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Sam, E. O.
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Nigeria.
Ndirika, V. I.
Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resource Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
Etoamaihe, U. J.
Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resource Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This work aimed at developing a mathematical
model, validate and optimized for predicting whole kernel recovery as a performance
parameter for a palm nut cracking machine, using mixed variety of palm nuts. The drying
temperature of 105°C; five levels of cracking speed (1200, 1400, 1600, 1800 and
2000rpm); six levels of moisture content (12.4, 14.0, 16.2, 18.1, 20.0 and
27.8% w.b) and five
levels of feed rate (360, 400, 450, 514.29, 600kg/h) were selected for the
study. Full factorial design was used in the design of the experiment
with three independent variables; cracking speed (rpm), moisture content (%)
and feed rate (), set at five, six, five level factorial
respectively. Four hundred and fifty (450) samples of 1000g each of fresh palm nuts were used
for the experiment. 150 samples were selected for each experimental run. Model
to predict whole kernel recovery was developed using the concept of Buckingham
Pi theorem. The developed models were verified and validated by fitting them
into experimental data. Method of regression analysis as computed using
Microsoft Excel programme of Microsoft package was used to describe the
relationships, plot the graphs and compute the coefficients of determination () between the predicted and experimental values.
The best combination for optimum whole kernel recovery for mixed varieties were
obtained at feed rate of 580.41kg/hr, throughput
capacity of 151.43kg/h, nut speed of 12.51m/s,
peripheral velocity of 33.78m/s, cracking
speed of 1935rpm, and moisture content of 16.69%w.b
with optimum whole kernel recovery of 80.45%.
Keywords: Model, Optimization, Whole Kernel Recovery, Palm Nut, Cracking, Machine, Mixed Variety
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v8i1_5
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Published
Wednesday, June 08, 2022
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 1, June 2022
Article Section
GENERAL
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.
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