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Problem Addressed
Walnuts are de hulled manually by striking the hard shells with a bat. This messy and time-taking process can hurt the hands.
Technology
The machine comprises a spiral roll fitted inside a cylinder. A motor of 0.5 – 1 HP rotates the cylinder clockwise. Walnuts are loaded through a hopper at the top, and cleaned nuts fall to the bottom while shells are expelled separately. The machine can de hull about 100 walnuts in one minute.
Societal Impact
This innovation discharges dry shell waste that composts fast, while other dehulling machines require water and generate slurry. The walnut season lasts for just 40-60 days. This machine allows walnut farmers to hasten their harvesting.
Current status
The innovator has so far sold three machines. He continues to improve it; currently, about five percent of walnut kernels break along with the hull. He is waiting for the next season to conduct further trials. He has made many more innovative solutions for automating house functionalities and also in agriculture.