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

Article Title: Design and Performance Evaluation of a Cassava Chipping Machine
by Agulanna C.N, Oriaku E.C, Nwannewuihe H.U, Onwukwe M.C, and Adiele I.D

Abstract:
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major staple food in tropical countries. Nigeria is the world�s largest producer of cassava, with the potential for higher production. Cassava tubers cannot be stored for long in the fresh form because they are highly perishable. Thus, it is necessary to develop other means of utilizing the surpluses and hence the design and evaluation of a chipping machine. The developed cassava chipping machine was evaluated by varying the weights of sample fed into it and observations made. The average feed time was 0.87mins (52 seconds) while the average chipping time was 0.91mins (55 seconds). The average feed rate was also observed to be 7.74kg/min (464.4kg/hr) with average chipping rate of 7.36 kg/min (441.71 kg/hr). A mean loss of 4.88% of total sample was also observed. Chipping efficiency was an average of 96.81%. This is far more than can be achieved by manual processing and is expected to aid processing of cassava in rural communities given that it is not dependent on electricity. Chipped cassava is also easier to dry and store for further processing.

Keywords: chipping, cassava, efficiency, feed rate, chipping rate

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