Prototype of a shredder machine for cooked pineapples of maguey papalote (Agave cupreata Trel. & Berger)

Abstract

This work presents the design of a prototype shredding machine for cooked pineapples of Agave papalote, intended for mezcal production by the Unión de Productores de Mezcal Xochicalehualatl in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico. The objective of the design is to improve the martajado stage in mezcal manufacture. To achieve this goal, both documentary research and direct observation of plant processes were carried out. The design process took into account safety requirements, ease of cleaning, appropriate dimensions and overall productivity.

The resulting prototype features a feed hopper, a shaft fitted with bars that convey the pineapples into a shredding mechanism where they are reduced into small pieces, and a discharge chute that deposits the material into fermentation vats. Power is delivered via a flexible pulley and belt system composed of three pulley assemblies. Testing showed a throughput of 2.1 tons per hour and the ability to process whole pineapples without prior cutting, reducing preparation time by sixty percent. The machine can also be adapted for use with other agave varieties used in the production of distilled beverages.