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
