Performance evaluation of locust beans de-pulping machine

Paucity of information on performance parameters of the newly developed machine limit its extension, adoption and commercialization. Hence, this study focused on the performance evaluation of a newly developed locust bean de-pulping machine. The machine consists of a frame, stainless steel one-end closed vertical cylindrical sieve, set of paddles with brushes, stainless steel water bath with inlet and outlet, and prime mover (GX 200 gasoline engine). It was evaluated at 150, 250 and 350 rpm operating speed levels, 65, 76, 84% wb moisture content levels, and 5, 10 and 15 kg sample weight in triplicates by employing factorial design. The data obtained was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 16 computer package to carryout analysis of variance (ANOVA), separate and compare the means. The result showed maximum de-pulping efficiency of 98.95% and machine capacity of 40.55 kg/h both at 350rpm operating speed, 84% wb moisture content level of 5 kg and 10 kg sample weight respectively. Its optimal operating condition was found to be at 350 rpm operating speed, 84%wb moisture content level and 10 kg sample weight. De-pulping efficiency of the machine increased with an increase in the operating speed and moisture levels but decreases with increase in sample weight, while machine capacity increased with increase in the operating speed, moisture level and sample weight. The ANOVA result showed that the operating speed has significant effect on de-pulping efficiency and machine capacity, while moisture content and sample weight have no significant effect on both de-pulping efficiency and machine capacity at 95% level of significance. The machine is therefore adjudged suitable for extension, adoption and commercialization.