DESIGN, FABRICATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SQUASH PEELING

MACHINE FOR SMALL OPERATIONS

BANISA, BRITON S.

BUYAAN, VINCE C.

MONTES, ELEAZAR JUNIOR L.

BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY

LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

JUNE 2024
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The biggest problem that the researchers encountered in their on-the-job training at the Food

Science and Research Innovation Center was the demand to peel 100kg of squash to be included in

making squash-enriched products. Peeling such a large quantity presented several issues. First, it was

labor and time consuming. The process of peeling manually caused squash with an inconsistent size to

be done, which affected the quality of the product as well as the general output. Then, prolonged

exposure to squash skin caused skin irritation. The hard outer skin of squash was difficult to peel off,

hence causing strain in hand and discomfort. The repetitive action and force practiced led to straining,

which resultantly caused acute pains and a sensation of locking in fingers.

Peeling is considered as an important preliminary stage of processing. It is the removal of

outer covering of the vegetables and fruits. The quality and the final price of the processed products

are highly dependent on this stage. Manual peeling is possible for any kind of product but high losses

and considerable consumption of time and labor have encouraged the peeling industry to use other

methods (Luh and Woodroof., 1988).

Shape and size of an object form the basis in developing a peeling machine. Shape and size

are inseparable in a physical object and both are necessary if the object to be satisfactory described

(Mohsenin, 1986). Sitkei (1986) states that the functioning of many types of agricultural machines

influenced decisively by the shapes and sizes of the objects participating.

Peeling a squash is an important step for various squash processes. Manual peeling of squash

is very tedious, time consuming and labor intensive. It takes 5-7 minutes per piece for small, 8-10

minutes per piece for medium and 10-13 minutes for large sizes of squash. Squash peeling in Benguet

is usually done manually. Peeling using a knife is generally applied.

Designing a squash peeler would be very good to help the industry producing squash products

increase in demand. The work advances more cost-effective and sustainable food processing methods

by increasing the efficiency of peeling procedures, which are important objectives in agricultural
engineering (Emadi, B., Abbaspour-Fard, M. H., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2008). It is the machine that

would hasten the process of peeling, which minimizes excessive removal of the outer skin of the

squash without causing damage and wasted parts in a minimal percent. Creating non-mechanical

peeling techniques that can be more effective and cause less harm to the fruit (Prakash et al., 2001). If

the production of squash increases, we could then produce more squash-enriched products.

Pre-Pack Machinery (2012), developed a dually butternut squash peeler. One of the major

concerns for the materials of the machine is its availability in the local markets, which will lead to

further cost and logistics. Moreover, it is quite high in the maintenance cost, which may become a

major cost on the user. Elements of the machine are not easy to provide an ease in maintenance,

which further increases the total cost of maintenance.

In the year 2022, Pnd Costruzioni Elettromeccaniche S.R.L. have developed in Italy the

PL1D/ PL2D/PL4D semi-automatic peeling machine is dedicated to peeling melons, pineapples and

pumpkin. The peeling machine is a manual feed machine that operates external peeling: in this way all

the fruits, even if not calibrated and irregular, can be easily peeled with maximum efficiency.

However, the machine is intended for large-scale production that requires would need at least two to

three people to operate the machine efficiently.

In relation to that, this study aimed at designing, fabricating, and testing a squash peeling

machine to be operated by one worker, made from locally available materials, easily designed, and

low cost of maintenance would be a great help to small-scale squash farmers and small-scale

manufacturers that rely on squash as a key ingredient.

Objectives of the Study

The general objectives of his study are to design, fabricate and evaluate the performance of a

squash peeling machine. Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Design and fabricate a squash peeler machine;

2. Evaluate the performance of the machine in terms of peeling efficiency and capacity;
 3. Perform a simple cost analysis of the fabricated machine; and

4. Conduct a pilot testing and gather feedback from selected food processing industries.

Significance of the Study

Since squash is an important crop for commerce, mechanization in most handling operations

is of urgent need. A squash peeling machine makes the peeling of squash faster and easier. It would

lessen the needed manpower since instead of having 5 persons to peel, one human is enough to

operate the machine. Hence, the study aims to develop a mechanical peeler for the peeling of squash

and evaluate its peeling efficiency and capacity to help small-scale squash farmers and small-scale

manufacturers that rely on squash as a key ingredient.

Place and Time of the Study

The study is due to begin in June 2024 at the Food Science Research and Innovation Center,

focusing on addressing the challenges encountered in peeling squash. This center produces squash-

enriched products where our team of researchers faced these problems. Develop a solution that solves

the labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of peeling squash for the workers at this center. The

prototype will first be developed at the metal workshop of the College of Engineering at Benguet

State University. Then, pilot-testing of this machine prototype will be conducted at the Food Science

and Research Innovation Center and, later, tested in other food industries for further testing.

METHODOLOGY

Design and Fabrication

A. Machine Design Considerations

During the fabrication of the machine, the following criteria will be considered:

1. The device should be made of locally available materials

2. The device should be electric or engine motor - driven

 3. The device can be operated by a single operator

4. Simple in design and easy to operate

5. The machine and its element should be simple enough so that very little maintenance and

servicing is required.

6. Low maintenance cost

B. Materials and Equipment Used

Fabrication of the machine will make use of the following materials: 1 hp electric motor,

stainless flat sheet, stainless metal rod, stainless metal hollow shaft, stainless flat bar, stainless coil

springs, worm gearbox reducer, bolt and nuts, welding rods, cutting disk, grinding disk, drill bits, and

caster wheel.

These are the tools and equipment that shall be used in fabricating the machine: welding

machine, bending machine, marking tools, grinder, electric drill, hammer, wrench, and PPE.

C. Parts of the Machine

1. Body

The body will be constructed using a 316 stainless steel flat sheet. 316 stainless steels

have a high resistance to corrosion, prevents the squash from contamination, ease of cleaning,

and has good strength and toughness at vibrations during operations.

2. Peeler assembly

The peeler assembly consists of a blade which is made of stainless metal attached to 2

stainless steel coil springs.

3. Prime Mover

A 1 hp electric motor will be used to transmit power for the machine to operate. The

motor will be directly attached to a worm gearbox reducer with 20:1 ratio. Worm gear reducer
 is ideal for saving space due to its sleek design and have irreversible input and output shafts,

which provides for a high level of system security.

Performance and Evaluation

A. Principle of Operation

Remove the upper and Place the squash in the

Squash
lowermost fragments peeling assembly

As it rotates, of the The energy

squash causing the from the electric
squash to strikes Electric motor starts
motor is converted
the blade resulting into mechanical
in the peeling of the energy, on which a
squash. rotational motion is
introduced to the shaft
connected to the
squash. through the
gearbox.
Figure 1. Flow process chart

B. Preliminary Testing of the Machine

Preliminary testing will be conducted to be able to identify the appropriate

adjustment for the machine and to make sure that the design concept is effective. The materials

that will be used in making the peeler blade will also be tested to know how to improve what’s

suitable for the design and ensure that it can thoroughly peel the squash.

C. Data Gathering

The following data will be gathered during the evaluation:

1. Weight of SAMPLES, kg

Each treatment had 15 kilos of squash of different sizes hence, a total of 45 kilos of

squash will be gathered prior to peeling.

2. Operating time, min

The length of time measured from the time the first squash was fed until the last

squash will be peeled.

3. Weight of Thoroughly Peeled Samples, kg

Weight of peeled sample that is peeled thoroughly.

4. Weight of Undamaged Samples, kg

Weight of undamaged sample.

D. Formula Used

1. Peeling Efficiency

In determining its peeling efficiency, the following parameters were first gathered,

the percentage of thoroughly peeled squash and percentage of damaged peeled squash.

TP = NTP / NSL x 100

Where:

TP = Percentage Thoroughly Peeled Squash

WTP = Weight of Thoroughly Peeled Squash

WSL = Weight of Squash Loaded

UP = (1- DPS) / NSL x 100

Where:

UP = Percentage Undamaged Peeled Squash

DPS = Damaged Peeled Squash

WSL = Weight of Squash Loaded

EP = TP% x UP%

Where:
 EP = Peeling Efficiency

TP = Percentage Thoroughly Peeled Squash

UP = Percentage Undamaged Peeled Squash

2. Peeling Capacity

The peeling capacity of the device is obtained by the number of squashes it can peel

over a unit of time. In formula

C P = NP / t

Where:

CP = Peeling Capacity

WP = Weight of Peeled Squash

t = Time

Simple Cost analysis

Formula for Simple Cost Analysis

1. Depreciation cost

It is used to calculate how a sector could repay the cost of an asset before its duration. The

depreciation of the machine is determined through the use of the straight-line method, with an

estimated life of 10 years and a salvage value of 10% of the initial cost

c o −S
d=
n

Where: Co = Initial Cost

S = Salvage Value
 N = Lifespan or useful life

2. Interest on Investment

It refers to the price money invested on the machine.

Co +S
linc = ×10 %
2

Where: Co = Initial Cost

S = Salvage Value

3. Tax and Insurance

T&I = Co × 3%

Where: Co = Initial Cost

4. Repair and Maintenance

R&M = Co× 10%

Where: Co = Initial Cost

Variable cost

It pertains to the cost used for operation of the machine.

1. Labor Cost

The cost incurs on the wage of the operator

CI = W × U

Where: W = average wage

U= annual use

2. Annual Operating Cost

The increase of usage of the machine yearly

 Annual Operating Cost = Fixed Cost + Variable Cost

3. Profit During Operation

Revenue

Refers to the gross income of the machine annually.

R = CR + C

Where: CR = Custom Rate

C = Capacity

4. Net Income

N = TR – (F + V)

Where: TR = total Revenue

F = Fixed Cost

V = Variable Cost

5. Return on investment, ROI

It is used to evaluate the investment’s efficiency through a comparison of the amount

paid and the amount earned.

N
ROI = × 100%
T

Where: N = Net Income

T= total Operating Cost

6. Payback Period

It is the period of time the machine utilizes to return the payment of its investment,

which is expressed in years.

 Co
PP =
N

after 10 years.

Where: Co = Initial Cost

Where: Co = Initial Cost

N = Net Income

B. Simple Cost Analysis on the Use of the Machine

The purpose of this device is to mechanize the traditional practice of squash peeling

and slicing at Food Science and Research Institute Center. To determine if potential users of this

device which are the product development and laboratory workers at FSRIC will be benefited from its

acquisition, simple cost analysis was undertaken. Table below shows the basic assumptions and data

to perform the analysis.

Table 1: Simple cost analysis of the use of the machine

PARTICULAR ASSUMED/COMPUTED VALUES

Initial Cost (Ci) (Php) 25,240.00

Salvage value (%) 10% of initial cost

Life span (yrs) 10%

Tax and Insurance (%) 3% of initial cost

Interest rate (%) 10%

Interest on Investment (%) 10%

Repair and Maintenance (%) 10%

Custom Rate (Php/kg) 5 Php/kg

Annual use 26 days

Labor Cost (Php) 76.25/hr

 Electrical Cost (Php/kW) 5.7375

Capacity (kg/hr) 180

Fixed Cost

Depreciation cost, D (Php/yr) 2,271.60

Interest on Investment, Iinv (Php/yr) 1,375.58

Tax and Insurance, T&I 757.20

(Php/yr)

Total Fixed Cost, (Php/yr) 4,404.38

Total Fixed Cost, (Php/hr) 12.10

Variable Cost

Labor cost, CL (Php/yr) 1,982.50

Repair and Maintenance, R&M 2,524.00

(Php/yr)

Power cost, (Php/kW) 198.90

7.65(Php/yr)

Total Variable Cost (Php/yr) 4,705.40

Total Variable Cost (Php/hr) 180.98

Annual Operating Cost 9,109.78

Revenue (Php/yr) 23,400.00

Net Income (Php/yr) 14,290.22

Payback Period 1 year and 8 months

Return of Investment 63.75%

Pilot Testing and Feedback Gathering

The machine will undergo pilot testing at the Food Science Research and Innovation Center

and other food processing industries to collect feedback and assess its performance in real-world

applications. This is a very vital stage in the performance evaluation of the squash peeling machine

under actual conditions to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability of the machine in peeling

squash.
A. Pilot Testing Procedure

1. Freshly harvested squash to be purchase from the market;

2. The upper and lower most squash fragment will be remove using a knife;

3. The squash will be weighed using dial scale;

4. The squash will be placed in the peeling assembly;

5. Turn on the motor;

6. The squash will strike the blade as it rotates;

7. Turn off the peeling assembly from rotating;

8. The operating time of the machine will start from the moment the motor is on and stop at the

moment the desired time is reached.

9. Peeled squash will be placed into a container and individually inspected to sort the squashes

by the percentage of peeling.

10. The weight of the peeling, thoroughly peeled and undamaged peeled will be recorded.

11. The same procedure will be done for each treatment.

B.Feedback Gathering:

Feedback gathering is a section of pilot testing. Responses will be obtained from users and

operators through various techniques. These include:

1. Questionnaires: The users will answer questionnaires on the peeling efficiency and capacity of the

machine.
 Table 2: Point Likert Scale

Scale Equivalent Response

5 Extremely Satisfied

4 Very Satisfied

3 Neutral

2 Slightly Satisfied

1 Not Satisfied at all

The 5-point Likert scale is use in the study as it provides a measurement of

satisfaction in regards to the the peeling efficiency and capacity of the machine.

Expected Outcome

The designed and fabricated squash peeling machine is expected to achieve the following

outcomes:

1. Increase efficiency in peeling: The machine should be able to peel squash efficiently at a rate

of at least 90 percent, capable of peeling 5kg of squash per minute.

2. Reduce Labor and time: This machine is expected to reduce labor and time used in peeling

squash, so one operator can handle the processing of squash effectively.

3. Minimize waste and damage: The machine should reduce excess squash skin removal and

squash damage to yield a higher result of usable squash.

4. Easy to operate/maintain: Designed to be simple, this machine must be very easy to operate

and maintain and, hence, low in maintenance

cost.

5. Low cost: It must bring a lower production cost compared to existing machines on the

market.
Table 3: Total cost of material in constructing a squash peeler.

UNIT ITEM UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT COST TOTAL

1pc Electric Motor 1 hp, single phase 3,160 3,160
1pc Stainless Flat Sheet Thickness - ⅛ inch 7,000 8,300
1pc Stainless Steel Metal Diameter: 1 inch 120 120
Rod Length - 6 inches
2pcs Stainless coil Spring Diameter - ½ inch 139 278
Length - 3 inches
1pc Worm Gearbox Reducer Ratio 20:1 3,000 3,000
8 pcs Bolts and Nuts Size - ⅜ inch 30 240
Length – 1.5 inches
16 pcs Bolts and nuts Diameter - ¼ inch 12 192
Length - ¾ inch
4 pcs Stainless Bolts and Nuts Diameter - ¼ inch 25 100
Length - ¾ inch
1 pc Threaded Rod Bar Size - 1.5 inches 245 245
Length – 12 inches
3 pcs Stainless Welding Rod Size - 1/8 10 30
2 pcs Bearing Diameter - 1 inch 180 360
4 pcs Cutting disc 35 140
1 pc Grinding disk 80 80
1 pc Stainless steel drill bit Size - ⅜ inch 900 900
1 pc Stainless steel drill bit Size - ¼ inch 340 340
4 pcs Swivel caster wheel Size - 4 inches 125 500
Total cost
17,740
Labor cost
7,500

Grand Total
25,485

References:

LUH, B.S. AND WOODROOF, J.G. (1988) "Commercial vegetable processing," 2nd edn., AVI Book,
New York, USA.

SITKEI, G. 1986. Mechanics of Agricultural Materials. Vol. 8. Published by Arademiai Kiado. 1986
ing, N.N. 1970. Physical properties of plant and animal materials, vol. 1, Michigan. Published by
Gordon and Breach. 1970

Prakash, M., Prapulla, S. G., & Venkatesh, K. V. (2001). Optimization of enzymic peeling of Indian
grapefruit. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 38(3), 244-249.
Emadi, B., Abbaspour-Fard, M. H., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2008). Mechanical peeling of
pumpkins using an abrasive-cutter brush. Journal of Food Engineering, 87(4), 611-617.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2008.01.011

RRL Matrix
I. Design and Development of a Squash Peeling Machine

Article Title Design and Development of a Squash Peeling Machine

Author/s Dornow Food Technology GmbH
1. Does the author Yes, a major issue in agricultural engineering and food processing is the
analyze a central efficiency and efficacy of automated peeling for squash. In order to process
problem of the squash with less waste and labour, peeling efficiency is essential.
discipline related to
your special area?
(GENERAL
TOPIC)
2. What are the The objective is to create an automated squash peeling system that will
researchers trying to maximise peeling yield while lowering labour expenses and peeling losses.
find out? This entails building a device that can manage the particular difficulties
(OBJECTIVES) presented by the texture and form of squash.
3. Does the author’s It is important since it directly addresses increasing the peeling efficiency of
name question processing squash, which is important for small- and large-scale businesses as
appropriate to your well.
work, to your field in
general?
(RELATEDNESS OF
THE STUDY TO THE
RESEARCH)
4. Why The study is essential for lowering labour expenses and peeling losses, two
is the research significant issues in the processing of squash. Higher-quality products and
important? significant cost reductions are possible with faster peeling machinery.
(RELEVANCE OF THE
STUDY)
5. What The machine’s performance was evaluated by measuring many parameters,
things were including peel thickness, surface texture, and overall machine efficiency.
measured? (SCOPE) These measures are essential for figuring just how successful the peeling
procedure is.
6. What were the Due to its inflexibility while dealing squash with irregular surfaces, the
results? (RESULTS) machine displayed significant peeling losses, indicating a need for
improvement.
7. What do the The authors stated that future designs should have flexible peeling
authors conclude and mechanisms because the current ones are not flexible enough to handle the
what factors uneven surfaces of squash.
do they attribute the
findings?
(RELATEDNESS TO THE
CONCLUSION)
8. Can you accept the Within the parameters of the investigation, the results are accurate. To
findings as true? increase overall efficiency, however, it is important to overcome the
Discuss any machine’s significant disadvantage of not being able to manage surfaces that
failing or shortcomings are uneven.
of the methods used
to support the findings
?
Source (Website Dornow Food Technology GmbH. (n.d.). Design and development of a squash
links) peeling machine. Retrieved from https://www.dornow.de
10. Process /Methods Researchers set out to craft a machine that peels squash. They wanted to
boost peeling speed and cut down on work and waste. First, they sketched
and built a test version. Then, they put it through its paces. They looked at
how thick the peel was how smooth the surface got, and how well it worked
overall. But they encounter a problem. The machine couldn't handle bumpy
squash skins very well. It ended up wasting too much. This showed that
peelers need to be more flexible to deal with odd shapes.

Article Title Optimization of Enzymic Peeling of Indian Grapefruit

Author/s Prakash et al., 2001
1. Does the author Yes, the study looks at how to best peel fruits with rough skin, which has a lot
analyze a central to do with food processing and technology. This is particularly important for
problem of the creating non-mechanical peeling techniques that can be more effective and
discipline related to cause less harm to the fruit.
your special area?
(GENERAL
TOPIC)
2. What are the The objective of the study is to get fast peeling of Indian grapefruit by
researchers trying to improving enzymatic conditions, which involve enzyme concentration,
find out? temperature, vacuum infusion duration, and scalding time.
(OBJECTIVES)
3. Does the author’s Although the primary focus is on grapefruit, the study’s exploration of
name enzymic peeling is relevant for squash, as it suggests alternative methods for
question appropriate peeling tough-skinned fruits.
to your work, to your
field in general?
(RELATEDNESS OF THE
STUDY TO THE
RESEARCH)
4. Why The study highlights the potential of enzymic peeling as a less abrasive and
is the research potentially more efficient peeling method, which is significant for processing
important? squash
(RELEVANCE
OF THE STUDY)
5. What The study examined parameters like enzyme concentration, temperature,
things were vacuum infusion time, and scalding time to optimize the peeling process
measured? (SCOPE)
6. What were the The researchers successfully optimized peeling conditions for grapefruit,
results?(RESULTS) demonstrating the effectiveness of enzymic peeling.
7. What do the The study suggests that the optimized enzymic peeling conditions could be
authors conclude and applicable to other tough-skinned fruits like squash, indicating a need for
what factors further research in this area.
do they attribute the
findings ?
(RELATEDNESS TO THE
CONCLUSION)
8. Can you accept the Yes the findings is true for grapefruit, but need more testing before they can
findings as true? be applied to squash. One of the limitation or shortcoming is that the study
Discuss any was limited to grapefruits; therefore, more research is required for other
failing or shortcomings fruits.
of the methods used
to support the findings
?
Source (Website Prakash, M., Prapulla, S. G., & Venkatesh, K. V. (2001). Optimization of
links) enzymic peeling of Indian grapefruit. Journal of Food Science and Technology,
38(3), 244-249.
10. Process /Methods Scientists aimed to find the best way to peel tough-skinned fruits, with a
focus on Indian grapefruit. They set up tests to look at different peeling
factors. These included how much enzyme to use, what temperature worked
best how long to use vacuum infusion, and the ideal scalding time.

Article Title Semi-Automatic and Automatic Peeling of Pumpkins

Author/s Department of State and Regional Development, NSW
1. Does the author Yes, the study evaluates the positive and negative aspects of semi-automated
analyze a central and automatic peeling methods for pumpkins, which are pertinent to food
problem of the processing and engineering. For commercial peeling operations to be
discipline related to improved, it is crucial to understand these processes.
your special area?
(GENERAL
TOPIC)
2. What are the The goal of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness and losses of
researchers trying to automatic and semi-automated pumpkin peeling techniques, with the goal of
find out? highlighting out shortcomings in the present approaches and making
(OBJECTIVES) recommendations for improvements.
3. Does the author’s It important since it discusses how effective the peeling techniques used now
name question are, which is important for businesses that handle big amounts of vegetables.
appropriate to your This directly relates to the effort you are doing to improve squash peeling
work, to your field in procedure.
general?
(RELATEDNESS OF THE
STUDY TO THE
RESEARCH)
4. Why The research is important to lower high peeling losses and increase
is the research productivity in commercial peeling processes. The study aims to provide
important? information for the development of more effective peeling procedures by
(RELEVANCE OF THE highlighting the limitations of existing methods.
STUDY)
5. What To assess the effectiveness of the peeling techniques, the study examined
Things were operational performance variables such as peeling speed, quality, and loss
measured? (SCOPE) percentage.
6. What were the According to the study, peeling losses from present technologies are large
results?(RESULTS) (minimum 35%), indicating major losses in the peeling process.
7. What do the The authors’ conclusion that the existing approaches are unsuccessful
authors conclude and highlights the need for more carefully planned peeling procedures in order to
what lower losses and improve overall effectiveness.
factors
do they
attribute the findings ?
(RELATEDNESS TO THE
CONCLUSION)
8. Can you accept the The results are true within the parameters of the investigation. The study’s
findings as true? shortcomings include a limited emphasis on pumpkins and lack of
Discuss any investigation of other fruits, but the high loss percentage suggests there is still
failing or shortcomings much space for improvement.
of the methods used
to support the findings
?
Source (Website Department of State and Regional Development, NSW. (1993). Evaluation of
links) current semi-automatic and automatic peeling methods. Government
Publication.
10. Process / Methods Researchers took a hard look at how well current pumpkin peelers work. They
checked out both semi-automatic and automatic methods. The team
measured things like how fast the peelers could work how good the peeling
was, and how much pumpkin got wasted. Turns out, these peelers are pretty
wasteful - they toss out at least 35% of the pumpkin.

Article Title Mechanical peeling of pumpkins modeling of peeling process

Author/s Bagher Emadi, M.H. Abbaspour-Fard, P.K.D.V. Yarlagadda
1. Does the author Yes, a major issue in agricultural engineering is the mechanical peeling
analyze a central process, which is the authors’ main concern. This subject is essential to
problem of the enhancing the productivity and efficacy of food processing equipment,
discipline related to particularly peelers for pumpkins and possibly other similar crops.
your special area?
(GENERAL
TOPIC)
2. What are the The researchers want to create a mathematical model that would represent
researchers trying to the mechanical peeling process with a brush that has an abrasive cutter. Their
find out? goal is to estimate energy usage and peeling effectiveness depending on
(OBJECTIVES) different operational factors, which will ultimately lead to the peeling process
being improved.
3. Does the author’s Yes, the research has a lot to contribute to the fields of agricultural
name engineering and food processing. The study looks at mechanical peeling,
question appropriate which is an important stage in getting vegetables ready for eating and other
to your work, to your processing. The field of interest is directly related to this process, and it offers
field in general? insightful information about how to optimise it.
(RELATEDNESS OF THE
STUDY TO THE
RESEARCH)
4. Why The study is important because it contributes to the optimisation of
is the research mechanical peelers, which lowers energy usage and minimises waste. The
important? work advances more cost-effective and sustainable food processing methods
(RELEVANCE by increasing the efficiency of peeling procedures, which are important
OF THE STUDY) objectives in agricultural engineering.
5. What The study measured a number of important factors, such as:
things were 1. The speed at which the abrasive-cutter brush rotates.
measured? (SCOPE) 2. Unevenness on the pumpkins’ surfaces. Kind of brush that was used.
3. Losses from peeling (amount of skin lost).
6. What were the The results demonstrated a strong relationship between the experimental
results?(RESULTS) data and the values predicted by the mathematical model. This proves the
reliability and practicality of the model by showing that it can estimate energy
consumption and peeling efficiency properly.
7. What do the The current framework is an accurate tool for forecasting and refining the
authors conclude and mechanical peeling procedure, according to the authors’ conclusion. The
what precision of the model is defined to the careful assessment and examination
factors of important functional characteristics, like rotating speed and irregularities in
do they the surface.
attribute the findings ?
(RELATEDNESS TO THE
CONCLUSION)
8. Can you accept the Yes because the methodology supports the work, which compares
findings as true? experimental and anticipated values through a transparent validation process.
Discuss any The procedures used appear to have no significant flaws, indicating that the
failing or shortcomings model is dependable for the intended usage.
of the methods used
to support the findings
?
Source (Website Emadi, B., Abbaspour-Fard, M. H., & Yarlagadda, P. K. D. V. (2008). Mechanical
links) peeling of pumpkins using an abrasive-cutter brush. Journal of Food
Engineering, 87(4), 611-617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2008.01.011
10. Process / Methods Important variables like rotating velocity, surface irregularities, brush type,
and peeling losses were measured by the researchers. Their model
successfully predicted energy consumption and peeling efficiency, showing an
important connection between anticipated and observed results. In
agricultural engineering applications, this verified model provides a
dependable tool for maximising the efficiency of mechanical peelers, cutting
energy usage, and minimising waste.

Article Title Energy consumption during mechanical peeling using abrasive-cutter brushes
Author/s Dowgiallo
1. Does the author Yes, the energy consumption of mechanical peeling operations is a major
analyze a central problem in agricultural engineering that the author tackles. This subject is
problem of the essential for maximising the sustainability and effectiveness of agricultural
discipline related to equipment, especially when it comes to peeling crops.
your special area?
(GENERAL
TOPIC)
2. What are the The researcher wants to know how much energy is used in the abrasive-
researchers trying to cutter brush mechanical peeling procedure. The aim is to perform an energy
find out? analysis and determine which stages of the peeling process demand the
(OBJECTIVES) highest energy consumption.
3. Does the author’s Yes, the study has a lot to do with agricultural engineering. The research
name interests relate with the need to better understand energy usage in
question appropriate mechanical peeling operations in order to improve agricultural machinery
to your work, to your design and operation.
field in general?
(RELATEDNESS OF THE
STUDY TO THE
RESEARCH)
4. Why Because it provides insight into the energy needs of mechanical peeling
is the research procedures, the research is significant. The study helps in the development of
important? plans to improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and minimise
(RELEVANCE OF THE environmental effect by identifying the phases that use the most energy.
STUDY)
5. What The study measured:
Things were 1. Energy consumption during the peeling process.
measured? (SCOPE) 2. Energy used specifically during the breaking phase (initial contact of
the brush with the squash).
3. Energy used during the scratching or rubbing phase (continuous
action of the brush to remove the skin).
6. What were the The results showed that the majority of the energy used in the peeling
results?(RESULTS) process occurs during the breaking and rubbing stages. The stages at which
energy efficiency improvements can be targeted are highlighted by this
finding.
7. What do the The author concludes that the breaking and rubbing stages may be improved
authors conclude and to greatly lower the peeling process’s overall energy usage. The results are
what given to in-depth assessments and examinations of energy use across these
factors particular stages.
do they
attribute the findings ?
(RELATEDNESS TO THE
CONCLUSION)
8. Can you accept the Yest he methodology of the study is effective, as evidenced by accurate
findings as true? measurements of the energy used at various stages of the peeling process.
Discuss any Validating the results with a wider variety of produce and various abrasive-
failing or shortcomings cutter brush kinds would be helpful.
of the methods used
to support the findings
?
Source (Website Dowgiallo, A. (2005). Energy consumption during mechanical peeling using
links) abrasive-cutter brushes. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research, 91(3),
423-429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagengres.2005.03.004
10. Process /Methods The study conducted by Dowgiallo examined the energy usage in abrasive-
cutter brush mechanical peeling. The energy expended throughout the
peeling process’ breaking and scratching stages was quantified in the study.
The majority of energy use was found to be accounted for by these stages,
indicating important factors impacting efficiency. The results provide insights
for increasing the effectiveness of mechanical peelers in agricultural
processes and highlight the significance of realising energy requirements to
improve peeling procedures.

Article Title Modeling of peeling processes in agricultural engineering

Author/s Ferraz et al., Somsen et al.
1. Does the author Yes, the authors discuss a major issue in agricultural engineering: using
analyze a central mathematical modelling to optimise mechanical peeling procedures. For
problem of the agricultural machinery to operate more effectively and efficiently.
discipline related to
your special area?
(GENERAL
TOPIC)
2. What are the The goal of the study is to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of
researchers trying to mathematical models in the optimisation of mechanical peeling procedures.
find out? Their main focus is on creating models which predicted energy usage and
(OBJECTIVES) peeling efficiency depending on different operating factors.
3. Does the author’s Yes it offers fundamental information for enhancing mechanical peeling
name question procedures through the use of mathematical models, which is essential to the
appropriate to your optimisation of agricultural equipment and procedures.
work, to your field in
general?
(RELATEDNESS OF THE
STUDY TO THE
RESEARCH)
4. Why The study is significant because it shows how peeling machine design and
is the research operation may be improved using the application of mathematical models.
important? Through process optimisation, the research advances more economical,
(RELEVANCEOF THE sustainable, and efficient farming methods.
STUDY)
5. What The study discussed various factors influencing peeling processes, including:
things were 1. Type of peeling brush.
measured?(SCOPE) 2. Operational speeds.
3. Surface characteristics of the produce.
6. What were the The findings demonstrated how well the mathematical models created could
results?(RESULTS) predict how peeling operations would turn out. The models offered insightful
information about how to optimise design characteristics and operational
settings to lower energy usage and increase peeling efficiency.
7. What do the The authors come to the conclusion that in order to determine and optimise
authors conclude and design parameters in peeling operations, mathematical modelling is
what important. They credit their models’ efficacy to the thorough examination of
factors numerous operational aspects and the experimental data they used to
do they validate the models.
attribute the findings ?
(RELATEDNESS TO THE
CONCLUSION)
8. Can you accept the Yes Using experimental data, mathematical models are developed and
findings as true? validated as part of the study’s proper process. But a larger range of produce
Discuss any kinds and operating circumstances could be used to further validate the
failing or shortcomings models’ applicability.
of the methods used
to support the findings
?
Source (Website Ferraz, A. C. O., & Somsen, D. (2007). Modeling of peeling processes in
links) agricultural engineering. Biosystems Engineering, 97(2), 291-300.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2007.02.005
10. Process /Methods The study covered the value of mathematical models in mechanical peeling
process optimisation. Taking into account a variety of operating parameters,
they created and implemented models to project and optimise energy
consumption and peeling efficacy. The study shown how useful these models
are for enhancing machinery design and peeling processes. The study
emphasised the critical role that mathematical modelling plays in the
development of effective and efficient peeling machines in agricultural
engineering by validating the models using real-world data.