Groundnut product demand is on the increase and the application is largely dependent on the cleanness of the nuts. The separation process is usually an energy-sapping task that requires a lot of time.

In order to separate the nuts from its shell effectively a shelling machine was developed. The machine employs an auger screw as a means of breaking the groundnut pod. The machine basically comprises of shelling chamber, separating chamber and a motor (1HP). The arrangement of these parts is connected by a compound belt of type B standard V-belt of pitch length 1694mm. With the Von-mises equation, the material for the shelling shaft is taken to be mild steel. The materials used in the fabrication of the machine are sourced locally so as to ensure that it is cheap, affordable and easily maintained by the peasant farmers. The shelling efficiency and material damage are 84% and 14% respectively for groundnut seeds of 86.5% dry.

Excerpt

1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Materials
2.2 Description of the Groundnut Shelling Machine
2.3 Design Analysis and Calculation

2.3.1 Determination of Crushing Power to Break the Pod
2.3.2 Determination of the Pulley Diameters
2.3.3 Determination of the length of the belt
2.3.4 Determination of Tension in the Belt
2.3.5 Determination of the bending moments acting on the shaft
2.3.6 Determination of the shaft diameter for auger
2.3.7 Determination of the shaft material
2.3.8 Determination of the size of power to drive the fan
2.3.9 Determination of auger capacity
2.3.10 Determination of a size of the key

2.4 Fabrication Process
2.5 Operation of the shelling machine
2.6 Performance Evaluation

3.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Objectives and Key Themes

This research aimed to design and fabricate a low-cost groundnut shelling machine using locally sourced materials, improving shelling capacity and efficiency compared to existing designs. The machine utilizes an auger shaft for pod crushing. The project evaluates the machine's performance based on shelling efficiency and material damage.

Design and fabrication of a cost-effective groundnut shelling machine.
Utilization of locally sourced materials for affordability and maintainability.
Improved shelling efficiency and reduced material damage compared to traditional methods.
Employing an auger shaft mechanism for efficient pod crushing.
Performance evaluation based on key metrics.

Chapter Summaries

1.0 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the groundnut (Arachis Hypogea) crop, its origins, and its importance in various regions, particularly in West Africa. It highlights the significance of efficient shelling and separation processes, contrasting traditional methods (stick beating, animal trampling, hand pressing) with their drawbacks (low efficiency, high energy consumption, labor intensiveness) against the need for improved mechanical shelling machines. The chapter sets the stage by noting the high cost and unavailability of existing shelling machines for small-scale producers and the need for a more affordable and effective solution. Previous research on groundnut physical properties and existing shelling machine designs are also briefly reviewed, leading to the justification for the current research aiming at a novel design.

2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS: This chapter details the materials selection and machine design process. The choice of locally-sourced materials emphasizes cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance for small-scale farmers. The chapter describes the machine's components (frame, hopper, shelling chamber, fan, etc.), their materials, and their functions. It includes a detailed explanation of the design calculations for critical components, such as the auger shaft, pulleys, belt length, and power requirements. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the engineering design and fabrication process, emphasizing the practical application of engineering principles to create a functional and efficient shelling machine. The chapter concludes with descriptions of the fabrication and operation of the machine, laying the groundwork for performance evaluation in subsequent chapters.

3.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION: (This section is intentionally omitted to avoid spoilers. This chapter would normally present the results of the machine's performance testing, analyzing the shelling efficiency and material damage, comparing them to the design objectives and those of existing technologies. It would discuss any discrepancies and factors affecting performance.)

Keywords

Groundnut, shelling machine, design, fabrication, efficiency, auger, locally sourced materials, cost-effective, performance evaluation, material damage.

Groundnut Shelling Machine Design and Fabrication: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of this document?

This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research project focused on the design and fabrication of a low-cost groundnut shelling machine. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.

What are the main objectives of the research project?

The primary goal is to design and build an affordable groundnut shelling machine using locally available materials. The project aims to improve shelling capacity and efficiency compared to traditional methods, minimizing material damage. A key element is the use of an auger shaft mechanism for efficient pod crushing.

What are the key themes explored in the research?

Key themes include cost-effectiveness through the use of locally sourced materials, improved shelling efficiency, reduction of material damage, the application of an auger shaft mechanism, and a thorough performance evaluation of the designed machine.

What are the different chapters and their content?

Chapter 1 (Introduction): Introduces groundnut cultivation, its importance, and the limitations of traditional shelling methods. It justifies the need for a more efficient and affordable mechanical shelling machine. Chapter 2 (Materials and Methods): Details the materials selection, machine design, fabrication process, and operation. It includes comprehensive design calculations for key components. Chapter 3 (Result and Discussion): (Summary omitted to avoid spoilers) This chapter would present the performance evaluation results, comparing them to design objectives and existing technologies. Chapter 4 (Conclusion and Recommendations): (Not detailed in preview).

What materials were used in the machine's construction?

The research emphasizes the use of locally sourced materials to ensure affordability and ease of maintenance for small-scale farmers. Specific materials are detailed in Chapter 2.

What is the mechanism used for shelling the groundnuts?

The machine utilizes an auger shaft mechanism for efficient crushing of the groundnut pods.

How was the machine's performance evaluated?

The performance evaluation focused on shelling efficiency and the level of material damage. Specific methods and results are detailed in Chapter 3 (summary omitted).

What are the key benefits of the designed shelling machine?

The key benefits are its low cost, utilization of locally sourced materials, improved shelling efficiency compared to traditional methods, reduced material damage, and the use of an efficient auger shaft mechanism.

What are the keywords associated with this research?