Katha / Catechu from Cashew Testa (Kaju Chilka) & Khair Wood
SS FABRICATION designs and supplies complete Katha / Catechu extraction plants from
both traditional Khair wood and modern Cashew Nut Testa (kaju chilka).
Cashew testa contains 12–15% catechin + epicatechin by dry weight – the same bio‑actives
that give premium Khair wood Katha its value in paan, Ayurveda, nutraceutical and
cosmetic applications. [file:52]
Instead of discarding cashew testa as a low‑value by‑product, our solvent‑extraction
plants convert it into high‑purity Katha and catechin, using SS Fabrication’s continuous
falling‑film solvent recovery system for low steam consumption and high solvent
recovery (typically 82–90%). [file:52]
Why Cashew Testa Katha Is a Stronger Business Case
- No forest permit required – testa is generated entirely inside cashew factories as waste. [file:52]
- Year‑round availability in all major cashew belts (Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and others). [file:52]
- Lower raw‑material cost – typical testa price ~Rs 40–60/kg vs Rs 80–150/kg for Khair
chips (2025–26 figures). [file:52]
- Higher purity potential – solvent extraction plus fractional purification can reach
50–70%+ catechin content, opening pharma and cosmetic markets. [file:52]
- Better colour – pale amber to near‑white Katha possible with low‑temperature FFE
recovery, preferred in premium markets. [file:52]
Typical Yield – Kaju Chilka se Katha
With proper grinding, defatting and solvent extraction, 100 kg of well‑prepared cashew
testa (kaju chilka) can yield approximately 8–10 kg of Katha, depending on testa
quality and process optimisation. [file:52]
Process Route – Cashew Testa Katha (Solvent Extraction)
- Testa reception & preparation: moisture check, inspection, grinding in hammer mill /
pulveriser to fine powder for high extraction yield. [file:52]
- Defatting & pre‑treatment: optional oil removal step to avoid sticky Katha, off‑odour
and poor shelf life. [file:52]
- Solvent extraction: jacketed SS316 extractors with agitators dissolve catechin,
tannins and polyphenols into solvent miscella. [file:52]
- Solid–liquid separation: filter press or centrifuge separates spent testa from
miscella for recovery. [file:52]
- FFE‑based solvent recovery: SS316 falling film evaporator under vacuum
(around 45–55 °C, −0.08 MPa) recovers most of the solvent while protecting catechin
from thermal degradation. [file:52]
- Crystallisation: concentrated aqueous extract cooled in crystallisation tanks for
Katha (catechin) to separate from tannin‑rich liquor. [file:52]
- Filter press separation & washing: plate‑and‑frame filter press gives Katha cake;
multiple cold‑water washes improve whiteness and paste value. [file:52]
- Drying & finishing: vacuum tray dryer and ambient curing to final moisture,
then block or tablet moulding and packing. [file:52]
Key Equipment in a Cashew Testa Katha Plant
- Pulveriser / hammer mill for testa grinding (500–2000 kg/hr). [file:52]
- SS316 jacketed solvent extractors (2,000–20,000 L) with agitators. [file:52]
- Miscella tanks, membrane filters and plate‑and‑frame filter presses. [file:52]
- SS316 falling film evaporator or WVR unit for solvent duty, plus condensers,
receivers and vacuum system. [file:52]
- Crystallisation tanks with cooling coils, vacuum tray dryer and optional spray dryer
for high‑grade catechin powder. [file:52]
- Explosion‑proof electrical panels, solvent storage, chiller and scrubber systems to
meet ATEX / PESO safety requirements. [file:52]
Khair Wood Katha & Cutch Plants
For clients who prefer conventional Khair wood, SS Fabrication also delivers complete
Katha + Cutch plants from 5 TPD to 25+ TPD of Khair heartwood chips, including
debarking, chipping, water‑boiling extraction, falling‑film or WVR evaporation, Katha
crystallisation and Cutch block / powder production. [file:52]
A typical Khair plant yield is 5 kg Katha and 14 kg Cutch per 100 kg of good‑quality
heartwood chips, with catechin content meeting IS 4359:1967 specifications for
commercial Katha. [file:52]
Turnkey Delivery – What You Receive
- Feasibility study: raw material, capacity, target grade and market review. [file:52]
- Process design and P&IDs tailored to your testa source and target catechin grade. [file:52]
- Complete in‑house equipment fabrication at Sonipat with full QC. [file:52]
- Civil and structural layout, foundation and utility connection drawings. [file:52]
- ATEX / PESO compliant electrical and instrumentation for solvent plants. [file:52]
- Erection, commissioning, operator training and SOP documentation. [file:52]
- After‑sales support, spare parts and yield‑improvement consultancy. [file:52]
Download Detailed Technical Brochure
For a complete 30+ page technical guide covering Khair, Cashew Testa and Gambier
Katha plants – including flow diagrams, equipment sizing ranges and investment notes –
download our brochure.
Download Katha Plant Brochure
Plan Your Cashew Testa Katha Project
Share your daily cashew input, estimated testa availability and target product grade
with our engineering team for a free feasibility assessment and layout concept. [file:52]
Call +91 93122 84317 or email ssfabindia.bkj@gmail.com to get started.