Dirai Sulfur Fumigation Facility for Small-Scale Rattan Craftsmen in Ghana

Abstract

For Ghana to be competitive in the global rattan handicraft industry, it is a sine qua non to ensure that the aesthetic quality, structural strength and durability of the products are in the top notch. Descriptive survey studies have, however, shown that about 85 % of small-scale manufactures in the rattan industry in Ghana do not fumigate rattan stems against biodegradation because they cannot afford standard large scale fumigation facilities. The objective of this research material is to design and construct an appropriate effective and efficient sulfur fumigation facility as a solution to the poor fumigation methods adopted by small-scale local craftsmen, and some research institutions that use rattan stems as raw material in Ghana. A high fuming preservative and sulfur treatment facility was designed and built with locally obtainable materials - mild steel plate, locally composed high density insulating bricks, metal mesh, compressed fiber gasket and locally manufactured regulated gas burners rated at 160, 000 joules. Twenty-four hour sulfur fumigation of rattan stems from the innovative facility showed remarkable vivid chromatic change and invulnerability to pests, borers or fungi.

Keywords: Rattan, sulfur, fumes, preservation, biodegradation