Performance Evaluation of an Egusi-melon Washing Machine

• Main Authors: Adebayo A. A., Yusuf K.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Eftimie Murgu University of Resita 2015-07-01
• Series: Analele Universităţii "Eftimie Murgu" Reşiţa: Fascicola I, Inginerie
• Subjects: Egusi-melon; feedrate; washing efficiency; washing capacity; sieve size
• Online Access: http://anale-ing.uem.ro/2015/1.pdf
• ISSN: 1453-7397; 1453-7397

Traditionally, woven basket in the flowing water stream with heaps of melon balls at the washing site is being employed in washing of Egusimelon seeds in most local settings in Nigeria. This traditional melon washing method was observed to be associated with high level of drudgery ranging from the famers developing pains all over the body, infection with water-borne diseases and low washing output. In this study, Egusi-melon washing machine was fabricated in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria.The machine after construction was evaluated using a factorial experiment in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) involving three levels of speed (1008, 1482 and 1901rpm), three levels of feedrate (2.6, 3.3, and 3.9kg) and three levels of sieve size (6.0, 7.5 and 10.5) in three replications. The result obtained was statistically analyzed using SPSS 19.0 software and Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) to determine the level of significant among the treatment factors. However, the performance parameters considered for measurement are Washing Efficiency and Washing Capacity. Washing Efficiency and Washing Capacity of 80% and 1.16kg/min respectively was obtainedat Speed of 1008 rpm, Feedrate of 2.6kg/min and sieve size of 7.5mm. Also, the result of the statistical analysis shows that the machine speed, federate, sieve size and the interactions between them are all significant factors on the Washing Capacity and Washing Efficiency of the machine at 5% confidence level.