Abstract:
The research topic of design and construction of a manually operated passion fruit pulper was aimed at solving the challenges associated traditional methods of extracting passion fruit pulp.
These methods involve too much of direct touching of the fruit which is unsafe as a result of cross contamination from the hands to the fruit.
In order to successfully achieve the main objective of the research topic work was done in steps, which among others included data collection, designing of machine components (with Information from text books, journals, lectures notes, consultations & discussions), material selection, fabrication, life cycle assessment as well as machine testing. Soft-wares such as Solid edge and Microsoft Word package. Were used in making, organizing and compiling information while tools/equipment like lathe machine, tape measure, scriber, angle cutter, drilling machine, rolling machine, electrodes, electronic weighing scale, measuring cylinders were used during fabrication and testing of the machine; the results of the study show' an efficiency of 2:91% and pulping capacity of 9. 42841itires per hour for the manually operated passion fruit pulper which was compared to 7();50%a nd3.893-4 litres per hour for the traditional method. Also the fabricated machine in this research topic restricts direct body contact with passion fruits during extraction and therefore, avoiding contamination of pulp. In addition, the machine is environmentally friendly.
Such a machine idea is an important mode in promoting economic growth. This so because health is an important fact which can easily be serviced and maintained from the cheap available and simple passion fruits.
