Abstract:
The purposes of this research project were to: 1) build and develop the performance of a lotus seed shell removing machine and 2) conduct an engineering feasibility study of the prototype. Using the machine, the farmers would benefit from reducing production costs, shortening the manufacturing cycle time, decreasing labor costs in removing lotus seed shells. Moreover, it may increase productivity and profits.
The machine consisted of a machine framework, a conveyor set, a blade set, a power transmission system, a shell and seed sorting set with a 0.5 hp electric motor as a power source. The working process started from feeding the lotus seeds into the seed feeder on the top. Then, the lotus seeds were conveyed on the belt to the cutting blade set at the end of the belt. After that, the processed lotus seeds fell into the bottom of the machine, forwarding the sorting unit. The shells and seeds were sorted. The shells fell through holes into the bottom and the processed seeds were moved out through the seed outlet.
According to the prototype testing at the motor speeds of 1,200, 1,400 and 1,600 rpm, it was found that the lotus seed shell removing machine worked in an optimal condition at 1,400 rpm with the capacity of 4.9 kg/h. It could remove lotus seed shells at 84.6%. The electric power consumption rate accounted for 0.24 kWh. The shell and seed sorting rate was at 56%. Regarding engineering economics, it was found that when the lotus seed shell removing machine was used for 1,440 h/ year, there would be a payback period of 7 months or 210 days and the break- even point of the machine was 175.5 h/ year compared to manual shell removing.