Simulation modelling of sugarcane harvest-to-crush delays.
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Date
1998
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Abstract
Long delays between harvesting and crushing of sugarcane lead to excessive deterioration in the
quality of sugarcane. The aim of this project was to develop a computer based model of sugarcane
harvesting and delivery systems that could be used to investigate methods of reducing harvest-to crush
delays. A literature review was conducted and simulation modelling was chosen as the most
appropriate modelling technique for the situation of sugarcane harvesting and delivery and the
purposes of this project. The Arena modelling system was chosen as the simulation software with
which to construct the model.
A model was developed on the scale of a particular sugar mill and the area of farms supplying it
with cane. The Sezela mill on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa was chosen as a
case study on which to develop and test the model. The model integrated a harvesting and
transport section which represented all the individual farms or combinations of farms in the area
with a millyard section.
After the model had been verified and validated, it was used to investigate the effect of a number
of different scenarios of harvesting and delivery systems and schedules on harvest-to-crush delays
in the Sezela mill area. The results of the experimental runs performed with the model indicated
that the most significant decreases in harvest-to-crush delays could be brought about by matching
harvesting, delivery and milling cycles as closely as possible. It was also evident that burn-to-cut
delays where daily burning is not practised constitute a large proportion of overall harvest-to crush
delays. The model proved to be useful in making comparisons between systems and in
providing a holistic view of the problem of harvest-to-crush delays. Recommendations for future
developments of the model include adding a mechanical harvesting component and making the
model more easily applicable to other mill areas.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, 1998.
Keywords
Sugarcane--Harvesting--Simulation methods., Sugarcane--Transportation--Simulation methods., Sugarcane--Milling--Simulation methods., Sugarcane--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Bioresources engineering and environmental hydrology.