Learning beyond the classroom is one of the best ways to broaden students' knowledge. With this objective, the students of Sri Prakash Vidya Niketan, Tuni, visited Sri Durga Traders & Manufacturing Unit, a small-scale industry located at S. Annavaram Village, as part of an educational field trip.
The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to witness the extraction of Cashew Nut Shell Oil (CNSL) from cashew shell waste. They gained practical knowledge of how an agricultural by-product is transformed into a valuable industrial raw material.
Senior Mechanic Mr. Kalidas Naidu conducted an informative demonstration of the entire manufacturing process. He explained how cashew shell waste is collected from various processing units, processed using specialized machinery, and converted into crude oil. He also shared that nearly 300 kilograms of crude oil can be extracted from one tonne of cashew shell waste, and that the unit provides employment to around 50 workers.
Students were fascinated to learn about the diverse industrial applications of Cashew Nut Shell Oil. They discovered that CNSL is widely used in the manufacture of paints and varnishes, brake linings, clutch plates, adhesives, synthetic resins, rubber products, friction materials, wood preservatives, insecticides, pesticides, printing inks, corrosion-resistant coatings, electrical insulation materials, leather-processing chemicals, and many other industrial products because of its excellent heat resistance, durability, and protective properties.
The interactive session encouraged students to ask questions, clear their doubts, and appreciate the importance of sustainable utilization of industrial waste. The visit enhanced their understanding of industrial processes, environmental conservation, and the practical applications of science and technology.