Author Date

2025-03-14

Degree Name

Department

Mechanical Engineering

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering

Defense Date

2025-03-03

Publication Date

2025-03-14

First Faculty Advisor

Randy Lewis

First Faculty Reader

Terri Bateman

Honors Coordinator

Brian Jensen

Keywords

mechanical engineering, quinoa, engineering outreach, humanitarian engineering

Abstract

Quinoa is an important crop in the Andean region of South America and is often grown by single family farmers. Before eating, quinoa must be washed to remove its saponin coating. The BYU GEO team has developed a quinoa washer to aid these farmers in washing their quinoa. This paper explores areas of needed improvement in the current quinoa washer based on feedback from individual farmers and focus groups. Areas explored include the motor, washer operations, parts and sourcing, and cleaning and use. Results include a promising motor alternative in the form of a powered drill, which decreases cost and assembly complexity. Other results include improved build and user manuals and recommendations for the wash process. The livelihoods of more Andean quinoa farmers can be empowered by applying these findings to future versions of the quinoa washer.