Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Technology has greatly influenced the agricultural sector, bringing about significant changes

in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products. One notable impact of

technology is its ability to automate and streamline tasks for farmers, reducing the need for manual labor

and enabling larger-scale production. In the context of starch extraction, the starch settling method is a

valuable technique used in laboratories and industrial processes to separate starch from other

components in mixtures. It is particularly effective for extracting starch from plant sources like potatoes,

corn, cassava, and arrowroot.

The arrowroot plant (Maranta arundinacea) is widely recognized for its starchy rhizomes,

which are harvested and processed to extract high-quality arrowroot starch. Arrowroot starch finds

applications in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles due to its superior

thickening, binding, and nutritional properties. The traditional arrowroot processing methods involve

several labor-intensive and time-consuming steps, leading to lower productivity, inconsistent quality,

and increased production costs. Hence, there is a need for an innovative solution to enhance the

efficiency and quality of arrowroot.

The settling machine is designed to separate the starch from other impurities present in the

arrowroot, resulting in a purified starch product. In such systems, the settled starch is continuously

removed from the drum's surface, and a fresh mixture is continuously fed into the machine. By utilizing

the principles of centrifugal force, arrowroot settling machines can efficiently separate arrowroot starch

from its mixture with water. This method ensures a high yield of starch with a relatively low moisture

content, making it suitable for large-scale arrowroot processing operations

 This arrowroot settling machine typically consists of a cylindrical drum or bowl made of

sturdy materials such as stainless steel. The drum is mounted on a rotating shaft connected to a motor,

allowing it to spin rapidly. The arrowroot mixture, which contains a high concentration of arrowroot

starch suspended in water, spins at high speed, creating centrifugal force.

The centrifugal force is a result of the circular motion and acts outward from the center of

rotation. This force causes the denser arrowroot starch particles to move outward, while the lighter water

is forced towards the center. As the arrowroot mixture enters the machine, the centrifugal force causes

the arrowroot starch particles to settle against the walls of the drum due to their higher density. while the

settled starch forms a compact cake or layer on the drum's inner surface. Once the water is removed, the

arrowroot starch cake can be collected from the drum's inner surface. The collected starch is typically

further processed to remove impurities and dried to obtain the final arrowroot starch product.

Background of the study

The researcher become interested in pursuing this study after knowing the process on how the

Arrowroot Starch is being made. As we all know conventional arrowroot processing techniques suffer

from several limitations, including manual labor, inefficient settling processes, and inconsistent starch

quality. The lack of an automated settling machine specifically designed for arrowroot processing

hinders the industry's ability to meet the increasing demands for arrowroot starch with improved

efficiency and consistent quality. Therefore, the researcher think that the development of an arrowroot

settling machine is crucial to address these challenges and revolutionize the arrowroot processing

industry. Several design of settling machine were introduced in the market but are not focused on

Arrowroot flour. Therefore, this study which is the " Development of Arrowroot Settling Machine" will

be a great useful tool for the farmers who grow arrowroot and the people who are engaged in the

production of Catanauan's specialty, the delicious Arrowroot Cookies since it's especially designed for

their products.
Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to develop an arrowroot settling machine that improves

the efficiency and quality of arrowroot starch production. The specific objectives are as follows:

1) To analyze the existing arrowroot processing techniques and identify limitations.

2) To design a settling machine that automates the extraction process in arrowroot starch.

3) To optimize the machine parameters to achieve efficient settling and separation from

impurities.

4) To evaluate the performance of the developed machine in terms of settling efficiency, starch

yield, and starch quality.

5) To compare the productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness of the developed machine with

traditional arrowroot processing methods.

Significance of the Study

This study is a two phased toward further development of the present procedure of settling

procedure of the arrowroot starch in Catanauan. it introduced a mechanism that would benefit the

Arrowroot grower and Arrowroot product manufacturer because it is hoped to increase the Arrowroot

production in short period of time. the study offers insight to individuals about the fastest way of settling

the arrowroot starch with high efficient technology.

further more, it is very important to start and continously search for Arrowroot production

technology to help the local Arrowroot farmers to increase their productivity which will help improve

their living condition. Moreover, results of the study will serve as a source of information and

knowledge for people engaged in arrowroot production

Scope and Limitation

This study focuses on the development of a motor-controlled settling machine specifically

designed for arrowroot extract. The machine is designed to operate using a microcomputer, allowing

precise timing for the settling process. The study takes into consideration the practical aspects of the

machine's design, including calculations, computations, and assumptions related to the settling process.

The settling machine has a capacity of six liters (6) of arrowroot extract per cylindrical

container. However, due to the slanting orientation of the cylindrical container at approximately 60

degrees, each of the four stainless containers is set to hold only four liters (4) to prevent spillage.

It's important to note that the study does not include the computation for the sizes of the belt,

pulley, and other mechanical parts used in the machine.

Definition of Terms
 Chapter II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND STUDIES
This Chapter presents the related literature and studies gathered by researcher which

have important bearing to this study. it includes different views of the author, output of the

previous studies and internet publication

Related Literature

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinaceae L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant with oval

leaves, typically reaching a height of around 3 feet. It has a rootstock that forms a cylindrical

rhizome beneath the soil surface. These rhizomes, measuring approximately 9-12 inches in

length and 1 inch in thickness, contain the starch that makes the cultivation of this crop

commercially viable.

In the West Indies, particularly in St. Vincent, there are two native varieties of

arrowroot known as "Banana" and "Creole variety." The Creole variety has long and thin

rhizomes that spread widely and penetrate deeply into the soil. On the other hand, the

Banana variety has shorter, thicker rhizomes with less fiber and is produced closer to the soil

surface. These two varieties do not produce seeds, and their propagation has been achieved

through rhizome bits. The plant demonstrates remarkable resilience to adverse weather

conditions and has been affected by only one disease, called "Arrowroot burning disease"

(Rosillinea bunodes), and one pest, known as the "Arrowroot Leaf roller" (Calpodea

ethleus), both of which have had relatively minor impacts (Martin C.I. 1986).

In the Philippines, arrowroot is primarily cultivated in Catanuan, Quezon. The crop

is mainly grown in semi-cultivated regions where rainfall is evenly distributed throughout

the year. From a taxonomic perspective, there are no distinct varieties of arrowroot.

However, in Tiaong and other regions, arrowroot cultivation has demonstrated some

variations.
 Dela cruz (2012), describes Arrowroot, locally known as“uraro”, as a low

perennial herbaceous plant with large spreading ovate leaves, a thick and fleshy stem, and a

creeping rootstock that contains fleshy, scaly tubers. Although this crop is originally from

tropical America, it is widely cultivated in various tropical countries, including the

Philippines. Arrowroot was introduced to the Philippines in 1918, but it initially wasn't

grown on a large scale. It was found that the plant thrives best in areas where rainfall is

evenly distributed throughout the year.

The rhizome, or underground stem, of the arrowroot plant is the primary source of

starch. This starch is extracted and sold in the market as a dry white powder. The powder

derived from uraro is known for being one of the purest forms of carbohydrates and is highly

digestible, making it suitable for use in infant foods and medicinal tablets. The pure and

high-quality starch is also used in the production of uraro biscuits, pastries, cookies, and

other culinary delights.

Centrifuge

A centrifuge is a device that utilizes centrifugal force to apply a specific constant

force to a specimen, enabling the separation of different components of a fluid. By rapidly

spinning the fluid within a container, substances and particles of varying densities are

displaced outward or inward. In laboratory settings, this causes denser particles to settle at

the bottom of sample tubes, while less dense substances rise to the top. Centrifuges can

effectively filter contaminants from fluids and are commonly used in industrial applications

for separating solids from liquids or separating immiscible liquids.

Fig. 2.1
inside a typical high speed laboratory centrifuge

The main components of a centrifuge ( see Fig. 2.1) include a rotor, which holds the

sample tubes or containers, and a motor that spins the rotor at high speeds. When the rotor

spins rapidly, the centrifugal force causes the denser particles or substances in the sample to

move towards the outer regions of the rotating container, while the less dense components

move towards the center.

Rotor Categories

Rotors of entrifuge can be broadly classified into three common categories namely

(1) swinging - bucket rotors, (2) Fixed Angle rotors, and (3) vertical rotors ( see fig. 2.2,

Table 2.1). Each type of rotor has the strength and limitation depending on type of

separation.

Fig. 2.2 Rotor Types

 Table 2.1. Types of rotors and their applications
NS = not suitable
*Good for macromolecules, poor for cells, and organelles
**Good for cells and organelles, caution needed if used with CsCI

in swinging bucket rotors, the sample tubes are loaded into individual buckets and

hang vertically while the rotor is at rest. when the rotor begins to rotate the bucket swing out

to a horizontal position as shown in fig. 2.2 (1). This rotor is particlarly useful when samples

are to be resolved in density gradient. the longer path length permits better separation of

inbdividual particle types form mixture. In fixed-angle rotors, the sample tubes are held

fixed at the angle of the rotor cavity. When the rotor begins to rotate, the solution in the

tubes reorients (Figure. 2.2 (2) ). This rotor type is most commonly used for pelleting

applications. Examples include pelleting bacteria, yeast, and other mammalian cells. It is

also useful for isopycnic separations of macromolecules such as nucleic acids. In vertical

rotors, sample tubes are held in vertical position during rotation. This type of rotor is not

suitable for pelleting applications but is most efficient for isopycnic (density) separations due

to the short pathlength. Applications include plasmid DNA, RNA, and lipoprotein isolations.
Types of
Centrifugal
Separations

Fig. 2.3 Differential Centrifugation

Differential Centrifugation

This type of separation is commonly used in simple pelleting and in obtaining

partially-pure preparation of subcellular organelles and macromolecules. For the study of

subcellular organelles, tissue or cells are first disrupted to release their internal contents. This

crude disrupted cell mixture is referred to as a homogenate. During centrifugation of a cell

homogenate, larger particles sediment faster than smaller ones and this provides the basis for

obtaining crude organelle fractions by differential centrifugation. A cell homogenate can be

centrifuged at a series of progressively higher g-forces and times to generate pellets of

partially-purified organelles.

Density gradient centrifugation.

Density gradient centrifugation is the preferred method to purify subcellular

organelles and macromolecules. Density gradients can be generated by placing layer after

layer of gradient media (Table 2) such as sucrose in a tube with the heaviest layer at the
bottom and the lightest at the top in either a discontinuous or continuous mode. The cell

fraction to be separated is placed on top of the layer and centrifuged.

Related studies

According to the study conducted by M.V. Capina and V.L.L. Capina (2016), in

their Marinduque Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinecea) By-Products Potentials, PAGSIBOL

Research Journal, the recovery of starch from arrowroot rhizomes typically ranges from 10-

20% per kilogram, depending on the quality. In this study, the starch recovery was only 13%

or 390 grams of dried starch from 3 kilograms of fresh rhizomes. The remaining 59% of the

rhizomes produced water, while 28% became waste rhizomes or "sapal." The waste water

can be used to make wine, while the ground waste rhizomes can be turned into flour,

handmade paper, and novelty items. Proximate analysis of the waste rhizome flour revealed

its composition, including 11.39% moisture, 2.71% ash, 1.27% crude protein, 0.05% crude

fat, 6.12% crude fiber, and 78.46% nitrogen-free extract. The nutritional facts per serving

size of 100 grams showed 320 calories, 0 fat, 78 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams dietary fiber,

and 1 gram protein. To improve starch recovery, further research should focus on pre and

postharvest activities and facilities to minimize losses and maximize the volume of starch

recovery. Additionally, exploring the potential to convert waste water into bioethanol and

biogas could be considered. The waste flour from arrowroot can be used as substitutes and

additives in human and animal feed, while the waste fiber can be used in textile and

construction materials.

According to A. M. Pascua (2018), research titled "Development and Testing of

Arrowroot (Marantha arundinacea L.) Grinding Machine". The machine used for grinding

Arrowroot comprises various components, including a transmission, rasper, crusher, and

base frame, and is powered by a 7.5 hp gasoline engine. The key features of the machine
include its use of locally available food-grade materials, portability, and suitability for

operation by a single person, which set it apart from other existing machines in terms of

efficiency and effectiveness.

The evaluation of the machine also demonstrated its capability to grind arrowroot

tubers with an average power consumption of 0.85 kW, a processing time of 7.85 minutes, a

capacity of 46.6 kilograms per hour, and a starch recovery efficiency of 16.6%. Verification

tests confirmed that the actual values of the responses were relatively close to the predicted

values.

Based upon the review of the related literature and studies, The researcher were able to

Conceptualize that the construction of a settling machine would aid the problem on the lack

of equipment necessary to proces the Arrowroot and would lessen the time for the Arrowroot

to settle down. in addition , the tyof centrifuge rotor to be used in the settling machine and

the prime mover that would provide the driving force needed by rotor were determined

Theoretical Framework
Or
Conceptual Framework (paradigm)

Hypotheses/Hypothesis (as required)

 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter described the method used in the study. it deals primarily with the project

design, research locale, instrumentused in the study, and procedure of data gathering used by the

researcher in collecting and analyzing the necessary information in the study.

Research Locale

the prototype design of the automated settling machine for arrowroot extract was

intended for the municipality of Catanauan, Province of Quezon which is facing the island of

marinduque. it is bounded on the north of lopez; northeast of buenavista; on the south and

southeast by the tayabas bay; on the west and northwest by the municipality of General luna. The

process of producing powdered Arrowroot starch in the said locale takes too much time in

settling process because there is no available machine that will make the starch settle down

faster.

Unit of Analysis/Respondents/Treatments

In the development of an arrowroot settling machine for arrowroot farmers of

Catanauan, Quezon, the unit of analysis would primarily be the individual arrowroot farmers or

arrowroot farming households in the target area. The study aims to understand their unique

needs, challenges, and preferences related to the settling process, in order to design a machine

that specifically caters to their requirements. The respondents selected for the study would be

arrowroot farmers or representatives from arrowroot farming households, chosen based on their

involvement in arrowroot cultivation and their willingness to participate.

 The treatments in this context refer to the different configurations, settings, and

approaches employed by the machine to achieve effective settling of arrowroot starch. These

treatments may include variations in settling time, agitation intensity, temperature, or the use of

additives or chemicals to optimize the process. Multiple treatments would be tested and adjusted

iteratively based on collected data and feedback from the farmers, with the ultimate goal of

maximizing the machine's performance and meeting the desired outcomes, such as moisture

content, purity, and particle size distribution.

Research Design

The primary outcomes of this stage were the design and sketches of the prototype. The

study utilized applied research to create a settling machine specifically for Arrowroot extract.

The research considered the principles of electricity and their application in developing the

prototype. The study aimed to present the prototype design for better understanding and

simplicity.

The study consisted of two phases. The first phase focused on the design, construction,

and fabrication of an automatic settling machine. This machine was created using the necessary

materials to ensure optimal performance. The objective was to gather information about the

settling machine's efficiency and performance.

Research Instrument

The researcher made several trials and tesing to determine the reliability and

functionality of the prototype. To have a systematic and clear representation of the data gathered,
the proponents used in the following instruments in gathering the data to determine the different

variables needed in the analysis of the performance of the prototype

 Books, Journals, Published and Unpunished Thesis

Information and knowledge about motor control, contractor, timer, indicators, and

other devices used for the study were acquired from books and undergraduate thesis from the

Southern Luzon State University. The college library provided the necessary bbooks and journals

that made the study possible.

 Internet

Information from the internet were acquired for better understanding and for the

effective insight for the consruction and design of the motor controller, and the automated

settling macghine. the researcher browsed the internet to understand the operation and behavior

of each component.

Procedures/Data Collection

The development of an arrowroot settling machine involves several procedures and

data collection steps. This includes conducting a comprehensive literature review to gather

relevant information, identifying the challenges associated with the current settling procedure,

designing a preliminary concept for the machine, determining the experimental setup and data

collection parameters, performing experiments and recording data using a prototype machine,

analyzing the collected data to identify trends and correlations, iteratively refining the machine's

design based on the analysis, validating the optimized design through rigorous performance

testing, and documenting the entire development process for future reference. These systematic
steps enable researcher and engineers to enhance the design and functionality of the arrowroot

settling machine for optimal performance.

Data Analysis (as required)

Once the testing phase was completed and a thorough analysis of the gathered data

was conducted using computational methods, the settling machine's performance was evaluated

based on the information obtained. By utilizing computation, the collected data was processed

and analyzed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the settling machine's operations. The

evaluation involved examining various parameters and metrics derived from the data, enabling a

comprehensive understanding of the settling machine's overall performance. Through this

meticulous examination, the machine's ability to achieve its intended objectives and the quality

of its outcomes were determined, providing valuable insights for further improvements or

optimizations if necessary.

Statistical Treatment (as required)

In addition to the methods mentioned earlier, the researcher employed formulas to

compute the required values during the study. These formulas were obtained from various

sources, such as textbooks, the internet, and other relevant research papers. By utilizing

established formulas, the researcher aimed to ensure accurate calculations and reliable results.

Furthermore, during the research process, the researcher made an assumption that

served as a fundamental basis for the design. This assumption played a crucial role in guiding the

development of the settling machine. It provided a starting point and a framework for the design

decisions and considerations made throughout the study.

 The researcher's assumption helped shape the overall direction and approach taken in

constructing the prototype. The formula used in the study are the following:

POWER COMPUTATION
P=VI(pf)
Where:
P = Power consumption
I = current measured
V = voltage measure
pf = power factor

ENERGY IN 1 HOUR
E= Pt
Where:
E = Energy
P = Power Consuption
t = Time

TORQUE TRANSMITTED
T= __P__
2piN
Where:
T = torque in lb-ft
P = Rated power of the motor in lb-ft/sec
N = Rated speed of the motor in rev/sec
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT THE SHAFT CAN CARRY
W= F/2.2046 lb
Where:
W= maximumm weight in kg
F= Force applied in lbf