Modification and Testing of a Rice Parboiler

Rice parboiling is an essential process that enhances the nutritional value, milling efficiency, and storage stability of rice. However, the effectiveness of this process is often limited by equipment inefficiencies, particularly in steam distribution. This project focuses on modifying and evaluating an existing rice parboiler at the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State. The primary issue with the original parboiler was the imbalance between the steam generator (boiler) and the steaming unit, leading to inefficient steam utilization and uneven parboiling. To address this challenge, the steaming unit which was 244cm was redesigned by dividing it into three compartments of 82cm per compartmennts, each with independent steam inlets for uniform steam distribution. Fabrication involved using stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance, while galvanized pipes were incorporated for efficient steam transfer. Performance evaluation of the modified parboiler included water and steam flow tests, ensuring even heat and moisture distribution across compartments. Preliminary results indicated improved steam utilization, uniform parboiling, and reduced processing inefficiencies compared to the original design. This project work concludes that the modifications significantly enhanced the operational efficiency, safety, and overall effectiveness of the rice parboiling process. It recommends the adoption of this improved design for small- and medium-scale rice processors, further optimization for energy efficiency, and possible integration of automation for enhanced performance.