Norbert Rillieux

Norbert Rillieux was an American inventor and engineer. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1806. He invented a sugar refining system that made sugar cheaper and safer to produce. His invention is still the basis of sugar processing today.

Early Life

Rillieux was born to a wealthy French planter and a free woman of color. He showed great talent in engineering from a young age. He was sent to Paris to study, where he became an instructor in applied mechanics. He was only 24 years old when he began teaching in Paris.

The Sugar Revolution

Rillieux invented the multiple-effect evaporator, which used steam to process sugar cane juice. Before his invention, workers had to boil sugar in dangerous open kettles. His system was safer, cheaper, and produced better sugar. The technology is still used in sugar refining and many other industries today.

Fun Facts

• Norbert Rillieux's invention is still the basis of sugar processing today.
• He was teaching engineering in Paris at just 24 years old.
• His system also made sugar whiter and of higher quality.

Did You Know?

Before Norbert Rillieux's invention, sugar refining was one of the most dangerous jobs. Workers had to ladle boiling sugar from one open kettle to another, often causing severe burns.