Hybrid modelling of batch centrifuges as part of a generic object oriented beet Sugar Mill library

Sugar crystallizers deliver a slurry where the sugar grains are suspended in the so called mother liquor. The batch centrifuges are the units in charge of mechanically separating the former from the latter guaranteeing the quality and efficiency of the process. A realistic first principles model of a batch sugar centrifuge is described in the context of a Sugar House object oriented generic library, specially designed for the training of control room personnel. The challenges posed by the hybrid continuous-discrete character of the model are particularly addressed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.