Manual groundnut sheller

Types of manual groundnut shellers

There are three main types of manual groundnut shellers: separating type, crushing type, and comprehensive type. All of them are useful for breaking groundnut shells.

• Separating type: This type of groundnut sheller uses a separator and blower to separate peanuts from shells. The separator perforated pane runs by a rotating axle. Users need to put boiled peanuts into the separator. During the separating process, peanuts fall through the perforated pane while peanut shells remain on the upper side. Peanut shells will be blown away by the air flow created by a connected blower. The advantages of the separator type are easy operation and clean outcome. However, it is important to note that the separator type is suitable for unsorted peanuts only. People cannot use it to process peanuts with different sizes and shapes.
• Crushing type: The crushing-type manual groundnut sheller crushes shells and separates out the kernels through a sieve or mesh. It has a crushing plate and a sieve. Users should put peanuts between the sieve and the crushing plate. The crushing plate crushes the peanut shells, which then pass through the sieve. Crushed peanut shells may remain on the surface of the sieve and need to be manually cleaned. The cleaning process is not necessary for the separator type. This type of sheller is suitable for processing sorted peanuts. It has higher shelling efficiency than the separating type. Nevertheless, users have to deal with the recurring manual cleaning process, which can be a bit tedious.
• Comprehensive type: Some modern manual groundnut shellers have a milling mechanism and a fan. They can shell groundnuts, remove shells, and clean the final product in a single operation thanks to the coordinated action of the mill and fan. Comprehensive manual groundnut shellers have a milling platform with blades. Users need to put groundnuts on the platform. The blades mill the shells as a fan expels the product. The final result is clean and shelled groundnuts, which is ideal for people who want to obtain shelled groundnuts quickly and conveniently. However, buyers should be careful about maintenance and the need for spare parts. Comprehensive shellers may have more sophisticated features, which can necessitate regular upkeep and occasional replacement of distinct components.

Specifications and maintenance of manual groundnut shellers

Specifications

• Size: Manual groundnut shellers vary in size. Many have dimensions of approximately 25 cm in length, 35 cm in width, and 65 cm in height. Large shellers may be 1 m and more than 50 cm in width.
• Weight: The weight is usually in the range of 10 to 12 kg. Some are as heavy as 14 kg.
• Sacle: Manual groundnut shellers are divided into small, medium, and large-scale categories depending on the size, capacity, and throughput. Large-scale shellers are more suitable for commercial use, while small-scale shellers meet domestic needs.
• Shelling ratio: This is the number of shelled peanuts in proportion to the total peanuts fed into the machine. The shelling ratio of manual groundnut shellers ranges from 70 to 90 percent. Some models even have a shelling ratio of more than 95 percent.
• Safety features: Safety is paramount, and many shellers have protective covers and safeguards that stop the machine when shells are removed.

Maintenance

• Daily cleaning: To keep the groundnut sheller functioning well, it should be cleaned every day after it is used. Groundnut residue should be removed from all parts of the sheller, including the shell chamber, inlet, outlet, and feeding pipe. Make sure no groundnuts are blocking moving parts.
• Lubrication: Regular lubrication is needed for parts like the sprockets, chains, bearings, and gearbox to ensure it works smoothly. Machine oil, bearing grease, or lubricant can be applied to the moving and rubbing parts to reduce wear and tear from friction.
• Inspect and tighten components: Check regularly to ensure all parts, like nails, screws, and bolts, are secure and not loose.
• Periodic replacement of wearing parts: Parts like blades and perforated plates in groundnut shellers are considered wearing parts and need to be checked frequently. If they are damaged, warped, or worn, they will have to be replaced to maintain shelling efficiency and accuracy.
• Avoid exposure to rain: Manual groundnut shellers should be kept away from fog or rain in the monsoon season. If they are wet, they should be dried out immediately to prevent rust and damage.

Scenarios for manual groundnut shellers

The main application of a manual groundnut sheller is to extract groundnuts from peanut shells. But that is not the only application. Here are some other usage scenarios of this machine.

• Groundnuts

  As mentioned earlier, the main application of this machine is to extract groundnuts from peanuts. Farmers use the manual groundnut sheller to process peanuts after harvest. They can either sell the shelled peanuts separately or sell the entire processed product as inferior to buyers.

• Sunflower Seeds

  Apart from peanuts, this machine can also process sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds have a similar structure to peanuts. Farmers and small-scale processors can use the manual sheller to extract sunflower seeds. They can sell them to health-conscious individuals who enjoy the numerous benefits found in sunflower seeds.

• Tree Nuts

  The manual groundnut sheller can also be used to process other tree nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds.

  Tree nuts are very lucrative products. Many buyers are willing to pay a premium for tree nuts. Large-scale sellers take advantage of this and use manual shellers to process tree nuts quickly, efficiently, and affordably.

  This machine allows sellers to increase their profits by speedily processing tree nuts.

• Shells Collection

  The manual groundnut sheller can be used to collect peanut shells. Many shellers have systems that direct peanut shells to a separate container. This is great because it prevents the work area from becoming messy with peanut shells.

• Shelled Product Segregation

  Some manual groundnut shellers have systems that segregate shelled products into different containers. This is great because it allows different products to be processed and collected in one place without any contamination.

How to Choose Manual Groundnut Shellers

Purchasers of manual groundnut shellers should be aware that the machine has to be appropriate for the local environment and the requirements of the small-scale farmers or businesses that will be using it. As such, they should choose shellers in various sizes, as well as the following:

• Types of groundnuts: Different types of groundnuts have varying shelling requirements. Some may have thicker shells, while others may have thinner ones. Groundnut shellers are often designed to cater to specific types of groundnuts. Understand the types of groundnuts the community or user base typically processes and select a sheller compatible with their peanuts to ensure efficiency.
• Basins and containers: The basin or container that collects the groundnut shells should be big enough to hold the sheller's output for a reasonable period. However, it should not be so large that it becomes unmanageable or difficult to empty frequently. A removable or detachable container can make emptying and cleaning the collected shells easier.
• Shelling plates: The shelling mechanism typically consists of two or more shelling plates that crush the groundnuts and separate the seeds from the shells. The shelling plates should be made of durable materials and designed to provide optimal shelling performance. Buy replacements readily if the shelling plates wear down or need to be changed.
• Safety features: Groundnut shelling can pose safety risks if not handled properly. Some essential safety features are non-slip handles, protective covers, and emergency stop buttons. Non-slip handles provide a secure grip, while protective covers prevent accidental contact with moving parts. Emergency stop buttons allow for quick shutdowns during emergencies. Choose a manual groundnut sheller with adequate safety features to minimize accidents and injuries.
• Type of seed: Groundnut seeds come in various shapes and sizes, which may affect their shelling. Some groundnuts may have a double pod which contains two pods instead of one. This means that the seeds will be bigger than usual. Also, some varieties of groundnuts have harder shells than others. For example, red peanuts have thicker shells than white peanuts. Consider the type of seeds the user will be processing and select a sheller that accommodates their shapes, sizes, and shell toughness.

FAQ

Q1: How safe is a manual groundnut sheller?

A1: Manual shellers are generally considered safe because they are not powered by electricity. However, users must take precautions to avoid injury by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Q2: How efficient is a manual groundnut sheller?

A2: Efficiency depends on the design of the sheller and the skill of the operator. On average, an efficient sheller can process between 30-50 kg of groundnuts per hour.

Q3: Can a manual groundnut sheller be repaired?

A3: Yes. Many manual shellers can be repaired if damaged. With proper care, users can avoid the need for repairs.

Q4: Where are manual groundnut shellers used?

A4: They are commonly used in rural farms and small-scale peanut processing industries where groundnuts are harvested on a small scale.

Q5: Can a manual groundnut sheller be used for other nuts?

A5: No. Manual shellers are designed especially for peanuts. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts have different sizes and shell characteristics that cannot be accommodated.