Design, Fabrication and performance evaluation of Squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) refuge shredder
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Date
2024
Authors
Princess Erjen R. De Guzman and Jhanica S. Dela Cruz
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Abstract
The thesis paper focuses on the design, fabrication and evaluation of a squash (Cucurbita maxima L.) refuge shredder machine, aiming to reduce the time and labor required for shredding and grating agricultural waste, specifically squash, to produce fermented solution fertilizer. The study utilized an input-process-output model and conducted a preliminary testing to evaluate the functionality of the shredder, followed by adjustments and repair. Performance evaluation of the machine was conducted, assessing shredding capacity, efficiency, unshredded material percentage, and power consumption at different speed levels (1100rpm, 1400rpm, 1700rpm, 2000rpm). The study also considered a partial budget analysis to compare the added income from using the machine versus old method of operation. The proposed shredder machine consisted of five major components: feeling hopper, shredding chamber, meal outlet, transmission assembly, and frame. The general objective was to design, fabricate and evaluate the squash shredder.
This study utilized a completely randomized design (CRD) for statistical analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare treatment means. The findings indicated significant differences in shredding capacity, shredding efficiency, and power consumption across different rotational speeds of the shredder, with the highest efficiency observed at 1700rpm and 2000rpm. The performance of the machine was also assessed in terms of energy consumption, indicating a significant difference across the rotational speeds. The study concluded that higher rotational speeds of 1400rpm, 1700rpm, and 2000rpm led to improved shredding performance, and second feeding was recommended further evaluation to achieve the desired shredding efficiency of 90%. The study concluded that the researchers successfully designed, fabricated and evaluated a shredder machine to improve the mass production process of fermented solution fertilizer.