TY  - JOUR
AU  - Ma, Peifeng
AU  - Zhu, Aibin
AU  - Zhang, Jing
AU  - Mao, Han
AU  - Zheng, Chunli
AU  - Huang, Jinping
AU  - Wang, Jing
AU  - Bao, Bingsheng
AU  - Gao, Chong
AU  - Li, Dangchao
PY  - 2026
TI  - Design and experimental validation of the high-speed counter-rotating thresher for pomegranate aril extraction
JO  - International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
SN  - 1934-6344
SP  - 302
EP  - 308
VL  - 19
IS  - 1
AB  - This study presents the design and experimental validation of a high-speed, drum-type pomegranate thresher driven by an innovative single-drive, multi-shaft transmission system. This design integrates crushing, feeding, and threshing into a compact unit, significantly reducing mechanical complexity and energy consumption. Finite element analysis verified the structural integrity of key components under operational loads. Systematic experiments identified an optimal speed of 220 r/min, achieving a threshing efficiency of 28.6 pieces/min, a peel removal rate of 88.3%, and an aril damage rate of 12.6%. The incorporation of a pre-crushing mechanism enhanced overall efficiency by 30.6%, a performance gain analyzed as a trade-off against a manageable increase in aril damage. The device demonstrated robust adaptability, processing fresh and stored pomegranates at rates of 33.9 and 27.9 pieces/min, respectively, while revealing critical correlations between pomegranate physical properties and threshing outcomes. This work provides an efficient and scalable solution for industrial pomegranate processing and establishes a foundation for future intelligent control systems.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20261901.10057
DO  - 10.25165/j.ijabe.20261901.10057