Conference Paper

THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A CHARCOAL-POWERED FISH SMOKING KILN: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR SMALL-SCALE PROCESSORS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the design and construction of a charcoal-powered fish smoking kiln aimed at improving fish preservation methods in local communities. Fish, being a vital source of high-quality protein, requires efficient and hygienic preservation techniques to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food safety. The charcoal-powered smoking kiln was developed using mild steel sheets for the main structure and lagged with 25 mm thick fiber insulation to minimize heat loss and enhance energy efficiency. The smoking trays were fabricated from galvanized wire mesh to support uniform smoke distribution and drainage of fish oils. Key fabrication processes involved measuring, marking out, cutting, bending, and welding to assemble a kiln with dimensions of 915 mm × 610 mm × 1220 mm, fitted with front-access doors for easy loading and unloading of fish. The kiln operates within an enclosed chamber that retains heat effectively, ensuring consistent smoking conditions. Performance evaluation was conducted using three different fish samples, and the rate of heat transfer, smoking duration, and overall drying efficiency were analyzed. The result demonstrated that the charcoal-powered kiln provides a cost-effective, durable, and efficient method for fish preservation, making it suitable for small-scale fish processors in rural and semi-urban areas. Keywords: Charcoal-powered kiln, Fish Smoking, Fish Preservation, Energy-efficient Design, Small-scale Processing.