Abstract
This paper deals with the design of furnaces for burning bagasse, a woody product resulting from the removal of sugar juice from cane. Its calorific value when dry is about 8300 Btu, which is reduced considerably because of the moisture content averaging about 50 per cent. Because of the high moisture content large combustion-chamber volume is essential and the net boiler efficiency is limited. However, in a properly designed and balanced sugar factory, the heat from the bagasse will generate the necessary steam for operating it although some additional fuel (usually oil) is required during mill stops. Practically all makes and types of boilers are used for burning bagasse, water-tube boilers predominating. The author classifies the types of bagasse furnaces as grate, hearth, and combination grate and hearth. Examples of each are described and tests covering a wide range of furnace types over a long period of time are cited. The best installations range from 55 to 60 per cent boiler and furnace efficiencies; average practice about 50 per cent. A furnace developed recently by the late G. P. Ward has given an efficiency of 66 per cent.
