Fermentation in wet bulk piles consumes
the residual sugars in about one month.
The acidic conditions and shortage of
oxygen in dense wet piles inhibits the
growth of fungi and other microorganisms
such as clostridia bacteria that attack
cellulose. Losses are, consequently,
very low. Bulk storage piles give off an
unpleasant odour due to the fermentation
reactions. Also. wet bulk storage piles
built up mechanically or pneumatically
and maintained at 80% moisture content by
water sprays will develop a very dark.
foul, almost black effluent with a very
high B.O.D. which can present a disposal
Problem in the case of mechanical or
pneumatic bagasse handling systems. In
the case of hydraulic bagasse handling
systems, this effluent from the stored
bagasse is combined with the bagasse
transport water, and the problem is
largely avoided.