Mango Juice Extraction

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) describes the loss of foods in the post-harvest
system as not new since it has always been a problem for humankind. Post-harvest losses of
fruits and vegetables are more severe in developing countries than in well developed
countries. The recent rapid increasing populations in the poorest countries in which there is
already food scarcity requires ways and means to conserve mankind's food supply in order to
alleviate hunger and malnutrition. This project is focused on the design, construction and
testing of mango juice extractor. The design consists of major components like the screw
conveyor, a motor, frame, hopper, extraction chamber, juice outlet, waste outlet, perforated
drum and bearings. The project was carried out by constructing the machine in the
Agricultural Engineering workshop based on theoretical design work. Materials for the
construction of the juice extractor were obtained locally. The major material used is stainless
steel because the food safety aspect of the machine was taken into consideration. After
construction, the machine was tested using the Keitt variety of mango. This is due to its large
size, relatively low fiber content and firm juicy flesh. The machine was found to be easy to
operate, repair and maintain and this makes it suitable for local production. It operates on a
2.5 horse power single phase motor, an efficiency of 60%, and an extraction loss percentage
of 11.1% and a production output of 17.8 liters per hour. Therefore, the machine is very
efficient. The capacity of the machine was determined, the efficiency of the machine at
different speeds was found out and the optimum operating speed of the machine was
ascertained.