Design and fabrication of a dual powered roasted groundnut peeling machine.

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.