Temperature automation and optimization of the UPLB bean roaster for soybean (Glycine Max L. Merr)

The study was conducted to automate and optimize the UPLB Bean Roaster for soybean. A temperature automation control system was installed using an Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller board and other electronic components. An algorithm that automatically controls the gas valves to control roasting air temperature, prevent overheating and over-roasting was programmed. An emergency switch to close the gas valves, and a switch option for the manual operation was also included. Response Surface Methodology using Box and Behnken Design was used to optimize the roasting conditions for the automated UPLB Bean Roaster for soybeans. Operational parameters considered were roasting air temperature (105, 115, 125°C), roasting duration (25, 30, 35 minutes), load (30, 35, 40 kg). The response variables were urease activity (pH), LPG consumption (kg) and moisture content (%). The ideal region of operation was roasting air temperature of 115 to 122C, roasted for 30–35 minutes, with a load of 30 kg. The optimum operational setting for roasting soybeans using the prototype was 115.07C for 35 minutes with a load of 30 kg. The Automated UPLB Bean Roaster was optimized for roasting soybeans. However, the designed automatic controls system would be beneficial for optimizing the machine's performance for roasting other beans.