Browsing by Author "Keeffe, E"

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Better data to help inform harvest best practice
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2016) Keeffe, E
A new research project is looking at real-time harvesting sensors, in a bid to drive improvements in harvest best practice across the industry.
Improving mill efficiency through rapid analysis methodologies : final report 2014/051
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2017) Keeffe, E
A rapid analysis system for measuring key constituents in sugarcane factory products has been developed using diode array (DA) near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic technology. Analysis of key constituents in prepared cane, bagasse, juice and syrup streams, magma, massecuite, molasses, raw sugar and mill mud is feasible. The benchtop NIR spectroscopic systems are mill laboratory-based and designed to augment the analysis already conducted by mill laboratories. More frequent analyses of mill factory products will allow Mill Engineers to minimise losses, and consequently, improve the factory’s coefficient of work. Additional benefits accrue through improved final product quality and the ability to schedule maintenance based on impurity loading.
Improving mill efficiency through rapid analysis methods
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2016) Keeffe, E
This project has sought to develop turn-key, diode array benchtop NIR spectroscopy systems for the rapid analysis of sugar factory products.
Sensors for improved harvesting feedback: evaluation of suitability : Final report 2016/954
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2017) Keeffe, E
A feasibility study was conducted to investigate the value and application of sensors in the harvesting environment for improved feedback for quality and loss control. A desktop study, this project (a) investigated the current practices and processes of the harvesting community, including the present use of sensors, (b) Isolated the cause and effect of harvest quality and loss and the issues that are currently preventing change, (c) identified what contractors, growers and millers need and/or wish to achieve from the addition of sensors on harvesters (d) identified and evaluated commercially available sensors and other measurement systems for their suitability to measure certain parameters in the harvesting environment, and (e) identified four sensing systems most likely to succeed in future efficacy testing. The project was conducted with a strong consultative approach with industry, using surveys, focus groups, presentations and one-on-one meetings to discuss regional issues and potential solutions. Ultimately, industry has prioritised the following quality and loss pathways: (1) extractor losses, (2) basecutter quality (height control), and (3) cane supply quality. Spectral imaging, proximal NIR spectroscopy and radar technologies were favoured solutions.