Development of a Cassava Starch Extraction Machine

Cassava starch extraction machine that is easy to assemble, operate and maintain was developed and tested. The major components of the machine are hopper, mixing unit, extraction chamber which houses the screw conveyor (auger) and sieve, discharge outlets and the power unit. The machine was powered by 2 Kw electric motor. The working principle of the machine is by feeding cassava mash and water through the hopper, under gravity they both fall freely into the mixing unit, the rotated stirrers mixed the mash and water properly before it is discharged to the extraction chamber where the screw conveyor move and rotates it over a sieve thereby causing the moist starch to viberate.The machine was tested with 5kg TMS 30572 cassava mash with different water quantity (10 ? 22)litres. It was observed that at 18litres of water and 120rpm stirrers speed. The output capacity was 25.2kg/hr and the extraction efficiency was 80%. The total cost of production of the machine was N86,400.00. The machine is recommended for small and medium producers of cassava starch