Design and implementation of sequential fruit size sorting machine

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a simple and easy to construct fruits size sorting machine. The sorting machine was designed to sort oranges, apples, and yellow plums in small, medium, large, and extra-large size groups based on physical and mechanical properties including axial dimensions, arithmetic mean diameter, sphericity, mass, volume, projected area, and frictional characteristics (coefficient of static friction) against two structural surfaces of the sorting machine (galvanized iron and rubber). The maximum sorting efficiency of the machine was 98% at 20 rpm for plums. Whereas the minimum fruit sorting efficiency of the machine at 25 rpm was 76% for apple fruits. The sorting efficiency of the machine increased with increasing sphericity ratio of fruits. The sorting machine productivity was 280, 250, and 212 kg h-1 for sorting oranges, apples, and plums, respectively. It is recommended that the machine should be operated at three slope angles of the sorting unit 20º, 15º, and 10º for oranges, apples, and plums, respectively. These angles correspond to the coefficient of static friction of the tested fruit.