Electronic Device to Quantify Clearance and Control Feed Rate of Rubber Roll Sheller

Rice milling process refers to the removal of husk and bran layers from the paddy grain. Proper machine settings in relation to physical and engineering properties of paddy are necessary for efficient milling operations. The present research work was aimed at incorporating modifications in a rice rubber roll sheller of modern rice mill for better control on its operation. A microcontroller-based electronic device was developed to quantify the clearance between the rubber rolls and feed opening of the rubber roll sheller. The values were displayed on seven-segment display units. A mechanical system to suit automation was also developed to automatically control the feed rate of feed hopper of the rubber roll sheller. The device was designed to read from 0 - 72 mm feed opening gap with least count of 0.075 mm, and rolls clearance from 0 mm to 21 mm with least count of 0.01 mm.