Impact of chopper harvesting on the translation of field CCS to factory realised CCS : SRDC final report SD01007

Abstract

This project was designed to investigate the impact of chopper harvesting on CCS at the mill relative to measured CCS levels of cane in the field, as part of the reason behind declining CCS. Background for the project was provided mainly by field trials evaluating harvesting best practice, and sugar balance studies in the Mulgrave Mill area. These projects identified significant losses in cane CCS during the harvesting process, and an increase in CCS of leaf and trash between the field and the factory. They also indicated less depression of CCS than expected at low harvester cleaning intensities where extraneous matter levels in the cane supply were high. The exact magnitude of the losses, the mechanisms causing losses, and the fate of lost sugar have not been clearly identified, and this project was designed to clarify these issues. The chopper test rig developed for research on chopper performance was used in the project to help clarify the role of the chopper system in loss of sugar during harvesting.