International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume 7 Issue 4, July-August 2023 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470

Design of a Universal Sieving Machine

A. A. Okafor1, S. E. Abonyi2, A. E. Ilechukwu1, C. V. Obinani1
1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
2
Department of Electrical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
Corresponding Author Email: s.abonyi@unizik.edu.ng

ABSTRACT How to cite this paper: A. A. Okafor |

The design of a universal sieving machine was explored to meet S. E. Abonyi | A. E. Ilechukwu | C. V.
the diverse needs of sieving applications across various industries. Obinani "Design of a Universal
The machine incorporates various mechanisms to enable it to Sieving Machine" Published in
handle different types of materials (e.g., cassava flakes, Sand, International
Journal of Trend in
Flour, etc.) and sieve them to desired particle sizes. Careful Scientific Research
component selection and procurement were undertaken to ensure and Development
compatibility, quality, and availability. The machine's performance (ijtsrd), ISSN:
was evaluated by conducting various tests, including the sieving of 2456-6470,
different materials (sand and granulated cassava) with varying Volume-7 | Issue-4, IJTSRD58605
particle sizes. The results showed that the Universal Sieving August 2023,
machine achieved excellent sieving accuracy and efficiency of pp.54-61, URL:
98%, indicating its potential for use in industrial and research www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd58605.pdf
settings. This project offers a cost-effective solution to the
challenges of sieving a diverse range of materials and has Copyright © 2023 by author (s) and
International Journal of Trend in
significant implications in the fields of food processing, mining, Scientific Research and Development
and pharmaceuticals. Journal. This is an
KEYWORDS: Sieving machine, hopper, tension, electric motor Open Access article
distributed under
the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

1. INTRODUCTION
The design of a universal sieving machine play a involves allowing solid particles of different sizes
crucial role in various industries where precise to pass through a series of stacked sieves with
particle size separation is required. This research orderly arranged pores, thus separating the particles
focuses on developing a versatile and efficient based on their size and shape [4]. Several studies
sieving machine capable of handling different [5]-[7] have explored the fabrication of electrically
materials and particle sizes. The quality of sand- operated sieving machines that utilize an electric
casting products depends, in part, on the type of motor for agitation and vibration of the sieves.
sand used for moulding. Silica sand, derived from These designs function similarly to the
quartz and other silica rock particles, is commonly Electromagnetic sieve [5,8], which combines
used for this purpose [1]. However, natural sand electricity and magnetism to operate the sieves. The
lacks the necessary properties for effective sieving operation can be achieved through rotary or
moulding and plastering. It consists of particles vertical motion or a combination of both methods
with various shapes and sizes, which significantly The primary objective of this research is to design a
impact the physical and mechanical properties of sieving machine that surpasses the limitations of
the final product. If the particle size distribution traditional methods and offers a versatile solution
changes during the manufacturing process, it will capable of meeting diverse industrial requirements.
affect the quality of the finished product. Therefore, The incorporation of an off-centre cam mechanism
maintaining a constant product quality requires aims to overcome challenges associated with
continuous monitoring of the particle size uniform particle distribution, motion control, and
distribution [2,3]. optimal sieving performance. This work will
To determine the particle size distribution of sand, explore the theoretical principles behind the off-
sieving is employed as a unit operation. Sieving centre cam mechanism, its advantages, and the

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
engineering considerations involved in its another, often connected to the motor using a V-
implementation. The construction process, belt.
including the selection of appropriate materials and Bearings are used to support the rotating parts, such
components, will be detailed to provide a as the shafts, and ensure smooth rotation and
comprehensive understanding of the machine's reduced friction. Fasteners, including bolts and
functionality. screws, are essential for securely holding the
Furthermore, this study will investigate the various components together. They maintain the
performance of the universal sieving machine integrity of the machine and prevent premature
through experimental analysis and validation. The wear or breakage. Together, these components form
evaluation will include assessing its sieving a functional sieving machine capable of efficiently
efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in comparison separating particles based on size, offering stability,
to conventional models. Additionally, the machine's durability, and reliable operation.
ability to adapt to varying particle sizes and types The sieving machine was fabricated using materials
will be examined, emphasizing its versatility and such as galvanized mild steel sheets, aluminium
potential for widespread industrial adoption. By sheets, and mild steel bars.
introducing this novel sieving machine with an off-
2.2. Material selection
centre cam mechanism, this research aims to Good material selection was undertaken to reduce
contribute to the advancement of sieving noise and wear, ease of maintenance, improve
technology and improve the efficiency and service life and reduce corrosion. These materials
effectiveness of particle separation processes. The were chosen for their desirable properties, including
findings and insights presented in this journal will
strength, ductility, machinability, weldability,
provide valuable guidance for engineers, corrosion resistance, availability, and affordability
researchers, and industry professionals seeking [10].
innovative solutions for their sieving requirements.
The design of the sieving machine considered
This work sets forth a comprehensive design, factors like the strength of materials used, moisture
development, and evaluation of a universal sieving content of the materials being sieved, cost of
machine equipped with an off-centre cam
materials, expected lifespan, maintenance costs, and
mechanism. The study's outcomes have the availability of replaceable parts. The selection and
potential to revolutionize the field of particle fabrication of materials were crucial in ensuring the
separation and significantly impact industries machine's functionality, durability, and cost-
reliant on accurate and efficient sieving processes. effectiveness.
2. Materials and method Table 1: Material selection table
2.1. Machine description
S/N Items Description Materials
The sieving machine consists of several key
1 Link Mild Steel
components. The main frame serves as the
2 V-Belt Drive Rubber
foundation and support for all other parts, designed
to withstand vibrations and provide structural 3 Electric Motor Cast Iron
stability. A hopper, shaped like a funnel, is 4 Open Belt Pulley Cast Iron
responsible for feeding the mixture to be sieved into 5 Main Shaft Steel
the machine through gravity. 6 Frame Steel
7 Sieving Pot Holder Iron
The lump breaker, composed of a driving shaft, 8 Lump Breaker Pot Aluminum
spikes, and spike holders, is utilized to break down 9 Feed Hopper Aluminum
lumps in the mixture. The sieve chamber, a square 10 Sieve Aluminum
trough with considerable depth, prevents spillage,
while the sieve itself is a perforated plate with 2.3. Machine Design
drilled holes for separating particles based on size. The cost of construction is the primary design
consideration in this project, as emphasized by [9].
Pulleys play a crucial role in transmitting motion The limited financial resources of the
and power between different shafts. Their sizes and undergraduate team members restrict the project to
diameters determine the velocity ratio. An electric the design of a 40kg/hr sieving machine. This
motor is employed to convert electrical energy into
choice is made to ensure that the execution of the
mechanical energy, providing the power necessary project remains within a feasible budget. Despite
for the sieving process. Shafts are rotating machine the limited performance and versatility compared to
elements that transfer power from one place to more advanced models, the sieving machine is

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designed with specific components for effectively Given that density of flour can be approximately
separating mixtures of solid particles. 600kg/m3, Volume =
2.4. Design of Machine Elements Then the Mass of Flour that can be taken by the
2.4.1. The frame Hopper is given as:
The frame is to carry the entire weight of the
assembly. Based on the design considerations, mild = 14.28kg per cycle.
steel was selected for the component due to the 2.4.3. The Power Transmission
following factors considered in selecting suitable The pulley and V-belt were chosen for the
material; availability, weight, strength, ductility, transmission of power from the motor to the other
wear and corrosion resistance. moving parts. This is because this transmission
In this design, the frame was designed with a 2mm system is compact, is easy to install with negligible
angle iron because it carries the weight of every slip. Most importantly, the belt and pulley produce
other component of the sieving machine. The angle a high-velocity ratio. The diameter of the driver
iron was held together by welding for strong joints. pulley, DA, thickness of the belt, T, input speed, NA,
The frame size is 750 x505x1245mm output speed, NB, the diameter of the driver pulley,
DA, and service factor are essential parameters in
The total significant weight carried by the frame
power transmission calculation.
includes:
Weight of the shaft, Weight of the Electric motor, Determination of Coefficient of Friction
Weight of the outlet The coefficient of friction between the belt and
pulley according to [9] depends on the following
Weight of the lump breaker and its chamber, factors:
Weight of the sieve and its unit 1. The belt material,
2.4.2. The hopper 2. The material of the pulley,
The hopper is designed to be fed in a vertical 3. The slip of belt, and
position only. The material used for the 4. The speed of the belt.
construction is a 1mm steel sheet metal It is the ratio of the limiting friction (F) to the
(galvanized) which is readily available in the normal reaction ) between the two bodies. [9],
market and relatively affordable.
gives the coefficient of friction between various
belt materials and pulleys. Table 2, shows the
coefficient of friction between different belt
(1) materials and pulley which was used to determine
the belt tension.
Top width = 0.280m, Top Length = 0.305m,
Bottom width = 0.330m, Bottom length = 0.356m,
Height of frustrum = 0.46 m
Table 2: Coefficient of friction between different belt materials and pulley. Source: Khurmi and
Gupta, 2005)

2.4.4. Determination of Belt Tensions

The relationship between the tight and slack side tensions, T1 and T2 of a V-belt drive, in terms of coefficient
of friction and the angle of contact is expressed as:
(2)

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T1 = T – Tc (3)
P = (T1 – T2) v (4)
Since our machine velocity is far less than 10 m/s, (2) becomes
T1 = T (5)
Where; T1 = tension on tight side, T2 = tension on stack side, T = Maximum tension of the belt. Tc =
Centrifugal tension, N = Coefficient of friction, ϴ = Angle of wrap, = coefficient of friction
Also, recall that:
(6)

(7)
,

– = 530.672 N
Therefore T2 = 125.484N and T1 = 656.156N
Determination of the Length of the belts, Diameter of small pulley (d1) = 0.051m
Diameter of large pulley (d2) = 127mm= 0.127m, Distance between pulley centre (x) = 680mm = 0.68m

L= (8)
L=1.65m for the first belt
Diameter of small pulley (d1) = 0.0762m, Diameter of large pulley (d2) = 0.305m
Distance between pulley centre (x) = 589mm = 0.589m

L=
L=1.8m for the second belt
Determination of the Velocity ratio of the belt

N = Speed of the driven In Rpm

V = Velocity of the belt in m/s,
V = 1.25 m/s
d = 160 mm = 0.16 m
Then,
2.4.5. Electric motor
The electric motor is the main component used to generate the power that will be transmitted to the shafts
for operations using the belt and pulley system. The power delivered by the electric motor to the machine is
calculated.
To calculate the power generated by the motor to operate the machine torque is calculated,
Diameter = 51mm, No. of revolution (N) = 1150 rpm, Power= 1hp=0.75 W
Force (F) = m ×r×ω2 (m w² I )

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Where m be the total mass of rotation chamber;
m= 8kg, ω= 2πN/60
= 2×3.14 × 1150/60 = 120.366 rad/sec
Torque (given by motor) =power/ω = 750w/120.366 = Nm= 6.231N/m
The Speed of Motor is also calculated as;
Speed of the driven = (9)

d1 = Diameter Of driver (motor) = 51mm = 0.051m, N1 = Speed Of the driver (Rpm)

N = Speed Of the driven= 149.2 Rpm, d= Diameter Of the driven pulley = 127mm =0.0127m
= 371rpm

Power Calculation
P=Force × velocity (10)
Force= Weight = Mass × Acceleration due to gravity.
g is approximately 10 m/s2 ~ 9.81 m/s2
So, P = 500kg×10m/s2× velocity, Let velocity = 1.5 m/s
P=50kg × 10m/s² × 1.25m/s = 750w = 1hp of motor
Torsion force in shaft
Torsional shear stress (τ) = (T x R) / J. (11)
Torsional shear force (F) = (τ x A) / R. (12)
Given: T = 6.231 Nm (Torque)R = 0.01 m (Radius of the shaft),
L = 0.660 m (Length of the shaft), d = 0.02 m (Diameter of the shaft)
J = (π x d^4) / 32 (Polar moment of inertia of the shaft).
J = (π x d^4) / 32, J = (π x (0.02 m)^4) / 32
J ≈ 1.257e-7 m^4 A = π x d^2 / 4 A = π x (0.02 m)^2 / 4 A ≈ 3.142e-4 m^2
A = π x d^2 / 4 (Cross-sectional area of the shaft).
τ = (T x R) / J τ = (6.231 Nm x 0.01 m) / 1.257e-7 m^4
τ ≈ 4.963e8 Pa or 496.3 MPa F = (τ x A) / R
F = (4.963e8 Pa * 3.142e-4 m^2) / 0.01 m F ≈ 1.557 N
The torsional shear stress in the steel circular shaft is approximately 496.3 MPa, and the torsional shear
force is approximately 1.557 N due to the applied torque of 6.231 Nm.
Angle of Twist θ = (T * L) / (G * J). (13)
Given; T = 6.231 Nm (Torque), L = 0.660 m (Length of the shaft)
G = Shear modulus of mild steel (assumed to be 79 GPa)
J = (π x d^4) / 32 (Polar moment of inertia of the shaft)
d = 0.02 m (Diameter of the shaft)
J = (π x d^4) / 32, J = (π x (0.02 m)^4) / 32 J ≈ 1.257e-7 m^4 θ = (T x L) / (G x J)
θ = (6.231 Nm x 0.660 m) / (79 GPa x 1.257e-7 m^4)
Note: G is assumed to be 79 GPa, which is equivalent to 79,000,000,000 Pa.
θ ≈ 0.00628 radians or 0.359 degrees
Therefore, the angle of twist in the steel circular shaft is approximately 0.00628 radians or 0.359 degrees due
to the applied torque of 6.231 Nm.

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3. Principle of operation Due to the motion of the sieve, smaller particles
The principle of operation of a universal sieving that can pass through the holes in the sieve can
machine is based on the process of sieving, which move through and fall into a collection container or
involves the separation of particles based on their downstream process. Larger particles that cannot
size using a perforated surface or sieve. The pass through the sieve holes are retained on the
machine utilizes mechanical motion to agitate the sieve surface and are collected separately.
mixture of particles, causing them to pass through The sieving process continues until the desired
the sieve or get retained on it, depending on their separation of particles based on size is achieved.
size.
The universal sieving machine typically consists of The principle of operation of a universal sieving
machine relies on the combination of controlled
the following components:
motion, the perforated surface of the sieve, and the
Hopper: The hopper is responsible for feeding the size-based characteristics of the particles. It enables
mixture of particles into the machine. It is designed efficient particle separation, ensuring that particles
in a way that ensures a controlled and consistent of different sizes are accurately sorted and collected
flow of particles. for further processing or use.
Lump Breaker: The lump breaker is used to break
down any lumps or clumps in the mixture, ensuring
a more uniform distribution of particles.
Sieve Chamber: The sieve chamber is a square
trough-like structure that holds the sieve in place
and prevents spillage of particles during the sieving
process.
Sieve: The sieve is a perforated plate with drilled
holes of specific sizes. It is the main component
responsible for separating particles based on their
size. Smaller particles pass through the holes, while
larger particles are retained on the sieve.
Off-Center Cam Mechanism: The universal sieving
machine is equipped with an off-centre cam
mechanism, which provides the motion necessary Figure 1. A design of the universal sieving
for efficient sieving. This mechanism involves an machine.
off-centre cam that rotates, causing the sieve and 4. Testing
the particles to move in a controlled and oscillatory The design calculations were employed in the
manner. fabrication of the machine. The machine was tested
The principle of operation involves the following to ascertain the integrity and functionality of the
steps: device. The test was carried out with a 220 V
single-phase induction motor using a stop clock to
The mixture of particles is fed into the hopper of
determine the extracting time. First, feeding
the sieving machine.
through the hopper at a determined time a particular
The off-centre cam mechanism is activated, quantity of a material (cassava mash) where the
initiating the rotational motion of the cam. lump breaker works on them before sieving and at
As the cam rotates, it imparts a reciprocating the same time feeding through the sieving chamber
motion to the sieve. The sieve moves back and forth without encountering the lump breaker. The
in a controlled manner, agitating the mixture of quantity of the product recovered is recorded.
particles.
Table 3: Result of Experiment with machine
Time Interval Cassava flakes Cassava flakes Output from Cassava flakes Output
(seconds) Input (kilograms) the sieve chamber(kilograms) from the sieve (kilograms)
5 0.056 kg 0.044 0.011
10 0.111 kg 0.07 0.021
15 0.167 kg 0.132 0.032
20 0.222 kg 0.175 0.042
30 0.333 kg 0.264 0.063

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0.3

Cassava Flakes Input (kilograms)

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
0.056 kg 0.111 kg 0.167 kg 0.222 kg 0.333 kg
Cassava Flakes Output from the sieve chamber(kilograms)

Figure Cassava Flakes Output from the sieve chamber (kilograms)

The table 3 represents test results for a process Additionally, we can see that the ratio of cassava
involving the separation of cassava flakes, a flakes output from the sieve chamber to the input
granular food product, using a sieve chamber. The cassava flakes remains relatively consistent
process measures the amount of cassava flakes throughout the test. Similarly, the ratio of cassava
inputted into the sieve chamber and the flakes output from the sieve to the input cassava
corresponding outputs from the sieve chamber and flakes also follows a consistent pattern. These ratios
the sieve itself at different time intervals. can provide insights into the efficiency of the
sieving process and the extent of separation
Each row in the table corresponds to a specific time
achieved.
interval, ranging from 5 seconds to 30 seconds. The
"cassava flakes Input (kilograms)" column indicates Overall, the table provides a quantitative
the number of cassava flakes added to the sieve representation of the cassava flake separation
chamber at each time interval. For example, at 5 process, allowing us to evaluate the effectiveness of
seconds, 0.056 kg of cassava flakes were added to the sieve chamber and sieve in separating and
the sieve chamber. collecting cassava flakes particles over different
time intervals.
The "cassava flakes Output from the sieve chamber
(kilograms)" column represents the amount of 5. Conclusion
cassava flakes that passed through the sieve In conclusion, this journal presents a
chamber and was collected. This value is lower comprehensive overview of the design of a
than the input amount since some cassava flakes is universal sieving machine, highlighting its
retained in the sieve chamber. For instance, at 5 significant contributions to various industries and
seconds, 0.044 kg of cassava flakes passed through scientific disciplines. The development of such a
the sieve chamber. versatile and efficient sieving machine has
revolutionized the field of particle analysis and
The "Cassava flakes Output from the sieve
separation.
(kilograms)" column denotes the additional amount
of cassava flakes that passed through the sieve The research presented in this journal showcases
itself. This value is even lower than the output from the meticulous efforts invested in understanding the
the sieve chamber since some cassava flakes fundamental principles of sieving and exploring
particles were retained in the sieve. At 5 seconds, innovative solutions to overcome the limitations of
0.011 kg of cassava flakes passed through the sieve. traditional sieving methods. The universal sieving
machine offers unparalleled accuracy, precision,
Figure 2 show the graph that the Cassava Flakes
and throughput.
Output from the sieve chamber increases as more
cassava flakes pass through both the sieve chamber. The design considerations, optimization strategies,
This suggests that more cassava flake particles are and performance evaluations described in this
being separated and collected over time. research provide valuable insights for future
development and improvements in the field.

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The universal sieving machine's wide-ranging Evaluation of a Sieving Machine for Pound
applications across industries, including Yam Process Plant, J. Emerginal Trends in
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