Source: The Hindu

10/08/2017 – Tall-stepped chimneys of rice mills dot the landscape of the Cauvery delta region. For passersby, these stacks bring to the mind a warm feeling of hot steaming rice. However, for those who live near the mills the stacks are just unburnt husk and ash.

 

In an effort to bring to an end the air pollution caused by the use of husk and firewood, the Indian Oil Corporation is now working with rice mill owners in the delta region to use LPG. Two mills in Sirkali area have already converted to the clean fuel and at least 50 more have evinced interest.

 

Sources in IOCL said that the two mills converted to LPG-fired drying units after about six months of trial. “We had to get the pressure and flow rate correct. The system resembles a reticulated gas system with 24 cylinders each weighing 47.5 kg and a regulator. If too much pressure is used the paddy will be burnt. Now with optimum heat being supplied, the rice does not break,” explained an official.

 

Benefits aplenty

“There are a host of benefits in this conversion. We can sell the husk at ₹3 per kg instead of burning it. Also, LPG costs less than husk. Water used in the drying process can be saved too as every hour, some 500 litres is used to run the radiator. The electricity needed to run the dryer and manpower used to shovel in the husk are all saved,” explained M. Aravind, whose family runs the Dhanalakshmi Modern Rice Mill in Thirukarukavur in Sirkali.

 

M. Chitra of Thayagam Indane Gas Agency, Kuttalam in Mayiladuthurai, said that in both the mills, the owners were very receptive. “However, they continue to use husk-based boilers which causes more expenses. The boiler has to be replaced. Also, in the 20-22 hours of daily operations, boiling is done only for three hours,” she explained.