Family-scale Rice Huller for Household Use

Family-scale Rice Huller for Household Use

Packaged rice sold in the market today usually passed through a series of pest management systems, which left chemical residues, such as methyl bromide and hydrogen phosphide. Once consumed, these chemical residues will accumulate in the body, causing various illnesses. Untreated rice, however, retains higher levels of vitamins and minerals.

For families, a small, family-sized rice huller offers a healthier alternative. Dr. Surin Ngaem-ngam, lecturer at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi’s Faculty of Engineering, together with fourth-year engineering students, Thirawat Maenpuak and Thanawut Chinnabutr, invented the rice huller for use within a household.

“This machine, powered by a motor and controlled by a PIC16F887 microchip, can hull both white rice and brown rice. The paddy is fed into the metal part inside the machine for hulling. The motor’s speed is controlled by the controller,” said the team representative.

Initial testing at the speed of 3,500 rounds per minute revealed that the paddy needed to go through five rounds of hulling to yield white rice.

The family-sized hulling machine is suitable for households. The production cost is 15,000 baht per machine. For more information, contact Dr. Surin at 091 558 5855.