Agriculture.ph Blog

As pili nut is indigenous only in the Philippines, the government has long since recognized its economic importance in the country as a potential export crop. It ranks second to cashew nuts and has been a good stand-in for macadamia nuts. Pili nut is produced and processed mostly in the Bicol region.

As the demand for pili continues to grow, the supply is hardly met. One main problem of the industry is in post-production operation and processing. Most of the workers still resort to traditional de-shelling using bolo.

The difficulty of processing pili forced the farmers to sell their pili to traders at very low prices, and making them get most of the benefit. With the use of the pili nut cracker, the farmers are assured of an additional income of 1.50 per kilo of pili nut.

The first prototype pili nut cracker was developed in 1995 by the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Camarines Sur State College (CSSAC). It used steel rollers to crack the pili shells. Unfortunately, the shells were cracked in irregular manner, thus eventually damaging the kernel.

The Catanduanes State College Laboratory High School (CSCLHS) also developed a four-part pili nut cutter made from indigenous materials. The four-part cutter consisted of a framework, case, hammer, and blade. Result showed great improvement in the efficiency of de-shelling. It was 80% more time efficient than the manual method. However, the developed cracker was still insufficient to deliver the acceptable capacity.

There were several pili nut crackers fabricated after the first cracker from the steel rollers-operated machine to the mechanically-operated pili nut cracker. But there were still problems in terms of efficiency or capacity, either the shells are unevenly cut, thus damaging the kernel or the cracking capacity is low. Other problems included the feeding and conveying of pili nuts into the machine and the limited number of skilled workers to crack pili.

pili nut crackerPrompted by the need for appropriate tools and equipment in processing pili nut, the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (DA-BPRE), Tropics Agro-Industries (KOLBI) and DA-Regional Field Unit (RFU) 5 developed the latest mechanical pili nut cracker. The team was headed by Engr. Arnulfo P. Malinis, Engr. Estrella A. Calpe, and Engr. Alan P. Rabe of BUCAF.

The prototype consisted of a six-blade cracker powered by a 1hp electric motor. The motor’s energy consumption is 0.41 kwhr. The machine consists of five major parts: the cracking unit, conveying unit, stand/frame, transmission, and primemover. The prototype was tested with the help of local cooperators from Casiguran, Irosin, and Guinobatan using three major parameters: cracking capacity, the cracking efficiency and economic viability.

Technology verification of the prototype showed that on the average, it can crack 204 pieces of pili nut in a minute (117 kg/hr) with a cracking efficiency averaging 93% with 89% whole kernel recovery. It is a one-man operated machine that could crack bags of dried pili nuts faster than the other developed nut cracker. For eight hours a day, this simple machine could crack 16 bags of dried nuts. The result is comparative to the output of four persons in one day.

The mechanical pili nut cracker also proved to be economically viable. To produce the machine an outlay amounting to P 40, 000 is needed. The return of investment is guaranteed at 53% after more than a year of use.

The difficulty of processing pili forced the farmers to sell their pili to traders at very low prices, and making them get most of the benefit. With the use of the pili nut cracker, the farmers are assured of an additional income of 1.50 per kilo of pili nut. With this technology, the adoption of a village level pili-processing system is slowly established. Farmers will be trained to use the pili machineries and other equipment for postharvest processing, thus enabling them to develop their own micro-enterprise to sell pili products at prices they set. Farmers are able to sell pili not as fruit but as kernel at a higher price. Also, the mechanization of the de-shelling process will create job opportunities for the unemployed women in the region.

The technology developed by BUCAF was presented during the 14th National Research Symposium on 27 November 2002 at the BSWM Convention Hall. It won the AFMA Outstanding R & D Paper Award for Agricultural Engineering, Processing and Post-harvest (downstream research).

For more information about the mechanical pili nut cracker, please contact Engrs. Arnulfo P. Malinis, Estrella A. Calpe, or Alan P. Rabe at Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF), Guinobatan, Albay or you may call them through these numbers: 484-6336 (Bayantel) or 838-0297 Digitel

Written by Rita T. dela Cruz & Arnulfo Malinis

Source: www.bar.gov.ph

Mango is one of the leading export agricultural products of the Philippines. Bruised mango which is usually caused by the improper handling and harvesting may not qualify in the export market. Harvesting mango is one of the major difficult operations in the mango industry because of the height and profile of the mango tree.

Existing mango picker in the Philippines, which is locally known as “Sigpao” is usually seen in the provinces of Batangas, Rizal, and Pangasinan – the mango growing areas of the country. Based from the results of field tests of the three (3) “Sigpao” models, it showed that Batangas model has an average picking time of 3.58 minutes/kaing with an average of 13.7 kgs. of mangoes. Rizal and Pangasinan models showed slightly longer picking time with an average of 4.34 minutes/kaing of 13.24 kgs. and 5.38 minutes/kaing of 12.8 kgs., respectively.

The two (2) BPI designs called BPI “Sigpao” Models I & II have the advantage over the existing “Sigpao” models. These are on the aspect of convenience in terms of height factor of the mango tree since these models have an extended aluminum handle especially when harvesting under the tree. The picking time recorded for Model I & II is 3.20 minutes/kaing & 2.32 minutes/kaing, respectively. Model I has 2.67% losses while Model II has no losses while conducting the field trial testing.

Research by GY.G. Rodavia, H.R. Maglinao, DY.B. Nilo, R.G. Guerrero, C.V. Orcullo, and T.C. Silva (Engineer II, Draftsman II, Engineer II, Engineer II, Engineer IV, and Engineer V, respectively from the Agricultural Engineering Division of BPI, Manila)

Source: www.da.gov.ph

Sigpao

The Philippines, Iloilo to be exact, has one of the best varieties of mango in the world. After the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the importation of our Guimaras mangoes effective June 2001, Philippine mangoes have been reaping praises from other countries for its distinct, exotic taste and excellent quality.

One of the set quality standards of importable mangoes is that it should be free from bruises and stains. The smoother the mangoes, the better. However, bruising and staining of mangoes are unavoidable especially during harvest. And since mango fruits are easily bruised, a lot of them are wasted if handling and harvesting are not done carefully.

To maintain the good quality of our Guimaras mangoes and to ensure their proper handling during harvest, a group of researchers from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) headed by Engr. Gilda Yolanda G. Rodovia designed and developed a harvesting technique that makes use of mango pickers or Sigpao.

To date, mango growers in the Philippines, particularly in Batangas, Rizal and Pangasinan, are already using three existing models of the Sigpao. Through field trials, using the Regional Network on Agricultural Machinery (RNAM) Test Codes, researchers compared the picking performance of each Sigpao while taking note of the picking time and the mangoes wasted during the picking.

Through observation during the field trials, the models are effective in picking mangoes, but they are not as efficient because many mangoes are still wasted during the picking. The models are either fast in picking but many mangoes are wasted, or few are wasted but relatively takes longer picking time.

This problem was considered by the group in the development and design of a good mango picker. It should lessen the number of wasted mangoes and at the same time allows farmers to harvest in less time. The group conducted various ocular inspections and field trials and fabricated the designs of the new Sigpao models—BPI Sigpao Model I and II.

Sigpao Model I has a round bar with an aluminium adjustable handle. Its round bar is a bit larger and a lot heavier weighing 1.35 kilos.

Sigpao Model II has a round stainless steel bar handle and a hacksaw blade attached to it. This model is a lot lighter than the first model, weighing only 1.20 kilos. The net is made of nylon cord. The round bar has a three-tooth comb, which is used to clamp the fruits. The handle is adjustable to different heights during harvest period.

Engineers from the Agricultural Engineering Division of the Bureau of Plant Industry (AED-BPI) developed, designed, and improved these two models. Specifically, Engr. Romansito G. Guerrero designed Model I while Engrs. Gilda Rodavia and Hilario M. Maglinao designed Model II. These were designed at the fabrication shop of AED.

Results of the field tests showed that the two BPI designs are far better than the existing three mango pickers. Using field trials, the researchers compared the effectiveness of the two newly developed pickers using again the RNAM Test Codes.

With Model I, the picking time was 3.65 minutes per kaing. This is a lot better than the previous models, which ranged from 12-13 minutes per kaing. It was noted that mango wasted was only 2.67% compared to the 3% of the previous models.

However, between these two models, Model II was found to be the more effective. Its picking time is also 3.65 minutes per kaing and recorded no mango losses during the field trial. This is attributed to the fact that Model II is a lot lighter than Model I so that the picking of mangoes is much easier and efficiently handled by the picker.

With this result, Model II has big potential for commercialization. It can also be used as picker for other fruits like chico, santol, lanzones, rambutan, mandarin, dalanghita and other fruits wherein handpicking is not feasible.

With the higher production cost of making Model II, its estimated selling cost is about P458.40. But the service life of this picker is ensured to last for 20 years.

Source: “Design and Development of Mango Picker” by Gilda Yolanda G. Rodavia, Hilario R. Maglinao, Danton Jose B. Nilo, Romansito G. Guerero, Corazon V. Orcullo and Teresita C. Silva of the Bureau of Plant Industry

For more information, please contact the Agricultural Engineering Division of the Bureau of Plant Industry, 692 San Andres Street, Malate, Manila at telephone number (02) 524-0801 or (02) 525-3719) for fax.

Written by Rita T. dela Cruz

Source: www.bar.gov.ph

Ricehull-ash-cement (RHAC) hollow block is a combination of refined ricehull ash, cement and sand. These blocks are as durable as the concrete hollow blocks yet much cheaper. Rice hull contains high temperatures (beyond 750°C), the amorphous silica turns crystalline, thus losing its binding property. Pozzolana is either a natural or an artificial material usually with high silica content and often with alumina and others, but generally with lesser chemical components than cement. It is not cementitious by itself, but when finely ground and mixed with lime sets and hardens at ordinary temperature in the presence of water, as in cement. Since natural pozzolanas are usually of volcanic origin and occur in only a few regions of the world, artificial pozzolanas such as rice hull ash cement are needed to serve as cement substitutes. RHAC blocks can be mass-produced for low-cost housing projects, while at the same time ease the disposal of rice hull waste. The raw materials are readily available and inexpensive, while the processing equipment can be made locally. Ash from incinerated rice hull can replace considerably the portland cement used in construction.

Potential Industry User

CHB producers

Justification/Profitability Indicators

Making Hollow Blocks from Farm Wastes -> http://www.agripinoy.net/making-hollow-blocks-from-farm-wastes.html

Paper mill sludge, a waste derived from papermaking, is a good material in asphalt road pavement work.

“The fibers from paper mill sludge can withstand harsh processing, including high temperature for mixing with asphalt, as shown by the presence of fibers that were recovered after extraction,” reported the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI).

Based on a research it had conducted, FPRDI averred that the use of paper mill sludge, instead of imported paper additive in asphalt mix for road pavement, also promises big savings.

About P240,000 can be saved in paving a one-kilometer, three-meter wide, and five-centimeter thick road using paper mill sludge instead of imported fiber.

In the study, FPRDI assessed the possibility of using paper mill sludge and wastepaper as fiber additive in stone mastic (protective coating or cement) asphalt mix for road pavement.

The sludge was dried, ground, and then sieved. The resultant material was mixed with aggregates and asphalt and then applied with heat, mixing, and mechanical compaction.

The process turned out encouraging results.

However, FPRDI conceded, “there is still a need for pilot-scale study to establish the economic viability of this technology, as well as the long-term performance of the asphalt mix in road pavement.”

The study’s significance becomes more appreciated when one considers that paper mills in the country produce about 84,000 metric tons of paper mill sludge per year. These wastes, if not disposed of or used properly, can become an environment problem, pointed out the Philippine Association of Pulp and Paper Mills (PULPAPEL).

To date, paper mill sludge is commonly used as landfilling, land spreading, fertilizer, and low-grade paper such as boxboard, reported Dr. Leila America of the Los Baños-based DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).   — Rudy A. Fernandez

Source: www.philstar.com

A 2-storey experimental house with a total floor area of 53 square meters was constructed utilizing coconut fiber-cement boards (CFB) as construction material and component steel as structural framework. It was aimed to demonstrate the use of CFB as alternative construction material for walling, ceiling, roofing and base support in upper level flooring of houses and as component in the fabrication of furniture (tables, chairs, desks, etc.), cabinets, boxes and vases inside the house. The project also aims to evaluate the performance of CFB in actual service condition.

The main features of the house include; three (3) bedrooms and a veranda on the upper level and living, dining, cooking areas and toilet and bath on the first level.

Experience in the construction of the model house showed that CFB could be effectively applied to simplify home building process in metal-framed construction system in all areas of application. It also showed that the application of CFB could speed up construction time and therefore reduced construction cost. The metal wall frame system consists of 1″ thick CFB jointed to the angular steel bars (¼” x 1 ½” x 1 ½”) vertical and horizontal studs equally spaced at center to center distance to suit the width of CFB cladding. On the other hand, roof cover consists of 8 mm thick 75 cm wide and 75 cm long CFB panels painted with waterproof paint. The boards were fastened to the metal purlins (0.60 cm x 3.8 cm x 75 cm channel bars) with the use of umbrella tie wires. For the second level flooring, the 25 mm thick CFBs were used as formwork, base support and at the same time as the ceiling of the first level flooring. Coconut fiberboards were also successfully used as built-in cabinets and boxes inside the house to serve as tables, chair or desk.

INTRODUCTION

Industrialists in most of the coconut producing countries hail the economic, environmental and technological benefits of utilizing coconut farm wastes. On the farmers’ side, agricultural residues can be a source of extra income. Traditionally, coconut farmers dispose the husks, spate, petiole and leaves by burning or allowing these farm wastes to rot in the field. However, worldwide interest in using farm residues for value-added products means that farmers can generate additional income aside from amassing environmental dividends. Studies have shown that burning of agricultural wastes causes air pollution, soil erosion and even a decrease in soil biological activity that can eventually lead to decreased soil fertility. On the other hand, allowing farm residues to rot in the field may improve the productivity of the soil but the process of decomposition is very slow leading to accumulation of piles of agricultural wastes that can cause Phytosanitary problem to the coconut plantation, since decaying debris is ideal breeding place for coconut pest like the rhinoceros beetle.

Using agricultural and forest residues for industrial purposes is a much more environment-safe and friendly more than any other method of wastes disposal being commonly adopted nowadays. Research and development in the construction industry are shifting towards exploration of cellulose farm wastes and forest residues processing and production for building materials. The tremendous potential of agricultural and forest residues can be a solution to the problem of inadequate supply and high cost of conventional timbers and dependence from imported building materials. Current R & D efforts in the field of building materials should be supportive of policies of most governments that are aimed in the promotion of import substitution schemes, employment generation and self-reliance. The enormous amount of residues that shall be generated from the farm and forest plantation would then make a stable source of alternative materials for the purpose of building affordable housing units for the majority of the country’s population.

Building materials from agricultural and forest wastes are ideal for socialized or low-cost housing since these are generally cheaper than conventional materials. For example, residues from coconut plantation like husks, fronds and spate can be processed and transformed into excellent stabilized cement-bonded boards or wall panels and corrugated roofing sheets at a much reduced production cost than the conventional cement blocks, galvanized iron sheets, asbestos panels or plywood sheets. Likewise, rice hull/straw, corn stalks, abaca wastes and sugar cane bagasse are locally available materials that can be readily used in manufacturing cement-bonded boards. In addition, indigenous and small diameter trees like bagalunga (Melia dubia Cav.), giant ipil-ipil [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit] and other fast-growing trees are abundant in coconut plantations particularly in Mindanao, Philippines, either as intercropped or naturally-grown, which can be economically processed into cement-bonded boards.

Coconut fiber – cement board as construction material

A coconut fiber-cement board (CFB) is a product manufactured from fibrous materials like coconut coir, fronds, spathes and shredded wood that are mixed with Portland cement at a predetermined ratio of 60-70% cement to 30-40% fiber by weight. CFB is made by forming the cement-fiber mixture into mats and pressing them to the desired thickness ranging from 8 mm to 25 mm. The board measures 244 cm long by 61 cm wide. The board density varies from 600-kg/cu. m. to 750-kg/cu. m.
Previous studies conducted at PCA-ZRC have shown that CFB panels have good strength properties and high dimensional stability when soaked in water (water absorption of 32% and thickness swelling of 4.2%) surpassing the minimum requirements set by PHILSA-Standard 105-1975. It has low thermal conductivity (k-value 0f 0.90 W/mk), which indicates its excellent insulation properties, thus it can be used as roofing materials even without the provision of ceiling. Flame test showed that while the board can be burned, it is rather slow with minimal smoke emission.

The recently concluded study on the exposure test of paint-coated CFB roof sheets has demonstrated the capability of the material to withstand the deleterious effect of weathering found in actual service condition. The same study also showed that by using Boysen and Dutch Boy brands of paints a much superior performance of roof boards could be expected. These two types of coating material have exhibited the ability to provide maximum protections from weathering that other brands of paints failed to give.

OBJECTIVES

This project was designed to demonstrate and evaluate the use of coconut fiber-cement board (CFB) in a simplified process of house construction wherein CFBs are used as walling, roof sheathing, ceiling and as both base support and formwork of the upper-level flooring with component steel as main structural framework. It also aimed to demonstrate the use CFB as a component in the fabrication of furniture (tables, chairs, desks, etc.), built-in cabinets, boxes and vases inside the house.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Manufacturing Process of CFB

Coconut fiber cement boards were produced based on the steps described below. There are three major components in the manufacture of coco fiber-wood-cement board, namely, (a) coconut residues consisting of husk, spathe, peduncle, petiole and leaf sheathe, (b) wood excelsior and (c) cement.

1. Processing of coconut fiber residues

* Cutting the spathe, peduncle, petiole and leaf sheath into 42 cm long.
* Soaking of husk, spathe, peduncle, petiole and leaf sheath in tap water for 18 to 24 hours.
* Decorticating separately the saturated husk, spathe, peduncle and leaf sheath to produce fiber and dust. Only fiber is used in board production while the dust may be used as soil conditioner.
* Shredding the petiole to produce curled shavings.

2. Soaking the coconut fiber and shavings in separate dipping tanks (each tank with a capacity of 12 cu. m.) full of water for two days to leach out extractives.

3. Collecting the coconut fiber and shavings from the dipping tanks and allowing water to drain from the residues and excelsior for about 5 minutes.

4. Weighing separately the fiber and cement with a ratio of 30 % coconut fibers and 70% cement.

5. Mixing separately the required amount of coconut fiber and excelsior with cement in a blending machine.

6. Mat forming using wooden forming boxes and flat steel cauls lined with polyethylene sheets. Three layers of mat are formed to produce a CFB. The first layer is a mixture of shavings and cement, the second is a mixture of coconut fiber and cement, and the last layer is the same mixture as in the first layer. Viewed In cross-section, the coconut fiber layer is embedded in-between the excelsior layers. The coconut fiber serves as reinforcement to improve the strength properties of the board.

7. Pressing the mat to the desired thickness-using guide bars, hydraulic press and clamping apparatus. Twenty-five layers of CFB can be pressed at the same time for approximately 10 minutes and then securely clamped or fastened using wooden moulds, bolts and nuts that serve as clamping apparatus.

8. The fastened/clamped CFB is removed from the hydraulic press and another set of 25 layers CFB is again prepared for pressing following steps 7 and 8. About six pressing operations can be attained per day giving a daily output of 150 boards.

9. After 18 to 20 hours under pressure, the boards are removed from the clamping apparatus and properly piled using 25 cm x 25 cm x 60 cm wooden sticks to provide air circulation (fillet-stacking) during the initial 24-hour air drying and conditioning.

10. Trimming the edges of the boards to the desired dimensions.

11. Fillet-stacking for further drying and conditioning for about one week.

Construction of CFB Model House

A 2-storey experimental house with a total floor area of 53 square meters was constructed utilizing coconut fiber-cement boards as building materials and component steel as structural framework. The main features of the house include; three (3) bedrooms and a veranda on the upper level and living, dining, cooking areas and toilet and bath on the first level.

Since CFB is lightweight material and can easily be handled and transported, the need for special on-site equipment during the construction process was eliminated. CFB components as walls, partitions, roofing, flooring and ceiling were assembled on site and were fixed in metal frame systems using specially devised metal fasteners, such as butterfly connectors, rivets, tie wire or G.I. sheet bands. To minimize cutting of board materials and to reduce wastes, the wall spaces, studs and frames were set in conformity to the actual sizes of the CFBs. The two general types of CFBs used were coconut fiber-coir dust composite panels and the wood excelsior-coir fiber blend with standard mixture of 70% cement and 30% fiber and density range of 600 to 650 kg/cu. m.

Different house components utilized different densities of CFBs. Boards having density of 650-kg/cu. m. were used for flooring while CFBs with 600 kg/cu. m. density were used as walls, partitions, roofing and cabinets or furniture components.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Walling System

The walling system was designed to use steel angular bars as studdings and paint-coated coconut fiberboards as wall sheathing materials. To minimize cutting of board materials on site and to reduce wastes, the wall spaces, studs and frames were set in conformity to the actual sizes of the CFBs. Thus, the vertical and horizontal studs were spaced exactly equal to the dimensions of CFB wall panels. Steel angular bars with dimensions, 0.60 cm x 3.80 cm x 3.80 cm (¼” x 1 ½” x 1 ½”) were used as vertical and horizontal studs set equally at center to center distance of 56 cm (22″) apart. They were welded to the 5 cm x 5 cm x 0.6 cm (2″ x 2″ x ¼”) bottom plates connected to the steel columns, made of 6.25 cm x 6.25 cm joined angular bars, anchored on the solid concrete footing. At the top, the studs were connected to the top beams, which in turn served as the base plate of the second level flooring. These important elements like studs, bottom plates, columns, top plates were interconnected with each other so that the whole house will act as one integral unit strong enough to resist natural forces.

a. Wall Panels Installation

Two types of metal fasteners were used to hold the board and the studs together. From the interior, the walls were connected to the studs by narrow strips of Gauge 16 galvanized iron plates measuring 10 cm x 60 cm (4″ x 24″). Likewise, the boards were clipped to the vertical studs by short pieces of metal straps (#16 G.I. plate) called “butterfly” connectors measuring 50cm x 75 cm (2″ x 3″). The CFB wall panels that measure 2.54 cm x 60 cm x 120 cm were installed vertically along its length on the steel frames. They were mounted individually starting from the bottom to the top and progressing from one corner to the other end.

Roofing System

The house has A-frame design with the roof system consisting of the traditional rafters and purlins construction. Roof cover is made of 8 mm thick, 75 cm wide, and 75 cm long CFB panels painted with waterproof paints. The rafters consist of 0.6 cm X 5 cm x 5 cm angular steel bars and the purlins made of 0.60 cm x 3.8 cm x 75 cm channel bars. The components were assembled on site by welding the members together. The two opposite rafters were joined together end to end at the ridge beam (0.60 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm angular steel bar) while the other ends were directly connected to the base plate of the second level floor extending to the eaves or overhang of about one (1) meter. The main roof structure was made to incline by about 40% greater than the normal slope of 35 degrees considering that the roof cover is made of experimental fiber-cement boards. This will ensure faster surface water run-off in case of downpour. The roof inclination was adjusted to about 35 degrees at the ventilators in order to compare the effect of the pitch pattern on the service life of fiberboard roofs.

Roof Sheathing Installation

Fiberboards pre-cut to dimensions of 75 cm wide x 75 cm long with thickness of 8 mm and density of 600 kg/cu. m. were used as roof sheathing materials. They were coated with an oil-based exterior paint prior to installation to provide them the necessary protection from weathering. The paint used was a highly elastic type of roof paint which has been previously tested to CFB and was found out to be resistant to cracking and peeling and has excellent weather resistance property.

The roof boards were mounted individually on top of the steel C- bars purlins set at center-to-center distance of 40 cm. Using an electric drill, a hole was bored directly on the overlapped edges of two succeeding boards. Starting from the ridge and progressing towards the lower side of the roof gable, the boards were installed by inserting the umbrella tie wire into the hole and then tightly fastened underneath to the steel purlins.
Upper-level Flooring System

For the second level flooring, the 25 mm thick CFBs were used as formwork, base support and at the same time serves as the ceiling of the first level flooring. The 25 mm thick CFBs were first laid on the 0.6 cm X 5 cm x 5 cm (1/4″ x 2″ x 2″) angular steel bars floor joists, which were set equally at center-to-center distance of 40 cm. Reinforcement bars (matted wires) were then set on top of the boards at 20-30 cm center-to-center distance covering the central portion of the boards. Gaps and small openings that can be spotted on the adjoined edges of the formwork were filled up with cement before laying a concrete footing. Finally, a 50 mm thick concrete was poured over the floor area. The top surface was prepared for finishing.

Built-In Cabinets and Boxes

To show the versatility of coconut fiber-cement boards, they were installed as built-in cabinets or utility boxes inside the house to serve the dual purpose of storage and desk, table or chair. CFB material was used in combination with wood frames and assembled with the use of wooden dowels and screws. The resulting products have attractive finishing characteristics and light in weights making them suitable for small areas where they can be easily moved and rearranged.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Initial findings of this study have indicated the vast potential of coconut fiber-cement boards as alternative materials for house and building construction and similar application in cabinets and furniture components. CFB is a versatile construction material and totally impervious to termites, weather and fungus resistant that makes it suitable for many types of applications, foremost of which are the roofing and walling.

While the actual performance of the boards in service condition remains to be seen, the CFB may be considered as one of present- day technological development as substitute construction material to improve the traditional construction system for low cost housing, given the technology for manufacture and manual for construction.
There are numerous possible variations in the use of the CFB and those presented here are only some of the uses so far identified by the authors. Modifications can be tried considering the inherent properties of the boards.

Written By: Luisito J. Peñamora and Gerardo A. Santos

Source: www.neda.gov.ph

A new portable “micro” fish-smoking machine passed tests and can produce export quality smoked fish using agricultural wastes as fuel such as bagasse, wood shavings, and charcoal.
Dense smoke from such fuels produces distinctive aroma and pleasing brown color to smoked fish.

fish smoking machinePangasinan State University researchers developed the portable, more hygienic fish-smoking machine suitable for small-scale producers with financial and technical support from the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development.

It has a design that controls smoke and temperature and easy-to-operate.
Test results show that production efficiency was enhanced due to significant fuel reduction and smoking time.

To process 50 kilos of fish, the machine only requires 0.75 kg. of mixed fuels, which is 50 percent less compared to fuel used in conventional machine. Smoking time is also cut by 50 percent. The new machine’s price tag is only P40,000.

This development created new markets in the region because smoked fish producers are mostly based in Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Norte. The local government in Pangasinan has committed to replicate the technology. Pangasinan fish-based products include dried and smoked fish for small scale producers. But for those with bigger financial resource, canning and fish export are major activities.

Almost all regions abound with fish products because of the country’s geographical make-up. Region I is located along the gulf of the China sea, where fishing is a major industry.

The volume of fish production in the region reached 69,250MT in 2003, and  around 2MT were  processed  as  smoked fish. Smoked bangus is sold at P160 per kilo, and smoked round scud or “galunggong” and tilapia cost P120 per kilo. Income from smoked fish (2MT) based on 70% galunggong and 30% bangus is about P264,000.

PCIERD helps small industries to be competitive local and international markets.

Written by: Ma. Elena Talingdan-Tabangcura, Information Officer III, PCIERD

Source: www.dost.gov.ph

The Metals Industry Research and Development Center’s R&D Division has successfully completed four machines designed to increase production and improve the quality of coco coir products.
The “Coco Husk Micro-Decorticator” can process 3,000 husks per day. It separates coco fiber or coir from coconut husk by the crushing action of multiple blades welded on rotating drum. The blades causes the rapid separation of fiber and dust as the husks are crushed against a set of fixed counter blades arranged horizontally and parallel to the axes of decorticating blades. Fibers and dust are discharged in separate outlets.

Coconut husk micro decorticatorThe “Coco-Husk Mini-Decorticator”, which has a higher 5,000-husk daily capacity produces mixed fibers 4-6 inches long (CH-3 FIDA grade) by separating them from the peat of coconut husks through a scraping drum with multiple blades welded 94 milliliter apart.

Arranged with six sets radially and eight sets axially with five degrees helix angle, the blades drag beaten coconut husks to a series of fixed counter blades set horizontally and in parallel with the drum’s axis. This system causes rapid fiber and dust separation. The blades also propel coir fiber to a discharge outlet while forcing the dust to fall through separator or grate bars below the cylinder’s lower half. Fibers can be collected and sun dried and then baled before selling or storing.

Meanwhile, “Coco Fiber Twining Machine” is designed to make coconut fiber twines used in producing erosion control geo-textile net. The machine is basically reverse engineered but with improvement in capacity, safety, and ergonomics. It can process 20 kilos of coconut fiber twines daily, or five kilos more than its conventional counterpart.

The fourth machine called “Coco Husk Beating Machine” is made of flat iron sheet consisting of impeller welded in shafting and supported by pillow block bearings at end points. A 20 horse-power electrical motor or diesel engine drives the impeller, which rotates clockwise by means of 3-groove belted pulleys connected to the rotating shaft.

The machines are expected to help producers meet and sustain increasing domestic and export demand for twines and geo-textile nets particularly in China, where ground beautification is in full swing leading to the 2008 Olympics.

China is also losing about 2,400 sq.km. of land to desertification each year and needs the same size of geo-textiles to control the devastation That figure is estimated to reach 260,000 sq.km. soon and concentrated mostly in the northern areas especially Beijing and Harbin among others. China’s demand for mattress is 100 million annually, which translates to 37,500 tons of fiber per month or 450,000 tons of fiber per year. The Philippines’ export capacity is only 3,000 tons of fiber per month.

These machines will be deployed in areas and towns where coconut husks are abundant and traditionally produce coco fiber such as Naval, Biliran; Catarman, Northern Samar; Irosin, Sorsogon; Davao City; San Isidro, Davao Oriental; San Pablo, Laguna; Catanauan, Quezon, and; Oroquieta, Lanao del Norte.

The MIRDC is an agency of the Department of Science and Technology that provides technology assistance to private and public sectors in developing equipment and facilities for improvement of products and services.

Written by: By Rey Rifareal, Supervising Administrative Officer, MIRDC

Source: www.dost.gov.ph

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo will lead the launching of the very first ecologically-designed and weather-proof economical bamboo house at the opening day of the National Bamboo Development Forum which runs from Oct. 22 to 24 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

The Bamboo House is structurally designed to suit the country’s tropical climate. Made primarily of versatile and sustainable building materials with very little or no other construction supplies, the Bamboo House will serve a model to be replicated in a conceptualized Bamboo Village for the economically-challenged.

The village will not only have houses made of bamboo, but will be complete with structures like school, market, and community center.

The First Gentleman, who initiated the study and evaluation of the potentials of “the lowly bamboo” some years back, had in mind the deprived members of the community. He envisioned presenting them a livable community making use of indigenous materials.

Planting bamboo, with parts – from root to tip – have about 1,500 productive uses, will also be part of the community interest and activity.

The NBDF, organized by Laguna Lake Development Authority, headed by general manager Edgardo C. Manda, in collaboration with other government, non-governmental organizations, the academe, research groups, and other stakeholders.

The forum, with the theme “Towards Sustainable Development of the Bamboo Industry in the Philippines for Environmental Protection & Livelihood Generation”, will feature emerging investment opportunities in the country.

This will serve as a venue for assessing the bamboo industry in the country, review the 1997 Philippine Bamboo Master Plan, and formulate a strategic action plan for its sustainable development in the Philippines.

Round-table discussions will be participated in by policy makers, industry leaders, students, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and members of the research and scientific community. There will also be trade fairs and exhibits.

For inquiries on the forum, call Lennie S. Borja, LLDA, Rizal Provincial Capitol Cmpd., Pasig City, (02)6377581 & 3001453, email red@llda.gov.ph; Dr. Ramon A. Razal, FFPS, UPLB-CFNR, (049)5363432 & 6411207, email ramoncfnr@yahoo.com, and Dr. Aida A. Lapis, ERDB, College, Laguna, (049) 5362509 & 9089743, email acbl2002@yahoo.com.

Source: www.philstar.com

The Pangasinan State University in Asingan town, recipient of the first ever solar-powered pump in the country reported an increase in palay harvest.

Dean Artemio A. Diego disclosed that harvest in May yielded 110 cavans of palay and sold at about P50,000.  In 2002, only 52 of 92 cavans of palay were sold.  The amount will be used for other income generating projects.

“We are thankful that the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology, and Water World, Inc. have introduced to us the use of a water pump using solar energy technology,” Dr. Diego said.  The water pump augments the supply of irrigation water to 1 ½ hectares of PSU land planted to palay.

PSU hopes to encourage other farmers in Asingan to adopt the technology.  The solar-powered water pump converts solar intensity into electricity.  The electrical output can be connected to a pumping system such as centrifugal or submersible pump to draw underground water.

The pumping system is cost competitive for remote areas without electricity in drawing potable water.

Dr. Diego recommends use of bigger solar panels and a storage battery for maximum application of the water pump.  PSU plans to avail of soft loan from DOST to expand the utilization of the solar-powered water pump for the benefit of local farmers.

The pumping system was inaugurated last March.  PCIERD provided P310,000 grant-in-aid to the project.  Initially, the project was implemented through a one unit solar-powered pump donation by the Water World Inc. to the Philippine government, which assigned the project to PSU Asingan campus.

After the demonstration and inaugural switch on by Pres. Fidel Ramos, the water pump was installed at the identified cooperator farm across PSU Asingan campus for testing.

World Water Inc Philippines president John Herrman said that solar energy is abundant, readily available, inexhaustible and environment-friendly.

PCIERD Executive Director Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., said that there is a need to tap solar energy resource of Asingan because it has type A climate condition where solar intensity is highest during the dry season and rainfall is also at its lowest