Performance Evaluation and Modification of an Existing Rice Destoner

Abstract

Destoning is a processing technique for removing stones and broken grains from a batch of milled rice. This research was carried out to modify an existing rice destoner for the purpose of increasing its capacity and efficiency. Modification introduced addressed challenges associated with the existing machine, such as low stone removal efficiency and low air flow channel, which affects the aerodynamic lifting of the rice grains. Performance was evaluated for 3 kg of locally milled rice samples based on the design capacity of the machine, cleaning efficiency and degree of grain flow. The result showed that the design capacity (1.8 kg/h) of the modified destoner was higher than that of the existing (0.86 kg/h). Also, the modified machine has 40.8% destoning efficiency which is higher than that of existing machine (2.58%).