Theoretical analysis and evaluation of a parallel belt sheller for mature green soybeans

Previous study of an experimental parallel-belt sheller indicated some potential for use of such mechanism in shelling mature green vegetable soybeans. The major drawback of the existing mechanism was the excessive damage done to the shelled beans. Dynamical analysis of the system was made to determine the shelling force and identify the source of the forces responsible for bean damage. The existing mechanism was modified and evaluated. Belt material, shelling length, relative belt speed and belt spacing were found to affect shelling and bean quality. Bean damage was affected by soybean cultivar. Generally the performance of the modified sheller was no better than the original experimental parallel belt sheller. On the basis of bean quality, the performance of the new design is considered unsatisfactory.