This project analyzed and redesigned the various components of a previously designed sisal decorticator prototype. The sisal plant is easily grown in the arid regions of Kenya and its fiber has widespread industrial and consumer applications. Competition from Brazilian and Chinese sisal growers has made it difficult for small-scale Kenyan sisal farmers to yield a profit. Decorticator machines strip the usable fiber from the sisal leaves. A strong market exists in Kenya and beyond for an affordable and capable decortication device. Based on interaction with University of Nairobi students and faculty, design parameters were assessed and adapted to create a working prototype to meet these needs. Throughout the design process, affordability, energy consumption, transportability, reliability, on-site material and assembly constraints were taken into account. The designs chosen accomplished the project requirements by minimizing cost through material selection and ease of manufacture, and provided adjustable parameters in order to facilitate decortication quality testing. A vertical feed, small diameter decorticator with steel blades transportable via a steel frame with two wheels was determined to be the optimal solution. Testing with actual sisal and variable components enabled quality to be assessed as well as ensured that the designed prototype operated correctly and safely.
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