Research

Wet Scrubber for Fumigation

‘A safer choice, A smarter technology‘

Cinnamon, more authenticated as ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ is one of the most in-demand spices exclusive to Sri Lanka and therefore has brought much attention in the international market. The production of cinnamon still follows the traditional process which includes the steps;

1. Collection and sorting
2. Peeling and rolling
3. Fumigation
4. Moisture analysis and Drying
5. Grading and Packing

Sulphur fumigation is a traditional process done during the cinnamon processing. Traditionally, this is done by exposing the dry cinnamon quills to SO₂ overnight in fumigation rooms. This practice primarily serves three purposes;

• Ensure the hygienic quality of cinnamon; as a sterilizing agent.
• Prevent excessive browning of cinnamon quills in order to maintain the characteristic golden-brown color of authentic cinnamon.
• Act as a preservative to increase shelf life of cinnamon.

However, the use of SO₂ in the process has been considered at many instances due to the drawbacks, health and environmental hazards associated with the usage of gas due to which the European Union has approved maximum level of 150 mg/kg for sulphites for the fumigation process. The main drawbacks thus associated are;

• Non – uniformity of the fumigation process leading to reduced efficiency.
• Potential fire risk.
• Health hazards associated with long term exposure to SO₂.
• Environmental pollution caused due to the emission of SO₂.

Helixionn Innovations’ wet scrubber unit, a semi-automated system satisfies multiple tasks by acting as a fumigation unit as well as a fume extractor and neutralizing unit.

Advantages:

• Uniform fumigation with less wastage and low utilization of Sulphur.
• Efficient fume delivery system with Sulphur burning chamber – SO2 fumigator (converting traditional fumigation rooms into efficient and safe fumigation rooms).
• Customizable
• Safe exhaust system to extract Sulphur dioxide from the fumigation room and neutralizing Sulphur dioxide using a wet scrubber unit.
• Remove residue SO₂ inside the fumigation room after treatment.
• Ensure worker safety.
• Minimize air pollution caused due to SO₂ emission.

The modified wet scrubber unit by Helixionn Innovations thus will ensure safe fumigation of the product while facilitating uniform and rapid fumigation resulting in value addition to one of the most decorated spices in Sri Lanka – ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’.