Modeling and Simulation of Efficiency of Cassava Attrition Peeling Machine

Authors

  • Chijioke Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State
  • Osinachi Onwuka Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
  • Echezona Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal College of Education Technical, Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • Nduka Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

A mechanist based model for computing efficiency of an improved cassava attrition peeling machine was developed and evaluated in this study to enable performance predictions prior to fabrication. The model accounted for all relevant parameters affecting peeling with peeling efficiency established as a function of tuber mass, moisture content, drum speed, sphericity, peel thickness, number and surface area of peeling balls among others. The simulation model was developed using algebraic substitution/computation based algorithm. The comparative analysis validated the simulation model with the improved model’s prediction error ranges from -0.006 to 0.011% resulting in over 99% prediction accuracy. Also, the simulation presented a user friendly interface that eliminated the computational rigors associated with error prone manual computations as a relief to researchers in cassava processing sector. Hence, the improved peeling efficiency model and its simulation are recommended for developing varying capacities of cassava peelers required by end users in order to eliminate cost intensive trial and error associated with the empirical approach.

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Published

2022-06-28

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 2 (2022): CIGR Journal

Section

VI-Postharvest Technology and Process Engineering