Vol.

2 March 2012 IAMURE: International Journal of Mathematics,

Print ISSN 2244-159X • Online ISSN 2244-1603 Engineering
International and Technology
Peer Reviewed Journal
International Peer Reviewed Journal is produced by IAMURE Multidisciplinary
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7718/iamure.ijmet.v2i1.261 Research, an ISO 9001:2008 certified
by the AJA Registrars Inc.

Motor – Operated Sand Sifter

JUANITO M. ORIGINES JR.
ANACLETA K. PEREZ
DARIO V. GAWALA
mar_m_a@hotmail.com
Bohol Island State University
Main Campus, Tagbilaran City
Bohol, Philippines

Abstract - The study developed a motor operated-sand sifter.

It described the main features of the equipment in the aspect of
preparation, design, materials and cost, procedure of assembly and
operation and parts and functions of the equipment. An experimental
research method was used employing actual assembly and direct
observation of the performance of the equipment. The study was
conducted in Bohol Island State University, Selected mechanical
engineering students did the actual testing with the supervision of
the researchers. The results were based on actual observation and
data gathered during the experiment. The 5o angle of inclination of
the rocker in 200mm displacement sifted the biggest volume of sand.
It measured 2.78 m3/hr. The kind of sand sifted was 87.30% passing
by volume through the sifter. The fine aggregates comprise 87.30%
of the total mixture while the bigger sizes comprise 12.70% of the
total mixture. The bigger sizes of sand that remained in the sifter
are removed automatically passing through the sifter opening. It
was concluded that motor- operated sand sifter was very efficient in
sand sifting as compared to manually operated sand sifter. It is very
applicable in construction industry.

Keywords - sand sifter, motor, sand, motor-operated sand sifter

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INTRODUCTION

The construction industry is such a booming industry today. Even

with the global economic crises, the desire for building structures
continues to increase. In the Philippines, more particularly, there is a
steady demand for such construction. The material most commonly
used in the construction of buildings is sand. It is combined with
cement and water in order to form the mixture used for building’s
plaster. However, before the sand is to be added into the water and
cement mixture, it has to be sifted into the smallest particles it can be
based on standards for an extra smooth and effective plaster mixture.
To do this, the traditional method was applied with the use of manual
sifter. This manual sifter is made of a sieve wherein one end is tied
to a wire while the other end, where the handle is, is held up by the
worker and is rocked back and forth until all sand has been sieved.
This has been proven effective throughout the years. However, this is
time-consuming and the person doing this could have done more with
the given time. Furthermore, this method is too taxing for the worker
since he has to load sand, sift it, put the sifted sand into a pail, and
then reload another pail of sand. This has prompted the researchers to
innovate a machine that can sieve sand with a higher level of efficiency
that requires a shorter period of time; thus, the Motor-Operated Sand
Sifter. This machine will effectively sieve sand into the finest particles
without having a particular worker do it for hours. In effect, more
work can be done with less time.
An observation guide was used to gather the needed data during
the assembly and the testing of performance of the motor–operated
sand sifter and traditional sand sifter. This is a check list form that
contains guide for observation. It will be done by the researchers to
avoid missing some important points for observation.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main purpose of this study is to design and fabricate a prototype

of a motor-operated sand sifter and to compare its performance from
the traditional sand sifter. This study will be conducted in Bohol Island
State University Main Campus in summer of 2011.

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Specifically, it seeks to gather answers to the following objectives:

1. To describe the features of the motor-operated sand sifter in

the aspects of:
a. preparation
b. design
 kinematics of mechanism
 constructive mechanism
 technical plan
c. materials and cost
d. procedure of assembly
e. parts and functions;

2. To determine the performance level of the motor-operated

sand for different combinations of the angle of inclination and linear
displacement of the rocker in terms of;
a. capacity by volume
b. time to sift
c. operational cost

3. To compare the performance between the motor-operated

sand sifter and the traditional sand sifter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

­­­
The Features of Motor-Operated Sand Sifter

a. Preparation Involved

After the approval of research proposal and permit to conduct an

experimental study of the equipment, the researchers canvassed the
materials for price and availability. It was found out that the motor was
not available in the local market. So, the researchers decided to redesign
the motor to fit to what had been planned. When all the materials
and tools were secured, the researchers started the completion of the
equipment.

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b. Design

b.1. Kinematics of Mechanism

Geared-motor, which can transmit its angular speed and torque

directly to the crank, was not available in the local market. So, the
researchers decided to use ordinary electric motor, with angular
speed of 1670 rpm, which will drive the machine. The desired angular
speed of the crank shaft is in the range 120 – 150 rpm. The researchers
designed a belt drive, shown in figure 1, to reduce the angular speed of
the motor to meet the desired angular speed of the crank shaft.

Figure 1. Speed reduction belt drive

The crank assembly, shown in figure 2, is responsible for converting

the rotary motion (driven shaft) to reciprocating motion (rocker
assembly). The crank assembly was designed in such a way that the
linear displacement of the rocker can be varied.

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Figure 2. Detailed view of the crank assembly

The maximum linear displacement of the rocker is equals to twice

the radius of the crank. The relation between the angular displacement
of the crank and the linear displacement of the rocker from their neutral
axes is presented on Table 1. The linear displacement of the rocker is
expressed in terms of the radius of the crank, r.

Table 1. Relationship between the angular displacement of the

crank and the linear displacement of the rocker

Angular Displacement of the Crank Linear Displacement of the Rocker

0O
0
30O 0.5r
60O 0.87r
90O r
120O 0.87r

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150O 0.5r
180O
0
210O -0.5r
240O -0.87r
270O
-r
300O -0.87r
330O -0.5r
360O 0

b.2. Constructive Mechanism

 Motor

For a 10-kg weight of the sand per loading and an acceleration of 15

m/s2 which is the maximum acceleration of the rocker and assuming
a 0.01 friction factor between the roller and roller guide. The required
power, P, of the electric motor can be calculated using the equation,

, hp

The computed power is approximately 0.2 hp. taking into account

the losses in the belt drives and adding factor of safety the researchers
suggested an electric motor with ½ hp rated capacity.

 Shaft

The diameter of the shaft can be calculated using the formula

suggested by machine design handbook. The diameter of the line shaft
carrying pulleys can be calculated using the equation,

Where power, P in horsepower, angular speed, N in rpm and

diameter, D in inches. The calculated diameter of the shaft is 0.4 inch.
Taking into account the unanticipated load, the suggested diameter of

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the shaft if 0.75 inch.

 Bearing
The bearings used in the machine are chosen in such a way that it
can withstand the contact stress, pressure and frictional torque due
to the applied load and the weight of the members added to the load.

b.3. Technical Plan

The detailed drawing of the motorized sand sifter technical plan, as

shown in figure 5, is presented in Appendix A.

Figure 5. Motorized Sand Sifter Technical Plan

c. Materials and Cost

Table 2 shows the list of materials that was used in making the
motorized sand sifter with their corresponding cost.

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Table 2. Bill of Materials

Quantity Unit Description Unit Cost Total Cost

1 pc Electric Motor, ½ hp, 220V 2100.00 2100.00
3 pcs Angle bar 2”x2”x ¼” 695.00 2085.00
1 pc Angle bar 1”x1”x 1/8” 375.00 375.00
4 pcs Pillow block bearing 180.00 720.00
1 pc Roller Guide 2” x 2mtr 1,134.00 1,134.00
4 pcs Roller 355.00 1,420.00
1 pc Pulley, 2.5” dia 97.00 97.00
1 pc Pulley, 3” dia 105.00 105.00
1 pc Pulley, 9” dia 310.00 310.00
1 pc Pulley, 10” dia 340.00 340.00
1 pc Stick S4S 1” x 1½” x 10’ 110.00 110.00
1 mtr Screen 4mm 69.00 69.00
1 pc Bearing ID = 19mm, OD = 42mm, 45.00 45.00
t = 12mm
1 pc V-belt B55 in 220.00 220.00
1 pc V-belt B45 in 195.00 195.00
2 ft Round bar, stainless ¾ in diameter 195.00 390.00
Bolts, nuts, washer, welding rod, 450.00
wire, switch etc
Total 10,165.00

d. Procedure of Assembly

The following steps summarized the procedure in assembling the

motorized sand sifter.

1. Layout the angle bars for the frame and rocker assembly and cut
them to their desired dimensions.
2. Weld the members of the frame and rocker assembly.
3. Attached the roller guide to the frame using bolts and nuts.
4. Mount the rollers together with the rocker assembly on the roller
guides and check if it run smoothly. Apply some lubricant in the
bearings of the rollers, if necessary.
5. Attached the pillow block bearings and shafting to the frame and
do some aligning.

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6. Attached the crank assembly, belt drives (belts and pulleys) and
electric motor. Make sure that the pulleys are properly mounted
to the shafts. Place the key and set screws to lock the pulleys and
shafts.
7. Frame the screen and attached it to the rocker assembly.
8. Test the Assembled machine to its operating condition and make
some fine-tuning, if necessary.
9. Attached safety measures to the machine like pulley guard and
covers.
10. Do the final test of the machine with all the parts properly
mounted to the machine.

e. Parts and Function

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Figure 6. Parts of the motorized sand sifter

 Rocker Assembly – provides reciprocating motion to enhance

the sifting of sand.
 Crank Assembly – responsible for converting the rotary motion
to reciprocating motion.
 Shaft – Carry the pulley to transmit motion and power.
 Screen – separates the fine sand from the coarse sand.
 Roller – minimize the frictional force due to the reciprocating
motion of the rocker.
 Roller Guide – guide the rollers to its path and minimize the
lateral movement of the rocker assembly.
 Screen frame – maintain the tension of the screen.
 Belt –use to connect pulleys and transmit power.
 Electric motor – converts electric energy to mechanical energy in
a form of rotating shaft which provides power to the machine.
 Pulley Guard – covers the pulley to keep the operator free from
machine hazards.
 Top and side cover – cover the moving parts of the machine to
keep operator free from machine hazards.
 Frame – the structure that supports the moving parts and gave
shape of the machine.

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 Pillow Block Bearing – Supports and guide the shaft.

 Retained-sand Channel – convey the retained sand on the screen
so that it will not be mixed with the the sifted sand.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. Performance Level of the Motor-Operated Sand Sifter in

Terms of: Capacity by Volume, Displacement of Rocker, Type of
Sand Aggregate, Angle of Inclination of the Rocker, and Time to sift
in second

Table 3. Performance level of the motor-operated sand sifter in

in a 00 angle of inclination of the rocker

Displace- Vol. Sand Angle of Time

ment of Type Inclination (sec) Observation
Trial of Rocker Sand (Size) Of rocker
1 407 Gravel pass through the
100mm 1/20m3 87.30% sifter some remain
2 passing by 00

volume 273 Takes a long time to sift

3 370

73 Sifted the sand

1 200mm 1/20m3 87.30% proficiently,
passing by 00 stoppers at the sides are
77
volume needed
2
longer time to sift

3 73

69 The motor moves fast

1 87.30% Performance is not good
300mm 1/20m3 passing by 00 even with stoppers
2 63
volume Movement of gravel is
3 80 uncontrollable

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Table 4. Performance level of the motor-operated sand sifter in

in a 50 angle of inclination of the rocker

Displace- Vol. Sand Angle of Time

ment of Type Inclination (sec) Observation
Trial of Rocker Sand (Size) Of rocker
1 370 Only few stones pass through
100mm 1/20m3 87.30% the sifter
2 114
passing 50
by vol- Performance is good but takes
3 ume 147 longer time to sift
61 Sifted the sand proficiently,
1 200mm 1/20m3 87.30% 50 stoppers at the sides are
passing needed
63
by vol- shorter time to sift as compared
2
ume to 100mm
3 40
92 The motor moves fast
1 87.30% Performance is not good even
300mm 1/20m3 passing 50 with stoppers
2 73
by vol- Movement of gravel and fine
3 ume 78 sand is uncontrollable mixture
of big and smaller sizes pass
through the sifter

Table 5. Performance level of the motor-operated sand sifter in

in a 100 angle of inclination of the rocker

Displace- Vol. Sand Angle of Time

ment of Type Inclina- (sec) Observation
Trial of Rocker Sand (Size) tion
Of rocker
1 370 Stones pass out together with
100mm 1/20m3 87.30% sand
2 114
passing 10 0

by vol- Sifting takes a shorter time

3 ume 147
61 Fine sand was thrown out and
1 200mm 1/20m3 100 wasted, movement of the ma-
87.30% chine is so fast even with the
63
passing stoppers at the side
2
by vol- .Sifting is done in short time
3 ume 40
92 The motor moves so fast

Performance is not good even

1 300mm 1/20m3 87.30% 100 with stoppers
passing Movement of gravel and fine
2 73
by vol- sand is uncontrollable mixture
3 ume 78 of big and smaller sizes pass
out of the sifter

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The tables 3 - 5 of data showed the performance of the Motor-

Operated Sifter.
It was in table 4 with 50 angle of inclination in a 200mm displacement
of rocker that gave the most desirable performance of Motor-Operated
Sifter. It sifted the volume of 3.4 m3/hr in an 87.30% passing by volume
of sand aggregates.

2. Difference in performance between the motor-operated sand

sifter and the traditional sand sifter in terms of: Sifting rate in cubic
meter of sand per hour and operational cost.

Table 6. Performance level of the manually-operated sand sifter

Trial Vol.of Sand Sand Type (Size) Time to Sift Computed Sift rate
(sec) (m3/hr)
1 189 0.95
2 1/20 m3 197 0.91
87.30% passing by
3 volume 177 1.02

Table 7. Difference in performance between the manually-operated

and the motor-operated sand sifter

Trial T – test T – test Interpretation

Sift Rate value value
(m3/hr) (Com- (Tabu-
Motor-operat- puted) lated)
Manu- ed sifter
ally-op- (5O inclination
erated and 200 mm
displacement)
1 0.95 2.95 The sift rate of the
2 0.91 2.86 4.64 motorized sand sifter
differ significantly
3 1.02 4.5

Table 7 showed the difference between the performance of

Manually-Operated and the Motor-Operated Sand Sifter, with 5O
angle of inclination and 200 mm displacement of the rocker, in terms

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of rate of sand sifted in cubic meters per hour. It was then reflected
that the computed t-value, 4.64, is greater than the tabular value, 2.78
at 0.05 level of significance, this means that the manually operated
lags behind the performance of the Motor-Operated Sand Sifter.
That Motor-Operated Sand Sifter performs better than the Manually
Operated Sand Sifter. Thus the null hypothesis was rejected.
In using the motorized sand sifter, the cost due to electrical energy
is 3.73 pesos per hour considering an electric energy price of 10 pesos
per kw-hr. The cost due to depreciation and maintenance, considering
a lifespan of six year and an annual usage of 600 hours, is 4.4 pesos per
hour. The cost of operator is 31.25 pesos per hour if the operator has
a daily wage of 250 pesos. The total cost in using the motorized sand
sifter is 39.38 pesos per hour.
Comparing the operational cost between manual-operated sand
sifter and motorized sand sifter in sifting one cubic meter sand with
87.30% passing by volume. The motorized sand sifter can sift one cubic
meter of sand in approximately 18 minutes while manual-operated
sand sifter can sift one cubic meter of sand in approximately one hour.
The operational cost in sifting one cubic meter of sand using motorized
sifter is 11.60 pesos while the operational cost using manually-operated
sand sifter, considering one laborer doing the job, is 31.25 pesos.
It was 50 angle of inclination in a 200mm displacement of rocker
that gave the most desirable performance of Motor-Operated Sifter. It
sifted the volume rate of 3.4 m3/hr in an 87.30% passing by volume of
sand aggregates.

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of the manually operated sand sifter lags behind

the performance of the motor-operated sand sifter. The motor operated
sand sifter performs better than the manually-operated sand sifter. It is
appropriate to use in building construction.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The sides of the rocker shall be provided with stoppers to prevent

the sand from skipping out of the sifter. Other models of motor maybe

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used such as gear controlled to obtain better control of the speed of the
motor.

LITERATURE CITED

Concise encyclopedia of engineering

2005 Late side press, McGraw Hill: United States of America.

Giambattista, A.
2007 College physics. Philippines.

Hamrock, J.B
1999 Fundamental of machine elements. Singapore.

Myszka, D.H.
2005 Machines and mechanisms applied kinematics analysis. USA: R.R.
Donnelley & Sons Company.

Waldron, K.J.
1999 Kinematics, dynamics, and design of machinery. USA: Hamilton
Printing.

Tusti, U.
2006 Encyclopedia of mechanical Engineering. New Delhi: Anmol
Publication Pvt. Ltd.

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Journal Consortium; (3) Philippine E-Journals; and, (4) Google Scholar.

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