A field demonstration on ultrafiltration of sugarcane juice was conducted in a plantation white sugar factory in northern India. Clarified sugarcane juice at 91-97 degreesC was processed using polymeric spiral wound membrane modules in a pilot plant with a design capacity of 10 m(3)/h. The investigations focused on the feed characteristics, plant performance in terms of the permeate flux and quality and limitations experienced during operation. The trials indicated that the membrane modules were tolerant to elevated temperatures and displayed satisfactory separation with an average purity rise of 0.9 units, 31% lower turbidity and 47% lower color in the permeate. The average flux was, however, low (7 l/m(2) h). The feed quality needs to be controlled, particularly with respect to suspended solids content and additional foulants introduced in the processing scheme. Further, the water available for membrane washing and cleaning was below recommended standards and must be improved. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.