Development of multi-purpose slicer and squeezing machine/ Nelmart T. Barrido, Jhon Marvin A Matignas, Rex P. Natividad, Krisha Mae T. Rodriguez and Ronaldo O. Tominez Jr.--

Bachelor's thesis

College of Industrial Technology.-- Bachelor of Engineering Technology major in Electrical Engineering Technology: Technological University of the Philippines, Manila. 2024

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Coconuts are vital to the Philippines, providing resources for medicine, crafts, hygiene,
fabrics, ingredients, and fuel. This study aims to enhance the production of charcoal
briquettes by developing a machine that reduces the natural drying time of coconut
materials. The machine employs slicing and squeezing principles to extract water from
coconuts. By slicing them into smaller pieces and using two rollers to press out moisture,
the process becomes more efficient. Additionally, the machine's design can also process
other biomass materials, such as water hyacinth, a fast-growing aquatic plant that poses
environmental challenges due to its invasive nature. By incorporating water hyacinth into
the production process, the machine contributes to addressing the plant's overgrowth while
turning it into a valuable resource for briquette production. Testing revealed that the
machine could process over 15 kilograms of coconut material in increasing time intervals.
A motor control feature enhances its functionality and user-friendliness. The prototype was
evaluated by 30 individuals, scoring an average performance rating of 4.57, classified as
Excellent. The machine's design, using durable metal iron, ensures strength, reliability, and
longevity during mechanical operations. This innovation significantly reduces the drying
process time and increases charcoal briquette production. It is a practical tool for factories,
promoting efficiency and sustainability in coconut-based industries while also offering a
solution to manage water hyacinth effectively.
Keywords: coconut, hyacinth, slicer, squeezer, briquette,