Mexican Mill Installs Mega Boiler to Turn Bagasse into Energy with Brazilian Technology
With Brazilian technology from Triniton Engenharia Industrial, the project sets a new standard of efficiency and sustainability in the Mexican sugar industry.
The Mexican sugar-energy sector has taken a significant leap toward sustainability and energy efficiency. Grupo Pantaleon, one of the leading companies in Latin America, has completed the installation of a modern TSG-250 biomass boiler, supplied by Brazilian company Triniton, at its El Mante unit in Tamaulipas. The investment represents a technological milestone, positioning the plant among the most advanced in the continent for clean energy generation from biomass.
The new large-scale aquatubular boiler has an impressive capacity of 250,000 kg/h of steam, operating at 103 bar(g) and a temperature of 540°C. Fired exclusively with sugarcane bagasse, the TSG-250 transforms what was previously considered waste into a high-efficiency energy source, aligning with circular economy principles by maximizing the use of all sugarcane byproducts.
The boiler is part of a sophisticated regenerative thermodynamic cycle with reheating, in which part of the steam extracted from the turbine preheats the boiler feedwater. This configuration significantly increases the thermal efficiency of the Rankine cycle, reducing the specific fuel consumption per megawatt generated and optimizing the plant’s overall energy performance.
A Technological Milestone for the Sector
The TSG-250 sets a new benchmark for the energy sector in Latin America, establishing itself as one of the largest biomass boilers in operation in Mexico. Its installation substantially raises the standard for clean energy generation in the country, demonstrating how high-capacity electricity generation can be combined with sustainable use of agricultural biomass.
By integrating with high-efficiency turbines and regenerative cycle systems, Pantaleon’s El Mante plant ranks among the most thermally efficient biomass energy facilities in the region. This technical achievement not only benefits the company but also serves as a reference for the Mexican sugar-energy sector.
Ricardo Hernández García, industrial manager at the unit, highlighted the exponential growth of operations over the past four years, when sugarcane processing capacity increased from 6,000 to 12,000 tons per day. “Grupo Pantaleon aims to operate a superior mill, and with this significant investment, we have consolidated the commissioning of a 250-ton boiler with cutting-edge technology,” he said.
Innovative Engineering Solutions
The TSG-250 incorporates innovative technical solutions to ensure maximum efficiency and durability. The boiler features a single drum (tubulão) configuration strategically positioned away from the direct path of combustion gases, minimizing wear from abrasion and corrosion and facilitating maintenance of the pressure system.
The combustion technology uses a flat pin-hole grate, ensuring stable and uniform bagasse burning. This is complemented by a modern over-fire air system with individual zone control, allowing precise optimization of combustion. The result is minimal unburned carbon losses and maximum thermal utilization of fuel, significantly increasing overall efficiency.
A standout feature is the gas treatment system, which represents a major leap forward in environmental protection. It consists of high-efficiency multicyclones combined with a three-field electrostatic precipitator, ensuring superior particulate emission control.
This advanced technology guarantees particulate emissions below 50 mg/Nm³, complying with the strictest international environmental standards. The dry cleaning system eliminates water use in gas treatment, fully aligning with corporate environmental responsibility and circular economy principles.
Operational Flexibility and Industry 4.0 Readiness
The TSG-250 offers maximum operational flexibility, essential for sugar-energy plants facing seasonal variations in raw material availability. Its dual-zone economizer maintains high thermal efficiency even under low steam load, ensuring stable operation and reduced thermal losses.
During the 2024/2025 harvest, which processed over 1.3 million tons of sugarcane, the boiler maintained high efficiency despite a drought affecting the region.
Designed for Industry 4.0, the TSG-250 features full automation and digital integration, including distributed sensors, intelligent control loops, and modern industrial communication protocols. This enables remote operation, predictive maintenance, and real-time data analysis, essential for modern digital plants aiming for continuous optimization and cost reduction.
The mechanical design and auxiliary systems were developed with high redundancy and structural robustness, ensuring reliability even under extreme conditions or during scheduled maintenance. Operational safety and ergonomics were prioritized, with easy access for maintenance, safe movement of personnel, and protection against hot surfaces and adverse weather.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond technical and environmental benefits, the new boiler generates significant economic impact for the region. The start of the 2024/2025 harvest has supported economic recovery across municipalities in the plant’s area of influence, demonstrating how technological investments can drive regional development.
Grupo Pantaleon emphasized that the results represent more than the end of a production cycle. Each ton processed reflects the coordinated work of operations teams, cane suppliers, and local communities.
The Triniton TSG-250 boiler is not just a technological advancement—it is a model for sustainable evolution in the sugar-energy sector, combining operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and regional socioeconomic development. This investment consolidates Grupo Pantaleon’s position as a leader in sustainability and innovation in the Latin American sugar-energy industry.
Source: jornalcana.com.br
