Comparison of quality and yield of copra processed in CRI improved kiln drying and sun drying

CRI improved copra kiln was constructed according to the CRI specifications and evaluated to test the performances. The moisture content of drying coconut was reduced from 52% to 8% in 62 h. Thermal efficiency of kiln drying was 16%. The copra was graded as 82% milling ordinary grade 1 (MO GI) and the rest of 18% was MO GIII (burnt copra). White copra was not processed in the kiln drying. Coconut cups were spread on black polyethylene sheet and dried under direct sun. The average initial moisture content of coconut was reduced from 50% to 10% in 6 days of drying. Thermal efficiency of sun drying was 23%. The copra was graded as 25% white copra, 55% MO GII and the rest of 20% was MO GIII (mouldy cups) copra. The net loss per batch of the kiln drying was grater than that of the sun drying. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.