Mechanical sorting system for cocoa bean separation
Innovative mechanical sorting system using a rotating broom and sieves to separate cocoa beans from pod debris, optimizing fermentation by preventing bean agglomerates. Designed for adaptability to various pod sizes, enhancing efficiency in cocoa processing.
Overview
This mechanical sorting system offers an innovative solution for the cocoa processing industry by effectively separating cocoa beans from pod debris. Utilizing a rotating broom mechanism, this system forces the beans through sieves, ensuring thorough separation. This approach prevents the formation of bean agglomerates, which can impede proper air penetration and fermentation. This solution is designed to be adaptable, with interchangeable parts to accommodate the variability in pod sizes, thus optimizing the dehulling and sorting process.
Technical specifications
- Rotating broom mechanism: Ensures beans are separated from pod debris and from each other, facilitating better fermentation.
- Sieve arrangement: Strategically placed sieves at deck levels allow for progressive bean separation, enhancing efficiency.
- Interchangeable components: The machine's design includes parts that can be easily swapped and calibrated to match different pod sizes, ensuring minimal scuffing of beans during processing.
- Potential for flotation separation: While not currently implemented, flotation is considered as a future enhancement for increased sorting efficiency.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, this system has been conceptualized and requires further development and validation. Initial manual sorting and cutting tests are planned to refine the design and operational parameters, ensuring the system's effectiveness in real-world applications.
About University of Ngaoundéré
The University of Ngaoundéré is a public, comprehensive university in Cameroon’s Adamawa region, enrolling about 30,000 students across 10 establishments on the Dang campus and affiliated sites. Industry collaboration is embedded through professional schools such as the University Institute of Technology and the National School of Agro‑Industrial Sciences, which maintain close ties with employers and emphasize practice‑oriented training. Dedicated research and innovation functions, doctoral colleges, and applied laboratories create avenues for sponsored R&D and workforce development. Research is supported by national funding and competitive grants from international partners. A central cooperation function helps structure partnerships and accelerate knowledge transfer.
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