Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Design and Performance Evaluation of a Double Action Cassava Grating Machine
by Oriaku E.C, Agulanna C.N, Ossai E.N, Odenigbo J.O, and Adizue U.L

Abstract:
The transformation of cassava from a low profile into an industrial raw material, coupled with the revolutionary policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria have resulted in a surge in the demand for cassava and cassava-based products locally and for export. The processing of cassava follows immediately after harvesting and includes peeling, grating, dewatering, sieving etc. A double action Cassava grating machine was designed, developed and its performance evaluated. Cassava tubers sorted into10kg, 20kg, 30kg and 40kg sourced locally were used in the experiment and the data collected were analysed. Results showed that for a total of 100kg of sample tested, the average feed and grating time were 1.46 and 2.00 minutes respectively. The average feed and grating rates were 20.16 and 12.18 kg/min respectively. The average mass-loss, partially grated and completely grated were 1.43kg, 1.48kg and 22.09kg with an average grating efficiency of 86.23% and collection efficiency of 92.60%. These results indicate that cassava grating with large through-put can be done satisfactorily by the designed machine. It is believed that this machine would aid cassava processors who are currently finding it difficult to respond positively to the increase in demand as a single machine can serve multiple customers with increased through-put when compared to other available grating machines.

Keywords: double action, cassava pulp, feed rate, grating rate, collection efficiency, grating efficiency

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