The right mix of sugar specialties with Sulzer agitators
The Nordic Sugar factory in Örtofta, Sweden, produces white sugar, molasses, and animal feed. Originally built in the 1880s, it is now one of the largest and most efficient beet-processing factories in Europe. In 2024, the site was expanded to include a new state-of-the-art syrup and liquid sugar facility.
The preparation of syrups and sugar solutions involves multiple tanks for storage, dissolving, blending, heating, and more. The right agitation is needed in each tank for smooth operation throughout the whole process. Sulzer supplied 22 new reliable horizontal agitators combining efficiency and ease of use.
For all sugar products our motto is top quality and customer proximity. As an equipment supplier, Sulzer shares the same values.
A wide range of liquid sugars and syrups (fructose, glucose, invert sugar, etc.) can be created from few raw materials (white sugar, water, molasses, etc.) and other ingredients. The formulations are numerous and vary in blend, flavor, color, sweetness, dry matter content, and viscosity. This requires production flexibility with versatile equipment, including agitators.
Agitation processes can differ significantly between tanks, with solid-liquid dispersion, suspension, and dissolving or liquid-liquid blending, homogenization, and heat transfer.
Capital and operational expenditures must be minimized with agitators having a cost-effective design, reduced maintenance, and high efficiency.
3SHP1 propeller for axial flow
The solution
As a long-standing partner, Sulzer worked closely with Nordic Sugar for the selection of 22 gear-driven agitators – one for each cylindrical tank.
Despite the variety of applications, tank sizes, and fluid properties, only two agitator models were chosen. This significantly simplified installation will streamline maintenance, reducing service costs over the facility’s lifetime.
Some of the agitators have been equipped with a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive), enabling optimal mixing under changing conditions. For instance, when the liquid level in a tank drops, the agitator speed can be reduced to prevent air vortex formation.
All units feature double mechanical seals and are mounted on support legs, which helps minimize vibrations and extends seal life.
The wetted parts of the agitator are made of duplex stainless steel with a special surface finish to ensure optimal cleanability during CIP (Clean-in-Place) procedures.
At the Örtofta plant, over 150 Sulzer pumps and agitators are in operation, some for more than 40 years, and under demanding conditions. By choosing Sulzer for its new liquid sugar and syrup facility, the client ensured the installation of agitators that deliver both performance and durability for decades to come.
For each tank the right agitation intensity is achieved with minimal power consumption, resulting in significant energy savings and a reduced TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
Throughout the entire product lifecycle, Sulzer will continue providing Nordic Sugar with personalized support and qualified service to reinforce the long-term partnership between the two companies.
Sulzer SALOMIX™ and Scaba mixing and agitation technology offers a wide range of products for industrial applications. Side-mounted horizontal and top-mounted vertical agitators, dynamic chemical mixers, and tower and tank flow management products guarantee effective mixing and agitating processes.
AgitatorsSulzer SALOMIX™ and Scaba mixing and agitation technology offers a wide range of products for industrial applications. Side-mounted horizontal and top-mounted vertical agitators, dynamic chemical mixers, and tower and tank flow management products guarantee effective mixing and agitating processes.
Horizontal agitatorsDurable horizontal agitators ensure efficient mixing, low power demand, and reliable operation for cost-effective water and industrial processes.
