Comparative Test between a Machine and a Device Opening Young Coconut Fruits

Abstract

This study was to do comparative test between a machine and a opeing young coconut fruits. The machine was consisted of 2 triangular stainless steel blades installed on 2 shaftswith thread at their outer surfaces. Opening a young coconut fruit was obtained by moving the blades cutting the fruit. Machine operation was automatically achieved by a control man.
The device comprised plastic holder, a steel strap one long side of which was saw - tooth and a plastic knife. The strap was 60 mm. in diameter. Opening a young coconut fruit was obtained by turning the plastic holder with steel strap inside on the head of the fruit.
Methodology comprised tests on opening young coconut fruits of small, medium and big sizes (20 fruits / each size) with the machine and the device ; analysis and evaluation engineeringly and economically.
Results showed that the machine could open a young coconut fruits averagely 8.5 seconds / fruit with juice spilled off 4.7%. juice and flesh were acceptable to consumers. The device could open a young coconut fruits averagely 41.4 seconds / fruit with juice spilled off 3.8%. Juice was some mixed with sawdust. The device needed no maintenance while the machine did. Cost of the machine and the device was 6,348 and 18 baht.