Fives completes multi-site sugar equipment diagnostics in the Philippines

Sugar producers in the Philippines operate process equipment that, in many cases, has been in continuous service for several decades. Maintaining performance, reliability and product quality under these conditions requires more than routine maintenance—it calls for periodic, in-depth technical assessment aligned with current operating practices.

To support this objective, Fives carried out a comprehensive equipment survey and diagnostic mission at three sugar factories in the Philippines. The project was designed to evaluate equipment condition, identify performance deviations and define practical measures to restore or improve process efficiency.

Broad scope covering critical sugar process equipment
The mission focused on key assets across the crystallization and massecuite handling stages. Equipment assessed included continuous vacuum pans, cooling vertical crystallizers, massecuite reheaters and multiple massecuite and magma pumps that play a central role in sugar crystal formation and handling.

Several of these units have been operating for many years, making it essential to assess not only their mechanical condition but also how effectively they perform under current process conditions.

Structured diagnostics and performance analysis
Fives’ engineering team applied a structured diagnostic methodology combining mechanical inspection, process analysis and control system review. The assessment included verification of mechanical integrity, evaluation of instrumentation and automation loops, and comparison of online Brix measurements with laboratory reference data.

Critical components were examined to identify wear, degradation or operating constraints. Where performance gaps were observed, root causes were analysed and operational adjustments were proposed to bring equipment back closer to its original design performance. Condition-based maintenance recommendations were also developed to help prioritise future interventions and reduce unplanned downtime.

Looking beyond individual machines
Rather than treating each piece of equipment in isolation, the mission adopted a plant-wide perspective. Engineers assessed upstream and downstream process interactions to understand how deviations in one area affected overall crystallisation performance.

This holistic approach enabled targeted recommendations to improve crystal quality, vacuum stability, heat transfer efficiency and operational consistency. By addressing systemic issues rather than isolated symptoms, the proposed actions aim to deliver sustainable performance improvements across the entire production line.

Supporting long-term operational efficiency
The outcome of the mission provides the three sugar factories with a clear technical baseline for future optimisation. The findings support informed decision-making on maintenance planning, process adjustments and potential upgrades, helping operators extend equipment life while improving efficiency and product quality.

For Fives, the project reinforces its role as a long-term technical partner to the sugar industry. By combining detailed equipment diagnostics with process-level insight, the company supports reliable, efficient and sustainable sugar production in facilities operating under demanding conditions.