Development and Performance Evaluation of a Screw-Type Juice Extractor with a Perforator Assembly for Philippine Lime (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

Abstract

In this study, a screw-type juice extractor with a perforator assembly for Philippine Lime (Citrofortunella microcarpa) or calamansi was fabricated and evaluated, and its capacity, extraction rate, extraction efficiency, and percentage of broken seeds were assessed. The essential components of the machine include a perforator assembly, screw-type extraction chamber, feeding hopper, residual outlet, juice outlet, power transmission assembly, and support frame. In operation, the perforator assembly punctures the fruits prior to extraction in the screw-type extraction chamber. The juice extracted is collected from the juice outlet while the peel, pulp, and seeds are discharged through the residual outlet. Performance evaluation showed that the machine has an input capacity of 124.80 kg h⁻¹ and an extraction efficiency of 89.7% which is higher than the minimum standard based on Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards for Multi-Crop Juice Extractors of 75%. This study provides a new reference for the improvement of a calamansi juice extractor with improved extraction performance and operational efficiency.