Over the last 25 years, Citrotec^® has earned patents for diverse innovative technologies, created to meet the demands of the citrus and sugar-energy sectors in Brazil and worldwide. These innovations reflect the company's continuous commitment to developing efficient, sustainable, and high-performance solutions.

One of the milestones of this journey was the patent for the Evaporative Condenser for Condensing Turbines, the first company equipment patented in the United States, in 2021. The product also received a patent in Brazil, consolidating itself as an innovative solution in the thermoelectric market.

According to Citrotec^® Technical Director Paulo Sampaio, this technology brought a true revolution to the sector. “The Vacuum Condensation system condenses the turbine exhaust steam through thermodynamic principles, resulting in significant energy consumption savings and greater net power in electricity generation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for cooling towers and can be manufactured in modules, facilitating installation and adaptation to different projects,” he explains.

The equipment also stands out for its low operating and maintenance costs, in addition to offering compact installation and lower water consumption, contributing to the energy efficiency and sustainability of the plants.

EcovinJL^®

A powerful vinasse concentration evaporator, EcovinJL^® has patents granted in Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and Colombia. Additionally, it has a patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This treaty allows an invention to be protected simultaneously in several countries through a single international filing.

Developed in partnership with distillery scientist Jaime Lacerda, a reference in the sugar-energy sector, EcovinJL^® is an innovative concentration system that uses the Descending Turbulent Mist principle. Integrated with distillation columns, the equipment allows for alcohol production with already concentrated vinasse, without additional steam consumption.

The Descending Turbulent Mist is formed in the Topcones of the equipment, where high pressure at the top and low pressure at the bottom (vacuum) generate the mist (“flash”). This mist is thermally accelerated until it reaches very high speeds, creating a highly turbulent flow, which significantly reduces fouling in the system.

Among the main features of EcovinJL^® are:

• Ethanol production with already concentrated vinasse;
• Automated and easy-to-control operation;
• 100% stainless steel construction;
• Possibility of using autonomous evaporative condensers (optional), eliminating the need for cooling towers and external water sources;
• Adaptation to existing distilleries;
• High vinasse volume reduction;
• Efficient concentration using alcoholic vapors from the distillery, without additional steam consumption;
• Utilization of water extracted from vinasse for industrial and agricultural use;
• Increased potassium concentration (K2O/m³);
• Reduction of transportation and storage logistics costs.

“EcovinJL^® brought a new concept to distillation and vinasse utilization. In addition to reducing operating costs, it also contributes to more sustainable practices in the sector. It is a technology developed to generate efficiency and environmental responsibility at the same time,” says Sampaio.

EcoWaste^®

EcoWaste^®, an innovative recycled energy evaporator, has a Brazilian patent and a patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

The equipment is a new vinasse and juice evaporation system. The great innovation of EcoWaste^® lies in its ability to use gases from bagasse boilers as an energy source, allowing for the concentration of vinasse and juice without steam consumption.

This differential not only significantly reduces operating costs but also makes the process more sustainable, eliminating waste and reusing energy that would otherwise be dissipated.

Among its main features are:

• Use of recycled energy, reducing the consumption of conventional energy resources;
• Automated and easy-to-control operation, ensuring efficiency and safety;
• 100% stainless steel construction, providing greater durability and resistance;
• Possibility of eliminating gas scrubbers, reducing water consumption in the process;
• Use of autonomous evaporative condensers, eliminating the need for cooling towers and external water sources;
• Reduction of operating costs, making the production process more economical and sustainable.

“We have a range of patents for various revolutionary and highly technological processes and equipment developed here, the result of much study and dedication from all employees. Without a doubt, we can state that innovation runs in Citrotec^®'s veins,” highlights Sampaio.