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National Invention Contest |
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Written by Loren
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Thursday, 18 February 2010 |
In the 2009 National Invention Contest awarding ceremonies, Polangui Campus University of Bicol got the Most Outstanding invention (Tuklas Award) and the WIPO Gold Medal and Certificate Award for their multi- purpose processing machine.
The research team, which is composed of received Engr. Arnulfo Malinis, Engr. Eleanor Balute, Engr. Estrella Calpe and Engr. Herminigildo Lizano, the plaque, medal and certificate, the team took home P150, 000 as cash prize.
The team explained that their project could deal with the need for appropriate postharvest processing facilities for agricultural products in the countryside to enable farmers to add value to their produce so they can sell these products at higher prices.
The machine can process ginger rhizomes at a rate of 80 kilogram (kg) per hour, pandan leaves at 20 kg per hour, lemongrass leaves at 25 kg per hour, and arrowroot tubers at 80 kg per hour. It is powered by 1 hp motor and requires just one person for an 8-hour operation.
On the other hand, the researchers suggested that crops should be fresh upon processing to obtain best results.
Engr. Malinis added that the use of the machine can be maximized when combined with other equipment to make up a processing system designed for the production of a specific commodity. It is of same quality with the machines in the market but much cheaper.
It costs P95,000 per unit but can be recovered in two years.
Aside from the team of Engr. Malinis, Rex Compost Tea Brewer invented by Capt. James Fos Reamon got the second prize, and the Manufacturing Process for Hard Carrageenan Capsules developed by researchers from the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology got the third prize in the said 2009 Invention Contest's Tuklas Award category.
Such recognition could inspire more inventors to do more innovations that could help the country. [via mb.com.ph] |
