Specific energy consumption of a Moringa oleifera seed shelling machine

Abstract

In this work, the Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) and machine capacity for a Moringa oleifera seed shelling machine were determined in relation to the cylinder speed and seed sizes. A M. oleifera seed shelling machine was tested and the SEC was appraised. The SEC and machine capacity of the M. oleifera seed shelling machine were determined at five speed levels, viz. 200, 240, 280, 320 and 360 rpm using three seed sizes (viz. small, medium and large seed sizes). The SEC and machine capacity increased with the seed sizes during the shelling process. The same trend was observed for the relationship between the SEC and cylinder speed. The minimum values obtained for the SEC using the small, medium and large M. oleifera seed sizes were 31.25, 40.07 and 54.22 Wh·kg–1, respectively, at a cylinder speed of 200 rpm while the maximum values obtained for the small, medium and large seed sizes were 58.01, 74.37 and 100.63 Wh·kg–1, respectively, at a cylinder speed of 360 rpm. The optimum values obtained for the machine capacity were 14.58, 11.38 and 8.41 kg⋅h–1 using the small, medium and large seed sizes, respectively. Conclusively, this study shows that the SEC and machine capacity were affected by the variation in the cylinder speed and seed sizes.