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Ehiem, J. C.
Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Abam, F. I.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Omodamiro, O. D.
Department of Microbiology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Simonyan, J. B.
Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Okenwa, U.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Igwe, M. O.
College of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The study presents the optimum performance parameters
of a developed African oil bean seed (AOBS) dehulling machine. The performance
indicators are throughput, dehulling efficiency, mechanical breakage index, and
labour requirement. The results indicate that the highest throughput was
attained at a speed of 700 rpm, boiling time and throughput of 1 hour, and
41.09 kg/hr, respectively. In contrast, the minimum throughput was obtained at
a dehulling speed of 331rpm and a throughput of 14.05 kg/hr. However, first and
second-order response surface models were developed to achieve the optimum
parameters and their relationship. The
relationship between the input variables (time, speed, and labour required) and
the output variables (throughput, dehulling efficiency, and mechanical damage
index) was evaluated by
the use of experimental design methodology with six centre points. The analyses show that the root mean square for the
throughput, dehulling efficiency and mechanical damage index was 80.08%, 85.69% and 89.15%, respectively, which correlated well with the
input variables. Consequently, the optimal time, speed and labour required were
approximated at 4.1053hr (4hr, 6min), 43530rph (726rpm) and 3.85man-hr/kg
respectively. Also, the values of the composite desirability and the individual
desirabilities of the responses indicate that these results are highly
desirable. Conclusively, since the results shows the minimum
parameters for maximum production, it will give opportunity for machine scaling
which in turn will reduce production cost, downtime and increase output.
Keywords: Dehulling, boiling time, machine, African oil bean, throughput
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v8i2_1
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Published
Thursday, December 22, 2022
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 2, December 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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