One major essential operation in processing maize is shelling of maize. Maize shelling is one of the most important processing operations carried out in maize processing since it’s among the widely consumed grains all over the world. Shelling bring out good quality of maize which not only prolong its useful life, but also increase the net profit farmers make from its mechanization. Component parts such as: frame, hopper, transmission shaft, cylinder with spikes and blower, concave with sieve, power source, pulley and bearings was designed and fabricated. It can be moved to where it’s needed this would encourage farmers to shell their maize grains on the farm.
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.
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.
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