Onah, O.R, Ozumba, I.C, Adejumo, O.A, Adamade, C.A and T. Iorpev
Agro-Industrial Development and Extension Department, National Center for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), PMB 1525, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13207688
ABSTRACT
This study is on the development of a mechanized technology that can effectively was the yellowish pulp from the locust bean seeds since the traditional method of washing the locust bean seeds from the yellowish pulp is time consuming and tasking due to the slimy nature of the yellowish pulp whenever it comes in contact with water. The designed machine consists of a sieve and a set of paddles and brushes which provides the agitation and abrasion required to depulp the soaked bean seeds, a frame, a transmission system and a prime mover. The soaked seeds are fed into the cylinder with water during the operation. The yellowish pulp is discharged after cleaning and the seeds on the sieve and later collected through the sieve outlet, after discharging the water in the machine through an opening at the base. Three levels of soaking time (15, 20, 25 mins) corresponding to three levels of locust bean moisture contents (12, 12, 22% wb) and shaft speed of (252, 260 and 264 rpm) was used during preliminary test. The maximum cleaning efficiency of the machine obtained was 87% at 22%wb moisture level and 264 rpm operating speed. The machine is found suitable for commercialization and adoption by locust beans processors to reduce the associated drudgery and boost their income.
KEYWORDS: Depulping, Design, Efficiency, Locust beans, Soaking time