Design and Development of Potato Processing Machine

Abstract

Nowadays, the process of peeling and cutting potatoes usually made separately, either using manual method or machine where peeler machine is used to peel potatoes skin while cutter machine is used for cutting only. This is not only requires a lot of manpower and also time consuming which is affecting the quality of the end product due to browning effect. Equipment that is capable to do all the processes starting from the cleansing, peeling skin and cut potatoes to the desired shape is required. A new innovative potato processing machine that has been designed and developed consists of a framework, a peeler machine mounted on the frame, a cutter machine mounted on the frame and a controller mounted on the frame to control both peeler and cutter machine. The operation of this machine started with 15 kilograms of potatoes placed into peeler drum and water is poured into the drum for cleaning process. Result found that this machine is capable in peeling 15 kilograms of potatoes in 1-2 minutes. A sliding divider is installed vertically on peeler drum to prevent potatoes from entering the cutter machine during the peeling process so that potatoes skin can be peeled properly. A connector installed in perpendicular from the peeler machine to cutter machine to allow potatoes into space of cutter machine with appropriate feed rate for cutting process based on required shape. Cutter machine is equipped with perforated collectors to allow the cut potatoes to be soaked in the liquid for the purpose of cleaning and anti-browning treatment. As a  conclusion, this machine can minimize the time and manpower required to process the potatoes.