INNOVATIVE GAS-FIRED FACILITY FOR CURING Laccosperma opacum AND Laccosperma secundiflora (RATTAN SPECIES) IN GHANA

STEINER R.¹, MCBOAFO F.A.², OTENG A.A.^3
1Department of Integrated Rural Art & Industry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
²Audio Visual Unit, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, Ghana.
³Department of Integrated Rural Art & Industry Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Received : 28-06-2012     Accepted : 27-03-2014     Published : 31-03-2014
Volume : 3     Issue : 1       Pages : 47 - 49
World Res J Agric Biosyst Eng 3.1 (2014):47-49

Rattan is an excellent material for many applications in art and craft. However, untreated rattan is a vulnerable material for fungus and insects, which affect product durability and the resultant market value of its products. A high temperature facility for oil-curing of local rattan species in Ghana was designed and built with locally obtainable raw materials, such as locally composed low density bricks, locally composed kiln mortar and locally manufactured gas burners rated at 160 kilo joules. This innovative oil-curing gas-fired facility is a solution to the poor oil curing methods adopted by local craftsmen, industry and some research institutions that work with rattan species in Ghana. Conflagration box component of the facility enhancing utmost heat maintenance is specially built to keep the tub temperature high for effective removal of waxy layer and gummy substances, resulting in remarkable reduction in moisture content of the rattan and eventual full treatment against fungus and insect infestations.