Innovative Mechanical Design and Parameter Optimization of a Tender Sorghum (Hurda) Extraction Machine: A Detailed Study on Design and Operational Efficiency

The extraction of tender sorghum (hurda) from immature panicles is traditionally performed manually, resulting in low efficiency, high drudgery, and substantial grain loss. To address these challenges, an innovative tender sorghum (hurda) extraction machine was designed, developed, and optimized for efficient mechanical extraction with minimal damage. The machine consisted of a feeding unit, extraction unit and cleaning unit with power transmission system of 1 hp single-phase motor. Experimental trials were conducted to evaluate performance parameters such as extraction efficiency, mechanical damage, and grain loss under different operating conditions. Optimization of the machine revealed a maximum extraction efficiency of 93.54% at a belt speed ratio of 1.13, a feed rate of 180 kg h^-1, inlet and outlet clearances of 45 and 20 mm, respectively, using a rough-texture Polyurethane (PU) food grade belt. Under these conditions, mechanical damage to the grains was minimized to 1.2% and minimum total grain loss was 8.36%. The cost of operation of the developed machine (Rs. 0.50 kg^-1) was substantially low as compared to traditional practice (Rs. 5.55 kg^-1). The developed machine significantly reduced manual labor and time while maintaining high-quality grain recovery. The optimized sorghum hurda extraction machine provides a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and farmer-friendly solution for small-scale tender sorghum processing, promoting mechanization and value addition at the farm level.