Executive Summary : | The study aims to develop an extrusion-based continuous jaggery making machine, focusing on physicochemical, rheological, sensory, storage stability, and techno-economic feasibility. The machine will consist of a vented barrel, a single screw, an electric motor, and a variable frequency drive. The process will be optimized and validated, and the physicochemical properties of the product will be investigated. The machine will be tested at various temperatures and rotation speeds, with the best-suited combination of independent variables determined by optimization criteria. The proposed study aims to develop a low-cost and environment-friendly system for producing continuous jaggery using an extrusion-based approach. The residence time distribution (RTD) is measured by injecting a tracer into the effluent stream and measuring the tracer concentration. The physiochemical, rheological, sensory, shelf-life, and techno-economic feasibility of the machine are also evaluated. The jaggery will be stored under different conditions for 60 days, and the breakeven volume of output will be determined. The system is expected to produce standardized jaggery with long shelf-life and minimal environmental impact. |