Carbonel, Precious May C. <br/><br/>
Modifications and performance evaluation of roasted cacao bean cracker and nib shell separator/ 
Precious May C. Carbonel and Alelie Amore D. Molina 
 - Bayombong:  Nueva Vizcaya State University,  2024. 
 - xxi, 86 leaves :   illustrations, photos ;  28 cm. 
<br/><br/> 	To improve the process of hulling of roasted cacao bean, a caçao bean cracker and nib shell separator was modified. This modification is particularly important for the chocolate industry to increases the efficiency of cacao processing, resulting in higher production rates. For farmers, it contributes to better overall yields, which can positively umpact their livelihoods<br/>	The machine's performance was assessed based on its total capacity, percent losses, percentage of husk adhering to nibs, hulling efficiency, cacao nib's recovery, and purity. It was evaluated using a cooling time of 5 and 15 minutes with suction speed of 7.5-8.0 m/s, 5.5-5.0 m/s, and 3.5-4.0 m/s<br/>	Six (6) treatment combination replicated three (3) times, resulting to a total of eighteen (18) experimental units were considered. Analysis of Variance was used to determine if there was significant difference among means. The comparison among treatment means was tested at 5% level of significance using Least Significance Difference (LSD). All machine parameters were successfully operated at its best. The result shows that the suction velocity of 7.5 and 8.0 m/s, performed best in attaining the highest Adviser. Engr. June C. Quipo<br/>	To improve the process of hulling of roasted cacao bean, a caçao bean cracker and nib shell separator was modified. This modification is particularly important for the chocolate industry to increases the efficiency of cacao processing, resulting in higher production rates. For farmers, it contributes to better overall yields, which can positively umpact their livelihoods<br/>	The machine's performance was assessed based on its total capacity, percent losses, percentage of husk adhering to nibs, hulling efficiency, cacao nib's recovery, and purity. It was evaluated using a cooling time of 5 and 15 minutes with suction speed of 7.5-8.0 m/s, 5.5-5.0 m/s, and 3.5-4.0 m/<br/>	Six (6) treatment combination replicated three (3) times, resulting to a total of eighteen (18) experimental units were considered. Analysis of Variance was used to determine if there was significant difference among means. The comparison among treatment means was tested at 5% level of significance using Least Significance Difference (LSD). All machine parameters were successfully operated at its best. The result shows that the suction velocity of 7.5 and 8.0 m/s, performed best in attaining the highest percentage of purity and hulling efficiency. Moreover, the said suction speed has 209.39 giminute (19 99 kg/hour) total capacity, 0.64% losses, 0.69% percentage of husk adhering to mbs, 99.32% hulling efficiency, 73.53% cacao nib's recovery and 99, 15% purity. The power consumed using electric motor was 0.456kw/hr<br/>	Simple Cost Analysis was used to determine the economical viability of the machine. The break-even capacity of 5480 kg of cacao beans at P5 63 per kg unit of cost hulling was determined. Net Income was 9165.56 P/year, Payback Period for 2 years and the Return of Investment of 53.86% annually.<br/>  Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering - AB Machinery and Power Engineering) 
<br/><br/>Includes bibliographical references and appendices