Optimising bagasse dewatering in a cane diffuser at Sezela sugar factory.

Sezela sugar factory changed to cane diffusion in t he 1982-1983 season. Over a 25-year period the bagasse moisture was decreased from 52.0 1% to 46.85%. This paper describes some of the changes that took place over this perio d that contributed to the reduction of bagasse moistures. The value of bagasse as a fuel c an be enhanced by decreasing its moisture content. Typical dewatering roll settings are shown for the 2006-2007 season. The relationship between bagasse moisture, bagasse calo rific value and the coal equivalent is shown.