ENET^® MVR

An exclusive technology by Citrotec^®, the ENET^® MVR combines falling turbulent mist vacuum evaporation with Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) to increase juice concentration efficiency and lower plant energy consumption.

The system utilizes an electric mechanical compressor from German manufacturer Piller, which recompresses the vapor generated by the process itself, raising its pressure and temperature for reuse as a heating source. As a result, the technology can provide up to 80% energy savings compared to conventional evaporators.

The equipment also stands out for its low fouling level—a trademark of ENET^® evaporators—and continuous operation, reducing the need for routine hydroblasting shutdowns. Its automation system allows for 100% automated operation and CIP without downtime, contributing to greater plant availability. The short residence time of the juice also helps preserve the quality of the syrup and sugar produced.

Another key advantage is its application in concentrating C5 and C6 sugars used in second-generation ethanol (2G) production. By lowering process energy demand, the ENET^® MVR preserves more bagasse for 2G ethanol production.

The technology also offers significant potential for enhancing the efficiency of flex plants combining sugarcane and corn ethanol production. The reduction in steam and biomass consumption can increase energy availability for corn processing, supporting off-season operations and year-round production in Flex Full models.

To validate the technology's performance, Citrotec^® invested in developing and installing an unprecedented pilot plant, 100% automated and satellite-connected for operational data collection and verification. “Our commitment is to deliver innovation with responsibility. We only bring proven solutions to the market,” concludes Sampaio.

DBEV^® MVR

The DBEV^® MVR, developed by Citrotec^® in partnership with ETECH, brings together distillation, dehydration, and energy recovery technologies into an integrated solution for high-purity anhydrous ethanol production and the valorization of co-products such as WDG and concentrated vinasse.

The system integrates Double-Effect Vacuum Distillation, Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR), Molecular Sieve, Co-Product Concentration, and Evaporative Condensation, delivering high energy efficiency and operational reliability for corn and sugarcane ethanol plants.

Double-Effect Vacuum Distillation recovers energy between distillation stages, reducing steam demand. Vacuum operation also decreases thermal severity, enhancing ethanol quality and overall distillery efficiency.

The columns use "Disk and Donut" internals designed for high-solids applications such as corn beer. The design ensures low pressure drop and reduced fouling, favoring vacuum operation and stability despite variations in beer composition.

In the MVR stage, Piller centrifugal compressors recompress alcohol vapors from distillation, raising their pressure and temperature for reuse as a heating source. This integration lowers external steam requirements and operating costs.

The zeolite-based Molecular Sieve integrates into distillation and dehydration stages for anhydrous ethanol production, contributing to energy efficiency and reduced specific steam consumption.

ECOVIN JL^® concentrates thin vinasse using turbulent mist evaporators and process energy. Concentration enables incorporating the co-product into WDG, adding value while preserving nutritional quality for animal feed.

The Evaporative Condenser performs vacuum condensation of final vapors without external makeup water or surface condensers, cutting energy consumption and eliminating cooling towers.

“This technology is the result of years of research, field experience, and active listening to our clients. It combines state-of-the-art automation with a modular, quick-to-install Brazilian design,” states Sampaio.

2nd Generation Vacuum MEG

The result of ongoing investments in innovation and industrial efficiency, the 2nd Generation Vacuum MEG represents an evolution in monoethylene glycol (MEG) ethanol dehydration technology, delivering gains in energy efficiency, quality, and operational reliability.

The process is performed under vacuum, obtaining high-purity anhydrous ethanol while reducing steam consumption to 0.3 kg per liter of ethanol—approximately 40% savings compared to conventional molecular sieve systems.

Key highlights include thermal integration with existing plant equipment and a more compact, simplified layout consisting of only two columns, C and R.

Continuous and automated operation simplifies the process and reduces complexity. The system also includes integrated ion exchange columns, minimizing the risk of ethanol contamination during production.

Developed and manufactured with Brazilian technology, the equipment features an optimized modular design for rapid assembly and commissioning, minimizing plant downtime and ensuring continuous industrial operations.

“We believe this technology can transform anhydrous ethanol production in Brazil, bringing increased competitiveness to mills of all sizes. Our goal is to offer a high-reliability solution with lower operating costs while upholding Citrotec^®'s standard of excellence,” says Sampaio.

Fenasucro 2026

The 2026 edition of Fenasucro & Agrocana brought together more than 600 exhibiting brands, around 3,000 products on display, visitors from over 80 countries, and a projected R$ 13 billion in business transactions, solidifying its role as a key hub for networking, innovation, and business opportunities in the bioenergy and sugar-energy sectors.

The schedule also featured over 100 hours of technical and strategic content, covering topics such as bioenergy, decarbonization, biofuels, logistics, innovation, and production efficiency. Highlights included the second edition of FenaBio, a co-located conference where experts discussed new bioenergy pathways, alternative energy options, and market opportunities.