Title of Invention	AN APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE DRYING RATE AND REDUCING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF WET COIR FIBRE PITH (CFP)
Abstract	This compressing Roller Machine commonly called the Squeezing Machine consists of eight (08) main components and they are (i) The rollers -02Nos. (ii) Pressurising device (iii) Conveyor belts -02 Nos. (iv) Feed control mechanism (v) Supporting main frame structure (vi) Roller drive system (vii) Coupling mechanism and (viii) Counting device. Use of this machine has an added advantage of not depending on weather condition for drying and elimination of impurities and reducing the Electrical Conductivity of the finished product. The main function of this machine is to compress the CFP in between two compressing rollers in such a way at an adjustable pressure so that all moisture from the CFP is subjected to compression and moisture is extracted or separated from the original CFP that is fed into this machine.

Title of Invention

AN APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING THE DRYING RATE AND REDUCING ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF WET COIR FIBRE PITH (CFP)

Abstract

This compressing Roller Machine commonly called the Squeezing Machine consists of eight (08) main components and they are (i) The rollers -02Nos. (ii) Pressurising device (iii) Conveyor belts -02 Nos. (iv) Feed control mechanism (v) Supporting main frame structure (vi) Roller drive system (vii) Coupling mechanism and (viii) Counting device. Use of this machine has an added advantage of not depending on weather condition for drying and elimination of impurities and reducing the Electrical Conductivity of the finished product. The main function of this machine is to compress the CFP in between two compressing rollers in such a way at an adjustable pressure so that all moisture from the CFP is subjected to compression and moisture is extracted or separated from the original CFP that is fed into this machine.

Full Text	FIELD OF THE INVENTION: This invention relates to a system and a method for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Coir fibre pith (CFP) or 'coir dust1 is a natural, and renewable resource produced from coconut husks by the coconut industries in Sri Lanka, India & Indonesia. Coir Fibre Pith or 'coir dust' produced as a bi-product when coconut husks are processed for the extraction of the long fibres from the husk. CFP is the binding material that comes from the fibre fraction of the coconut husk. CFP is a multi-purpose soil conditioner and growing medium. It is consistent and uniform in texture. It is a completely homogenous material composed of millions of capillary micro-sponges, that absorb and hold up to eight times it's own weight in water. The natural pH of 5.7 to 6.5, plus an unusually high Cation Exchange Capacity - and 27% of easily available wter assures that coir will hold and release nutrients in solution over extended periods without rewatering. The CFP is washed, heat treated, screened and graded before being processed into various products for Horticultural and Agricultural applications. The excess water from the CFP is extracted by solar drying or sun drying and the chemicals in the Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) is left to be leached out from rains. Both these activates are exclusively dependent on the weather conditions. Therefore there is a need of a machine or system which can suitable for extracting water from the CFP which is not depend upon the weather condition. OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for improving the drying rate of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP). It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for reducing electrical conductivity of said wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP). It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for reducing the moisture content of said wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP). It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for improving the drying rate of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP), which is fitted in all weather condition. To meet the above-mentioned objectives the present invention provides a system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) comprising: - at least one roller connected to a load-adjusting device to adjust clearance between the rollers for accommodating the CFP; - a pressurizing device for providing compression pressure on to one of said rollers against the other by a mechanical spring; - conveyor belts to feed the CFP on to the rollers; - a feed control mechanism connected to the rollers to regulates the feed rate of wet CFP with a constant thickness; - a supporting main frame structure for supporting all components of said system; - a roller drive system to operate the rollers as per movement of the CFP; - a coupling mechanism for driving a prime mover; - a counting device to monitor the production; characterized in that - said wet CFP is loaded into a feed hopper at the intake of said system; - said hopper and said feed control mechanism is adjusted according to the output requirements and input/output moisture condition; - said roller drive system is activated and said wet CFP is fed to the rollers of said system with or without using the conveyor belts by the feed control mechanism; - an adjustable compression device for pressing the rollers against each other to remove the moisture from the CFP; - a discharge chute to discharge compressed low moisture CFP from a bottom roller; and - a collection bin to collect the low moisture CFP. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPNYING DRAWING: These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements. Figure 1 shows a system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: The system of the present invention by which Coir Fibre Pith is subjected to a compression process whereby the moisture in the CFP is reduced to such an extent that water and a portion of the chemicals which contributes to the high electrical conductivity flows out, thereby increasing the drying rate of CFP and reducing the electrical conductivity of the input CFP. Figure 1 shows a system according to the present invention.The system comprises two rollers. The roller is made out of steel, PVC or equivalent, which is surface-machined. The rollers are balanced on either side by the use of bearings, which are fitted on to the bearing pedestals or supports. One roller is connected to the load-adjusting device by which the clearance between the two rollers could be adjusted to accommodate the Coir Fibre Pith. The system of the present invention also comprises a pressuring device which is designed to give the exact compression pressure on to one roller against the other by use of a mechanical spring, hydraulic or a pneumatic system. Two conveyor belts are used to feed the CFP on to the rollers. The belts are made out of either Canvass, PVC, rubber or a composite of these materials which are flexible in nature. A feed control mechanism regulates the feed rate of the wet CFP with a constant thickness, which is fed into the nip of the two rollers and performs an important function of this part of the system. A supporting main frame structure as shown in Fig 1 which supports all the components of the entire system which is constructed out of steel sections. This structure withstand the vibration of all the moving parts of the system. This main frame could be fixed onto the ground if required. The system of the present invention also comprises a roller drive system. The roller drive system mainly consists of the driver roller and the pressure roller. The driver roller is usually operated by an electric motor or an engine, while the pressure roller is connected to the load adjusting device, which operates according to the movement of the CFP and the load on the driver roller connected with input/output ratios of the CFP. Usually, the rotational speeds of the rollers vary from 0 to 20 rpm. The said system also having a Coupling Mechanism. The coupling arrangement or mechanism is usually a direct drive arrangement with a rubber safety coupling. The prime mover is either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine or a power take-off device from any other machine. A counting device, which is also a part of said system, is to monitor the production. The counting device comes into operation only when the machine is loaded and while operating. The CFP, which is wet, containing more than 60% moisture (weight/weight, wet basis), is loaded into the feed hopper at the intake of the machine. Then the hopper discharge flap and the feed control device are adjusted according to the output requirements and input/output moisture conditions. Next the drive mechanism for the two rollers is activated and also drives the feed belts. The CFP is fed at a constant rate into the nip of the two rollers and is then compressed to remove the excess moisture. This moisture now in the form of water, spreads or moves onto the two ends of the bottom roller and drips down on to the collecting tray below. Finally, the compressed low moisture CFP discharged from the bottom roller is directed to the collection bin through the discharge chute. All documents cited in the description are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments and examples which are intended as illustrations of a number of aspects of the invention and any embodiments which are functionally equivalent are within the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art will know, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. These and all other equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims We claim: l.A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) comprising: - at least one roller connected to a load-adjusting device to adjust clearance between the rollers for accommodating the CFP; - a pressurizing device for providing compression pressure on to one of said rollers against the other by a mechanical spring; - conveyor belts to feed the CFP on to the rollers; - a feed control mechanism connected to the rollers to regulates the feed rate of wet CFP with a constant thickness; - a supporting main frame structure for supporting all components of said system; - a roller drive system to operate the rollers as per movement of the CFP; - a coupling mechanism for driving a prime mover; - a counting device to monitor the production; characterized in that - said wet CFP is loaded into a feed hopper at the intake of said system; - said hopper and said feed control mechanism is adjusted according to the output requirements and input/output moisture condition; - said roller drive system is activated and said wet CFP is fed to the rollers of said system with or without using the conveyor belts by the feed control mechanism; - an adjustable compression device for pressing the rollers against each other to remove the moisture from the CFP; - a discharge chute to discharge compressed low moisture CFP from a bottom roller; and - a collection bin to collect the low moisture CFP. 2. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller drive system comprising: - a driver roller; and - a pressure roller connected to the load adjusting device to operate according to the movement of the CFP and the load on the driver roller. 3. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling device is a direct drive arrangement with a rubber safety coupling. 4. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prime mover is either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine or a power take off device form any other machine. 5. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rollers are driven by a belt, chain, gear system or any other coupling device. 6. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is made of steel and or any other suitable material. 7. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rollers are made of cast iron, steel, PVC or any other material. 8. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conveyors belts are made of rubber, nylon, canvas or any other suitable material. 9. A method for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) by a system as claimed in claim 1 comprising the steps of: - loading said wet CFP into a feed hopper at the intake of said system; - adjusting said hopper and said feed control mechanism according to the output requirements and input/output moisture condition; - activating said roller drive system and feeding said wet CFP to the rollers of said system with or without using the conveyor belts by the feed control mechanism; - pressing the rollers against each other to remove the moisture from the CFP by an adjustable compression device; - discharging compressed low moisture CFP from a bottom roller by a discharge chute; and - collecting the low moisture CFP by a collection bin. 10. A method for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rotational speed of the rollers are vary from 0 to 20 rpm. 11. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP), substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to a system and a method for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Coir fibre pith (CFP) or 'coir dust1 is a natural, and renewable resource produced from coconut husks by the coconut industries in Sri Lanka, India & Indonesia.
Coir Fibre Pith or 'coir dust' produced as a bi-product when coconut husks are processed for the extraction of the long fibres from the husk. CFP is the binding material that comes from the fibre fraction of the coconut husk.
CFP is a multi-purpose soil conditioner and growing medium. It is consistent and uniform in texture. It is a completely homogenous material composed of millions of capillary micro-sponges, that absorb and hold up to eight times it's own weight in water. The natural pH of 5.7 to 6.5, plus an unusually high Cation Exchange Capacity - and 27% of easily available wter assures that coir will hold and release nutrients in solution over extended periods without rewatering.
The CFP is washed, heat treated, screened and graded before being processed into various products for Horticultural and Agricultural applications.
The excess water from the CFP is extracted by solar drying or sun drying and the chemicals in the Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) is left to be leached out from
rains. Both these activates are exclusively dependent on the weather conditions.
Therefore there is a need of a machine or system which can suitable for extracting water from the CFP which is not depend upon the weather condition.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for improving the drying rate of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP).
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for reducing electrical conductivity of said wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP).
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for reducing the moisture content of said wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP).
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system and a method for improving the drying rate of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP), which is fitted in all weather condition.
To meet the above-mentioned objectives the present invention provides a system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) comprising:
- at least one roller connected to a load-adjusting device to adjust
clearance between the rollers for accommodating the CFP;
- a pressurizing device for providing compression pressure on to
one of said rollers against the other by a mechanical spring;
- conveyor belts to feed the CFP on to the rollers;
- a feed control mechanism connected to the rollers to regulates
the feed rate of wet CFP with a constant thickness;
- a supporting main frame structure for supporting all
components of said system;
- a roller drive system to operate the rollers as per movement of
the CFP;
- a coupling mechanism for driving a prime mover;
- a counting device to monitor the production;
characterized in that
- said wet CFP is loaded into a feed hopper at the intake of said
system;
- said hopper and said feed control mechanism is adjusted
according to the output requirements and input/output moisture
condition;
- said roller drive system is activated and said wet CFP is fed to
the rollers of said system with or without using the conveyor
belts by the feed control mechanism;
- an adjustable compression device for pressing the rollers
against each other to remove the moisture from the CFP;
- a discharge chute to discharge compressed low moisture CFP
from a bottom roller; and
- a collection bin to collect the low moisture CFP.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPNYING DRAWING:
These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements.
Figure 1 shows a system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The system of the present invention by which Coir Fibre Pith is subjected to a compression process whereby the moisture in the CFP is reduced to such an extent that water and a portion of the chemicals which contributes to the high electrical conductivity flows out, thereby increasing the drying rate of CFP and reducing the electrical conductivity of the input CFP.
Figure 1 shows a system according to the present invention.The system comprises two rollers. The roller is made out of steel, PVC or equivalent, which is surface-machined. The rollers are balanced on either side by the use of bearings, which are fitted on to the bearing pedestals or supports. One roller is connected to the load-adjusting device by which the clearance between the two rollers could be adjusted to accommodate the Coir Fibre Pith.
The system of the present invention also comprises a pressuring device which is designed to give the exact compression pressure on to one roller against the other by use of a mechanical spring, hydraulic or a pneumatic system.
Two conveyor belts are used to feed the CFP on to the rollers. The belts are made out of either Canvass, PVC, rubber or a composite of these materials which are flexible in nature.
A feed control mechanism regulates the feed rate of the wet CFP with a constant thickness, which is fed into the nip of the two rollers and performs an important function of this part of the system.
A supporting main frame structure as shown in Fig 1 which supports all the components of the entire system which is constructed out of steel sections. This structure withstand the vibration of all the moving parts of the system. This main frame could be fixed onto the ground if required.
The system of the present invention also comprises a roller drive system. The roller drive system mainly consists of the driver roller and the pressure roller. The driver roller is usually operated by an electric motor or an engine, while the pressure roller is connected to the load adjusting device, which operates according to the movement of the CFP and the load on the driver roller connected with input/output ratios of the CFP. Usually, the rotational speeds of the rollers vary from 0 to 20 rpm.
The said system also having a Coupling Mechanism. The coupling arrangement or mechanism is usually a direct drive arrangement with a rubber safety coupling. The prime mover is either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine or a power take-off device from any other machine.
A counting device, which is also a part of said system, is to monitor the production. The counting device comes into operation only when the machine is loaded and while operating.
The CFP, which is wet, containing more than 60% moisture (weight/weight, wet basis), is loaded into the feed hopper at the intake of the machine. Then the hopper discharge flap and the feed control device are adjusted according to the output requirements and input/output moisture conditions.
Next the drive mechanism for the two rollers is activated and also drives the feed belts. The CFP is fed at a constant rate into the nip of the two rollers and is then compressed to remove the excess moisture. This moisture now in the form of water, spreads or moves onto the two ends of the bottom roller and drips down on to the collecting tray below. Finally, the compressed low moisture CFP discharged from the bottom roller is directed to the collection bin through the discharge chute.
All documents cited in the description are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments and examples which are intended as illustrations of a number of aspects of the invention and any embodiments which are functionally
equivalent are within the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art will know, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. These and all other equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims

We claim:
l.A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) comprising:
- at least one roller connected to a load-adjusting device to adjust
clearance between the rollers for accommodating the CFP;
- a pressurizing device for providing compression pressure on to
one of said rollers against the other by a mechanical spring;
- conveyor belts to feed the CFP on to the rollers;
- a feed control mechanism connected to the rollers to regulates
the feed rate of wet CFP with a constant thickness;
- a supporting main frame structure for supporting all
components of said system;
- a roller drive system to operate the rollers as per movement of
the CFP;
- a coupling mechanism for driving a prime mover;
- a counting device to monitor the production;
characterized in that
- said wet CFP is loaded into a feed hopper at the intake of said
system;
- said hopper and said feed control mechanism is adjusted
according to the output requirements and input/output moisture
condition;
- said roller drive system is activated and said wet CFP is fed to
the rollers of said system with or without using the conveyor
belts by the feed control mechanism;
- an adjustable compression device for pressing the rollers
against each other to remove the moisture from the CFP;
- a discharge chute to discharge compressed low moisture CFP
from a bottom roller; and
- a collection bin to collect the low moisture CFP.
2. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller drive system comprising:
- a driver roller; and
- a pressure roller connected to the load adjusting device to
operate according to the movement of the CFP and the load on
the driver roller.

3. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
coupling device is a direct drive arrangement with a rubber safety coupling.
4. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
prime mover is either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine or a
power take off device form any other machine.
5. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rollers are driven by a belt, chain, gear system or any other coupling device.
6. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
system is made of steel and or any other suitable material.
7. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
rollers are made of cast iron, steel, PVC or any other material.
8. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
conveyors belts are made of rubber, nylon, canvas or any other suitable
material.
9. A method for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) by a system as claimed in claim 1
comprising the steps of:

- loading said wet CFP into a feed hopper at the intake of said
system;
- adjusting said hopper and said feed control mechanism
according to the output requirements and input/output moisture
condition;
- activating said roller drive system and feeding said wet CFP to
the rollers of said system with or without using the conveyor
belts by the feed control mechanism;
- pressing the rollers against each other to remove the moisture
from the CFP by an adjustable compression device;
- discharging compressed low moisture CFP from a bottom roller
by a discharge chute; and
- collecting the low moisture CFP by a collection bin.

10. A method for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
rotational speed of the rollers are vary from 0 to 20 rpm.
11. A system for improving the drying rate and reducing electrical
conductivity of wet Coir Fibre Pith (CFP), substantially as herein described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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Patent Number

232495

Indian Patent Application Number

1503/DEL/1999

PG Journal Number

13/2009

Publication Date

27-Mar-2009

Grant Date

17-Mar-2009

Date of Filing

24-Nov-1999

Name of Patentee

LIGNOCELL LIMITED

Applicant Address

400, DEANS ROAD, COLOMBO 10, SRILANKA.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HETTIARACHCHY A.	39/1 BADDEGANA ROAD, PITAKOTTE, SRILANKA.

PCT International Classification Number

B65G 47/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	11783	1999-07-16	Sri Lanka