Techno-economic evaluation of maize degermer machine

Maize (Zea mays, L.) germs are nutritionally rich and a source of oil of good quality. Conventional separation of germs from maize kernel is tedious and time consuming task. Moreover, degermed flour has added functional properties of storability and digestibility. In this backdrop, maize degermer of capacity 20 kg/h was designed (using AUTOCAD, 3-D model), developed and evaluated for its technoeconomic feasibility. A one hp electric motor at an output speed of 7 rpm was found to be optimized in terms of germs separation (71.6%), germ recovery (7.16%), less power consumption (0.545 kW). The maize kernels were pre-treated at 50±2°C for 72 h to a specific gravity of 7.5–9 ^oBaume prior to feeding into machine. Estimated unit cost of degermer was Rs 33900, whereas the cost of complete plant (including different unit operations) was Rs 63400 at 2015–16 prices. Economic feasibility indicators such as benefit cost ratio (1.29), payback period (3 months) and break-even point (20.29) were found reasonably well with annual profit of Rs 2.49 lakh/unit. Further, sensitivity analysis covering risk, revealed sound financial position of maize degermer and flour unit. This will be helpful in establishment of entrepreneurship in maize growing areas.