Effect of Varied Pulleys on A Centrifugal Palm Kernel Cracker
Oladebeye, Dayo Hephzibah1, Adefidipe, Ebenezer Rotimi2, Abodunrin, David Olumuyiwa3, Maliki, Omeiza Bayode4
1Oladebeye Dayo Hephzibah, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
2Adefidipe Ebenezer Rotimi, Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Engineering Innovation, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
3Abodunrin David Olumuyiwa, Department of Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Technology, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti. Nigeria.
4Maliki Omeiza Bayode, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
Manuscript received on 20 December 2022 | Revised Manuscript received on 01 July 2023 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 July 2023 | Manuscript published on 30 July 2023 | PP: 34-38 | Volume-12 Issue-8, July 2023 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijitee.B93990112223 | DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.B9399.0712823
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Abstract: This paper is based on the performance evaluation of centrifugal palm kernel crackers for small, medium and largescale firms that deal with the cracking of palm kernel nuts to meet market requirements. The cracking machine consists of a hopper, a cracking chamber that incorporates a shaft and flange, an outlet, an electric motor, a belt, and pulleys. The performance of the machine was evaluated based on the cracking time and shaft speed. The machine was modified by introducing four pulleys with diameters of 200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, and 350 mm, which produced rotor speeds of 936 rpm, 749 rpm, 624 rpm, and 535 rpm, respectively. The rotor speeds were then used to test the designed machine, and its efficiency was evaluated. The machine features a cracking chamber that flaps the palm kernel nuts against a stationary hard surface. A 15hp electric motor operated the designed machine. The results showed that the cracking efficiency was highest at 936 rpm, with an efficiency of 53% achieved in 38 seconds.
Keywords: Cracking Chamber, Cracking Time, Shaft Speed, Cracking Efficiency, Rotor Speed.
Scope of the Article: Mechanical Engineering