Development and Performance Evaluation of and Food Grade Pulverizing Machine for Mungbean (Vigna radiata) and Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

With the increasing demand for efficient, cost-effective, and food-safe crop processing technologies, this study focused on the development and evaluation of a food-grade pulverizing machine for mungbean and cassava. The machine, powered by a 5-hp electric motor, was designed to meet FDA and Philippine food safety standards. Key features include an ergonomic hopper, modular components, caster wheels, and safety guards. Performance tests assessed input capacity, pulverizing capacity, recovery, efficiency, and energy use at varying engine speeds (2200–3800 RPM). ANOVA results showed cassava had higher pulverizing capacity (35.81 kg/h) than mungbean (20.79 kg/h), with crop-speed interaction significantly affecting performance. Efficiency averaged 97.83%, and mungbean required more energy (0.14 kW) than cassava (0.06 kW). Economically, the machine proved viable with a fabrication cost of Php 59,650.20, a BCR of 2.83, ROI of 676.84%, and a short payback period, making it suitable for small to medium agro-processing enterprises. Keywords: Pulverizer, mungbean, cassava, efficiency, energy use.