Ergonomical Interventions in Developing Pedal Operated Arecanut Dehusker

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Date
2012
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MPUAT, Udaipur
Abstract
Pedal operated arecanut dehusker was developed based on ergonomical and mechanical considerations. The physical and mechanical properties of dried arecanut fruit and kernel were studied. The machine dimensions such as hopper height, saddle height, handle diameter and length etc. were designed using the relevant anthropometric data. The power generated by male workers was optimised as 75 W on the basis of relationship between load and physiological parameters such as heart rate and oxygen consumption rate. Pedalling speed was optimised as 60 rpm on the basis of results of the experiment of effect of pedalling speed and power on physiological parameters. The cylinder diameter and length were 350 and 500 mm, respectively. The concave was developed using the physical properties of arecanut fruit and kernel. The cylinder parameters such as type of rubber used as beater, peripheral speed and feed rate were optimised as natural rubber (rubber 1), 7 m/s and 15 kg/h respectively. Chain and sprocket type power transmission system was used. The flywheel was developed for reducing the speed fluctuations. The developed prototype of pedal operated arecanut dehusker was ergonomically and mechanically evaluated. The mean working heart rate, oxygen consumption rate and energy expenditure rate were 126.5 (± 8.4) beats/min, 1.30 lit/min and 27.23 ( ± 2.79) kJ/min respectively. The work rest cycle was developed as 30 min work with 15 min rest on the basis of standard method. The average ODR and BPDS were 5.6 and 30.7 respectively. The average capacity, dehusking efficiency and kernel breakage were 15.1 kg/h, 77.9 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively. In order to utilize the unhusked arecanut left over from first concave, the second concave was developed. Using two concaves, one after the other, the overall dehusking efficiency was increased to 96.6 with 6.7 per cent kernel breakage. The additional monetary benefit by using two concaves one after other was Rs. 290/- per day.
Description
Ergonomical Interventions in Developing Pedal Operated Arecanut Dehusker
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Citation
Vitthalrao and Mehta, 2012
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