Portable Cacao Bean Separator

University of Mindanao

College of Engineering Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

A Research Paper Presented to

Engr. Bacus, Delan ME

ME 418/D: Machine Design 1

(03131)

Submitted By:

Luster John Rojas

Deteu Cabadonga
 I. Introduction

The Philippines was popular in terms of planting vegetables, it is because of our weather

condition that makes our country to be an agricultural country. Among these suited crops to be

grown in the country is cacao. In Davao Region, cacao or theobroma cacao is one the promising

crops in Mindanao island, which the soil quality is best for planting cacao trees. The Philippines is

said to be the first country in Asia that planted Cacao, which is the most likely import such,

chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa powder, cocoa beans, and cocoa butter. Most major company in the

country, not all local production is being import cacao beans from other countries. It is reported that

the Philippines import 50,000 MT of cocoa products to the local demand of the other countries

(Philippine Cacao Industry Road Map, 2017-2022). Cacao beans is the main ingredient of chocolate

production, most likely use in cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, cocoa liquor, cocoa cake, cocoa butter,

and etc. In our local industry there are only 3 variety of cacao which is most commonly cultivar

grown by the farmers, these are Criollo, Forastero and the Trinitario. This variety can be found in

all countries that supply cocoa production, and only 10% of the world’s cacao supply (Philippine

Cacao Industry Road Map, 2017-2022).

Cacao is full of vitamins, antioxidants is the most known vitamins that cacao holds it. Many

beauty products that make a super food or a natural multivitamin. Both local and international cocoa

products trade to the market nowadays (Philippine Cacao Industry Road Map, 2017-2022). there are

several studies already published in relation to cacao post-harvest automation. A group of

Mechanical Engineering students published a highly productive, cost efficient and environmentally

friendly cacao splitting machine (Adzimah S. et al 2010). However, no such specific items that will
lead to cacao sorter. Cacao sorter is quite different to another sorting mechanism since the beans of

cacao is spherical in shape (Bean Sorting Device, 2008). Many designs of cacao sorter machine can

be locate and produce agri- mechanical store most of the cacao folks still operating the traditional

and less efficient matter which is manual classification.

II. Objectives

The main objective of the study is to design small-scale mechanical cacao

beans sorting machine. Specifically, to design and fabricate a sorting mechanism of

cacao beans based on cacao buying standards . Second is to to conduct a function test

with regards to its sorting capabilities as well as conduct statistical analytics to its

categorizing efficiency.

III. Conceptual Framework

Designing

and Cacao Bean

Classification of
Separator
bean size quality Conduct a
Functionality Test

IV. Methodology

This research is conducted by the sequence of step by step actions constituting

to the overall procedure of the objective’s research.
Research Design

The researchers implemented a quantitative research. It means that it is a systematic

empirical investigation which is gaining knowledge by direct or indirect observation or

experiences, then employs a mathematical values to effectively design the machine being

studied.

Design Process

The design process is where the researchers need to formulate a plan and create

a general scenario of the research. This involves the general attributions of the

mechanical components of the machine base on the reference concept of the machine.

V. Results and Findings

The results and findings of the design is applicable in the real world. The portable
separator still uses human effort. It uses a shaft in order to separate the cacao bean in
rotational force.

Figure 1. Design Structure (Cacao Bean Separator)

Figure 2. Uppercase

Figure 3. Paddle
Specification of the materials

Figure 3. Coupling
42
1

VI. CONCLUSION

Conclusion:

In conducting the research, we conclude that the process of designing a portable cacao bean separator is
to check the designated cacao beans to design components of the machine will work properly. This will be
done by sorting the cacao bean in its maximum width, design the machine to separate in a proper way
adjustments to be done for the result of the test.

VII. Appendix

(Calculations)

Properties of AISI 1040

Tensile strength, ultimate 415 MPa
Tensile strength, yield ( 315 MPa
Shear strength ( 84 MPa
Shear modulus (G) 80 GPa
Density 7850 kg/m3
Table.2(weight specification)

Operational Weight 100 kg

Load Capacity 35 kg
Total Maximum Capacity 135 kg
Due to its Load the Maximum Torque
applied is 20.72N-m of its capacity to
work.
The required power in
order to operate is 2.17 Hp
or 3Hp.
 VIII. References

S. Adzimah, a and E. Asiam, “Design of a Cocoa Pod Splitting Machine,” Research Journal of Applied Sciences,

Engineering and Technology, pp. 622-634, 2010.

2017-2022 Philippine Cacao Industry Roadmap, Davao city: Department of Agriculture, 2016.

“Bean sorting device”. China Patent CNU2008201431866U, 14 11 2008.

Rothbart H. A. (1985). Mechanical Design and System Handbook. Edition. McGraw-Hill