Modification and Performance Evaluation of Manually Operated a Screw Press Beeswax Extractor

Abstract

In Ethiopian Beekeeping, There Is A Unique Traditional Method Of Beekeeping That Presents An Opportunity For Significant Beeswax Production. However, The Current Beeswax Processing Techniques Are Outdated, Resource-Intensive, Time-Consuming, And Inefficient. These Traditional Methods Result In Substantial Annual Wastage Of Beeswax. To Address These Issues, There Is A Need To Develop An Automated Beeswax Pressed Separator. The Objective Of This Thesis Was To Modify And Evaluate The Performance Of Manually Operated A Screw Press Beeswax Extractor. A Prototype Of The Screw Press Extractor Was Constructed And Tested Both On The Production Field And In A Controlled Testing Environment To Find A Viable Solution. The Selection Of Components For The Construction Of The Presser Was Based On The Requirements And Estimates Of The Concept. The Presser Demonstrated An Extraction Yield Ranging From 29.7% To 60.3% With An Average Of 44.5%. This Is A Significant Improvement Compared To The Traditional Squeezing Method, Which Had An Extraction Efficiency Ranging From 19.1% To 32.5% With An Average Of 25.8%. The Newly Developed Screw Press Extractor Is Capable Of Processing 0.64 Kg Of Crude Beeswax Per Hour While Also Improving The Color Of The Beeswax. However, There Is Still Room For Improvement In The Presser's Throughput By Modifying The Designs Of A Few Key Components. Overall, This Study Highlights The Need For Innovation In Ethiopian Beekeeping To Enhance The Efficiency And Productivity Of Beeswax Processing. The Prototype Screw Press Extractor Demonstrates Promising Results And Provides A Foundation For Further Advancements In This Field.