Improvement of sago processing machinery

Abstract

The traditional method of sago starch extraction is a time- and labor-intensive process. The most laborious stage is pith disintegration which is done by using a hammer-like tool called a pounder followed by washing and screening the starch. However, the use of mechanical processing equipment is saving time and energy. Consequently, sago starch production increased, both in quantity and quality. With regard to the mechanical processing, it is necessary to provide mechanical equipment which is suitable and easy to use by ordinary farmers. This paper provides an overview of improvement of small-scale sago processing machinery in order to improve the performance. It consists of two separate operation units, namely, the cylinder-type sago rasping machine and the stirrer blade-type sago starch extractor. The performance of the improved sago rasping machine is characterized by (a) rasping capacity 730-1009 kg/h, (b) starch percentage 47.2%, and (c) starch loss in sago pith waste of only 4%. Meanwhile, the performance of improved sago extraction machine is (a) extraction capacity 1007 kg of rasped pith per hour, (b) starch percentage was 24%, and (c) starch loss in waste is 2.1%. The machines are intended for small-scale (household) processing of sago and are suitable for adoption in most sago-producing areas, such as those in Papua and Papua New Guinea.