Optimization of the Rice Hulling Process via DEM-PRM Simulation to Reduce Grain Breakage

Temoche L.; Acosta A.N.; Felipe J.B.; Navarro J.C. · 2026 10th International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, ICMERR 2026 (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/icmerr70056.2026.11643127

Resumen

The rice hulling process is one of the most critical post-harvest stages, where improper control of variables like clearance and differential velocity can generate over 15% broken grains, significantly reducing the final product's profitability. In Peru, this loss represents a relevant economic impact for small producers, as higher quality rice can fetch prices up to 6% higher. This work proposes a numerical approach based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with a Particle Replacement Model (PRM), implemented in ANSYS Rocky 2023 R1, to analyze and optimize the rubberroll rice hulling process. The grain was modeled as a polyhedral particle, and six scenarios were simulated, varying the clearance (0.8-1.0 mm) and the velocity difference (1.0-1.5 m/s). The evaluated metrics were breakage percentage, mean contact pressure, and impact energy. The results allow for the optimization of operating conditions that minimize grain fracture during the hulling process.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas