@article{Ma2026, 
author = {Peifeng Ma and Aibin Zhu and Jing Zhang and Han Mao and Chunli Zheng and Jinping Huang and Jing Wang and Bingsheng Bao and Chong Gao and Dangchao Li},
title = {Design and experimental validation of the high-speed counter-rotating thresher for pomegranate aril extraction},
year = {2026},
journal = {International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {302-308},
keywords = {pomegranate, high-speed thresher, drum-type thresher, strength analysis},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.25165/j.ijabe.20261901.10057},
doi = {10.25165/j.ijabe.20261901.10057},
abstract = {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.}
}