CERTIFICATION

The undersigned certify that he has read the project titled: Design and Manufacture of
Groundnut shelling Machine. In the fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of
Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering of Dar es salaam Institute of Technology.

…………………..

Madam A.K.SHARISHOY

(Project supervisor)

i
 DECLARATION

I, Joseph Pagulo (120545422821), declare to the best of my knowledge that this project which is
the part of the module to be covered in the award of Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering is my
own work and has neither been copied from anywhere nor presented in any Institution of higher
learning for any award. Some of the information I have exhausted from various books, lecture
notes and other being browsed from internet.

……………….

Joseph Pagulo

ii
 ABSTRACT

This project work is on the design and manufacturing of a groundnut shelling machine. This is
the machine designed to remove the shell of the groundnut and separating the shelled groundnut
from their crushed pods. Shelling and separating in developing country like Tanzania is mostly
carried out manually using the hands in which the pod is pressed between the thumb and the first
finger to release seeds. Apart from being labour intensive method, using hand it lead to sore
syndrome and damage of hand when large quantity are handled.

Several efforts have been made to develop effective shelling machines in India, China, Mexico
Nigeria, Zambia and in some parts of Africa such as Nigeria, Zambia and other areas in World
effort made, most exiting machines have come up with low efficiency and are more costly. They
have not met the desired ability due to varieties shapes of groundnut. This machine intends to
rectify the shortcomings of existing manually and electrical operated machine. A manually
operated machine is designed and it possess roller shaft as the main part which create the
crushing chamber. The groundnut are shelled through crushing as the main roller shaft rotates.
The machine also do not separate the shelled groundnut from pods this make the small scale
farmer to consume a lot of time by taking the shelled groundnut to winnow them.This report
involves literature review, methodology, data collection, data analysis and conclusion and
recommendation. Through literature review the currently shelling methods and different shelling
of groundnut machine were reviewed. In methodology various methods to achieve the project are
discussed and through data collection the data were collected from Kariakoo market, Tanzania
brush limited, SIDO at Vingunguti and Gerezani in order to observe the available shelling
methods and the advantage and disadvantage of each method. Various parts were designed after
analyzing the data collected.

Using the above data, various methods for the shelling of groundnut had been considered and
preliminary designs made. The development of this machine will bring to an end the manual
methods of the shelling process which is a limitation on the large scale production of processed
groundnut.

iii
iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Madam A.K Sharishoy for her
guidance, encouragement, enthusiastic throughout this work. She was always there when I
need a help, not only in academics, but also in all aspects of my student life at Dar es salaam
institute of technology.
My special thanks are given to Dr Malifedha who is a Project Coordinator of Department of
Mechanical Engineering at Dar es salaam institute of Technology, Dr mgonja, Dr Mbunga and
Dr Kaena(project lecturer) for their advices, comments, encouragements and helpful supports
during the beginning of the Project Presentation.

I would like to acknowledge all Lecturers and colleagues of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Dar es salaam institute of Technology (DIT) for their assistance, advice and
cooperation for completion of this work..

A special note of recognition and appreciation goes to Higher Education Student Loan
Board (HESLB) for financial support throughout my studies.

I would like also to thank My family and friends for their advice, involvement and
corporation which enabled me to gather various information concerned my project during data
collection.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION........................................................................................................................................i
DECLARATION.........................................................................................................................................ii
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..........................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................................vii
LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................................................viii
LIST OF ABBREVIATION.......................................................................................................................ix
CHAPTER ONE..........................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background...........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Problem Statement.................................................................................................................................3
1.3 Project objectives...................................................................................................................................4
1.3.2 Specific objectives............................................................................................................................4
1.4 Significance of the project....................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................................................5
2.2 Groundnut............................................................................................................................................10
2.2 .1 Types of groundnut..........................................................................................................................10
2.2.2 Shelling process of various types of groundnut................................................................................11
2.3 Different existing machines.................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER THREE...................................................................................................................................13
METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Visiting................................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Consultation.........................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Literature review.................................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER FOUR.....................................................................................................................................15

v
DATA COLLECTION..............................................................................................................................15
4.1 Visiting design industries and literature review...................................................................................15
4.2 Materials..............................................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER FIVE.......................................................................................................................................17
DATA ANALYSIS...................................................................................................................................17
5.1 Design specification............................................................................................................................17
5.1 Design Development...........................................................................................................................17
5.2 Selection of best alternative.................................................................................................................18
5.2.1 Alternative A....................................................................................................................................18
5.2.1.1 Advantages................................................................................................................................19
5.2.1.2 Disadvantages................................................................................................................................19
5.2.2 Alternative B....................................................................................................................................20
5.2.2.1 Advantages................................................................................................................................20
5.2.2.2 Disadvantages............................................................................................................................21
5.2.3 Alternative C....................................................................................................................................21
5.2.5 Disadvantages...................................................................................................................................22
5.4 Determining the weight factor.............................................................................................................23
5.6 Generation of the engineering drawing.......................................................................................30
Several engineering drawing have been drawn in order to facilitate the design and manufacturing of
the groundnut shelling machine. All the drawing has been attached on the appendices of this report.
...........................................................................................................................................................30

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. 1 Villagers of Simiyu region harvesting the groundnut from the farm...........................1
Figure 1. 2 Showing the structure of hard surface of groundnut (pods) www.kilimo.go.tz..........2
Figure 1. 3 showing the kernels of groundnut(www.kilimo.go.tz)................................................2
Figure 1. 4 Showing the villagers of Simiyu region are shelling groundnuts by using hands......3
Figure 1. 5 Manually operated groundnut desheller machine........................................................4
Figure 2. 1 Showing groundnut shelling machine (source www.alibaba.com)............................11
Figure 3. 1 Groundnut shelling and cleaning machine found at Ubungo business park..............13
Figure 5. 1 Shelling and separating of groundnut machine..........................................................17
Figure 5. 2 Shelling of groundnut by using roller shaft................................................................19
Figure 5. 3 Shelling of groundnut by using rotating abrasive drum............................................21

vii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 2. 1 Average for groundnut area production and pod yield in Africa...................................6
Table 2. 2 Average for groundnut area, production and pod yield released in Tanzania................7
Table 4. 1 Parts and proposed materials........................................................................................14
Table 4. 2 Shows the production of groundnut from 2001 to 2005 in tones.................................15
Table 5. 1 Average marks for Alternative A.................................................................................18
Table 5. 2 Average marks for Alternative B..................................................................................20
Table 5. 3 Average marks for Alternative C..................................................................................22
Table 5. 4 Weight factor................................................................................................................22
Table 5. 5 Ranking the design alternative.....................................................................................23

viii
 LIST OF ABBREVIATION

Abbreviation description

1. SIDO - Small industries Development Organization

2. VETA - vocational education and training authority
3. NTA -National Technical Awards
4. ME -Mechanical Engineering
5. THEIJES - The International Journal of engineering and science
6. W - Watts
7. KG -Kilogram
8. M -Meter
9. KW - Kilowatt
10. T - Torque
11. P -Power

ix
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Groundnut is the essential oilseed crop in the world. It is cultivated by small holder farmers in
our country. It grown in north-east regions such as Morogoro, Dodoma and Singida. Also it
cultivated in Lake Zone places like Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu and other areas in Tanzania.
The groundnut seed is contained in pod, which is usually developed underground; the pod is
harvested by pulling or lifting the plant manually or by using hoe as the mechanization system.
The pods are dried, stored and processed. Shelling is the fundamental step in groundnut
processing as it allows the seed to be removed from their pods. The seeds released are used to
provide carbohydrate, protein, vitamin and other nutrients which are used to repair and maintain
the body tissues. The shells of groundnut (pods) are used as food for animal as- well- as hull
briquetting. Shelled groundnut in our country to remain at about Tsh 2500 a kilo or even higher
in some town. The roasted groundnut make good accompaniment to coffee and tea, nearly
everywhere in our urban centre particularly along the street, there are people vending roasted
groundnut measured out in small quantity like for Tsh 200, Tsh 300 and Tsh 500. Also
groundnut paste make quick sauce to be eaten with cooked bananas, cassava and other food staff.

Figure 1. 1 Villagers are harvesting the groundnut from the farm.

1
 Figure 1. 2 Showing the structure of hard surface of groundnut (pods) www.kilimo.go.tz

Figure 1. 3 showing the kernels of

groundnut(www.kilimo.go.tz)

2
1.2 Problem Statement

Shelling of groundnut in developing countries like Tanzania are much carried out manually
operated and by using hands. By using this methods it lead to the following problems:

i. Time consuming

ii. Low out-put produced per hour

iii. High human energy consumption during shelling

iv. Shelled groundnut are not separated from kernel

v. Tedious work when large quantity are handled

Figure 1. 4 Showing the villagers of Simiyu region are shelling groundnuts by using hands.

3
1.3 Project objectives
1.3.1 Main objective

The main objective is to design and manufacture of electrical powered groundnut Sheller
machine, so as to produce the high out-output of the groundnut shelled and separated.

1.3.2 Specific objectives

i. Studying the existing manually and electrical operated groundnut shelling machine with
related mechanism.

ii. Selection of materials.

iii. Manufacturing of prototype of groundnut shelling machine

iv. Testing of the manufactured prototype of groundnut shelling machine

1.4 Significance of the project

The machine that will be manufactured will possess the following advantages over existing
machine.

i. High outputs per hour will be produced

ii. It saves time and low demand of energy for operator

iii. High improved shelling capacity

iv. Easily of installation, operation and maintenance.

v. Human energy requirement is low

vi. Increase of the income in our country

4
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Groundnut area production

Literature Review gives an over view or act as corner stone of the project. It also gives the
information on the progress of development of various types of the existing machine. All this
information can be obtained from books, notes and internet. It will enable the gap to be
discovered so that further modification can take place to bridge the gap. To design equipments
for shelling and separating the groundnut then their physical properties must be known. Oje and
Ogbor (1991)

Groundnut is grown on nearly 23.95 million ha worldwide with the total production of 36.45
million tons and an average yield of 1520 kg/ha in 2009 (FAOSTAT 2011). China, India,
Nigeria, USA and Myanmar are the major groundnut growing countries. Developing countries in
Asia, Africa and South America account for over 97% of world groundnut area and 95% of total
production. Production is concentrated in Asia (50% of global area and 64% of global
production) and Africa (46% of global area and 28% of global production), where the crop is
grown mostly by smallholder farmers under rainfed conditions with limited inputs. Between
2000 and 2009, the annual global production increased marginally by 0.4%, the area by 0.3%
and yield by 0.1%

5
 Table 2. 1 Average for groundnut area production and pod yield in Africa

In Africa, unlike in the 1980s, groundnut production showed a good recovery during 2000-2009.
Yields increased from 600-800 kg/ha in the 1980s to 900-1050 kg/ha during 2000-2009 (Figure
2.1.2). In Nigeria and Ghana, groundnut yields were above 1000 kg/ha in 2009. Groundnut
production in WCA averaged 7.3 million tons (78% of Africa) from 72% of groundnut area in
Africa. Nigeria and Senegal are the largest producers in WCA accounting together for about 45%
of total African production. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are also important groundnut
producers. During 2000-2009, the groundnut area grew annually by 2.6% in Nigeria, but the
yield declined by 3.3% annually resulting in stagnation of groundnut production at 2.9 million
tons. In the same period, in Senegal, there was no apparent change in groundnut area (1 million
ha), production (1 million tons) and yield (around 960 kg/ha). An annual increase in yield of
3.3% in Ghana and 2.0% in Niger was recorded. In ESA, Tanzania (3.8% annual) and Malawi
(2.4% annual) showed substantial increase in yields between 2000 and 2009. In Sudan, yields
increased by 3.5% annually but the groundnut area declined by 5.5% annually

6
Table 2. 2 Average for groundnut area, production and pod yield released in Tanzania

7
At these parameters the machine capacity, shelling efficiency and percentage of breakage were
210.5kg-kernels/h, 98% and 5.3% respectively. The power consumption of the sheller ranged
from 1.0 to 1.1kW. Gore et al. (1990) classified the groundnut shellers, depending on their power
source, into manually operated and power-operated. Based on shelling action, the shellers could
be classified into reciprocating type and continuous or rotary type. The manually operated
groundnut shellers could be classified into three subclasses a) semi rotary type sheller, b) hand-
operated sheller with shelling cylinder which was rotated by hand, and c) foot operated sheller.
Abou El Kheir and Shoukr (1993) studied the effect of some operating parameters of sheller and
natural properties of crop material on shelling efficiency. The increase in number of drum
beaters from 4 to 8 increased the number of hits per unit time and increased shelling efficiency
from 74 to 80.6% at drum speed of 1.83m/s and from 87 to 92.5% at drum speed of 4.58m/s.
Shelling efficiency, using rubber drum, was less than that of both steel and wooden drum. Singh
(1993) tested two types of concave in manual sheller, the first was wire mesh concave and the
second was slotted grate. Shelling capacity with wire mesh concave was higher (86kg/h)
compared to that of slotted grate (60kg/h). This is due to increased opening area. For wire mesh
concave the shelling efficiency ranged from 83 to 89% compared to the slotted type, which
ranged from 82 to 84%. Also, the percentage of breakage ranged from 3.7 to 6.7% and from 8.4
to 12.6% for wire mesh and slotted grate respectively. Younis et al. (1997) developed a peanut
sheller. Results of the modified sheller evaluation indicated that breakage was reduced from 57
to 54%, cleaning efficiency increased from 67 to about 96%, and separation efficiency increased
from 28 to 93% compared to the original sheller. The total loss was also decreased from 57 to
about 4% compared to the original sheller. Helmy (2001) designed, built and evaluated a
reciprocating sheller to study the effect of some operating parameters on shelling peanut from the
pods. He concluded that, the peanut shelling efficiency was 95.44% at about 17.12%d.b.
moisture content when the box speed, the clearance and feed rate were 1.4m/s, 18mm and 80kg/h
respectively

8
Groundnut shelling machine

9
2.2 Groundnut
Groundnut (Arachis hypogeal L.) is known by many names including peanut, earthnut, monkey
nut and poor man’ nut. Although groundnut is native in South America, it is successfully grown
in other parts of the world and has come an important oil seed and food crop in tropical, sub
tropical and warm temperature zones. Most groundnuts is grown in India and China. Millions of
smallholder farmers in sub Sahara Africa also grow groundnut,, for food and as cash crop. The
groundnut originated in an area spanning southern Bolivia and northwest Argentina. Indian tribes
probably domesticated groundnut long before the Spanish Conquest. Spanish traders spread the
groundnut to Asia and Africa and it is now grown in over 100 countries around the world

2.2 .1 Types of groundnut

Although groundnut comes in many varieties, there are four basic market types: Runner,
Virginia, Spanish and Valencia. Each of the groundnut types is distinctive in size, flavor and
nutritional composition.

i. Runner

Runner have become the dominant type due to introduction in the early 1970’s of the
new runner variety, it is attractive, uniform kernel size. 55% of runners are used for
peanut butter. It is grown in Florida, Alabama and Georgia

ii. Virginia

The virginia have the largest kernel and account for most of the peanut roasted and
processed in the shell. It is grown in North Carolina and South Carolina

iii. Spanish

This groundnut has smaller kernels covered with a reddish-brown skin. They have a
higher oil contents than other types of groundnut. It is grown in Texas and Oklahoma.

10
 iv. Valencia

Valencia’s usually have three or more small kernels to a pod and are covered in
bright-red skin. They are very sweet groundnut and are usually roasted and sold in the
shell. It is grown in Mexico.

Within each four basic types of groundnut, there are several “varieties” for seed and production
purposes. Each variety contains distinct characteristics which allows a producer to select the
groundnut that is best suited for its region and market

2.2.2 Shelling process of various types of groundnut

At the begging the foreign material are separated with a series of screens, blowers, and magnets.
The cleaned peanuts are then sized with screens (size graders). Sizing is required so that peanut
pods can be crushed without also crushing the peanut kernels. Next, shells of the sized groundnut
are crushed, typically by passing the peanuts between rollers that have been adjusted for peanut
size. The gap between rollers must be narrow enough to crack the peanut hulls, but wide enough
to prevent damage to the kernels. A horizontal drum, with a perforated and ridged bottom and a
rotating beater, is also used to hull peanuts. The rotating beater crushes the Peanuts against the
bottom ridges, pushing both the shells and peanuts through the perforations. The Beater can be
adjusted for different sizes of peanuts, to avoid damaging the peanut kernels. Shells are aspirated
from the peanut kernels as they fall from the drum. The crushed shells and peanut kernels are
then separated with oscillating shaker screens and air separators. The separation process also
removes undersized kernels and split kernels. Following crushing and hull/kernel separation,
peanut kernels are sized and graded. Sizing and grading can be done by hand, but most mills use
screens to size kernels and electric eye sorters for grading. Electric eye sorters can detect
discoloration and can separate peanuts by color grades. The sized and graded peanuts are bagged
in 45.4-kg (100-lb) bags for shipment to end users, such as peanut butter plants and nut roasters.
Some peanuts are shipped in bulk in rail hopper cars.

11
2.3 Different existing machines

Figure 2. 1 Showing groundnut shelling machine (source www.alibaba.com)

12
 CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Visiting
Through visiting the workshops places where some of other machines are manufacturing such as
at Dar-es-Salaam(VETA, Ubungo bussines park, Ministry of Agricultural and Food and SIDO at
Vingunguti), Simiyu at Bariadi distric and Dodoma at Nkuhungu regions some data i found on
how I can design an electrical operated groundnut shelling machine. From visiting, the following
data are found,
i. Type of materials used for designing a groundnut shelling machine ( mild and
stainless steel)
ii. Mechanism used; electrical operated, simple to operate and it lead to separation of
groundnut’s seed from pods.
iii. Weight required (Light weight)
iv. Size of a groundnut shelling machines and size of groundnut
v. Selection of required materials

3.2 Consultation
Through consultations of lectures, supervisors, Engineers and other experts in mechanical
engineering ideas on how to design and manufacture of electrical operated groundnuts

3.3 Literature review

This is through reading of different Engineering text book, journals and web browsing

3.4 Data collection

Data have been collected through observation, visiting design industries example, SIDO, VETA
and telephone communication, the following data will be collected:

i. Places involved in cultivation of groundnut such as SIMIYU.

13
 ii. Most method used for shelling and separating of groundnut to get high out-put in few
time
iii. Availability of alternative shelling and separating machine in case of present
iv. Capacity of the machine required
v. Different size of groundnuts

Figure 3. 1 Groundnut shelling and cleaning machine found at Ubungo business park

14
 CHAPTER FOUR
DATA COLLECTION

4.1 Visiting design industries and literature review

I have been visited some places,such as Gerezani near Kariakoo market SIDO, Ubungo business
park and VETA in Dar es Salaam where the fabrication and manufacture are done. In Gerezani
10 technicians have been asked about the machine, if they have ever design or manufacture, none
of them have ever done or seen the project before. As well at SIDO, they haven’t design and
manufacture yet.

The following are data collected

i. Force required for crushing groundnut

ii. Shape and size of groundnut

iii. Speed of rotation of the roller shaft : 180rev/min

iv. Materials to be used: stainless steel shaft, sheet, mild steel for manufacture of machine

v. Types of groundnut: runner, bunch, Virginia, Spanish.

4.2 Materials
After studying existing machine, the following are proposed materials for different parts
of the machine to be designed, although is not the final choice.

15
Table 4. 1 Parts and proposed materials

s. number Part material

1 Machine frame (mild steel)
2 Pulley Cast iron
3 Drum shaft mild steel
4 crushing shaft mild steel
5 Bars() mild steel

Region 2001/2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005

Dodoma 54.5 78.31 76.75 84.83
Singida 12.7 10.15 9.13 8.65
Tabora 59.3 68.72 48.10 64.25
Simiyu 76.7 64.36 73.91 97.5
Total national 366.9 347.98 374.55 409.32
production

Table 4. 2 Shows the production of groundnut from 2001 to 2005 in tones

16
 CHAPTER FIVE

DATA ANALYSIS

5.1 Design specification

In order to obtain high efficiency and reliable, the machine will be designed based on the
following consideration;

i. The machine should be relatively cheap and be within the buying capacity of local
farmers.
ii. The machine should be able to shell and separate different varieties, shapes and sizes of
groundnut.
iii. The equipment should be made with readily available materials.
iv. It should reduce the labor input in traditional methods of shelling.
v. The capacity should be higher compared to manual operation

5.2 Design Development

Design process has some stages to consider. The early stage is conceptual development, this deal
with development of varieties of the design where the optimal solution is found. In this chapter
several designs have been developed and the best alternative is selected. The major reasons for
their differences is the source of power, capacity of the machine, efficiency of the machine and
other parameters which will assist in obtaining the optimal solution that will solve the project
statement of the design.

In order to obtain the optimal design solution of the groundnut shelling machine, the following
are considered to add major impact so as to achieve better solution with optimal safety,
ergonomics, capacity, cost, durability and other factors.

i. Source of power

ii. Material used

iii. Layout of the machine

17
5.2 Selection of best alternative
The design alternatives are as follows:

Alternative A – shelling of groundnut by using a shaft having bars, motor driven

Alternative B – shelling of groundnut by using roller kernel, motor driven

Alternative C – shelling operation by using round abrasive drum

5.2.1 Alternative A
A concept of the shaft having a bar was made up by using belt, two pulleys, rotational shaft,
crushing bar. A crushing bar made of mild steel and a round a crushing bar was connected to the
large pulley. This small pulley is connecting together with the shaft which has been attached by
the crushing shaft.
The small shaft connected to small pulley tends to transmit the motion to the larger pulleys
through the belt. The large pulley to rotate the crushing shaft for break down the pods to release
seeds. There is a clearance in which the seeds after shelled pass through it. At this instant, the
blower has been stayed on the separation unit for separation of shelled pod from kerne

Figure 5. 1 Shelling and separating of groundnut machine

18
5.2.1.1 Advantages
i. High shelling capacity.

ii. Less man power is required.

iii. More efficient and time saving as compared

iv. to manual or hand shelling process.

v. Shelling process can be easily monitored.

vi. Light weight and easily to operate and maintain

5.2.1.2 Disadvantages
i. Limited to the power supply

ii. Cleaning the machine consumes a lot of time

Table 5. 1 Average marks for Alternative A

Interviewee Safety Maintainability Efficiency of Operation Ergonomics Cost

1 4 4 4 3 4

2 3 3 4 4 3

3 4 2 4 3 4

4 3 3 4 3 5

5 3 4 3 4 4

Average 4.2 3.2 3.8 3.4 4

19
5.2.2 Alternative B
The roller shaft rotate and tend to break the groundnut through the clearance between the roller
rolling mechanism and the shelled groundnut pass through roller. The rollers can be adjusted
according to the size of groundnut pods so as to avoid breakage of kernel, small unshelled
groundnut and to increase efficient.

Figure 5. 2 Shelling of groundnut by using roller shaft

5.2.2.1 Advantages
i. Less man power is required.

ii. High efficiency.

iii. The feeding of groundnut is easier and more convenient.

20
5.2.2.2 Disadvantages
i. The shelling process cannot be monitored
ii. Low shelling capacity

iii. Limited to the power supply

iv. High skilled maintenance is required

v. Breakage of pods includes size, shape and shelling thickness.

Table 5. 2 Average marks for Alternative B

Interviewee Safety Maintainability Efficiency of Operation Ergonomics Cost

1 5 2 5 3 2

2 3 3 3 4 1

3 5 2 4 3 1

4 4 2 4 4 1

5 3 3 2 2 2

Average 4.0 2.8 3.6 4.0 1.4

5.2.3 Alternative C
The machine consist of hopper for receiving groundnut. The adjustable gap block is placed near
to rotating drum where different size of groundnut are shelled and release seeds.

5.2.4 Advantages

i. The feeding of groundnut is easier and more convenient

ii. Maintenance can be easily carried out.

iii. Less man power is required

21
 5.2.5 Disadvantages
i. High running cost

ii. Is mostly used in urban areas.

iii. It requires continuous monitoring

Figure 5. 3 Shelling of groundnut by using rotating abrasive drum

22
Table 5. 3 Average marks for Alternative C

Interviewee Safety Maintainabilit Efficiency of Operation Ergonomic Cost

y s

1 4 2 3 2 1

2 3 3 1 3 2

3 4 2 2 4 1

4 2 3 2 2 1

5 3 3 2 4 1

Average 3.2 2.6 2 3 1.2

5.4 Determining the weight factor

This was done by interview different people based on the objective of the project to determine
the weight of each pre-selected factors.

Table 5. 4 Weight factor

Interviewee Safety Maintainability Eff. of operation Ergonomics Cost Total(n)

1 3 5 4 4 4

2 5 4 5 3 5

3 5 4 5 4 5

4 3 4 3 4 3

5 4 4 4 3 5

Total(m) 20 21 21 18 22 102

Weight 0.196 0.206 0.206 0.176 0.216

23
 factor (F)

Where;

m
Weight factor (F) =
n

Table 5. 5 Ranking the design alternative

Factors

Total weight

Rank order
Safety Maintainability Efficiency Ergonomics Cost
of
operation

Weighting 0.196 0.206 0.206 0.176 0.216

Factors

A Weight 4.2 3.2 3.8 3.4 4.0

Score 0.823 0.659 0.783 0.598 0.864 3.727 1

B Weight 4.0 2.8 3.6 4.0 1.4

Score 0.784 0.577 0.742 0.704 0.302 3.109 2

C Weight 3.2 2.6 2 3 1.2

Score 0.627 0.536 0.412 0.528 0.216 2.319 3

Therefore from the table above the best alternative is ALTERNATIVE A which is shelling of
groundnut by using a shaft having bars motor driven

24
5.5 Design calculation.
Determination of Power required to break the groundnut pods.

Considering a single spike, the torque required to drive the system may be obtained from the following expression:

T = n a × n s × F × r………………………………………………………………………(1)

Where

T = Torque transmitted in the system.

n a = number of active anchor at a time = 5

n s = number of spike per anchor = 7

F = force per spike required to break the groundnut pod

r = distance from the axis of rotation to the point of action of the force = 0.11m

The average force required to break the groundnut pod is 2N. From equation (1),

T = 5 × 7 × 2 × 0.11 = 7.7Nm

The power required in breaking the pods in the shelling chamber may be obtained from

P = T × W = T × [ ( π × N 2) ÷ 30 ]……………………………………………………………(2)

Where

N 2 = speed of rotation of the driven shaft = 240rpm

From equation (2),

P = 7.7 × [(π × 240) ÷ 30] = 193.52W

Determination of Pulley Diameters

The diameters of the pulleys may be determined from the relation

N 1 D 1 = N 2 D2→ N1∕N2 = D2∕D1……………………………………………………(3)

Where

N 1 = speed of driving pulley = 1440rpm

N 2 = speed of driven pulley

25
D 1 = diameter of driving pulley = 0.04m

D 2 = diameter of driven pulley

From equation (3),

D2 = N 1 D 1 ∕ N 2 = [1440 × 0.04] ÷ 240 = 0.24m

Determination of Tension in the Belt.

For a v-belt, the relationship between tension T1 and T2 in given by [4]

2.3 log {T 1 ∕ T 2} = µѳ Cos ec β …………………………………………………………………………………..(4)

Where

µ = coefficient of fiction between the belt and side of groove = 0.25

ѳ = angle of contact on the smaller pulley = 2.75rad

β = half angle of groove = 17.50

T 1= tension on the tight side

T 2= tension on the slack side

From equation (4),

T 1 ∕ T 2= log −1[(µѳ cos ec β )÷ 2.3]

T_1∕T_2 = 〖log〗^(-1)[(0.25 × 2.75 × cos ec 17.5 )÷ 2.3]
T 1∕T 2 = 9.86
T 1 = 9.86 × T 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….(5)
Torque transmitted is given by
T = (T 1−T 2) × R1 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………(6)
Where
T = torque transmitted
R = radius of pulley = 0.12m
From equation (6), we get
T / R1 = 8.86 × T 2→ T 2 = T / (8.86 × R1 ) = 7.7 / (8.86 × 0.12m ) = 7.24N …………………..(7)
Substituting equation (7) into equation (5),
T 1 = 9.86 × T 2 = 9.86 × 7.24 = 71.39N ………………………………………………………………………(8)

Determination of Bending Moments acting on the Shaft

The forces acting on the shaft include: the weight of the crushing drum = 20N, the weight of the pulley attached to
the shaft which drives the crushing drum, the resultant force effect of the belt tensions and the reactions at the
bearings support.
Figure. 5.5 shows the belt drive assembly.

26
F V = T 1 × sin 8 + T 2 sin 29 + W p = 17.45N……………………………………………………(9)
F H = T 1 × cos 8 + T 2× cos 29 = 77.03N……………………………………………………….(10)
Where
F V = vertical load effect of the belt drive assembly
F H = horizontal load effect of the belt drive assembly
W P= weight of the crusher pulley = 4N

Figure.5.6 shows the vertical load diagram.

27
Summing forces in the vertical direction gives:
R AV + RCV = 20 +17.45 = 37.45N………………………………………………………………………………………..(11)
Taking moment about A, we get
RCV × 0.28=¿ 17.45 × 0.34 + 20 × 0.14→ RCV = 31.19N
From equation (11),
R AV = 37.45− RCV = 6.26N

From fig.5.6,
M AV = 0Nm
M BV = 6.24 × 0.14 = 0.88Nm
M CV = 6.26 × 0.28 – 20 × 0.14 = -1.05Nm
M DV = 6.26× 0.34 -20 × 0.2 + 31.19 × 0.26 = 0Nm

Figure.5.7 shows the horizontal load diagram

Summing forces in the horizontal direction gives:

R AH + RCH = 77.03N …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………(12)
Taking moment about A, we get
RCH × 0.28 = 77.03 × 0.34 → RCH = 93.54N
From equation (12),
R AH = 77.03 - RCH = -16.51N
From fig.5.7,
M AH = 0Nm

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M BH = -16.51 × 0.14 = -2.31Nm
M CH = -16.51 × 0.28 = -4.62Nm
M DH = -16.51 × 0.34 + 93.54 × 0.06 = 0Nm
DETERMINATION OF BENDING MOMENTS AT POINTS A, B,C AND D.
Resultant bending moment at A
M A =√ ( AV )2+( AH )2 = 0Nm ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..(13)
Resultant bending moment at B
M B =√( BV )2 +(BH )2 = 2.47Nm ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(14)

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 CHAPTER SIX

6.0 Conclusion and Recommendation

Testing of the groundnut shelling machine

The various parts of the machine were assembled, after which the electric motor was mounted,
the machine was then test run without groundnut poured into the hopper. This was done to
study the behavior of the machine. Test was then carried out to evaluate the performance of
machine based on its shelling efficiency, the time taken to shell a known weight of groundnut
pods and the capacity of the machine. The shelling efficiency was assessed by taking four
separate experimental samples of 100 groundnut seed poured into the hopper while the
machine was running. After each group was passed through the machine, the output was
analyzed by physically counting the shelled, unshelled, partially shelled, broken or shattered
groundnut. The sum of the shelled and shattered groundnuts makes up the shelling efficiency.

6.1 Conclusion

This work presents the design of an electrically powered groundnut shelling machine. The
machine was manufactured using materials that are sourced locally. It can be used for both
domestic and industrial purposes. The advantage to be derived from the use of this machine far
outweighs its shortcomings. The test result showed that the machine can shell a total of 200kg of
groundnut in an hour. It was also observed that groundnut with one seed per pod and those with
two small seeds in their pods were the ones that came out unshelled or partially shelled.

6.2 Recommendation

I recommend the machine is manufactured according to the design specification and tested.

30
REFFERENCE

1] B.R. Ntare, A.T. Diallo, J. Ndjeunga and F. Waliyar, Groundnut Seed Production Manual.
Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India: International Crops Research Institute for the
Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) 2014.

[2] D.M. Nyaanga, M.C. Chemelil, P.K. Kimani, W.K. Kirui, S.K. Musimba, Development and
Evaluation of a Portable Hand Operated Groundnut Sheller, The KSAE International Conference,
27-28 November 2003.

[3] A. Atiku, N. Aviara, M. Haque, Performance Evaluation of a Bambara Groundnut

Sheller,Agricultural Engineering International: the CIGR Journal of Scientific Research and
Development, Manuscript PM 04 002. Vol. VI. July, 2004.

[4] A. N. Gitau, P. Mboya, B. N. K. Njoroge, M. Mburu, Optimizing the Performance of a

Manually Operated Groundnut (Arachishypogaea) Decorticator, Open Journal of Optimization,
2013, 2, 26-32

[5] J.N. Maduako, M. Saidu, P. Matthias, I. Vanke, Testing of an engine-powered groundnut

shelling machine, Journal of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, 2006, 14, 29-37.

[6] R.S. Khurmi, J.K. Gupta,A Textbook of Machine Design (S. I. Units), Eurasia Publishing House
(PVT.) Ltd., Ram Nagar, New Delhi-110055, 2005; 509-557, 727-758.

[7] V.B. Bhandari, Design of Machine Elements, Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2010; 330-334.

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