DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A RICE DE-STONING MACHINE
Abstract
Locally processed rice in Nigeria is often rejected due to the presence of stones and impurities, making it less appealing than imported varieties. To improve local rice quality and reduce foreign dependence, a continuous-flow rice de-stoning machine was designed, constructed, and tested. The machine operates using a dual-phase vibrating screening system powered by a 6.5Hp engine generator(4847W). It separates rice grains from heavier impurities through controlled vibration. A manually operated lever regulates the consistent feeding of rice into the screening tray. Fabricated with durable mild steel, the machine achieves a separation efficiency of 90.03% and a processing capacity of 436.16 kg/hr, making it suitable for commercial-scale rice processing. The final product is free from stones and solid debris, with quality comparable to imported rice. This innovation offers a practical solution to the challenges of local rice processing and can significantly boost consumer acceptance of Nigerian rice.
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