Construction and Performance Test of Hand Operated Wooden Groundnut Sheller

Abstract

This study examines the construction and performance evaluation of a wooden groundnut sheller designed for small-scale rural farmers. Groundnut, a vital legume crop, is widely cultivated in tropical regions, offering significant nutritional and economic value. However, traditional hand-shelling methods in Ethiopia are inefficient, labor-intensive, and lead to health issues like "sore thumb syndrome." The objective of this research is to construct and test a low-cost, efficient sheller made from locally available materials to improve productivity and reduce labor.

The sheller was constructed using timber, a sieve, and a paddle mechanism that operates by manually shelling the groundnuts. Performance tests were conducted using various input amounts (1, 1.5, and 2 kg), and key parameters such as shelling percentage, damage percentage, unshelled nuts, and shelling efficiency were recorded. Results showed an average shelling percentage of 92%, a damage rate of 4%, and an efficiency of 15 kg/hr, significantly higher than traditional hand-shelling (3 kg/hr).

The findings indicate that moderate input quantities of groundnuts yield the best balance of shelling performance. The wooden sheller, constructed from affordable, local materials, presents a valuable tool for rural farmers, saving time, reducing labor, and enhancing productivity. Further modifications could explore motorization for larger-scale use.