Development of a Motor-Driven Tiger Grass Depollinator with Dust Cyclone Vortex Separator

Abstract

The soft broom-making industry in Nueva Vizcaya relies heavily on the utilization of tiger grass. However, the traditional broom-making process presents several challenges, including the labor-intensive and time-consuming manual process, the need for efficient pollen removal, and the sustainable management of tiger grass. To address these challenges, the researchers aimed to develop a motor-driven tiger grass pollen remover. Through the proposed design, which includes an option for either motorized or manual operation, the machine aimed to expedite the pollen removal process, increase productivity, and reduce manual labor. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed machine, computations were performed to compare the time and effort required for pollen removal using traditional manual methods versus the machine-assisted technique. Results showed that the motor-driven pollen remover significantly reduced the time and effort required for pollen removal, with an efficiency of around 98% for Class A, B, and C tiger grass. The machine-assisted technique reduced the time required for pollen removal from 10-15 minutes per 100 stalks to only 2-4 minutes per 100 stalks and reduced manual labor. These results demonstrated the potential of the proposed machine to revolutionize the broom-making process, increase production rates, minimize costs, and increase the overall output of high-quality tiger grass brooms. Furthermore, the proposed machine holds promise in preserving cultural heritage and offering long-term benefits to local communities by contributing to sustainable livelihoods and rural development. Overall, the development of a motor-driven tiger grass pollen remover represents a significant advancement in the soft broom-making industry and offers innovative solutions to sustain the industry and address its challenges.