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Low cost paddy winnower, Vibration system

Winnowing is the process of separating grain from a mixture of grain and chaff in an air stream created artificially or naturally. Separation is achieved by allowing the air stream to pass through the mixture falling vertically downward direction. The grain being the heavier material gets deposited almost at the place of dropping, whereas the lighter material (chaff) is blown away to a greater distance. The winnowing operation which is very common in India is done on the threshing floor where all harvested crops are stacked in bundles. Usually one or more persons pour the threshed material with a basket from slightly above their own height. For effective cleaning, they shake the basket while pouring the mixture against the positive direction of air stream.

 

When the natural wind velocity is not adequate, artificial means are employed to create sufficiently strong air blast. Winnowing fans are either manually operated or mechanically powered. Manually, operated fans of various types are available for use in India. Most often, the hand operated or pedal operated winnowing fans are used by farmers. In either case, the fan blades create a steady blast of air at the front side of the fan. One or more workers standing on the front side can drop the threshed material for effective separation. Thus winnowing is one of the challenging task in paddy cultivation.

 

A motorized version of the winnower is available in the market which runs on 1 HP electric motor, and comes at around Rs. 30,000/-. But this machine is not economical for small-medium scale paddy farmers. After analyzing various issues, the main need regarding winnowing was identified as development of a low cost paddy winnower.

 

Keeping in view of the above few facts, Mitraniketan has developed a low cost Paddy Winnower which runs on domestic fans. After conducting field trials, the technology was proven insufficient.

Interventions

Under core support project, the existing low cost design was further modified for wide usage. The developed machine consists of feeding hopper at the top to regulate and control the flow of threshed paddy; an integrated fan to blast air to separate the straw, chaff and other impurities from grain. Two separate outlets were provided that facilitates grading of the paddy grains.

The most notable modification is the introduction of vibrating system, which facilitates proper feeding of grains into the machine. The system consists of a eccentrically loaded rotating leaf strategically placed in the path of air flow. This leaf rotates due to the air vortex created by the winnowing fan. Since the size of the vibrating fan is small compared to that of the blower, the energy absorbed will be less. Since the vibrating system is provided as a separate unit with appropriate dampers, it will not cause any damage to the fan or the essential structure of the machine, but creates enough vibration to facilitate smoother flow of grain from the hopper to the drum.

Performance Evaluation of Low cost Paddy Winnower:

Working capacity                   : 200 kg/hr

Winnowing efficiency                        : 91%

Energy consumption               : 0.2 units/hour

Weight                                                : 45 Kg.

Cost / unit                               : Rs.7500/-

 

Particulars Manual Winnowing Motorized Winnower Low Cost Winnower
Labour Requirement 1 2 1
Output 23 Kg/hr. 720 Kg/hr 200 Kg/hr
Equipment Cost n/a Rs. 29,500/- Rs. 7250/-
Operational Cost 450/- per day 950/- per day 460/- per day
Unit Expenditure Rs. 2440/- per Tonne Rs. 164/- per Tonne Rs. 287/- per Tonne

 

From above table we can see that motorized winnower has more output & cost of winnowing unit quantity is minimum. However it is important that we consider the initial investment for the machinery. In that context, the low cost winnower has proven more cost effective.

Seven of such improved winnower has been supplied to paddy farmers of Kilimanoor, Pulimath, Attingal (Trivandrum Dist) & Chathannoor (Kollam Dist.). Also the technology has been demonstrated to framers of Kulathoor, Peringamala, and Uzhamalakkal of Trivandrum district. The feedbacks from the users were positive, as the machine is very affordable, & its performance is quite enough for their purpose.

Advantages:

  • Low initial cost and running cost
  • Suitable for small scale farmers
  • Portable; since the size and weight of the machine is very low.
  • Easy to replicate
  • Minimal labor requirement: only one labor is required