Copra and its Preparation 409 



partitions into several sections as shown on the 

 drawing. A passage way, with a sliding door 

 leading to each section, runs the length of the 

 building. The sections themselves each have 

 a central gangway on either side of which the 

 drying racks are fixed. These racks are of 

 wire netting and are about 3 ft. 6 in. wide and 

 arranged in tiers about 9 in. apart. 



The " Chula " heater is fixed outside under 

 a lean-to, and the fan blows the hot air into a 

 large pipe running the length of the building 

 from which smaller pipes branch out under- 

 neath the drying racks. These branch pipes 

 are provided with outlets controlled by sliding 

 shutters to regulate the air discharge. Each 

 branch pipe is also provided with a main valve 

 by means of which the hot air can be cut off 

 from any section, for charging and discharging, 

 without interfering with any other section. 

 The hot air passes upwards through the racks 

 and escapes under pressure to the roof space, 

 whence it is exhausted at the ridge ventilator. 



