Norbert Rillieux (1806-1894) was the inventor of the multiple-effect vacuum evaporator, which revolutionized the processing of sugar. He gained recognition as one of the prime architects of the modern sugar industry. Techniques developed by Rillieux are now commonly used in the reduction or concentration of saturated liquids into super-saturated liquids, high density solids, or dry granules.

Rillieux's invention has been adopted for the production of any number of solids and reduced liquids whose products are sensitive to heat. The manufacture of such commodities as condensed milk, soaps, gelatins and glues, the recovery of waste liquids in distilleries and paper-making factories, and the processing and production of petrochemicals all have used Rillieux's basic invention, or devices that are based on his process.

Early Years and Education

Norbert Rillieux was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 17, 1806. His parents were Vincent Rillieux, a white man, and Constance Vivant, a freed...