Measured temperature profiles and bagasse decomposition patterns are consistent for the majority of bagassc stockpiles examined. Where sustained stockpile
heating has occurred, maximum pile temperatures are at depths of between 1.5
and 2.0 m, perpendicular to the exterior surface of the pile. The size and shape of
the pile arc not significant Temperatures decrease at depths greater than 2.5 m.
There is a corresponding variation in the colour of the bagasse with depth indicative of the chemical reactions in rogress at elevated temperature. Four distinct
layers can be identified. A surface layer of 150-300 mm shows no obvious
degradation. A second layer extends to a depth of 500-600 mm and consists of
bagasse of a medium brown colour. This material shows no physical change but
exhibits an extremely strong acetic acid odour. A transition layer exists to a depth
of 800-1000 mm. In the fourth layer beyond 1000 mm, the bagasse has a dark
brown colour, shows indications of physical degradation and exhibits a strong
odour of acetic acid and furfural. The size of the fourth layer shows some variation between piles and can be 1.0-3.0 m deep.