Development of low cost portable biomass fired dryer for cardamom drying in hilly areas

Abstract

Aim : The aim of the present study was to develop a low cost portable biomass fired dryer for cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxburgh) drying in hilly areas. Methodology: A low-cost and portable biomass fired dryer was designed and evaluated for its suitability for drying large cardamom. The dryer was made in two halves containing the drying trays in upper half and the biomass burner in lower half. The upper half and lower half weighed 22 and 16 kg, respectively, making it lightweight and portable. Results : It was observed that large cardamom was dried from about 80% initial moisture to 10% final moisture content in 14 hrs for 20 kg loading and 19 hrs for 30 kg loading. It was also found that for drying of 20 and 30 kg fresh cardamom, 14 and 19.5 kg biomass was burnt and moisture driven away was 14.07 kg and 20.8 kg, respectively. Thus, the average fuel requirement for drying of per kg large cardamom was 0.67 kg. The cost of the dryer was found to be Rs. 8300 (USD 127.66) and cost of drying 100 kg cardamom was Rs. 245 (US $3.81). Interpretation: The developed cardamom dryer was found portable and low-cost. It consumed lesser fire wood than traditional bhatti system, required lesser drying time and delivered higher quality of dried products in terms of moisture content and colour values.