Cassava processing machine developed

Machines that process cassava into dried grates are now available.

The Philippine Rootcrop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) of Leyte State University (LSU) in Baybay, Leyte developed a system that can produce cassava grates at an average of 20 kilograms per hour or more than two tons per month.

The system involves the use of cassava grater, cassava grates spinner, cassava grates pulverizer and sieve, and rotary drum dryer. The procedure involves peeling and trimming, washing, grating, spinning, pulverizing, finishing, drying, and packing.

Monthly demand for dried cassava grates in Leyte is 1.2 tons and three tons in Metro Manila, mostly for making "pitsi-pitsi" and cassava cake. Coping with this demand means improving the existing traditional dried cassava grates processing by mechanizing some operations in the process.

Through the project "Technical improvement of the rootcrop grates processing system," researchers from LSU were able to develop the mechanized system. Led by Daniel Leslie S. Tan, the researchers described the following major features of the machine.

The circumferential-type cassava grater has for its blade the punctured surface of the cylinder. It can grate 200 kilograms of cassava per hour, with practically all the roots grated. Only the fibers or woody portion of the roots are left. A one-horsepower electric motor drives the machine.

The cassava grates spinner is used for removing water from the fresh grates. The machine removes excess moisture to prevent lumping of grates during drying. It has a capacity of 200 kilograms per hour. — Ofelia F. Domingo and Ma. Teresa L. de Guzman, S&T Media Service