Evaluation of multipan furnace over traditional pan furnaces used for jaggery production in Mandya district of Karnataka.

摘要

Sugarcane is one of the main crops of Cauvery Command Area of Mandya district and 60% of which is used for jaggery production. The jaggery-making units use different types of furnaces varying from single pan to multi pan furnace systems mainly, depending upon quantity of cane to be crushed and capacity of initial investment by the farmers. The quantity of fuel consumption, use of skilled manpower and rate of jaggery production vary with the type of furnaces used. Among the furnaces, multipan furnace proved better in conserving fuel energy, quickness in boiling and quality end product. However, the initial investment, quantity of cane required for crushing, non-availability of skilled laborers to handle the processing operation are some of the factors which affected large scale adoption of multipan furnace, in spite of its proven advantages. Fabrication of boiling pan with a proper gauge material and design plays an important role in minimizing fuel consumption, quickness in boiling of juice and to obtain quality product.