Optimization of Operational Parameters of an Improved Maize Sheller Using Response Surface Methodology

Year 2021, Volume: 2 Issue: 2, 413 - 424, 31.12.2021

Adewale Sedara , Emmanuel Odediran

Abstract

The research was carried out to optimize parameters for evaluating an improved motorize maize sheller. Statistical analysis was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) with 3 by 3 factorial experiment with 3 replicates. The three parameters are speed (850 rpm, 950 rpm and 1100 rpm), moisture content (12, 15, and 17%) and feed rate (120 kg h-1, 130 kg h-1 and 140 kg h-1) used to illustrate the ability of the machine to shell maize (throughput capacity, shelling rate and machine efficiency). Results obtained showed that for optimum throughput capacity of 630.97 kg h-1; shelling rate 485.34 kg h-1 and machine efficiency 93.86% of the machine; is maximum for 129.6 kg h-1 feed rate and moisture content 16.49% and machine speed of 1026.9 rpm. The machine can be used on commercial farms with these operational results.

Keywords

Maize sheller, optimization, ANOVA, machine efficiency, throughput capacity and shelling rate

Supporting Institution

Federal University of Technology Akure Nigeria

References

• Aremu DO, Adewumi IO and Ijadunola JA (2015). Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a motorized maize shelling machine. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 5(5): 154-164
• Chaudhary S (2016). Development and performance evaluation of modified maize dehusker cum sheller. Ph.D diss., Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences.
• Nkakini SO, Ayotamuno MJ, Maeba GPD, Ogaji SOT and Probert SD (2007). Manually-powered continuous flow maize sheller. Applied Energy, 84: 1175-1186.
• Nsubuga D, Kabenge I, Zziwa A, Kiggundu N, Wanyama J and Banadda N (2020). Performance evaluation and optimization of the maize shelling operation of the multi-purpose farm vehicle. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 22(4): 174-183.
• Nwakaire JN, Ugwuishiwu BO and Ohagwu CJ (2011). Design, construction and performance analysis of a maize thresher for rural dweller, Nigerian Journal of Technology, 30(2): 49-54.
• Ogunlade CA, Aremu DO, Babajide NA and Akinyele AO (2014). Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a power (motorised) maize shelling machine. In Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Engineering and Technology Research, 117-125, ISBN 978-2902-58-6 5-7
• Ojomo AO and Alemu MO (2012). Response surface methodology approach to optimising performance parameters of a locally fabricated maize shelling machine. Journal of Science and Multidisciplinary Research, 4(2): 70-79.
• Okure D and Ssekanyo S (2017). User perception towards a motorized thresher (‘Kungula’) in Uganda: A need finding survey. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 12(12): 997-1004.
• Olaoye JO (2004). An Analytical modeling of the performance of tooth peg grain crop thresher. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Bio-systems, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, 2004.
• Oriaku EC, Agulanna CN, Nwannewuihe HU, Onwukwe MC and Adiele ID (2014). Design and performance evaluation of a corn de-cobbing and separating machine. American Journal of Engineering Research, 3(6): 127-136.
• Roy SK, Albu M and Rob A (2017). Business rationale for investment on power operated maize sheller in Bangladesh. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 9(3): 1-13.
• Sedara A, Odediran E and Manuwa S (2020). Design and Fabrication of an Improved Motorized Maize Sheller/Threshing Machine, Journal of Engineering Studies and Research, 26(4): 119-130.