When it is not so hot in a boiler

In most cases sugar factories are energy self-sufficient even when they are not particularly energy efficient because combustion of the bagasse residue provides more than enough energy to support factory operations. This energy self-sufficiency during normal operations, made possible by the combustion of bagasse, is a significant competitive advantage for sugarcane factories. However, there are times when bagasse combustion does not occur under ideal conditions and there is a risk of incomplete combustion and the build-up of combustible gases that can lead to furnace gas pressure excursions and explosions. This paper reviews previous studies in this area and summarises calculations to predict what conditions are most likely to lead to adverse events.