The effects of moisture '
The influence of moisture on spontaneous combustion in cellulosic and
other materials has been researched extensively. The principal modes of
influence have been identified (W'alker, l96?). The significance of moisture in
bagasse stockpiles can be summarised as follows:
1 Evaporation and loss of water is endothermic and removes reaction
hear. '
2 Effective thermal conductivity can be enhanced due to mass transfer
of water vapour from hot to colder zones; where water vapour diffusiori ceases under equilibrium relative humidity conditions, thermal
conductivity can significantly decrease. '
3 Hygroscopic effects are unlikely to be significant. '
4 Water availability permits liquid-phase oxidations and acid hydrolysis
to occur.
5 Enhanced oxidation of cellulose can occur in the presence of water.