on the machine in the 2007 season. This paper describes the modifications made to the machine and operations under full automatic control. The automation was very successful and the machine now operates under very limited supervision. Magma purities are controlled to more precise levels than are achieved manually, with corresponding improvements in molasses purity rise. During 2008 the capacity of the machine was increased by the addition of a 75 kW motor, which has increased the feed rate.