Design and fabrication of a modified model of indigenous meat-shell separator machine for small scale clam processing units
Design and fabrication of a modified model of indigenous meat-shell separator machine for small scale clam processing units
Date
2018
Authors
Sreejith, S.
James, J.P.
Gokulan, C.R.
Bindu, J.
Gopal, N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Fisheries Technologists (India), Cochin
Abstract
Black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) (Gray, 1825) is a
bivalve mollusc and majority of its fishery is
contributed by Vembanad lake of Kerala. Edible
meat has to be separated from calcareous shells of
black clam after cooking and the separation of meat
from shells is a very difficult task for clam
processors. Traditionally, black clam processors rely
on indigenous methods for meat-shell separation
using devices that lack a standard design, and do
not follow any steps to assure the quality of the
produce. No food quality standard parameters are
adopted while considering the materials used for
fabrication resulting in unhygienic handling and
processing of clam meat. As a result of the
unhygienic handling and processing, the product is
often of an inferior quality. In this context, a
modified model of indigenous meat-shell separator
machine to handle bulk quantities of clams was
designed and fabricated. The improved model has
continuous mode of operation and the trials using
this model demonstrated that it can handle 300 kg
clam shells per hour with a meat-shell separation
efficiency of 95%. It was found to be efficient, costeffective,
ergonomic, and durable and also which
conforms to the food safety regulatory requirements.
This improved model has the potential to
reduce the drudgery of clam processing and can
encourage members of the rural communities to
take up clam processing hygienically.
Description
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Citation
Fishery Technology 55(4):276-281