Cocopeat, derived from coconut husks, is a popular growing medium in horticulture due to its high water retention and sustainability. 하지만, raw cocopeat often contains 60-80% moisture, posing challenges for storage, transport, and marketability. This case study explores cocopeat dewatering with belt press machines, highlighting a real-world application in Thailand that transformed processing efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Background of the Cocopeat Processing Challenge
In Chumphon, a key coconut-producing region in southern Thailand, a mid-sized processing facility faced significant hurdles with cocopeat management. The plant processed over 100 tons of coconut husks daily, generating substantial cocopeat byproduct. High moisture levels led to rapid spoilage, increased shipping weights, and environmental concerns from wastewater runoff. Traditional sun-drying methods were unreliable due to frequent rains, extending processing times to days and limiting output during the wet season.
Seeking a mechanical solution, the facility evaluated dewatering technologies. Belt press machines emerged as ideal for handling fibrous materials like cocopeat, offering continuous operation and high throughput without excessive energy use. After consulting experts, they selected the JY150DY belt press model, known for its robust design and multi-stage compression.
Implementation of Belt Press Dewatering Technology
The installation began in early 2024, integrating the belt press into the existing production line. The JY150DY features a 1.5-meter belt width, gravity drainage zone, and progressive pressure rollers capable of handling up to 5 tons of input per hour. Pre-treatment involved shredding cocopeat to uniform size.
The dewatering process unfolds in stages:
- Feeding and Initial Drainage: Wet cocopeat slurry (70% moisture) enters the hopper, where gravity removes free water, reducing moisture by 15-20%.
- Compression Zones: Dual belts sandwich the material, applying pressures from 2-10 bar. This expels bound water, forming a semi-dry cake.
- Output and Filtrate Management: The dewatered cocopeat exits at 25-30% moisture, while nutrient-rich filtrate is recycled for irrigation, minimizing waste.
Operators adjusted belt speed to 1 m/min and monitored polymer dosing for optimal flocculation, ensuring no clogging despite the fibrous nature of cocopeat.
Results and Benefits Achieved
Post-implementation, the facility achieved remarkable improvements. Dewatering efficiency reached 70% water removal in a single pass, cutting moisture from 70% 에게 28% on average. Daily output increased by 40%, processing 120 tons of dewatered cocopeat with minimal downtime. Energy consumption was 30% lower than alternative methods like centrifuges, thanks to the belt press’s low-speed operation.
Economically, transportation costs dropped by 50% due to reduced weight, enabling exports to Europe and Asia. Environmentally, wastewater volume decreased by 60%, aligning with Thailand’s sustainability regulations. The dewatered cocopeat maintained its structural integrity, ideal for export as potting soil or animal bedding. ROI was realized within 8 months, with the machine’s durability ensuring long-term reliability.
