Development and Efficiency Evaluation of a Semi-Automatic Hydraulic-Electric Black Rice Husk Pressing Machine for Rice Seedling Trays

Abstract

 The purpose of this research was to (1) develop a semi-automatic black husk presser in rice seedling trays using electric hydraulics, (2) test the efficiency of black rice husk pressing in rice seedling trays of a semi-automatic rice husk press in electric hydraulics, and (3) compare the time of black husk pressing in rice seedling trays with a black rice husk press in a semi-automatic rice seedling tray with electric hydraulics with manual labor. The operation process includes studying the problem of compressing black rice husk in rice seedling trays, establishing and evaluating performance, including Black Husk/Tray Pressing Time (in seconds). The height and firmness of the black husk were then hypothetically tested. The results showed that 1. The developed machine consisted of (1) a base frame of 50 cm wide, 80 cm long, and 45 cm high, (2) a 20-ton electric hydraulic pump, (3) a 150-liter air pump, (4) a steel plate 30 cm wide, 60 cm long, and 5 mm thick, and (5) a control switch. The results of the performance evaluation showed that the compression of black rice husk in the rice seedling tray was carried out by manual labor and the black husk press. The average time for the black husk was 84.30 seconds and 43.10 seconds, respectively, with a height of 1.00 centimeters. The firmness and consistency of the black rice husk were also suitable. It was found to be statistically significant at the p < 0.01 level. In conclusion, the developed black husk press is effective in pressing black rice husks to a firmness suitable for rice seedling cultivation and conducive to seedling growth. It can also reduce the time to press black rice husk by 41.20 seconds per tray, representing a 48.87 percent reduction in manual labor per tray. This is suitable for use in rice seedling cultivation, particularly with rice cultivation vehicles, which are increasingly popular among ordinary farmers.