Abstract:
This project report comprises of four chapters; Chapter one presents background to worldwide
groundnut production and consumption with specific emphasis on Uganda’s progress in
groundnut production.
The problem considered in this study is presented in the problem statement and the
justification, objectives and scope of the study are also presented.
Chapter two discusses the details of the various aspects involved in groundnut
production with emphasis on the aspect of peeling the roasted groundnut and the operation of
the existing groundnut peeling machines are presented
In relation to the objectives of this study, the methods and procedures that were followed in
order to come up with the design of a dual powered roasted groundnut peeling machine, the
procedures that were used to fabricate and test the performance of the prototype were also
handled.
The capacity of the fabricated roasted groundnuts peeling machine was 120kg/hr. the machine
runs on a single phase two horse power motor with speed of 1440rpm and frequency of 50Hz.
The peeling efficiency of the machine when operated manually is 83.3% and the losses were
0.335kg. The losses in the machine are due to difference in the groundnut sizes, moisture
content, and losses due to improper setting of the allowance between the drum and the
adjustment plate.
During operation using a motor the efficiency was 87.35% and the losses were 0.225kg.
The machine returns UGX 2 for every unit UGX shilling invested in it. The peeling machine is
affordable and used on small scale. However, to reduce on the losses, it’s recommended that one
should roast the groundnuts to their proper moisture content 2-5 dry bulb temperature, proper
adjustment of the machine.
