The new vertical continuous pan (VKT) built by BMA for American Crystal Sugar Company (ACS) in Drayton, North Dakota, marks a milestone: it is the first time a US sugar producer has opted for continuous crystallisation in white sugar production. In addition to the VKT – the largest ever built by BMA – the scope of supply also includes a new extraction tower.
Largest VKT from BMA is commissioned in Drayton
American Crystal Sugar opts for continuous crystallisation in white sugar production
A vertical continuous pan for precise crystallisation and high throughput
In the United States, white sugar is usually produced with a smaller crystal size, so the plants at American Crystal Sugar Company (ACS)’s sugar factory have to meet very specific requirements: larger apparatus volume, longer residence times and precise control. With its diameter of 5.6 metres and six chambers – a world-first configuration – the VKT from BMA can process large volumes of sugar solution, increasing throughput and markedly improving productivity.
Focus on energy efficiency: lower operating costs for the sugar industry
The VKT from BMA not only optimises the production processes, it also improves energy efficiency at the Drayton sugar factory. Continuous crystallisation is a process that operates at a lower steam pressure, resulting in energy savings, lower operating costs and less environmental impact. The VKT is expected to be integrated in production in late 2025, during the campaign.
New extraction tower from BMA for more capacity
In addition to the VKT, a new extraction tower from BMA with a diameter of 12 m will provide more capacity at ACS’s sugar factory. Thanks to its advanced extraction methods, energy consumption in the downstream processing steps is reduced, reaping both financial and environmental benefits.
Assembly in wintry conditions: extraction tower to be ready by August 2025
All components for the extraction tower have been built and left the BMA workshops in Braunschweig, Germany. While large items will be assembled on site at the Drayton sugar factory, smaller parts that require extensive welding will be pre-assembled by a partner company in Fargo. This ensures work is not affected by the weather and assembly can progress as planned, even during the cold winter months in North Dakota. Commissioning of the extraction tower is scheduled for August 2025, in time for the next campaign.
