Development and performance evaluation of a hygienic and portable small-scale cassava grater for safe food processing

Abstract

Traditional cassava grating methods are labour intensive, unhygienic, and susceptible to contamination, further exacerbating food safety risks. These limitations highlight the urgent need for improved, small-scale processing solutions. This paper presents the development and performance evaluation of a hygienic, portable, and efficient small-scale cassava grating machine. Key considerations to develop a practical household grater with key design features including safe operation, portability, and corrosion resistance to accommodate cassava's acidic nature. Materials including mild steel, stainless steel, cast iron and alloy rubber were used. The machine is powered by a single-phase, one-horsepower electric motor operating at 1440 rpm, and features a stainless-steel grating drum with crevice-free contact surfaces to prevent bacterial buildup. Performance tests conducted with multiple cassava batches showed a grating throughput of 173.43 kg h⁻¹, efficiency of 96.4% and material loss of 3.6%. Compared to commercial graters, the developed machine offers competitive throughput while maintaining affordability and improved hygiene. With a total fabrication cost of ₦262 250 ($150.90), the machine is accessible for rural and domestic users. Future improvements may include solar-powered operation to reduce fuel dependency and enhance usability in off-grid areas, alongside structural refinements to improve weight distribution and minimize vibration. This innovation offers a scalable, practical solution for improving cassava processing, promoting food safety, and empowering smallholder communities.