How to use a cassava grating machine

The cassava grating machine is an agricultural processing machine that plays an important role in the production and processing of garri; it is often used to grind peeled cassava tubers into cassava mash (starch slurry) before further processing. A critical step to utilizing the cassava grating machine is turned and allowed to run for about a minute before use to guarantee the machine is running smoothly. The components of the cassava grating machine include the hopper, Electric motor, collecting box, handler, and frame.

The cassava grating machine aims to increase cassava production in rural and urban areas, whether there is a power supply or not. The Cassava is fed with the Machine through the hopper made of metal sheet to the grating drum, which rotates at a constant speed. This process grates the cassava into cassava pulp. The chute or collecting box constructed of metal sheet accepts the pulp and sends it out because of its inclination, which is operated manually. The efficiency of the Machine was found to be 92.4%.

In this content, we will highlight some critical steps on the best ways to use a cassava grating machine; read on to understand the usage of each component highlighted below;

The Components of cassava grating machine and procedures of use

It is recommended that the cassava grater be turned on and run for about a minute before use to ensure the Machine runs smoothly. The order in which the grating Machine should be used includes;

STEP 1. The Hopper:

Be sure to wash and peel the cassava tubers to get rid of the outer brown skin and inner thick cream layer, then pour the peeled cassava tubers into the grater through the hopper in batches, where they will be crushed into uniform sizes. The hopper is a funnel-like structure located at the top of the cassava grating machine, where the peeled Cassava is poured to be grated. As it houses the rotor, it is sometimes called the grating drum.

The hopper serves as a reservoir in which the freshly peeled cassava tuber is fed, which flows by gravity. The four triangular metal sheets cut and welded were inclined at 300 at the base.

The hopper is constructed with a 1mm thin mild steel sheet of 40mm by 150mm and a height of 800mm. It is measured with a steel rule and cut with a hacksaw. It is cut in a triangular shape and welded by an electric arc welded machine.

Step 2. The Cylinder grater: 

This is used to grate the incoming Cassava from the hopper; it is wrapped and welded on a cylindrical wood. The diameter of the grater is 40mm. Grater = (22/7) D (22/7) x 40 =125.7mm Therefore, the circumference of the grater = nD (22/7) x 40 Width = 125.7mm. The grater comprises a 1mm thick mild metal sheet measured 110mm by 125.7mm by a steel band and cut by a hacksaw. It is perforated by using a nail, which is welded to a wood cylinder by an electric arc welding machine. The diameter of the wood is 125.7mm, and the length is 110mm. The wood is drilled to a 12mm diameter where the shaft of 160mm and a diameter of 25mm is passed through the cylinder wood; it is folded into a cylindrical form with a hole of 25mm diameter.

STEP 3. The Collecting Box: 

Position the collecting plate or pan under the collecting box of the slag outlet to guarantee that the grated cassava mash is collected. This is the last step; repeat the process as highlighted in the steps above. It is made of a mild steel metal sheet of 1mm and was measured and cut into 120mm length and width of 30mm at angles of 800 and 300. It was estimated with a steel band and joined together by an electric arc welding machine.

Other Specifications of the Cassava grating machine include the following;

4. The machine Frame

This is the outer shell of the cassava grating machine, it is usually made out of steel, and it is to this frame the other components of the cassava grater are attached. It also provides stability to the Machine while it is running.

5. The Rotor

This is a tubelike shaft located at the bottom of the hopper; it is covered with several pins or nails, and as it rotates due to the action of the engine/motor, the Cassava raw material is then squeezed and crushed into uniform sizes before being discharged from the slag outlet.

6. Electric Motor: 

A 200W electric motor is suitable to operate the cassava grater. The capacity is enough to turn the grater by electric power generated from the electric motor to the belt to turn the grater during grating. This power is sufficient to operate the Machine. This is usually located at the front end of the Machine, and it is a mechanical device that serves as the driver of the entering mechanism converting mechanical energy to rotational motion in the rotor using a pulley system.

7. The shaft: 

A mild steel shaft of a length of 160mm and a diameter of 14mm was used. A standard steel band was used to measure the length, and a hacksaw was used for the cutting. Both the pulley and handle are bolted to the shaft, which is used to turn the grater.

8. The Stand: 

1mm mild steel angle iron was chosen for its durable toughness and ability to withstand shock. The angle iron is measured and cut into eight sections, four are used for the stand, while 4 are used for the support. It has a length of 180mm and 90mm. It is measured with a steel band joined by an electric arc welding machine to form the stand. The hopper is bolted to the frame/stand. This is a rigid structure that supports the whole Machine.

9. Clearance Plate:

A plywood of 3mm thick is used and a length of 900mm and 30mm. It is chosen for its resistance to corrosion and rust. It can also resist wear because of its hardness. It is bolted to the hopper.

10. The Handler: 

A hollow mild steel of 85mm was used. It is folded and bolted to the shaft. The handle is used in turning the grater when it is manually operated.

11. The Pulley system:

The Pulley is used when it is electrically operated. A V-grooved pulley of 60mm diameter is used to turn the grater by electric power from an electric motor through a belt. The pulley is made of stiff and durable material; it is connected to the rotor through the grating drum and the engine. As the engine runs, the pulley system rotates with a belt, causing a similar rotor rotation within the grating drum. The pulley is subjected to speed changes from the engine and tension pressures from the belt, so materials such as cast iron are preferred due to their strength. The cassava grater uses a motor that enables the rotor to spin through the belt at very high speeds, such that as the process is ongoing, the cassava tubers are grated in contact with the rotor.

The cassava grater is specialized in crushing high-humidity, multi-fibrous materials. It utilizes a high-speed rotating blade to smash the fiber with suitable particle size and high efficiency. Its blade is made of high-quality special steel, processed by a unique process, which has the characteristics of high strength, good wear resistance, and can be repeated use. Besides, this Machine comes with an overload protection device, which is easy to disassemble and clean. In addition, the discharge net is made of tapered hole technology, which significantly improves working efficiency. This cassava grating machine has wide applications and strong versatility, but it is often used in garri processing lines for cassava processing.

Use & Maintenance of the Cassava grating machine

it is recommended that the cutting surface be constantly brushed to avoid clogging and the bearing properly.

• To prevent the grater from being damaged, it is essential to ensure that the cassava tubers are thoroughly cleaned and that no hard particles enter the grater machine as they are being poured in.
• Before you turn on the Machine, ensure there are no obstructions inside and that the cover or shroud is stable. You should also check to see if the Machine makes any strange noises. Once everything has been verified to be expected, the Machine can then be used.
• After shutting down the Machine, it must always be cleaned inside and out, and no materials should be left inside it.
• You can wash the Machine with a fresh cloth or water, but be careful not to let the water get too close to the engine and ensure, during this process, that the Machine is shut down.
• Double-check the pulley system to confirm there are no obstructions and that the belt is clean and dry.
• Always check to verify the oil in the engine is at the recommended level before turning it on.
• Also, ensure that the lubricating oil used is the recommended brand and type.
• As a result of constant use, the pins on the rotor will eventually wear out; therefore, it is essential to regularly check to ensure they are in good functioning order and not worn out before use. When they start to exhibit signs of prolonged wear and tear, you replace them right away with new ones.
• The cassava grating machine must be regularly serviced by a professional to improve its service life.

Benefit of the Cassava grating machine

1. It can be adjusted to grate raw ingredients like Cassava, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, etc.

2. The cassava grating machine has a high crushing ratio and production capacity.

3. It produces its final product in a uniform style.

4. It consumes less energy.

5. It has a simple structure but a very dependable framework.

6. It is simple to maintain and operate.

7. More can be done in less time due to its excellent processing capacity, making it very time efficient.

Related Article:

Agricultural Machinery and products in Nigeria.

Types of Agricultural Machinery and their uses

Conclusion

The cassava grating machine is an essential piece of equipment used in Cassava, garri, and starch processing because of the Machine's versatility concerning the different feedstocks that can be processed using this Machine, as well as the various products that can be generated from those feedstocks. GZ Industrial supplies recommends this cassava grating machine because of general ease with which it can be operated, making it one of the most essential pieces of equipment employed in the agricultural sector today. Additionally, we have guaranteed our cassava grating machines' extended lifespan and effectiveness by learning how to operate and maintain them properly. Contact us