Production of an improved power factor low noise maize mill for small scale millers in Uganda

Abstract

This report describes the design and construction of a high power factor low noise maize mill utilizing materials that were sourced locally aimed at meeting the demands of the food industry. The developed machine was aimed at assisting in the grinding of maize into whole meal flour that has the capability of serving the desired demand and quality. The maize hammer mill has the ability to accommodate various grain particle sizes as required through the holes of the sieve positioned beneath the hammer assembly. The grinding process is achieved by actions of the hammers in beating the material (maize grains) fed into it. The fineness to be achieved depends on the perforated hole size of the detachable screen (sieve). This maize mill operates at a power factor of 0.90 and runs with appreciably less noise (89 dB) having a milling efficiency of 91.2%. The design and construction was done by Solid works software designs which were then used as a basis for fabrication processes such as measurement, cutting, machining among others. This machine cost an initial investment of Ugx 5,000,000 including the power system having a probability index of 16.4. It was also noted that for better results, stainless steel material should be adopted as well as a vibration damping material for machine installation to damp as much vibrations as possible.