O.J. Olukunle and M.O. Jimoh
Abstract
Cassava is posed with inherent characteristics, morphological distributed in numerous cultivars, being these have contributed to the global un-acceptable peeling technique of the tuber. In recent development, machine designers and engineers intensified efforts toward finding lasting solution to the cassava peeling problem. Three cassava peelers newly developed in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria namely ‘knife-edged automated peeler type1’, ‘knife-edged automated peeler type2’ and abrasive-tooled automated peeler’ were considered for comparative analysis using regression model. The machines were evaluated at three different speeds; (300, 500 and 700rpm with 1.0 HP electric motor. Cassava tubers were graded into small, medium and large sizes with chosen weight 150, 550 and 1150g respectively. The following variables were evaluated: tuber losses, peeling efficiency, peel retention and peeling time. ‘Knife-edged peeler type1’ had optimum efficiency, with tuber losses, peel retention and peeling time were 91.87%, 24.17%, 16.00% and 24.03 seconds, respectively. ‘Knife-edged peeler type2’ had optimum efficiency, with tuber losses, peel retention and peeling time were 82.50%, 25.42%, 28.26% and 19.60 seconds, respectively. ‘Abrasivetooled peeler’ had optimum efficiency, with tuber losses, peel retention and peeling time were 71.11%, 18.11%, 38.78% and 50.00 seconds, respectively. The result indicates that up to 91.87% peeling efficiency is achieved in less than 25 seconds using mechanical peeling method.