Development of Mango Stone Decorticator

Abstract

Mango is an important tropical fruits grown in India. Mango peel and stone are the major by-products of mango processing, accounting for 35 to 60% of the total fruit weight. Mango stone is composed of outer shell and inner kernel. In order to exploit the valuable components of mango stone, continuous mechanical equipment for mango stone decortication was designed, developed and evaluated for its performance. The machine consisted of a frame, feeding chute, cylinder assembly, concave, discharge outlets, blower and drive unit. Cylinder speed (200, 250 and 300 rpm), feed rate (150, 200 and 250 kg.h^-1) and moisture content (9.62, 15.02 and 17.89% d.b.) were the study variables. At a cylinder speed of 250 rpm, feed rate of 200 kg.h^-1and 9.62% kernel moisture content (d.b.), the machine operated with decortication efficiency and kernel breakage of 93.91 and 68.12%, respectively.