In the tropical cash crop processing sector, coconut shells are a core byproduct of coconut processing. Approximately 0.3 tons of wet coconut shells are generated for every ton of coconut products produced. Fresh coconut shells have a high moisture content of 50%-60%, are hard, and easily perishable. Direct disposal not only occupies significant storage space but also pollutes the environment with mold and odors. However, through a professional coconut shell processing production line, especially the core equipment—the coconut shell dryer—this seemingly useless "agricultural waste" can be transformed into a high-value raw material applicable to multiple industries, maximizing resource recycling.
The complete process of the coconut shell processing production line includes four core stages: raw material sorting, crushing, drying, and pulverizing/forming. The coconut shell dryer is the core equipment that determines the quality of the finished product and its subsequent use. After sorting to remove stones and impurities, fresh coconut shells are crushed into 3-5cm particles and then sent to the dryer for deep dehydration.
Utilizing a combined hot air circulation and drum agitation drying technology, the moisture content of coconut shell granules is rapidly reduced from 50%-60% to a safe standard of 10%-12% under precise temperature control at 120-150℃, preventing carbonization of coconut shell fibers and loss of nutrients during the drying process.
The industrial-grade dryer can process 5-20 tons of wet coconut shells per hour, with a dehydration efficiency more than 30 times that of natural sun-drying. It is unaffected by rainy weather, enabling 24-hour continuous production and completely solving the problems of long drying cycles, large footprints, and susceptibility to mold in traditional sun-drying methods.
The dried coconut shell granules are uniform in texture, do not easily clump, and retain the core characteristics of coconut shells: hardness, corrosion resistance, and strong adsorption capacity, providing a high-quality base material for subsequent diversified processing.
Uses of dried coconut shells:
1. Preparation of high-performance activated carbon: This is the most core and high-value application of dried coconut shells. 1. **Coconut Shell Activated Carbon:** Dried coconut shell granules, after carbonization and activation, can be made into coconut shell activated carbon. With a specific surface area as high as 1000-1500 m²/g, its adsorption capacity is 2-3 times that of ordinary activated carbon. It is widely used in drinking water purification, industrial wastewater treatment, air purification, and food decolorization.
2. Biomass Energy Production:Dried coconut shell granules have a calorific value of 4000-4500 kcal/kg and produce no sulfur emissions and only 3%-5% ash during combustion, making it an ideal environmentally friendly biomass fuel. It can be directly used as boiler fuel to replace coal for factory heating and power generation; it can also be compressed into biomass pellet fuel for home heating and restaurant kitchens, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and realizing the energy utilization of waste.
3. Horticultural Substrate and Organic Fertilizer Production: Dried coconut shells, after being crushed, are made into coconut coir, rich in cellulose, lignin, and various trace elements. With excellent air permeability and water retention, it is a high-quality horticultural substrate for planting flowers, vegetables, and seedlings. Coconut shells can be used alone or mixed with soil and organic fertilizer for greenhouse cultivation and home potted plants, improving soil compaction and promoting plant root growth. Furthermore, crushed coconut shells can be mixed with livestock manure for fermentation, producing high-efficiency organic fertilizer, thus returning to the agricultural production cycle.
4. Processing into Environmentally Friendly New Materials: After extraction and combing, dried coconut shell fibers can be made into coconut shell fiber ropes, carpets, mattresses, and sofa fillings. Their wear-resistant, breathable, and moisture-proof properties make them highly sought after in the furniture and building materials industries. Simultaneously, coconut shell powder can also be used as an environmentally friendly filler in the production of engineered wood products and composite materials, replacing traditional wood resources and contributing to the development of green building materials.
5. Other Unique Uses: In the pet supplies industry, dried coconut shell granules can be processed into environmentally friendly cat litter, offering advantages such as strong water absorption, good deodorization, and biodegradability, making it a superior alternative to traditional bentonite cat litter. In the handicrafts industry, polished and carved dried coconut shells can be made into vases, ornaments, storage boxes, and other handicrafts, combining practicality and aesthetics.
Dingli's coconut shell production line, through precise and efficient dehydration, fully releases the physical properties and economic value of coconut shells, truly upgrading them from "waste shells" into a valuable resource covering multiple fields such as environmental protection, energy, agriculture, and building materials. Whether it's a coconut processing enterprise, a biomass energy manufacturer, or an activated carbon producer, a high-efficiency coconut shell processing production line is an ideal choice for achieving resource value-added and green development.
