Development of an Automated Dual Powered Kiln for Drying and Preservation of Fish

Abstract

Fish smoking is a major activity in the fish industry. In most river-reining communities in Nigeria, where fish business is very prominent smoking operations are mostly carried out manually and under unhygienic conditions. The concept of the smoking kiln development is to ease the drudgery associated with traditional methods in the fish processing communities. The materials for the developed automated dual powered kiln for fish smoke-drying are locally and cheaply sourced. The developed automated dual powered kiln was made from angle iron and lagged with (composite materials) insulator to prevent heat loss, the smoking chamber consists of 3 set of trays of 0.57 x 0.57 x 0.021 m. It was a dual powered kiln of gas and electric heat sources (DC), its heating elements (heaters) are connected with the aid of wire gauze made from stainless steel placed in a compartment in the heating chamber. The developed automated dual powered kiln was tested with Cat Fish (Clarias Gariepinus) using gas and electric heat sources. Test results indicated an average operational temperature of 80⁰C and moisture loss of 50% on the smoked fishes. The kiln gave higher drying rate and quality of finished product was good in colour and dryness, indicating a long shelf life.