At the end of August, everything was in place: just in time before the start of this year’s sugar campaign, we handed over the new low-temperature belt dryer (LTD) to Schweizer Zucker AG. But before the first sugar-beet pulp is dried and pelletised on 12 September, Schweizer Zucker AG celebrated the successful completion of the project with a major topping-out ceremony.
An impressive project
In addition to craftsmen and employees from the total of 137 companies involved in the construction and staff from Schweizer Zucker, representatives from politics, industry and the media were also invited. Those interested were able to take a look inside the double-deck dryer during a tour and take in the impressive total drying surface of 2 × 306 m².
Feeding module of the new low-temperature belt dryer at Schweizer Zucker AG
But it isn’t only the size of the new belt dryer that impresses — its performance and efficiency are remarkable too:
20 t of water evaporated per hour
13 % reduction in primary energy usage
4,800 t less CO₂ emissions
The drastic reduction in CO₂ emissions, combined with improved water evaporation (the old dryer managed only 13 t/h), was a significant consideration behind Schweizer Zucker AG’s multi-million investment.
How did we achieve this? The new LTD uses waste heat from falling water and flue gas, thus requiring no additional fossil fuel energy.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Schweizer Zucker AG for the wonderful topping-out ceremony and for their trust, and we wish them a successful sugar campaign!