Design and fabrication of a semi-automatic potato cleaning and sorting machine/
Justin S. Batang, Lynette Pauline D. Brofar, Victor Eduard N. Cabus, Raphael D. Suanco, and Christian E. Torres, .--
- Manila: Technological University of the Philippines, 2025.
- xii, 134pages: 29cm.
Bachelor's thesis
College Of Engineering.--
Includes bibliographic references and index.
This study focuses on overcoming the challenges of manual post-harvest handling by creating a semi-automated machine for cleaning and sorting freshly harvested potatoes. The machine is designed to reduce labor demands, speed up processing, and ensure consistent product quality for farmers. It processes 25 kilograms of potatoes every 15 minutes and consists of a feeder section, cleaning assembly, and size grader. The feeder allows batch feeding and removes small potatoes under 3.81 cm. The cleaning unit uses rotating brushes and rollers to achieve cleanliness suitable for public markets. The grading system sorts potatoes into four categories—Extra (X), Triple Extra (3X), Extra Large (XL), and Super Extra Large (SXL)—with an 83.18% sorting efficiency. Testing showed the machine cleans and sorts 25 kilograms in about 4 minutes per batch, significantly faster than the target. It achieved 97.66% separation efficiency in the feeder and consistent sorting
accuracy across multiple trials. Feasibility assessments confirmed the machine is user- friendly, compact, effective at debris removal, and easy to disassemble. Economic analysis
indicates it is a cost-effective investment with strong potential to modernize post-harvest processing in potato farming. Overall, the prototype met its design objectives and provides a practical solution to boost productivity in potato agriculture.