Project to produce activated carbon

 
As part of its research and development initiative , the Coconut Development Board(CDB) is launching a pilot project for the manufacture of activated carbon from coconut shell in association with the Perambra-based Sustainable Business Development of Innovative Coconut-based Micro-Enterprises for Holistic Growth and Poverty Alleviation(Subicsha) here.
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI),Peechi is providing the technical know-how for the manufacture of activated carbon as a value-added product of coconut shell.

The CDB will provide Rs.30 lakh for the plant being set up on the Subicsha premises at Nochad grama panchayat,M.Kunahmmed,Chairman,Subicsha, has said. Activated carbon with multiple industrial uses is rated as a commodity with high export potential. Activated carbon is used in water treatment process, gold refining procedure among other industrial purposes. The process involves conversion of coconut shell into charcol and then to activated carbon. The small-scale unit for manufacturing activated carbon is likely to be replicated in other center if the pilot project is feasible.

(The Hindu, 20th    May 2007)