Development and Optimization of a Manual Fed Cassava Root Chipper for Household Cassava Processors

Abstract

A motorized, manual fed cassava root chipping machine was developed, evaluated and optimized. The objective of the research is to investigate the effect of moisture content and speed on the chipping sizes, efficiency, throughput and machine capacities. Obtained results showed that the cassava initial moisture content significantly affected the chipping size, machine capacity, throughput capacity and chipping efficiency within the tested moisture content range of 52 to 68% w.b. The machine speed also affected the chipping size, chipping efficiency, machine and throughput capacity. The average chipping size for the cassava chips at the four ranges of moisture content, speeds and constant feed rate of 89±26.6 kg h-1 ranged from 0.56 to 0.96 cm with optimum thickness 0.618 at 450 rpm and moisture content of 65.27% based on desirability factor. The average chipping efficiency ranged from 60 to 90% with an optimum value of 79.57% at 533 rpm and moisture content of 68 % while the throughput capacities of the machine ranged from 49 to118 kg/h with optimum value of 118 kg/h at a speed of 600 rpm and 68% moisture content.

Experimental Investigation of the Drying Characteristics of Tapioca Under Solar Drying Condition

“…These challenges have led to technological advances in drying methods which includes the use of mechanically driven dryers, biomass gasifier and solar dryer. The latter demonstrates economical advantage and ease of controlling the drying temperature (Murugan & Saji Raveendran, 2021;Ndukwu et al, 2020;Njue & Wawire, 2021;Omonegho et al, 2023;Simo-Tagne et al, 2021;Suherman, Susanto, & Zardani, 2020). Solar dryers have become very efficient in processing agro-based produces either for consumption or for industrial applications.…”

“…These solar dryers have found use in both industrial and agricultural applications. Numerous studies have been carried out on the drying of different agricultural produce such as vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, cereals, tobacco, pegaga leaf, cashew nut in shell, chilly, green peas, rosella flower, cocoa, cassava flour and chips and many aromatic plants (Huddar et al, 2022;I & I, 2022;Iwe et al, 2018;Komolafe et al, 2021;Murugan & Saji Raveendran, 2021;Naing & Soe, 2021;Ndukwu et al, 2020;Obayopo & Alonge, 2018;Tyona & Ojiya, 2020;Yahya Dasin et al, 2015). In Atalay (2019), the performance analysis of a solar dryer integrated with the packed bed thermal energy storage (TES) system was used to evaluate the storage potential of orange slices in Turkey.…”

Numerical Study of the Drying of Cassava Roots Chips Using an Indirect Solar Dryer in Natural Convection

“…However, the major critical step employed by farmers to preserve their product is drying. The unit operations involved in cassava processing includes harvesting the roots (Figure 1a) from the farm, washing, cutting, peeling, shredding or chipping (Figure 1b), and drying [6][7][8]. The drying of the cassava chips is essential for shelf life extension, secondary conversion, reduction in bulk weight, product packaging, ease of transportation, etc.…”