Characteristics of Coir
Coir, a byproduct of coconut processing, consists of the fibrous husk and dust from coconut shells. Dehydration and desalination treatment of coconut coir is crucial at the end. It has the following key characteristics:
1. Excellent Water Retention and Aeration
Coir can absorb 7-10 times its weight in water while maintaining good aeration. This makes it an ideal substrate for horticulture, soilless cultivation, nurseries, and soil improvement.
2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Coir is a natural, renewable resource produced without chemical additives, aligning with environmental standards. Used coir is biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact.
3. Rich in Organic Matter
Coir contains abundant organic matter and trace elements (e.g., potassium, phosphorus), enhancing soil structure and promoting plant growth. It is commonly used in coir bricks and potting mixes.
4. High Salinity and Processing Needs
Fresh coir often has high salt content (especially chlorides), requiring dewatering and desalting to lower electrical conductivity (EC) for plant-friendly applications.
5. Lightweight and Easy to Transport
Coir can be compressed into bricks or blocks, making it lightweight and cost-effective for transportation, ideal for international trade and large-scale agricultural use.
Selection of Dewatering and Desalting Equipment
Effective dewatering and desalting are critical for coir quality. Below are recommended equipment types and their advantages:
1. Belt Press Machine
- 특징: Continuously presses coir to remove water and salts, highly efficient for large-scale operations.
- Advantages: High automation, ease of operation, low energy consumption, and dewatering rates of 60%-70%. Integrated washing systems effectively reduce salt content.
- Applications: Ideal for large coir processing plants with high throughput and stable operations.
2. Centrifugal Dewatering Machine
- 특징: Uses high-speed rotation to remove water and some salts via centrifugal force, offering fast processing.
- Advantages: Compact design, 작은 발자국, suitable for small to medium-sized enterprises. Achieves low residual moisture (40%-50%).
- Applications: Best for businesses requiring high dewatering precision, with additional washing for desalting.
3. Screw Press Machine
- 특징: Employs screw compression for dewatering, with a simple structure and low maintenance costs.
- Advantages: Effective for high-fiber coir, with dewatering rates of 50%-60% and moderate desalting capabilities.
- Applications: Suitable for small to medium-sized operations or budget-conscious processors.
