Development of a Cassava Peeling Machine: A Tool for Enhancing Food Sustainability
Authors: Ayodeji, O.Z., Omotosho, O., Onifade, A. And Olawoyin, O.I.
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12599703
ABSTRACT
Pupuru is a variety of foodstuff processed from Cassava (Manihot esculenta) tubers. The post-processing of cassava to pupuru involves series of stages and one of these stages is peeling. Traditionally, the peeling operation is mainly done with crude implement, precisely knives and cutlasses; a task which makes it difficult to meet the global demand of the consumers. In view of this, there is need to develop a plan for increasing its quantity, including the quality at reduced human intervention but with improved economy of return. This study focuses on the development of a 20 kg/h cassava peeling machine for use in pupuru processing plant. The machine basically comprises the frame, peeling chamber, and the power transmission system. The results of the performance analysis of the machine revealed that its hourly peeling capacity ranges from 24 - 39 pieces/h; peeling efficiency ranges from 81.94 – 94.40%, and peeling rate ranges from 0.00072 – 0.00096 kg/s when used to peel feedstock whose geometric dimensions (diameters) are in the range of 62.50 – 88.20 mm diameter. Findings from the study revealed that the peeling performance of the machine improves as the geometric dimensions of the feedstock increase. It was concluded that the incorporation of this machine into the pupuru processing line would ameliorate the age-long yearnings of the processors, increase the productivity, and improve the quality of the product and financial benefits of the stakeholders.
Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, The Federal University of Technology, PMB 704, Akure, Nigeria.
Keywords: Pupuru, Cassava, Peeling Machine, Global Demand, Performance Evaluation
Published date: 2024/06/30
