The process diagram outlines the production of sugar crystals from sugar cane plants, which involves seven key steps, starting with the cultivation of the sugar cane and ending with the drying and cooling of the sugar crystals.
The first step in the process is growing the sugar cane plants, which typically takes between 12 and 18 months. Once matured, the sugar cane is harvested, either manually by farmers or using harvesting machines. The harvested cane is cut to about three-fourths of its original length. Next, it is crushed using a machine to extract the juice, which is then collected in a basin.
Following juice extraction, the pulp undergoes purification through a limestone filter. The purified juice is then transferred to an evaporator, where it is heated to convert it into a thick syrup. The syrup is subsequently subjected to centrifugation to separate the sugar crystals from the liquid.
The separated sugar crystals are then dried to remove any remaining moisture. Finally, the crystals are cooled, completing the production process and resulting in the formation of sugar crystals.