FOCUS : TECHNOLOGIES FOR INFORMAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES

Project: Assessment of technological Solutions for improvement of working environment in silk reeling units

Funded By: SERI partners forum of the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation

Duration: 

The SERI Partners Forum is an association of all project partners working in projects supported by Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation who had implemented projects in post cocoon sericulture (silk reeling, dyeing, weaving etc.). The SERI Partners Forum continues to focus on projects that improve the livelihoods and working environments in post cocoon sericulture. 

Prolonged exposure to steam containing sericin from reeling basins causes respiratory problems among workers in reeling units. Currently, the steam escapes into the working environment. Also, most of the units (indoor) are poorly ventilated. The project has developed hoods (chimneys) and accessories that are retrofitted to the existing oven so as to eject steam away from the reeler. Hoods for both charakha and cottage units have been developed. Axial flow fans have been selected to ensure that the power consumed is the lowest possible. Data collected shows that the power consumed is less than Rs 1 per kg of silk reeled. 

Nine hoods have been installed (3 each in Charakha, Italian and Ramanagaram type reeling units). User response to the hoods were assessed. It was found that the hood increased comfort levels of the operators and the placement was suitable as it did not obstruct movement / reeling operations. Maximum benefit has been reported from the Ramanagaram type units and owners of reeling units are agreeable to paying the cost of electricity for operation of the hoods. The Department of Sericulture Govt. of Karnataka has also expressed an interest in the product.