2. with centralized processing facilities would also be
Short Path Distillation
reduced. For customers where extended production
Evaporator Elements
is assured, the trailer can be converted to a modular
pod.
High-Speed Coconut Processing Feed Tank with
Midstream processing speed is determined by Wiper Basket Motor Heating Jacket
upstream output. Engineers have been searching for
a mechanized upstream solution, but to date, have
not discovered a scalable system for de-shelling and
peeling. When semi-automated de-shelling becomes Feed Inlet &
available, factory system design could change Distribution Plate
dramatically.
Evaporator Evaporator
Wiper Basket
A high but steady volume of freshly peeled coconut Heating Jacket
Evaporator Internal
kernel would demand a high speed shredding line. A Jacketed
Condenser Coil
semi-automated coconut shredding line would sustain Residue Section Vacuum Outlet to
Vacuum Pump
production momentum and provide a consistent
Cold Trap
quality of freshly pressed coconut kernel milk. In this
scenario, factory output would ultimately be dictated
by the speed of the de-shelling and kernel peeling Residue Receiver
Flask
machinery. Distillate
Receiver Flask
Production speeds of 500,000 nuts per day would
now be achievable with proper factory design and Cold Trap
Receiver Flask
available investment. Production volumes would be
less dependent on strenuous repetitive tasks. Worker
stress would be reduced and factory workers would Coconut Water Extraction Automation
enjoy an improved quality of work life. A newer The demand for immature coconut water
and simplified production process would benefit beverages is expanding globally. Some producers
management and factory workers for sustainable are importing coconuts from other nations to keep
production of coconut products. up with production demand. Some factories have
implemented water extraction machines but none are
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Production widely available on the open market. The demand for
Quality of virgin coconut oil using the wet process is water extraction machinery has increased in the last
highly dependent on testa removal before shredding 24 months. Farmers, small beverage producers, and
the fresh coconut kernel. VCO could be processed new startups desire to offer fresh coconut water at
with less heat, reduced color, and efficient removal of vacation resorts.
water and moisture.
A coconut water extraction machine that can pierce
A simple, affordable technology, with reduced the husk and hard shell is needed. Mechanization
process time and efficiency is needed. Certified VCO would improve the supply chain for offering coconut
and approved food science offers verifiable quality water as a stock beverage base. Food safe, HACCP,
of coconut oil. New VCO processing standards and all stainless steel construction is necessary for
would create higher quality products importers and consistent product quality and product availability.
consumers are demanding. Bulk packaging of coconut
oil could offer improved product appeal similar to Reliable and easily maintainable equipment would
high quality olive oil. invite more beverage competition. Processors could
focus more time on new methods for sterilization,
blending, and new product formulation. Beverage
producers are seeking the most authentic and natural
taste similar to freshly extracted coconut water. Micro
or transportable sterilization technology could enable
processing and de-watering of green coconuts in the
field.
Intermodal Farms A New Era for Coconut Processing March 2012
3. One machine running eight hours per day could via online auctioning of virgin coconut oil, desiccated
produce 3,600 liters of fresh coconut water. Factories coconut and whole fruit for export.
would only be limited by the supply of coconuts. This
would increase the demand for mechanical assisted A New Coconut Nation
coconut harvesting. So what would the new coconut nation be? • A
highly efficient harvest community • Small and large
Coconut Palm Harvester farmers alike having equal access to growth and
Height of trees, worker stress, and the potential of prosperity • Improved empowerment for producers
serious tree climbing injuries, has resulted in less and farmers equal access to capital • Affordable
workers returning to this demanding job. Consistent mobile factory technology for commerce expansion •
harvest production rates remain a challenge. A variety Better management of coconut palms and confident
of climbing machines are being developed, but none delivery of premium fruit the market demands •
have been widely adopted. Utilizing remote process factories for higher quality
beverage and milk products • An ever growing
What would the ideal harvester be? What would be product selection for beverage and food products.
its performance attributes? Imagine a harvester to • Improved quality of life for all workers in the
have full palm crown access, climb trees 30-45 feet in supply chain • Better working hours • Improved and
40 seconds, include safety harnesses, and have a daily organized export capability • Recognized products for
potential of 70 palm trees per day. the purpose of improved health • Improved consumer
Consistent harvest levels could be maintained, and perception that the coconut is an amazing source of
worker confidence and safety would be improved. nutrition • The Tree of Life should be known to more
Harvest levels could be achieved even when the people on this planet —thus providing all the benefits
availability of trained coconut tree climbers is limited. to man and woman, for more abundant life and
With several harvesters, harvest areas could be health.
expanded and workforce levels maintained due to a
safer work environment. Where frequent harvesting
is required, easier daily toddy collection from coconut Intermodal Farms provides engineering and system
palms could improve harvest volumes, and coconut integration of complete end-to-end solutions for fixed
sugar production. and mobile coconut processing factories—including
harvesting, de-shelling, peeling, green coconut water
Coconut Online Community extraction systems, coconut milk and virgin coconut
How can the coconut industry community oil processing systems. For more information contact
professionals and farmers collaborate on future us at info@intermodalfarms.com.
projects? The APCC and other organizations could
benefit from an organizational intranet specifically for
use by professionals.
This would provide wider online collaboration for
establishing project rooms, where professionals can
work from abroad regarding projects. Peer-to-peer
conference calls, webinars, and news feeds are just a
few ways professionals can be connected in the digital
world.
International professional directories, event
calendars, and new technology press releases
could be hosted from a single digital presence. A
international commercial producer directory of every
nation in Asia Pacific would be widely accepted.
This would benefit exporters, importers, and
consumers for searching, selling and promoting new
coconut products. If a product directory was offered,
nutritionally focused consumers would easily promote
and spread the word via Facebook and Twitter. Live
commodity posted prices would also benefit farmers
March 2012 A New Era for Coconut Processing Intermodal Farms
