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Improved Method of Drying Fish Using Solar Drier

M.A. Zaman
Department of Farm Power and Machinery Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

M.M. Huq
Department of Farm Power and Machinery Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

M. Abdullah
Agricultural Engineering Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebput, Gazipur-1701

S.M.I. Hossain
Sugarcane Research and Training Institute, lshurdi, Pabna

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The problem of insect infestation during traditional open-air drying of fish was effectively controlled by the use of solar drier. Quality dried fish was produced using a box type direct solar drier. Accelerated drying at elevated temperatures was ensured. At temperatures above 50°C, fish was partially fried and cracked.

Keywords: Drying, Fish, Solar drier

Location: Department of Farm Power and Machinery,Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Start Date: 01-05-1982

End Date: 31-05-1982

Program Area: Postharvest and Agro-processing

Commodity: Fish

Objectives:

To assess .the technical feasibility of low cost solar drying technology for production of quality dried fish and to compare the performance of solar drying of fish over traditional open-air drying method.

Methodology:

A box type direct solar drier was used for drying fish. The solar drier consisted of a drier box, enclosed at the base and the sides by oven-bamboo panels insulated by dry paddy straw and a single layer of thin transparent polythene sheet on the top. 50.8 mm diameter air-holes were provided on the front and the rear panels. The inner surfaces of the drier panels were painted black with powdered charcoal mixed with flour gum. The box itself consising of black panels acted as the solar collector. Removable trays for holding fish were made of wooden frame with fine wire-mesh stapled to it. Area of the drying floor was 2 .97 sq. m. The drier could hold four trays side by side . A drier of this type costs about Tk. 400 .00 and its construction is so easy that any farmer can make it by himself using hand tools. Unsalted fresh fish was bought from the local market and then it was cleaned and washed. The fish was cut into pieces, waste parts were removed and then washed again before putting in the trays. A number of experiments was conducted to test fish drying in the box type solar drier . Two species of fish, boaI ( Wal/ago attu) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala ), were dried. The drier temperatures, drying rates of fish and overall drying efficiencies were analyzed. The extent of insect infestation by fly larvae was observed during each test . Hourly readings of the radiation intensity over the drier box were taken with a solar meter. Dry and wet-bulb temperatures were measured by hygrometers and the correspond ing relative humidity values were calculated by a micro-computer using Brooker's equations. The drier temperatures were measured by an indicating type of electro-thermometer using thermocouple wires. Moisture contents of fish during drying were determined by air-oven method.

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Agril. Sci. 22(1): 67-72. January, 1995

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The problem of insect infestation and eating up of fish by birds during traditional open-air drying of fish were effectively controlled by the use of solar drier. Quality dried fish was produced using a box type direct solar drier. Accelerated drying at elevated temperatures and longer shelf life were ensured. At temperatures above 50°C, fish was partially fried and cracked making the final product most brittle.

Knowledge Management: Journal