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Nwachukwu, C.
Department of Agricultural and and Bioresources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
Eke, A. B.
Department of Agricultural and and Bioresources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
Ndukwu, M. C.
Department of Agricultural and and Bioresources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The present study developed
predictive models for the throughput capacity of a multi-grain cleaning machine
using dimensional analysis based on the Buckingham π theorem. The study also
combined regression analysis and response surface methodology to determine the
optimum value of the throughput capacity under variable operating conditions,
with the determined values having a prediction error of less than 1% compared
to the measured values. Residual prediction errors were small, ranging
from 0.81 to 8.86 kg/hr, which is less than 1% of throughput values.
Optimisation analysis showed that feed rate and oscillation frequency
were the main parameters that affect the throughput. The optimum throughput
values predicted lie at feed rates of 1250 and 1300 kg/hr and oscillation
frequencies of 15 and17 Hz, and a moisture content of 10%. This optimal region was
determined using the desirability function in the response surface with a value
close to 1.0. Integrating moisture content into the model had a secondary but
statistically significant effect (p .
Keywords: Buckingham theorem, Grain separation, Throughput capacity optimisation, Dimensional analysis and regression, Moisture content effects
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v12i1_5
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Published
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Issue
Vol. 12, No. 1, March 2026
Article Section
GENERAL
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.
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