DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/23448393.23173Published:
2025-10-20Issue:
Vol. 30 No. 2 (2025): May-AugustSection:
Mechanical EngineeringDevelopment of a Safe Feeding Agave Leaf Decortication Machine
Desarrollo de una máquina desfibradora de hojas de agave con alimentación segura
Keywords:
Agave leaves, sisal, sustainability, decorticator, mechanical design, computer assist design (en).Keywords:
Hojas de agave, fique, sostenibilidad, desfibradora, diseño mecánico, sisal, diseño asistido por computadora (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
Context: This work presents the development of an agave decorticator with a safe feeding mechanism. Despite advancements in decortication technology, the literature provides few descriptions that could enable the reproduction of these devices, particularly those with safe feeding mechanisms. Therefore, this article presents the design of an agave decortication machine with a novel feeding system that enhances operational safety. This machine is intended for small-scale production in remote locations with limited access to technology and economic resources, and it is amenable to application in developing countries.
Method: A mechanical and electronic design methodology was adopted to configure the drum decortication mechanism, the belt drive, the shaft, bearings, the feeding mechanism, and the electronic control and command elements. Structural verification was also carried out through finite element simulations. Theoretical analysis and simulation tools, along with CAD/CAE and electronic design software, were utilized. The construction involved typical workshop machining operations such as turning, drilling, girder cutting, and shield metal arc welding.
Results: The machine was successfully constructed. Preliminary tests demonstrated a good performance, with a dry fiber production rate of 31.2 kg/h, which is comparable to traditional hand-fed decorticators. The feeding mechanism operates at a significantly low speed (2.5% of the beater drum’s tangential speed), which prevents accidents associated with typical machine configurations. The cost of the equipment is estimated to be 1152 USD, a good value when compared against other similar prototypes in the literature.
Conclusions: Our agave decorticator with a safe feeding mechanism was successfully designed, built, and preliminarily tested, demonstrating its potential to enhance process safety and efficiency in remote and developing regions while supporting environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture, and rural employment opportunities.
Abstract (es)
Contexto: En este trabajo se presenta el desarrollo de una máquina desfibradora de hojas de agave con un mecanismo de alimentación seguro. A pesar de los avances en la tecnología de desfibrado, la literatura ofrece pocas descripciones que permitan la reproducción de estos dispositivos, particularmente de aquellos con mecanismos de alimentación seguros. Por ello, este artículo presenta el diseño de una máquina desfibradora de hojas de agave con un sistema de alimentación novedoso que mejora la seguridad operativa. La máquina está destinada la producción de pequeña escala en ubicaciones remotas con acceso limitado a tecnología, y su aplicación es viable en países en desarrollo.
Método: Se adoptó una metodología de diseño mecánico y electrónico para configurar el mecanismo de desfibrado con tambor, la transmisión por correa, el eje del tambor, los rodamientos, el mecanismo de alimentación y los elementos de mando y control electrónico. También se realizó una verificación estructural mediante simulaciones por elementos finitos. Se utilizaron herramientas de análisis teórico, simulación y software de diseño CAD/CAE y diseño electrónico. La construcción incluyó operaciones típicas de taller como torneado, taladrado, corte con pulidora y soldadura de arco con electrodo revestido.
Resultados: La máquina fue construida con éxito. Las pruebas preliminares demostraron un buen desempeño, logrando una producción de fibra seca de 31.2 kg/h, comparable con aquella de las máquinas tradicionales de alimentación manual. El mecanismo de alimentación opera a una velocidad significativamente baja (2.5 % de la velocidad tangencial del tambor de decorticado), lo que previene accidentes relacionados con las configuraciones típicas de estas máquinas. El costo del equipo se estima en 1152 USD, un buen valor si se lo compara con otros prototipos similares en la literatura.
Conclusiones: Nuestra máquina desfibradora de hojas de agave con mecanismo de alimentación seguro fue diseñada, construida y probada preliminarmente con éxito, demostrando su potencial para mejorar la seguridad y eficiencia del proceso en regiones remotas y en desarrollo, al tiempo que respalda la sostenibilidad ambiental, la agricultura sostenible y las oportunidades de empleo rural.
Palabras clave: hojas de agave, sisal, sostenibilidad, desfibradora, diseño mecánico, diseño asistido por computadora
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Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel Suárez-Burbano, Mario A. Rivera-Solarte, Richard G. Moran
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