Designing and Prototyping of a Device to Extract Phytochemicals from Alive Plants

Abstract

Phytochemicals are any of various biologically active compounds found in plants which are extracted for different purposes. The current quality of the extracted chemicals are reduced during the process due to the contamination of the useful chemicals with unwanted part of the plant, dusts and machine related chemicals. The objective of the research is to design, manufacture and test phytochemicals extractor from alive plants. It is achieved by applying the standard methods of designing mechanical systems. These are literature review, selecting a best mechanism among different alternatives, mathematical modeling and technical analysis, preparing manufacturing process, manufacturing of each part, buying standard parts, assembling and testing. A simple and small system (Plant Milker) has been designed, manufactured and tested that can extract phytochemicals from plants without cutting it using pressure difference. The quality and quantity of phytochemicals are improved because firstly the fluid has collected within chemically neutral confined system; secondly there is no wastage during collecting and removal of byproducts and lastly production time will be increased. In addition, a huge amount of money can be saved since initial investment cost, industry running cost and energy cost are eliminated.