Design and Development of a Modernized Cassava Grating Machine

Aim: To improve the production rate of a grating machine through careful modifications to the design specifications of the existing one. The objective of the study was to develop a modernized cassava grating machine with a high-performance rate and high-quality output at a minimum time and economical cost.

Study Design: The mesh surface area and the selection of proper construction materials were the two significant areas considered for modification. Stainless steel was chosen for fabricating the drum, perforated sheet, hopper, and shaft due to its reliability, durability, and resistance to corrosion.

Place and Duration: Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between August 2020 and October 2022

Methodology: Detailed design drawings of the machine components were drawn with Solidworks 2019. The machine components were machined and assembled. We used an electric motor of 1hp and 1450rpm to transmit a torque of 4.94Nm that caused rotational motion on the shaft for effective and efficient meshing of the cassava roots.

Results: The performance analysis showed that the large mesh surface area significantly affects the pulp's production rate. The larger the mesh surface, the larger the quantity of cassava roots to mesh into pulp. The production rate of the modified grating machine was found to be 454.55kg/hr. and the time saved while meshing 100kg of cassava roots was 0.05 hours compared to the existing ones. The result showed that the machine has optimal performance and produces the intended quality in a reduced time with an efficiency of 95.12%.

Conclusion: Construction of the machine was carried out with improved design specifications. A careful selection of construction materials helps to achieve the stated objectives. We recommend this machine to all homes for domestic use because of its durability, reliability, affordability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to mesh a large quantity of cassava roots in a reduced time.