Modification and performance evaluation of the NCAM motorized coconut dehusking machine

Abstract

NCAM motorized coconut dehusking machine was tested for its performance. The objective of the test is to optimize the dehusking performance of the machine. Different sizes of coconut fruits were fed into the machine and the time taken for each fruit to be dehusked was noted. A total number of 60 matured Badagry coconuts from Lagos State, Nigeria were dehusked with the machine. The performance evaluation shows that the efficiency of the machine was 90.1% while the average capacity is 122 coconuts per hour. The percentage number of distorted and broken coconuts was 10% and 0% respectively. Hence, the machine is suitable and recommended for small, medium and large scale coconut processors.