Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology (UJET); Vol. 5, No. 2, December 2019, pp.

1-9; Michael Okpara University

of Agriculture, Umudike, Print ISSN: 2536-7404, Electronic ISSN:2545-5257; http://ujetmouau.net; doi:
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v5i2_1

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MOTORIZED CORN SHELLING AND THRESHING MACHINE.

Ugoamadi C. C, *Igboayaka C. E.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State. Nigeria. P.M.B 7267,
Nigeria
*Corresponding Author’s Email: igboayaka.ekene@mouau.edu.ng
Abstract
A low-cost corn shelling and threshing machine was designed and developed using locally sourced standard materials to reduce
drudgery and improve hygiene. The machine consists of a hopper, threshing spikes and threshing rollers, shelling roller and shelling
conveyor, a blower, a 3 HP single phase electric motor. This machine threshes, shells and separates the cobs from the grain. The
use of locally available materials made the cost of the machine very low and affordable. The results of its performance test gave
95.305% and 37.4kg/h as its efficiency and throughput capacity respectively. The mass loss as a result of left over in the machine
or the mass damaged was gotten as 0.122g. The design has been found to have the most economical and optimum technical and
operational characteristics, such as replacement ability, service life, simplicity and ease in productivity. With this machine however,
the tedious challenge encountered in manual shelling and threshing methods will be eliminated.
KEY WORDS: Maize, threshing unit, shelling unit.

INTRODUCTION countries, maize is largely used as livestock feeds and as

Maize (Zea mays) is an important cereals crop which raw material for industrial products like flour, custard etc.,

belongs to a grass family (Gramineae) producing small While in low income countries, it is mainly used for human

edible seeds which was said to have originated from Mexico consumption (Ndirika, 1995). In Sub- Saharan Africa, maize

over years (Iwena, 2002). It is the world’s best adapted crop, is a staple food for an estimated 50% of the population (IITA,

growing between latitudes 580N and 400S of the equator. It 1996). Maize is an important source of carbohydrate,

is a versatile grain crop and commonly known as corn in protein, iron, vitamin B and minerals. In Africa, maize is

America. It is, after wheat and rice, the most important cereal consumed as a starchy base in wide variety of porridges and

grain in the world, providing nutrients for humans and pastes. Green maize (fresh on the cob) is eaten parched,

animals and serving as a basic raw material for the baked, roasted or boiled which play an important role in

production of starch, oil and protein, alcoholic beverages, filling the huge gap after dry season (IITA, 1996). In rural

food sweeteners and more recently fuel (FAO, 1992). The communities, the dwellers use maize in production of

natural endowment of high rainfall, high light intensities, and porridge (fura) and tuwo. Owing to demand for maize to

favourable temperature in the cultivation of maize make it to human diet, it’s shelling and threshing has been and remains

be one of the world’s most versatile seed crops (Kay, 1987). a serious problem to local dwellers in their communities

Maize production in Nigeria is of great importance with the (Wenham, 1995). Maize is a vital raw material in industry.

increase in population and use of maize grain, the market Corn starch, corn oil, corn syrup and sugar are the chief

demand for maize grain also increased. However, maize industrial products obtained from maize. Corn starch is used

shelling and threshing in developing and under-developed for starching clothes. The starch is also employed in the

nations has been and remains a serious problem to its manufacture of asbestos, ceramics, dykes, plastics, oil cloth

processing as it is tedious and often require considerable and linoleum. Corn syrup is used in shoe polish, glassine

labour hours (Abdullahi et al., 1979). In industrialized paper and rayon in tobacco industries. Corn sugar finds their

Copyright© College of engineering and Engineering Technology Page 1

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

use in the manufacture of chemicals, leather preparation, were designed for multi-grain threshing or shelling, which
dykes and explosives. The maize when cooked under acids causes great damage to the maize seeds besides breaking
produces furfural, a compound used in the production of the cob to pieces. The available shellers locally, were
adipontrile (nylon) in the restringing of diesel and lubricating equipped with rotating threshing drum with beaters or teeth,
oils. The stalks and leaves are sometimes used for making which cause damages to the seed. Besides, the cost of
paper, paper board and wall board. Pulverized maize cobs purchasing such shellers were high for the poor rural farmer,
are used extensively for removing carbon from airplane and therefore necessitated the design of low- cost system
motors (Kochar and Kenneth, 1988). that will be affordable and also increase shelling and
threshing efficiency and reduce damage done to the seed.
Traditional shelling and threshing methods do not support
large-scale production of corn, especially for commercial This research work hopes to be limited within the scope of
purposes. The different methods of maize shelling can be the objective of this work in the following areas; design,
categorized based on various mechanization technology construct, and test low-cost corn shelling and threshing, to
used. These includes: hand-tool-technology, animal evaluate the efficiency of the corn sheller and thresher, and
technology, and engine power technology (Onwualu et al., to use the corn shelling and threshing machine in
2006). Hand technology involves the use of hand tools in establishing an agro-processing centre for rural farmers.
shelling, while as observed animals were used in threshing And also this research work is to achieve the following: to
on the field by marching on the maize. Engine powered have a more sophisticated and integrated corn shelling and
technology involves the use of mechanical assistance in threshing machine that can compete favourably with
threshing or shelling the maize. imported ones, to reduce the cost of production of the
machines when existing as different members, to produce
An average moisture content of 15% to 18% for maize that
corn shelling and threshing machine that is more affordable,
was to be threshed or shelled was reported by Fashina, A.B.
to save time of shelling and threshing manually by the use
and Abdulahi, H, 1994. Moisture content seriously affects
of mechanized means of shelling and threshing.
the threshability of maize. Another factor that affects the
threshability of maize in a mechanized system is the size of MATERIALS AND METHOD
the maize cob. Olaoye and Oni (2001) investigated crop Design considerations
characteristics of some common grain crops within the The design consideration for the machine was based on the
middle belt of Nigeria. The results of the investigation following concepts and considerations:
revealed that specific presentation of the grain size,
1. The availability of materials locally to reduce cost of
geometrical dimensions of the grains and grain mechanical
production and allow easy replacement of parts during
properties were the key parameters that could enhance
maintenance of the machine.
successful separation of the grains free of plant residues.
2. The size of the corn reduces as the husk is progressively
Locally in Nigeria, the region that is the highest producer of
removed, so as to enable it pass through space between the
maize is the northern part of the country it was observed that
rollers as they gradually rotate.
most shelling and threshing of maize was done by hand
3. It is desired that the corn should be well dehusked without
shelling. Hand shelling and threshing take a lot of time, even
breakage of the grains and the husks are being discharged
with some hand operated simple tools. It was also observed
properly.
in the study area, Nasarawa State, most mechanical shellers

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 2

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

Materials Selection An assumed speed of 900r.p.m was selected for the design
The selection of materials is very crucial in the design and of thresher since the threshing spikes requires high speed
construction of any machine. Improper selection of materials to thresh the corn. The rated speed of the electric motor is
is likely to affect the cost of the machine, its physical 1440r.p.m and a 90mm diameter pulley was mounted on the
appearance and the reliability of the machine. Factors such electric motor shaft. The diameters of the pulley on threshing
as durability, machinability, availability, reliability and cost shaft was determined as 140mm from equation (1), that of
were considered in the selection process. Thus some parts the shelling was also determined as 270mm using the same
such as the frame, the hopper, the shelling rollers, the equation (1).
threshing spikes, the threshing shaft, the pulleys, the belt 𝑁1 𝐷2
𝑉. 𝑅. = = (Sharma and Aggawal, 2012) (1)
and the prime mover (electric motor) used for fabrication of 𝑁2 𝐷1

the machine were selected and their descriptions were

Where 𝑁1 and 𝑁2 represents the driving and driven pulleys
outlined.
speed while 𝐷1 and 𝐷2 are the pulleys respective diameters.

The Centre distance, 𝐶, between the adjacent pulleys of the

electric motor and that between the threshing shaft and
shelling shaft were determined as 205mm and 270 mm
respectively using the relation in equation (2).

𝐷1 +𝐷2
𝐶= +𝐷1 (Khurmi and Gupta, 2005) (2)
2

Thus, the length of the belts, L required for the threshing

shaft and shelling shafts drives were computed from
equation (3) as 774.1mm and 1095.2mm respectively.
Figure 1: A well label diagram of the machine Hence, type ‘A’ V-belts of standard pitch lengths of 823mm
and 1102mm were selected for the respective drives since
Selection of pulleys
each drive transmits less than 3.75kW power (IS: 2494-
The machine requires five pulleys and two gears. Standard
1974; Khurmi and Gupta 2011).
spur gears (steel) with 20° pressure angle each were (𝐷2 − 𝐷1 )2
𝐿 = 2𝐶 + 1.57 (𝐷2 + 𝐷1 ) + (Khurmi
selected due to simplicity in design, availability/economy of 4𝐶

maintenance, absence of end thrust on bearing and and Gupta 2011) (3)

suitability for heavy loads features of this type of gear. The Selection of gears
driving and driven gear has 36 teeth, addendum and pitch Two spur gears were used to transmit rotary motion of the
circle diameter of 50mm and 130mm respectively for its roller so as to achieve proper shelling of the corn. The speed
drives. One pulley was mounted on the electric motor shaft, of the shelling gears is the same and computed as 650r.p.m,
one on the blower shaft, two mounted on at the end of the which is given by equation (4) (Khurmi and Gupta, 2013)
threshing shaft and one mounted at the shelling shaft. Due since they are of the same diameter of 130mm.
to its availability, cost and performance, cast iron pulleys
𝑁1 𝑇1 = 𝑁2 𝑇2 (4)
with groove angle of 38° each were selected.

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 3

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

Where speed of the driver, 𝑁1 = 650𝑟. 𝑝. 𝑚 is the same  16

1

kb M b 2  kt M t 2 
3
d  (9)
as the speed of the driven, 𝑁2 , number of teeth on the driver,   

𝑇1 = 36 is the same as that on the driven gear, 𝑇2 . The

Where 𝜏 = 42 N/mm2, 𝑀𝑡 = Maximum twisting moment N-mm,
tangential load acting on the meshing gear teeth, 𝑊𝑇 was
𝑀𝑏 = maximum bending moment, N-mm, 𝐾𝑏 = combined
determined as 250.78N using equation (5).
shock and fatigue factor for bending
𝑃𝐶𝑆
𝑊𝑇 = (Khurmi and Gupta 2010) (5)
𝑉 The allowable shear stress for steel shaft with provision for

Where the service factor, 𝐶𝑆 = 1.25, power, 𝑃= keyway, τ is given as 42𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 (Khurmi and Gupta, 2005)

1912𝑊, velocity, 𝑉 = 9.53𝑚/𝑠. while the respective maximum twisting moment on the
threshing shaft, 𝑚𝑡 was determined as 8750.7N-mm using
Let the service factor be taken as 1.25 since light shock is equation (9a)
involved (Khurmi and Gupta, 2010).
𝐷2
𝑀𝑡 = (𝑇1 − 𝑇2 ) (9a)
2
The normal load was computed as 266.84N using equation
(6). The speed of belt, 𝑣, of the electric motor/threshing shaft

𝑊𝑇 and threshing/shelling shaft drive were determined as

𝑊𝑁 = (Khurmi and Gupta, 2010) (6)
𝑐𝑜𝑠∅ 6.59m/s and 9.53m/s respectively using the relation given in

Pressure angle, ∅ = 20° allows for a stronger tooth which equation (10) by Khurmi and Gupta (2013), as

can take heavy loads (Khurmi and Gupta, 2010). 𝜋𝐷2 𝑁2

𝑣= (10)
60
The resultant load acting on the driver was computed as
Tensions on the tight side, 𝑇𝑖 of the belt of electric
290.01N using equation 7.
motor/threshing shaft and the threshing/shelling drive was
1
𝑊𝑅 = [(𝑊𝑁 )2 + (𝑊𝐺 )2 + 2𝑊𝑁 𝑊𝐺 𝑐𝑜𝑠∅] ⁄2 (Khurmi determined as 165.40N and 160.35N respectively using
and Gupta, 2010) (7) equations 10a, 10b and 10c (Khurmi and Gupta, 2013;
Sharma and Aggarwal, 2010). The mass of the belt per
Where weight of the driving gear, 𝑊𝐺 = 24.53𝑁.
meter length, 𝑚, coefficient of friction, 𝜇, between the
The twisting moment, T was computed as 17,554.6N-mm pulleys and the belt, maximum safe stress, 𝜎, and cross
from equation (8) sectional area, 𝑎, of the belts were also obtained from

𝑊𝑇 𝐷 𝐺 standard tables, IS: 2494-1974, as 0.108kg/m, 0.3, 2.1

𝑇= (Khurmi and Gupta, 2010) (8)
2 N/mm2 and 81mm2 respectively (Khurmi and Gupta, 2013;

Determination of the shaft diameter. Sharma and Aggarwal, 2010). Also, due to availability, cost

The shafts were designed for appropriate load and torque, and performance, cast iron pulleys with groove angle (2𝛽)
which is being transmitted and therefore have ample of 38° were selected for the drives.
strength and rigidity. Considering availability, a mild steel 𝑇𝑖 = 𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑇𝑐 (10a)
shaft was used for the fabrication. The shaft diameters, 𝑑 of 𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜎 × 𝑎 (10b)
the threshing shaft and shelling shaft of the machine were 𝑇𝑐 = 𝑚𝑣 2
(10c)
determined using equation (9) which is given by Khurmi and
Gupta, 2011

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 4

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

Subsequently, the respective belts’ slack side tensions,𝑇𝑗 Also ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

were determined as 40.39N and 42.35N using equation (11) 𝑅𝐵 + 539.2 = 202.7 + 280.2 + 290.01

(Khurmi and Gupta, 2005) 𝑅𝐵 + 539.2 = 772.91;

𝑅𝐵 = 233.71𝑁
𝑇𝑖
2.3 log = 𝜇𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐𝛽 (11) Taking downward forces to be negative (-) and upward
𝑇𝑗

Where 𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 = maximum tension on the belts; 𝑇𝑐 = forces to be positive (+), the shear forces acting on this shaft

centrifugal tension on the belts; the angle of lap (𝜃) of belt were computed as follows:

on small pulley of each drive were computed from equation 𝐹𝐴−𝐵 = −202.70𝑁;
(12) as 165.99° (2.89rad) for the threshing drive and 𝐹𝐵−𝐶 = −202.70 + 233.71 = 31.01𝑁;
156.93° (2.73rad) shelling drive, respectively. 𝐹𝐶−𝐷 = −202.70 + 233.71 − 280.2 = −249.19𝑁;
𝐷2 −𝐷1 𝐹𝐷−𝐸 = −202.70 + 233.71 − 280.2 + 539.2 = 290.01𝑁;
𝜃 = 180 − 2 [sin−1 ( )] (Khurmi and Gupta, 2010)
2𝐶
𝐹𝐸 = −202.70 + 233.71 − 280.2 + 539.2 + 290.01 =
(12)
0𝑁
Determination of the shafts bending moments
The beam calculations (bending moment and shear force) Thus the bending moments on this shaft are calculated as

was determined using a software known as Beamax as follows:

shown in Fig.2. 𝑀𝐴 = 0𝑁𝑚𝑚;

𝑀𝐵 = −30,405𝑁𝑚𝑚;
𝑀𝐶 = −79,495.5𝑁𝑚𝑚;
𝑀𝐷 = 23,427.75𝑁𝑚𝑚;
𝑀𝐸 = 0𝑁𝑚𝑚.

Thus the maximum bending moment on the shelling unit

shaft is 79,495.5N-mm. The maximum twisting moment of
Figure 2: Free body diagram of the shelling unit
the shaft is 17,554.6N-mm from equation (8). Since the

Where weight of the pulley, 𝑊𝑃 = 14.76𝑁, resultant load feeding of the corn is gradual and steady, 𝐾𝑏 = 1.5, 𝐾𝑡 = 1.0

on driving gear, 𝑊𝑅 = 290.01𝑁, loading force, 𝑊𝑇 = (Khurmi and Gupta 2013); the shaft diameter was

250.78𝑁, weight of the roller, 𝑊𝑟 = 29.45𝑁, tension on determined using equation (9) as 24.36mm. Therefore, a

the tight side of the shelling drive, 𝑇1 = 160.35𝑁, tension standard 25mm diameter solid mild steel shaft was selected

on the slack side of the shelling drive, 𝑇2 = 42.35𝑁, total for the shelling unit.

force at the point A = 𝑊𝑃 + 𝑇1 + 𝑇2 = 202.70𝑁, total

force at the point C (midpoint between point B and point D)
= 𝑊𝑟 + 𝑊𝑇 = 280.20𝑁, The reactions of bearing 𝑅𝐵 and
𝑅𝐷 were determined by taking the moment about B.
∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0;

290.01 × 600 + 280.2 × 225 = 450𝑅𝐷 + 202.70 × 150

273,051 = 450𝑅𝐷 + 30,405
𝑅𝐷 = 539.2𝑁,

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 5

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

𝑅𝐵 = 43.43𝑁

Taking downward forces to be negative (-) and upward

forces to be positive (+), the shear forces acting on this shaft
were computed as follows:

𝐹𝐴−𝐵 = 43.43𝑁; 𝐹𝐵−𝐶 = 43.43 − 280.2 = −236.77𝑁;

𝐹𝐶−𝐷 = 43.43 − 280.2 + 526.78 = 290.01;
𝐹𝐷 = 43.43 − 280.2 + 526.78 + 290.01 = 0𝑁.

Figure 3: Bending moment and shear force diagram of

the shelling unit

Determination of bending moment of the shelling shaft

The beam calculations (bending moment and shear force)
was determined using a software known as Beamax as
shown in fig. 4.

Figure 5: Bending moment and shear force diagram of

the second shelling unit

Determination of bending moment of the threshing

Figure 4: Free body diagram of the second shelling roller shaft
unit The beam calculations (bending moment and shear force)
Resultant load on driven gear, 𝑊𝑅 = 290.01𝑁; loading was determined using a software known as Beamax as
force, 𝑊𝑇 = 250.78𝑁; weight of the roller, 𝑊𝑟 = 29.45𝑁; shown in fig. 6. The weight of the pulley, 𝑊𝑃 = 12.14𝑁,
tension at the tight side of the shelling drive, 𝑇1 = 160.35𝑁; resultant load on driving gear, 𝑊𝑅 = 290.01𝑁, loading
tension at the slack side of the shelling drive, 𝑇2 = 42.35𝑁; force, 𝑊𝑇 = 250.78𝑁, weight of the roller, 𝑊𝑟 = 29.45𝑁,

total force at the point C (midpoint between point B and point tension on the tight side of the shelling drive, 𝑇1 = 165.4𝑁,

D) = 𝑊𝑟 + 𝑊𝑇 = 280.20𝑁. The reactions of bearing 𝑅𝐵 and tension on the slack side of the shelling drive, 𝑇2 = 40.39𝑁,

𝑅𝐷 were determined by taking the moment about B. total force at the point A = 𝑊𝑃 + 𝑇1 + 𝑇2 = 217.93𝑁, total
∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0; force at the point C = 𝑊𝑟 + 𝑊𝑇 = 280.20𝑁.
280.2 × 225 + 290.01 × 600 = 450𝑅𝐷 The reactions of bearing 𝑅𝐵 and 𝑅𝐷 were determined by
450𝑅𝐷 = 63,045 + 174,006 taking the moment about B.
𝑅𝐷 = 526.78𝑁,
Also, ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0;
𝑅𝐷 + 526.78 = 280.2 + 290.01
𝑅𝐷 + 526.78 = 570.21;

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 6

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

Figure 6: Free body diagram of the threshing unit

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0;

450𝑅𝐷 + 217.93 × 150 = 217.93 × 600 + 280.2 × 225

450𝑅𝐷 + 32,689.3 = 193,758
𝑅𝐷 = 357.93𝑁, Also, ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝑅𝐵 + 357.93 = 217.93 + 280.2 + 217.93
𝑅𝐵 + 357.93 = 716.06; 𝑅𝐵 = 358.13𝑁

Figure 7: Bending moment and shear force diagram of

Taking downward forces to be negative (-) and upward
the threshing unit.
forces to be positive (+), the shear forces acting on this shaft
Thus the maximum bending moment on the shelling unit
were computed as follows:
shaft is 32689.5Nmm. The maximum twisting moment of the
𝐹𝐴−𝐵 = −217.93𝑁; shaft is 8750.7Nmm from equation (8). The shaft diameter
𝐹𝐵−𝐶 = −217.93 + 358.13 = 140.2𝑁; was determined using equation (9) as 18.15mm. Therefore,
𝐹𝐶−𝐷 = −217.93 + 358.13 − 280.2 = 140𝑁;
a standard 20mm diameter solid mild steel shaft was
𝐹𝐷−𝐸 = −217.93 + 358.13 − 280.2 + 357.93 =
selected for the shelling unit.
217.93𝑁;
𝐹𝐸 = −217.93 + 358.13 − 280.2 + 357.93 + 217.93 = Selection of Prime Mover (Electric Motor)
0𝑁 The Shelling power

The bending moments are thus; 𝑀𝐴 = 0𝑁𝑚𝑚; P₁ = (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑗 )𝑣 (Khurmi and Gupta, 2010; Sharma

𝑀𝐵 = 1144.5𝑁𝑚𝑚; and Aggarwal, 2006) (13)

𝑀𝐶 = −32689.5𝑁𝑚𝑚; Where 𝑇𝑖 = 165.4𝑁, 𝑇𝑗 = 40.39𝑁, 𝑣 = 9.53𝑚/𝑠
𝑀𝐷 = 1144.5𝑁𝑚𝑚; P₁ = (165.4 − 40.39 )9.53 = 1191W
𝑀𝐸 = 0𝑁𝑚𝑚 The power, 𝑃𝑇 required for the operation of this machine is
the sum of the power 𝑃1 required to remove the corn fibre
from the shelling unit, and the power, 𝑃2 required to drive
the threshing unit. The power required to drive the shelling
unit, 𝑃1 and the threshing unit, 𝑃2 was determined as
1191W and 820.45W each from equation (13) (Khurmi and
Gupta, 2010; Sharma and Aggarwal, 2006).
𝑃𝑇 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 (14)
Therefore, the total power required for the operation of
machine is 2.011kW from equation (14). Taking the load
factor, 𝜂𝑚 of the motor as 0.75, the power rating of the

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 7

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

electric motor required for the operation of the corn shelling Table 2: Corn shelling and threshing machine test
result using 2kg of corn
and threshing machine was determined as 2.68kW
Trials Mass of Mass of Time
(3.57h.p.) from the relation in equation (15) (Onwualu et al., corn before shelled and taken
shelling and threshed (seconds)
2006).
threshing corn (kg)
𝑃𝑚 =
𝑃𝑇
(15) (kg)
𝜂𝑚
1 2 0.715 178
Therefore, a 4h.p. single-phase electric motor was selected 2 4 1.430 181
3 6 2.145 185
for the operation of the corn shelling and threshing machine.
4 8 2.983 194
Average 5 1.818 184.5
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Performance Efficiency of the Machine
Therefore, the efficiency of the machine was gotten as
Test-running of a machine is an important step taken in the 95.755% from equation (16).
process of machine development and it is done after all
Machine Throughput Capacity
design and construction processes of the machine have
The capacity of the machine per hour is determined by
been completed. It is done to check if the machine is in good
adding up the masses of well threshed corn with the mass
working condition. It is also used in fault detection of the
of the damaged corn, and then divided by the total average
machine (if any) which are eventually corrected. After the
time taken (hours) for the shelling and threshing of the corn.
fabrication and assembly of the machine, the performance
of the machine was tested in terms of the output and Therefore, the average time taken in hours, 𝑡 =
184.5
=
3600
efficiency of the machine. The output is measured in terms 0.0513ℎ𝑟𝑠
of mass of corn dehusked/shelled and the mass of corn
Then the throughput capacity of machine was determined
threshed/deseeded per unit time. The efficiency of the
using the relationship
machine is gotten using equation (16).
M𝑎 +M𝑑𝑐 1.818+0.122
𝑀𝑡𝑐 +𝑀𝑐𝑠 −𝑀𝑑𝑐 100 = = 37.8 𝑘𝑔/ℎ𝑟 (17)
× (16) 𝑡 0.0513
𝑀𝑐 1
Where
Where 𝑀𝑡𝑐 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛 = 7.273𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑎 = 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛,
𝑀𝑐𝑠 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑏 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 12𝑘𝑔
𝑡 = 𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙𝑠.
𝑀𝑑𝑐 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛 = 0.122𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑐 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛 = 20𝑘𝑔 Discussion of Results
The machine was fed with 2kg (10 pieces of dry corn)
The performance test was carried out using four different
through the hopper and allowed to shell and thresh and the
masses of corn (kg) to test run the machine. The machine
time taken was recorded. The test was repeated with
was fed with 2kg, 4kg, 6kg and 8kg of corn at different time
different masses and the average of all trials was taken.
interval and was shelled and threshed while the time taken
Note: The time taken to shell and thresh wasn’t taken for each job was noted.
differently because the machine was fed simultaneously and
The mass loss as a result of left over in the machine or the
the two operations were done at the same time.
mass damaged is 0.122kg which was computed in
generating the efficiency of 95%. The throughput capacity of
the machine gotten was 37.8 kg/hr.

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 8

Design and Development of a Motorized Corn Shelling and Threshing Machine Ugoamadi and Igboayaka, 2020

It was observed that the efficiency of the machine decreases Agricultural Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,
Nigeria.
as well as the shelling and the threshing time as the speed
FAO (1992). Maize in human nutrition. FAO Food and
of the machine increases, and this implies that a good
Nutrition Series, No. 25. Food and Agricultural Organization,
shelling and threshing is achieved at a relative low speed of www.fao.org.
the machine. Fashina, A. B and Abdulahi, (1994). Performance evaluation
of a locally developed direct power take-off driven maize
thresher. Journal of agricultural Technology, NBTE, Vol.
CONCLUSION AND REMENDATIONS
2(1), 1-5
Conclusion
IITA (1996): International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
The design and construction of a corn shelling and threshing (1996). Research Highlights for 1995 ISS No 331- 4340. Pp.
52-53.
machine has been completed and tested. The performance
Iwena, O.A. (2002): Essential Agricultural Science for Senior
test of the machine shows an efficiency of 93% and a Secondary Schools. Fourth Edition Pp.12-13.
throughput capacity of 37.4 kg/hr. The machine can be either Kay, O.E. (1987): Root crops, second edition revised by
powered by an electric motor or an automotive engine. The E.G.B. Grooding, Crop and Product Digest No. 2. London,
Tropical Development and Research Institute.
machine has an electric blower which blow away chaffs from
Khurmi, R.S, and Gupta J.K, 2010, Sharma and Aggarwal,
the threshed corn. This machine has reduced the amount of 2006 prime mover selection.”
time and resources spent in manual shelling and threshing
Khurmi, R.S, and Gupta J.K, 2010. A textbook of machine
of corn as well as encouraging large scale corn production design.”Angle of lap of belt” ISBN: 81-219-2537-1
in Nigeria. Khurmi, R.S, Gupta J.K 2005. A textbook of machine design
S.I Units. Publishing House (PVT) Limited, New Delhi. Pp.
Also the design has been found to have the most economical 16-52,120-180,509-557,624-758 and 962-1020.Labor
hours.
and optimum technical, and operational characteristics,
Khurmi R.S, and Gupta, J.K, Theory of machine by, S Chand
such as replacement ability, service life, simplicity,
and Co ltd , 14 edition, Aug 1, 2005
productivity and ease of operation.
Kochar R. and Kenneth J.S. (1988): Mechanical Engineering
Handbook. John Wiley and Sons. Pp. 1-58.
Recommendations
This study recommends the production of this machine in Ndirika, V.I. (1995): Development and Evaluation of a millet
thresher in Agricultural Engineering and Technology-volume
commercial quantity with a view to increasing large-scale 2, Pp. 80-89.
shelling for commercial purposes as it will be more Olaoye, J.O. and Oni, K.C., 2001, Some Physical and
affordable, hence reducing the dependency on imported Mechanical Properties of Selected grain crops. Proceedings
of the 2nd International Conference & 23rd Annual General
corn shelling and threshing machines. Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers
(A division of NSE); 23: 315-329.
Also the production of this machine in a large scale as stated
Onwualu. A.P, 2006 “Principle of engineering management”
in one of the objectives will minimize the cost of employing ISBN 978-049-364-6 Nsukka, Nigeria.
labourers or worker for manual shelling and threshing. Onwualu, A.P., Akubuo, C.O., and Ahaneku, I.E. (2006).
Fundamental of Engineering for Agriculture Immaculate
REFERENCES Publications Limited Enugu Nigeria.
Abdullahi A.M, Kaul R.N. and Kalkat N.S. (1979): IAR Test Sharma, P.C, Aggarwal, D.K. 2006. Machine design. S.K
report on DAE/97/7 Maize sheller. Department of Kataria and Sons, Nai sarak Dechi; p.19-58, 483-839.

Copyright© College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Page 9