Development of an Agro-Waste Diesel Engine Powered Shredding Machine

• Osagie I. IHENYEN

  Department of Production Engineering, University Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

  Author

• Raymond A. EKEMUBE

  Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, University Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

  Author

A key goal of agro-waste management is to convert agro-waste into useful products such as compost and other agro-allied applications. This study aimed to develop an agro-waste diesel engine powered shredding machine to thresh agro-wastes. A safe design approach was adopted by carefully calculating the dimensions of each part and applying appropriate engineering formulations. Material selection was based on key factors such as availability, durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of fabrication. Factors considered to enhance the machine’s functionality and efficiency were cost consideration, load capacity, material selection, power source reliability, and maintenance strategy. The developed machine threshes the wastes into usable sizes using sharp rotating and stationary blades, which apply mechanical impact, shearing, and cutting action to break down the agro-wastes into smaller particles. The diesel-powered shredding machine with a 5-hp, 850 rpm engine achieved a throughput capacity of 92,400 m³, operating with a maximum shear force of 254,418 N and a shredding efficiency of 93.73%. The shredded agro-waste showed a particle size reduction ranging from 50% to 99.09% within the 0.01–12 mm average size group, with palm bark producing two distinct output sizes after shredding. An average fuel consumption of 1 litre/hour was recorded and there was no overheating observed during the process. The machine is suitable for small-scale farmers by offering an affordable and accessible solution. Additionally, the use of locally sourced materials highlighted its cost-effectiveness and adaptability for rural applications.

• FJET_12_51_44

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