Development of a Portable Palm Fruit Digester Machine

Student: Jude Oluchukwu Dele (Project, 2025)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State

Abstract

Thedevelopment of a palm fruit digester machine addresses the inefficiencies and
hazards associated with traditional manual digestion methods. This research focused
on designing and constructing a palm fruit digester powered by an Internal combustion
engine of 3.5hp rating to enhance productivity, reduce labour costs, and improve safety
in palm fruit digesting. The machine was designed using the force to determine the
power rating of the prime mover from which other components weresized. The
constructed machine comprises components madefrom mild steel, with a gasoline
engine as the prime mover. Thedesign includes an effective power transmission system
using belts and pulleys, and sieves for efficient separation of oil from kernels and shaft.
Performance tests conducted on the machine demonstrated a digestion efficiency of
97.18%. and the throughput of 16.85 m3/hr. The machine significantly reduce labour
required for processing palm fruits compared to traditional methods. The total cost of
constructing the machine was ₦ 264,840. The results indicate that the mechanized
digester machine can significantly improve productivity and safety in palm fruit
processing, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth
in palm oil-producing regions.

Keywords
machine fruit digester traditional digestion methods constructing engine rating productivity
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