Optimization of Juice Extraction Velocity of a Multi-fruit Extractor

Abstract

Machines used in various production processes have an efficiency which is less than a hundred percent. This can be due to inadequate design, inappropriate implementation of the designed mechanisms, and machine controls. In this study, a multi-fruit juice extractor was improved towards optimum performance. The juice extraction velocity was optimized by variation of geometrical parameters of extraction compartment. The auger pitch and diameter, the sieve length and outlet diameter were considered. Juice extraction was analyzed by multiphase modelling in ANSYS Fluent. Optimization was performed using Genetic Algorithm (GA) whereas Design of Experiment (DoE) facilitated analysis of effect of the geometrical parameters on performance. Results show that geometrical parameters have a significant effect on performance of the machine. Indeed, an increase in auger pitch led to an increase in juice extraction velocity. However, blanket increase in auger diameter, sieve length and sieve outlet diameter results in reduced juice extraction velocity. The optimal values for the auger diameter, auger pitch, sieve length, and sieve outlet diameter were determined to be 73 mm, 88.595 mm, 400 mm and 155 mm respectively for an optimum juice extraction velocity of 204.008 mm/s at juice extraction capacity of 64.847 g/s. The results obtained informs redesigning of the multi-fruit juice extractor to enhance performance. On the other hand, effect of each parameter on machine performance gives insights on design process of food processing equipment which utilize similar mechanism.