Design and fabrication of a pineapple leaf fibre extracting machine.

Abstract

The rudimentary techniques of extracting PALF are faced with various constraints such as longer extraction time and poor fibre production rate. The barriers associated with traditional methods of extracting fibers will be over came by utilizing this PALF Extracting machine. The methods employed involved design, selection of appropriate materials, fabrication and assembly of the various components of the machine. Most decorticating machines, extract fibers from sisal and plantain (banana stems) with a few machines extracting from pineapple leaves. The existing semi-mechanical extractors do not cater for clearance adjustment between the rotor and working area which is mostly a fixed roller, thus this does not cater for differences in thickness of the different leaves. Thus, this PALF extracting machine will allow for clearance adjustment and reduce cutting of fibers during extraction. In addition, the automatic extractors are bulky and their fibers are not clean thus need washing with water after extraction. This PALF constructed machine will save on the extracting time, ensure increased fiber production in comparison to the manual method and obtainable at a lower cost. The PALF extractor is affordable to local people and can be easily repaired and maintained. The PALF extractor is powered by an electric motor of 3 hp and had an efficiency of 52.08 % with a throughput capacity of 5.24 kgh^(-1) of fiber. The machine can also be powered by an engine system. Upon testing, pineapple leaves directly from the garden were used. This machine can also be used to extract fibers from the banana stems, sisal leaves, jute and other natural fiber sources.