Cashew Nut Processing Research Articles

Economic Analysis of Cashew Nut Processing in India

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) tree grows widely in warm and humid climatic regions of the world. India is leading producer and processor of cashew nuts. Cashew nut processing has undergone lot of developments from traditional to modern processing. Survey was done in various cashew nut processing units in different parts of West Bengal, and a case study is presented regarding economic analysis of a local small scale cashew nut processing plant of 100 kg capacity. Based on the observations, economic analysis of cashew nut processing plant showed that, if the plant be operated with full capacity and efficiency then there would be profit of 1329.07 per day, excluding all expenses. This is quite profitable, but the profit margin could be increased more by plant mechanization and modernization. Processing capacity could be increased with significant reduction in labour requirement and processing time by modernizing the processing plants.

Economics of Cashew Nut Processing in Ondo State, Nigeria; a Case of JOF Ideal Family Farms Limited

Purpose: This paper examines the economics of cashew nut processing in Ondo state using JOF Ideal Family Farms Limited, Owo as a case study. It specifically examined the socio-economic characteristics of the workers of the company, the by-products derived from cashew nuts processing and the costs and returns associated with cashew nut processing and the major constraints associated with the processing of cashew nuts in the company. Research design, data and methodology: Purposive sampling was used to select JOF Ideal Family Farms Limited, Owo as the case study being the only cashew nut processing company in the state. Descriptive statistics such as mean, mode, median, frequency distribution, the use of tables etc. were employed to know the socio-economic characteristics of workers of the company, the byproducts derived from processed cashew nuts and the problems associated with cashew nut processing. The cost and returns of the cashew nut processing were determined using the Gross margin analysis. Results: Findings revealed that 16.7% of the workers were within ages 21 and 30 years while 83.3% of them were between 31 and 40 years. 11.1% of the workers are skilled while 88.9% of them are unskilled. The Gross margin analysis showed that the company cashew nut processing is profitable with Margin of ₦ 29,192,000 and ₦ 60,870,000 in year 2011 and 2012 respectively. Conclusion: Based on findings from the study, Cashew nut processing is profitable in the study area. In spite of the fact that cashew nut processing has numerous potentials to create employment, especially for women, its level of production is still low. To mention few, the study recommended that more farmers especially the youths should engage in cashew farming, this will increase the availability of cashew nuts for the processing industries. Government should provide adequate mechanization and incentive to reduce drudgery of cashew nut processing in the state.

ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Cardanol Chemistry in a Nutshell: From a Nut to Nanomaterials

AbstractReview: 60 refs.

Recent advances in cardanol chemistry in a nutshell: from a nut to nanomaterials

This tutorial review could serve as an introduction of cardanol into the world of soft nanomaterials; it is a biobased lipid-mixture obtained from the plant Anacardium occidentale L. Cardanol is a renewable raw material derived from a byproduct of cashew nut processing industry: Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL). Cardanol is a rich mixture of non-isoprenoic phenolic compounds that is a valuable raw material for generating a variety of soft nanomaterials such as nanotubes, nanofibers, gels and surfactants. These nanostructures may then serve as templates for the synthesis of additional nanomaterials. The wealth and diversity of cardanol-derived functional nanomaterials has urged us to present an article that will give readers a taste of a new class of cardanol-derived functional amphiphiles, along with their ability to generate hierarchical functional nanomaterials through non-covalent soft-chemical routes. In this concise review, we discuss selected examples of novel biobased surfactants, glycolipids, and polymers derived from cardanol, and their subsequent self-assembly into functional soft materials.

Energy Analysis of Baby Boiler for Steaming of Raw Cashew Nut Seeds

The steaming of raw cashew seeds prior to shelling is adopted widely in small-scale cashew nut processing mills with the help of baby boiler. The wide variations in energy intensity of these mills reveal the scope for energy conservation. The baby boiler coupled with cooker commonly used for steaming of raw seeds was evaluated. The variation in steam pressure, temperature and operating time with respect to fuel was observed along with thermal efficiency of a boiler. The energy intensity to produce the steam using different fuel sources determined. The study revealed that the thermal efficiency of boiler using electricity as a fuel was higher (69.31%) as compared to 4.66% (Wood) and 4.47% (Cashew nut shell). It was observed that, the energy consumed per kg of cashew nut steaming using electricity (248.99 kJ/kg) was minimum followed by wood (3829.96 kJ/kg) and cashew nut shell (3835.64 kJ/kg). The variation of energy consumption for cashew nut steaming revealed the scope for energy conservation in biomass combustion system. The improvement in the biomass combustion efficiency for steam generation could results in less fuel consumption and shorter period.

OILY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FOR CATALYTIC OXIDATION WITH K-MnO2/CeO2

The search for alternatives for the treatment of industrial effluents, especially high toxicity is one of the main difficulties of the industrial treatment systems. This work aims to use potassium as a promoter of electrons for the oxidation to the catalyst by impregnating it MnO2/CeO2 to degrade the effluent coming from the processing of cashew nuts in the presence of oxygen. The experiments were performed in a slurry bed reactor. In the experiments were kept constant initial concentration in the effluent LCC (0.8 g/L), a major contaminant in the effluent of industrial activity, the stirring speed (900 rpm) and potassium impregnated percentage (1%). The operational parameters were: mass concentration of the catalyst (4.0 and 5.0 g/L), full system pressure (300 to 900 psi) and temperature (80-130°C). The tests showed that the composite K-MnO2/CeO2 demonstrates good activity as a catalyst in the process of wet oxidation of the effluent, reach levels above 90% removal. The best operating conditions found to perform the catalytic reaction of degradation of the effluent were: catalyst concentration of 5.0 g / L and 130ºC, having a pronounced effect on the pressure.

Quantification of energy consumption for cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) processing operations

A study was conducted for the estimation of energy consumption in eight readily defined unit operations of small-scale cashew nut processing in India. The nine industries were stratified into 60, 30 and 15 kg/batch capacity of steam cooker. Series of equations were developed to easily compute requirements of solar, electricity, fuel and manual energy for each of the unit operations. The results show that the total energy consumption per 1000 kg of raw cashew nuts in three categories of industries was 5321.43, 5540.14 and 6061.34 MJ, respectively, when the steaming operation was carried out by using electricity. The three identified energy-intensive operations in cashew nut processing were cashew nut drying, cashew nut steaming and drying of cashew kernels, altogether accounting for over 90% of the total energy consumption. The developed equations are useful tools for carrying out budgeting, forecasting energy requirements and planning plant expansion.

Horseradish Peroxidase Catalyzed Synthesis of Polycardanol Microcapsules

Polymers synthesized from naturally derived monomers are valuable since they decrease the reliance on petroleum based feed stocks. Cashew nut shell oil (CNSL) is a side-product from processing of edible Cashew nuts of Annacardium occidentale. One of the major components of CNSL is cardanol, which is a phenol derivative having an unsaturated pentadecyl substituent in the ‘meta’ position with varying amount of unsaturation (no double bonds to three double bonds). The substituent in the meta position can also be hydrogenated to yield completely saturated hydrogenated cardanol. Cardanol can be utilized to stabilize the dispersions of oil in water and vice versa since it displays amphiphilic behavior owing to the phenolic head and the C15 aliphatic tail. Here we report the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzed polymerization of cardanol at oil water interface to obtain polycardanol microcapsules. A synthetic analogue of hydrogenated cardanol, 3-pentadecylphenol (3PDP), was also oxidatively polymerized at the oil-water interface to obtain Poly(3-pentadecylphenol) microcapsules.

Novel ferrofluids coated with a renewable material obtained from cashew nut shell liquid

In this work, we present the synthesis and characterization of a new surfactant molecule obtained from a byproduct of the cashew nut processing (diphosphorylated cardol, DPC). It is herein used to overcoat magnetic nanoparticles showing spinel structures in order to create new ferrofluids. The nanoparticle structure and magnetic properties have been deeply investigated. DPC-functionalized Fe3O4 and NiFe2O4 samples exhibit higher magnetic saturation than DPC–CoFe2O4. These new ferrofluids reveal appealing as possible nanoparticle stabilizing molecules, magnetic resonance imaging agents, storage systems or in any material science field that requires the employment of biocompatible magnetic stable fluids.

Determination of metal content and an assessment of the potential use of waste cashew nut ash (CNSA) as a source for potash production

The potential use of waste cashew nut shell (CNS) ash as a source for potash production was investigated in this study. Managing waste ash generated from cashew nut processing is a major challenge, as land filling and open dumping of the waste ashes have been the main options in management of the ash in Nigeria. Economically viable ways of using waste ash rather than having to dispose of it have to be investigated. The CNS was air-dried for 4 weeks and combusted to ashes; the resulting ash was extracted with water for its potash content. Some parameters of the CNS, including moisture, dry matter, and ash content, were determined. Potash yield obtained was 33.4% of 150 g CNS ash used; analysis of the potash gave it a percentage purity of 78%, while purity on recrystalization increased to 86%. Potash yield from CNS ash was comparable to those reported for wood ash, plantain peels, and other agro-wastes. Also, the results showed that the CNS shared similar lignocellulosic properties and characteristics with hardwood biomass.

Gasification of cashew nut shells for thermal application in local food processing factory

Cashew nut shells are high energy content residues from cashew nut processing. It can potentially replace fuelwood for thermal application in a factory. However, direct combustion of cashew nut shells was troublesome due to low efficiency and high smoke emission. Alternative thermal conversion of cashew nut shells should be used instead. In this work, a gasifier system was designed, built, and installed at a local cashew nut processing factory. Cashew nut shells were converted to producer gas in the downdraft fixed-bed gasifier. The gaseous fuel was then fed to a burner to supply hot water for the factory. From the results obtained, cashew nut shells were successfully used as feedstock in a gasifier. Satisfactory operation was obtained. Gasification of cashew nut shells could provide required thermal input, with clean fuel to the local food processing factory. Preliminary economic analysis showed that the factory can save around $150 a month, with simple period to positive cash flow of less than a year.

A renewable waste material for the synthesis of a novel non-halogenated flame retardant polymer

The recognition of toxicity and environmental persistence of halogenated flame retardant (FR) materials has prompted the reduction in their usage across the globe. There is an immediate need for new types of non-toxic and effective FR produced preferably through sustainable routes. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of a new polyphenolic FR material based on a renewable and biodegradable starting material, cardanol (a byproduct of cashew nut processing). Cardanol was polymerized in aqueous media using various types of oxidants. The thermal properties of the resulting polymers were investigated. Polycardanol synthesized using a specific type of oxidant exhibited good thermal stability and low heat release capacity. Preliminary results obtained from this study are quite promising and indicate the possibility of synthesizing new types of FR materials from bio-based phenols.

Pollution Sources and Standards of Cashew Nut Processing

Problem statement: India is largest producer, processor, exporter and second largest consumer of cashew in the world with annual production of 6,20,000 MT. India processed about 1.18 million MT of raw cashew seeds through 3650 cashew processing industries scattered in many states of country. The cashew industries employed different unit operations/ methodologies for processing depend on variety of raw material, location, technological mechanization and availability of secured energy supply. Approach: There are two commonly followed methods of cashew nut processing, viz., roasting process and steam (roasting) process. The sources of different environmental pollutant discharged in to the atmosphere during the cashew nut processing have been revealed in the article. Results: The environmental standards for air pollution emission for roasting process, steam cooking process and broma oven have been presented. The solid waste disposal practice and new and relocation sitting criteria have been discussed for cashew processing industries. Conclusion: The cashew nut processing by cooking (steam roasting) process, which is relatively less pollution intensive and an alternative process to roasting process may be considered to reduce the environmental discharge load.

Elucidation of unit operations and energy consumption pattern in small scale cashew nut processing mills

The different unit operations involved in small scale cashew nut processing mill in the context of Konkan region of Maharashtra, India (70°17′ to 74°31′E Longitude 15°37′ to 20°20′N Latitude) was elucidated by conducting the randomized sample survey of registered 122 small scale cashew processing mills in the region. The survey covered the unit operations performed, level and pattern of energy consumption and technologies in use for cashew nut processing. The energy consumption and production of mills was analyzed to compute the disparities in energy consumption to produce the same quantity of similar product in term of installed capacity (P), Production (Pr), percent production capacity utilization (PPCU), energy (En) and energy intensity (EI). The study revealed that, the small scale cashew nut mills in Konkan region of Maharashtra (India) widely followed steam roasting process due to better control over the process which retain the valuable CNSL in the shell as well as generate the huge quantity of shell for further utilization as a fuel. The average working days of the mills were about 227 days in the year depending on the rainy season and availability of raw cashew nut seeds. The average installed production capacity of the surveyed mills was about 9800 kg of raw cashew nut seeds per annum. The actual raw material processed by these mills was in the tune of 5833 kg per annum, which revealed the average percent plant capacity utilization of 55% only. The women workers were prominent in the small scale cashew nut processing mills. The regression analysis of relationship between energy and production revealed the best fit of the form of power law i.e. En = A · (Pr) B where “ A” is the constant and the coefficient “ B” is commonly known as the Energy Elasticity. It was observed that, the energy intensity in the cashew nut processing mills producing the similar product varied from 2.15 MJ/kg to 3.80 MJ/kg. The regression analysis of relationship between energy intensity and production revealed the best fit of the form of power law i.e. En = A · (Pr) − B . The negative exponent ‘ B’ shows a decline in the value of energy intensity with increase in production. It was observed that the frequency of the number of firms in each PPCU range is a bell-shaped curve, which clearly shows about 91 (75%) of the total samples were in PPCU range less than 65% with average energy intensity of 2.9 MJ/kg. This gives considerable scope for saving of energy with better utilization of installed production capacity in the tune of 25.84%.

Energy Option for Small Scale Cashew Nut Processing in India

Problem statement: Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.) is one of the important tropical crops. India processed about 11,80,000 metric tons of raw cashew nut seeds through 3650 cashew processing industries scattered in many states of country. The cashew nut processing industries are typically located in the rural and backward areas. The most significant difficulty in processing cashew nuts is that the hard outer shell, which contains the edible kernel, contains a caustic oil which can burn the skin and produce noxious fumes when heated. More recently, smaller scale factories use the steaming and cutting method. Approach: At present cashew industries facing problem of interrupted power supply which affect the economical growth of the sector. The cashew industries in India employed different unit operations/methodology for processing depend on variety of raw material, location, technological mechanization, availability of secured energy supply. Results: Large disparities in energy intensity for similar process in the cashew processing reveal the scope for energy conservation to be in the order of 30-48%. There is good scope for effective utilization of solar energy and biomass gasification technology for energy generation in the sector. Conclusion: This study deled with the elucidation of the processing operations in the small-scale cashew processing of Maharashtra with identification of energy consumption for unit operations. The energy conservation opportunities in the cashew nut processing sector were discussed in the study. The scope for utilization of renewable energy technologies like solar dryers for drying of cashew nut seed and cashew kernel were elaborated. The characterization of cashew shell waste available in the processing industry revealed the scope for thermal gasification of shell for heat generation.

Entre martelos e lâminas: dinâmicas globais e políticas de produção na indústria do caju em Moçambique

This article discusses how the main trends and impacts of capitalist dynamics are felt in Mozambique, based on a case study of the cashew industry, especially its industrial processing component. Having emerged in the colonial period, the cashew industry provides a practical example of Mozambique's integration in the world economy through the exploitation of natural resources and the local labor force to manufacture products for the main central markets. In order to better understand this industry's evolution and current situation, the author conducted his fieldwork in various places, especially in two cashew nut processing plants in the district of Manjacaze (Gaza Province). He thus adopted a methodological strategy based on a multilocal ethnography rather than a classical approach centered on the study of a single location or a supposedly isolated and autonomous community.

Trabalho e Políticas de Produção numa Fábrica de Caju em Moçambique

No quadro da reflexão compreensiva sobre as políticas de produção e da mudança técnica na indústria do caju em Moçambique procura-se identificar e examinar as origens da empresa, a organização do trabalho e o processo produtivo numa fábrica de processamento de castanha de caju neste país do sul do continente africano. O artigo começa por refletir sobre o trabalho de campo etnográfico nos espaços de produção, nomeadamente no que concerne ao papel a ser desempenhado pelo antropólogo. Esclarecida a prática empreendida pelo autor, passa-se à descrição do processo de instalação da fábrica e à análise da organização do trabalho e da produção, com uma atenção especial ao modo como os operários nela se inscrevem. Por último reflete-se sobre a mudança técnica neste setor industrial, mostrando-se o seu caráter profundamente histórico, quer dizer, o papel decisivo desempenhado nas escolhas técnicas pelas estruturas políticas e econômicas, algumas de dimensão global, e pelas lutas sociais que opõem o capital ao trabalho.

FERMENTATION OF CASHEW (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE L.) "APPLE" INTO WINE

Cashew apple is considered as a waste in cashew nut processing industry. An undistilled alcoholic beverage (wine) was prepared by fermenting cashew apple juice with wine yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. bayanus. The wine was slightly yellowish, acidic in taste (titratable acidity [1.21 ± 0.0 g tartaric acid/100 mL]), high in tannin (1.9 ± 0.22 mg/100 mL) and low in alcohol (7%) concentration. Although sensory evaluation rated the cashew apple wine as quite acceptable as an alcoholic beverage, significant differences (P < 0.01) exist between the cashew wine and the commercial grape wine particularly in taste, aroma, flavor and aftertaste because of probably high tannin content in the cashew wine.

Estimating energy requirement in cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L.) nut processing operations

This work deals with a study on estimation of energy consumption in eight readily defined unit operations of cashew nut processing. Data for analysis were collected from nine cashew nut mills stratified into small, medium and large categories to represent different mechanization levels. Series of equations were developed to easily compute requirements of electricity, fuel and labour for each of the unit operations. The computation of energy use was done using spreadsheet program on Microsoft Excel. The results of application test of the equations show that the total energy intensity in the cashew nut mills varied between 0.21 and 1.161 MJ/kg. Electrical energy intensity varied between 0.0052 and 0.029 MJ/kg, while thermal energy intensity varied from 0.085 to 1.064 MJ/kg. The two identified energy intensive operations in cashew nut processing are cashew nut drying and cashew nut roasting, altogether accounting for over 85% of the total energy consumption in all the three mill categories. Thermal energy, obtained from diesel fuel, represented about 90% of the unit energy cost for cashew nut processing. The developed equations have therefore proven to be a useful tool for carrying out budgeting, forecasting energy requirements and planning plant expansion.

Effect of cashew nut supplemented diet, castration, and time of storage on fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of goat meat

Twenty four 5–6 months male goats were divided in two groups of castrated and intact animals and assigned into two dietary treatments, with and without the inclusion of cashew nut bran (CNB), containing 37% oil with 75% oleic acid (C 18:1). Farmers of Northeastern Brazil to improve animal performance use this material, a by-product of cashew nut processing industries. Longissimus dorsi muscle was divided in three portions, one for initial analysis of fatty acids profile and cholesterol content and the others two were frozen stored for 3 and 6 months. The addition of 13% cashew nut bran in the diet did not contribute to increase the concentration of C 18:1. Castration increased the content of cholesterol and total saturated fatty acids. During frozen storage the percentage of stearic acid (C 18:0) decreased and the amount of oleic acid (C 18:1 increased, positively changing the fatty acid profile.