Determination of optimum performance parameters of a developed African oil bean seed dehulling machine

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.