Innovative Indirect Heat Copra Dryer Developed at SLSU: A Game Changer for Farmers

Southern Leyte State University is pleased to introduce the development of an Indirect Heat Copra Dryer with a Phase Changer (IHCDPC), designed to enhance copra drying processes for local farmers. This innovative solution addresses the challenges faced by traditional open sun drying methods, which can be severely impacted by weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures. The new dryer aims to improve product quality and reduce the risk of microbial contamination.
The research, conducted by Marvin C. Credo, an instructor in the Electrical Engineering and Electrical Technology Department, and Rommel T. Valmoria, a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering Department, evaluated the performance of the IHCDPC compared to traditional kiln drying and open sun drying methods. The results are promising: the IHCDPC successfully reduced the moisture content of fresh coconut meat from 57.4% to 7.2% within just 25 hours, achieving a thermal efficiency of 30.87%. The copra produced was graded as 84% MGC1, 13% MGC2, and 3% MGC3. This indicates a notable improvement in the quality.
This advancement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.
By providing farmers with a reliable and efficient drying method, the IHCDPC not only improves the quality of copra but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the coconut industry in the Philippines.
This innovative research highlights SLSU's commitment to supporting local communities through advancements in agricultural technology. For more details, you can access the full study at the journal, Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal. To read more content: https://rmrj.usjr.edu.ph/rmrj/index.php/RMRJ/article/view/619